Employee Forum Minutes

June 10, 2004

HR Training Room

 

Members Present: Than Austin, Jon Bell, Felix Bloch, Ann Brown, Maggie Burnett, Charles Bynum, Lisa Edward, Amy Harvey, Dorice Johnson, Mona Nazir, Iris Schwintzer, Kelly Stokes, Jackie Thomson, Wes Tilghman, Susie Whaley, Mary Jean Williams

 

Member Absent: Chris Blue, Chelsea Laws, Willie Quick, Norman Clark, Deborah Squires, Traval Watkins

 

Ex-offico Members Present: Fred Battle, Thomas Cummings, Anissa Graham-Davis

 

Guest Present: Ben Rufin

 

•The minutes from the May 13, 2004 meeting were approved.

•Transit submitted their policy concerning Cell Phones.

•The issue how to use donated time was brought to the Forum.  A Policy suggestion was made and passed onto the Policy Work Group.

•It was suggested a meeting be set up with the Town Manager before September to touch base on past issues we have brought to him.

•A thank you card was passed around that was sent from the Town Manager, thanking the Forum for their support in recent Budget work sessions.

•Employee Forum Booth at the Employee Appreciation Lunch was discussed briefly.

•Ben Rufin then led a discussion on diversity issues.  Fred Battle and Anissa Graham-Davis also joined on the discussion.  A brief introduction was given concerning Mr. Rufin’s background and experience with diversity training. 

Mr. Rufin stated that 3 objective or goals needed to be met.  The need of education was the first objective.  Educate everyone on being diverse; everyone needs knowledge and understanding of discrimination.

Communication is another objective, perception is a large problem.  Communication can assist with awareness.  We need to talk and to listen to one another.

Mr. Rufin suggested taking a look at the workforce, what type of problems is seen there.  We need to involve the Manager, Mayor and Council to help promote diversity.  It was suggested that the Forum take a more supportive role.  Goals need to be established and passed onto the Employees through the Forum.

•It was suggested that the Work Groups not meet the next few meeting so that the diversity issue and needs be met.  Specific topics will be taken in the July meeting.