Martinez Municipal Code Ch. 2.42 Diversity and Cultural Commission

A. There is established a City Diversity and Cultural Commission.

B. The Diversity and Cultural Commission shall consist of seven regular members who shall be appointed by the City Council. Six Commission members shall reside within the corporate limits of the City or be owners or employees of a business located within the City which holds a valid City business license. One Commission member shall be a resident within the Sphere of Influence of the City of Martinez. The City Council will appoint three members to terms expiring June 30, 2026, and four members whose terms expire June 30, 2028. All subsequent appointments shall be for four years or until a successor's appointment is confirmed.

C. In addition to the seven members of the Commission as described above, the City Council shall appoint two alternate members who either reside in the corporate limits of the City or be owners or employees of a business located within the City which holds a valid City business license. Alternate members do not have voting rights unless they are participating in the meeting in the absence of a regular member.

D. Members of the Diversity and Cultural Commission shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

A. Annually, the members of the Commission shall meet in regular session and elect from their members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. These officers shall perform the normal and customary duties associated with these officers. Officers shall hold office for one year, or until their successors are elected.

B. The Commission shall adopt by-laws to govern procedure and shall by vote set a time for regular meetings which will normally be held once each quarter and shall determine the manner in which special meetings may be held and the notice given. A majority of the regular members shall constitute a quorum.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

The purpose of the Commission shall be to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council by making recommendations on diversity and inclusion, on matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council and consistent with the Council/Manager form of government. The focus of the Diversity and Cultural Commission shall be positive and prospective, seeking to raise awareness through education and programs which recognize and celebrate the contributions of all City residents, business owners and employees from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences with the goal of fostering equal access for all persons to City services and programs.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

A. The duties of the Diversity and Cultural Commission shall be to do the following:

1. Make policy recommendations to the City Council regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging;

2. Promote and advance the Sister Cities of Martinez;

3. Provide feedback on communications and community relations conducted by the City to ensure all segments of the community are being reached;

4. Conduct listening sessions and surveys to hear community feedback;

5. Proactively plan inclusive and welcoming events to celebrate and educate the community on the rich diversity of cultures and experiences of all humans;

6. Provide feedback on the relevance of city-sponsored cultural events;

7. Propose relevant proclamations to the City Council; and

8. Recommend to the City Council the priority for community benefit funding when included in any State, Federal or private grant applications.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

Any member of the Commission may be removed from the Commission prior to the expiration of his or her term by a majority vote of the City Council. A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

A. If a member of the Commission is absent without cause from three successive regular meetings of the Commission, the office becomes vacant automatically. The Commission shall immediately notify the City Council of the vacancy.

B. A member is not absent without cause if his or her absence is due to illness or is unavoidable, and the member gives notice to the chair before the day of the meeting that he or she will be absent and the reason for the absence.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)

The Commission shall report to the City Council at least once per year on the activities and actions of the Commission. The report may be presented orally during a regular Council meeting as part of the published agenda business.

(Ord. No. 1461, § 1, 7/31/2024)