Gaston staff outlines Title VI plan: glossary, subrecipient language and coordinator contact

Clerk read the Town of Gaston's Title VI implementation plan to the council, outlining the plan’s structure, statutory authorities and operational requirements.

The Clerk said the plan includes a glossary covering accessibility, affirmative action, civil-rights complaints and monitoring, corrective action, discrimination, equal opportunity, equity impact assessment, federal financial assistance, language assistance services and meaningful access. The reading also specifies that "Whenever Gaston distributes federal aid funds to a 2nd tier sub recipient, Gaston will include title 6 language in all written agreements."

The oral presentation listed multiple federal statutes and regulations that inform the plan, naming sections of the Civil Rights Act (Titles VI and VII), the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, among other federal guidance and executive orders addressing environmental justice and language access.

The Clerk read the plan’s assurance that qualified disabled persons will not be excluded from programs that receive federal assistance and explained that the town will take steps to provide meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency. The Clerk also read the name and contact details for the designated coordinator: Tracy Pittenger, Clerk Treasurer, 107 North Sycamore Street, Gaston, Indiana 47342, (765) 358-4005.

The plan, as read, states it shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed. The council subsequently moved to act on the plan in a title-only ordinance process during the same meeting.