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Thomasville updates Title VI policy and adds Language Access Plan to keep federal grant eligibility
Summary
City Attorney Misti Whitman and City Manager Michael Brandt presented revisions to Title VI and a new Language Access Plan to maintain federal grant eligibility and clarify complaint processes and interpreter provisions; committee moved the item to briefing.
City Manager Michael Brandt described required updates to the city’s Title VI Non-Discrimination policy to maintain eligibility for federal grants, focusing on new requirements for language access and complaint processing. "In order to continue to receive federal grants, it was a requirement that we update our policies pertaining to Title VI," Brandt said.
City Attorney Misti Whitman explained the major change is the Language Access Plan: the city must now provide language-assistance services to persons with limited English proficiency. Whitman also clarified complaint procedures and acceptable interpreter practices, noting that the use of a child as an interpreter is not acceptable and certified interpreters should be used for contentious hearings or public hearings that require accuracy. Committee Member Scott Styers asked whether remote or telephonic interpreters could be used; Whitman confirmed telephonic or Zoom interpreters are acceptable for quasi-judicial matters.
The committee moved the resolution adopting the Language Access Plan and the Title VI Resolution to briefing for formal action.
