Oshkosh DEI committee re-elects Amanda Cramp as chair, selects Lisa Kak as vice chair; debates staffing, training and community surveys

The Oshkosh Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee re-elected Amanda Cramp as chair and elected Lisa Kak as vice chair during its June 22 meeting, and discussed next steps for an equity framework that could include expanded training, a potential staff position and community surveys.

Elections and minutes: Staff liaison Michelle Bkey called for nominations and the committee moved to close nominations. A roll call vote confirmed Amanda Cramp as chair and Lisa Kak as vice chair. Committee members then approved the minutes from the April 27 meeting. (The transcript records motions, seconds and roll-call votes but does not identify who made the motion and second by name for each item.)

Equity framework and staffing debate: Members agreed the committee's goals must be tangible and measurable, and several spoke in favor of investigating whether the city should create a dedicated DEI staff position or otherwise build capacity beyond volunteer monthly meetings. One member cautioned that such a position would require budget approval and public buy-in. "It might be worth exploring: maybe the city needs to build this into the budget line," a member said.

Training and language access: Michelle Bkey said the city has provided multi-year training for employees on equity topics, including bias and microaggressions, and that the organization offers online platforms and annual refreshers. She noted translator services are available and the city website supports translation into many languages. Staff agreed to look into whether some community-oriented training resources (including GRE platform materials) could be made available to board members and elected officials; staff cautioned that offering non-employee access would have cost and policy implications.

Community surveys and next steps: The committee agreed to prioritize reviewing community trust and satisfaction surveys at the next meeting. Staff will locate recent survey results and any planned timelines for the next wave; members requested the opportunity to preview draft survey questions and suggested adding DEI-focused items. The group also discussed forming working groups or focus groups — including multicultural and student-focused groups — to inform engagement standards and programming.

Local events and equity notes: Members shared upcoming Pride Month events, reminded attendees of Monomony Park Fourth of July fireworks and parade times, and raised transit access as an equity concern tied to a petition to extend bus hours. Committee members emphasized that equity considerations span many city functions, from road maintenance to communications and program access.

The committee adjourned after agreeing on homework for the next meeting: review the engagement-standards section and prepare to discuss community survey data.