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Philomath committee debates role in community events, plans rules of engagement and work sessions; member signals resignation
Summary
Committee members discussed whether events such as Pride should be run by the Inclusivity Committee or by independent community groups, planned work sessions to draft rules of engagement, and heard that a member will submit a resignation, creating a future vacancy.
Members of the Philomath Inclusivity Committee spent a substantial portion of the meeting clarifying the committee’s role in community events and planning next steps for internal rules and membership.
Committee members reviewed the history of the Pride event and other community activities, noting that the level of official city involvement has varied. Christopher McMoran (committee member) summarized the evolution: the Pride event began after community interest in 2022, continued with community organizers in 2022–2023, and in 2024 functioned as a separate effort though related committee members helped. “This year, it was intended to be more of a stand alone… event,” he said, adding that the city provided space but not insurance. Members agreed that lines can blur in small towns where volunteers wear multiple hats.
Multiple speakers—among them Diane Crocker and Jessica Andrade—said they want clearer protocols so that the committee can support events appropriately without confusing whether an event is officially a city or committee-sponsored program. Andrade proposed that September’s meeting be a working session to draft a “statement of how we’re going to treat people and how we want to be treated,” and that October focus on next year’s inclusivity calendar and priorities.
Committee members discussed procedural details for work sessions versus public meetings. Staff guidance said work sessions that do not invite public comment need only be noticed and recorded, but if public comment is offered the session must be accessible virtually. The group agreed to explore a longer September meeting that would include a work session component, followed by a streamed official meeting segment.
Administration and membership: a committee member announced an upcoming resignation and said a resignation email will be sent the following day, creating a vacancy the group expects to fill in January rather than immediately. The committee discussed leaving recruitment until January because meetings are typically light in November and December.
The meeting opened by approving the minutes from the June 24 meeting; members confirmed no edits were required and moved forward.
Ending: The committee asked members to submit suggested language for rules of engagement before the next meeting and to consider volunteering for short-term working groups to draft the framework.
