2022-01-05 Diversity Commission PacketAGENDA
of EDAf Edmonds Diversity Commission
Zoom Virtual Meeting (access info below) OP
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
6:OOPM-8:OOPM
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https:Hzoom.us/j/98071999699?pwd=YS9GTVdWM2 VPTUtjROVXVm56NGlaUTO
Meeting ID: 980 7199 9699 1 Passcode: 963195 1 One tap mobile: 12532158782
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the
Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished,
gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their
sacred spiritual connection with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of December 1, 2021 Summary (5 minutes)
4. Public Comment via Zoom (3 minutes per speaker)
5. Input on Civic Park Public Art — artist, Clark Wiegman (10 minutes)
6. Update from the City: Megan (5 minutes)
7. New Business:
a. Appoint representative to the Creative District (5 minutes)
b. Subgroup assignments (15 minutes)
c. MLK Day event at ECA representative (5 minutes)
d. Discussion of Snohomish County's lack of Juneteenth recognition (10 minutes)
e. Retreat Planning for February (15 minutes)
Subgroup Reports:
a. Policy — Dean (5 minutes)
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (5 minutes)
c. Events — (5 minutes)
9. Old Business:
a. Discussion and approval of memo to Council on Edmonds City Council Districts (15 minutes)
10. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes)
Adjourn — 8:OOPM
Next meeting: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 6:OOPM
Guiding Principles
To ensure we meet our responsibilities as a Commission, we agree to:
• start and end our meetings on time
• demonstrate our respect for our fellow Commissioners, the City of Edmonds, and the citizens we represent by: being present, being prepared,
actively listening, participating in meetings, completing our individual assignments, and holding ourselves accountable
• "step up and step back"
• establish goals and action plans that are results oriented
• establish subcommittees as needed
• engage in courageous, honest, and open dialogue when faced with difficult issues or questions
• utilize the "Ouch Rule" (assume positive intent; resist the temptation to be offended)
• embrace the education opportunities presented through the Commission meetings
• strive to make decisions by consensus. In a case where consensus cannot be reached after a reasonable attempt has been made, the Chairperson
may call for a majority vote.
CITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
December 1, 2021
Meeting conducted via Zoom
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ardeth Weed, Chair
Dean Olson, Vice -Chair
Mindy Woods
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Nikki Okimoto Glaros
Sarah Mixson
Donnie Griffin
Alberto Orej el Malfav6n
Sekou Kon6
Councilmember Will Chen, ex officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Caitlin Chung, Student Rep
GUESTSPRESENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
Robert White
Nicole Lobodzinski
Nora Carlson
Elaine Helm
STAFF PRESENT
Patrick Doherty, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator Economic
Development & Community Services
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants
of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since
time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their
sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with
the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call: Ardeth called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Donnie read the land
acknowledgement.
2. Approval of Agenda: Ardeth asked to add a discussion of how to spend the remaining budget
to Item 8, with that addition the agenda was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of October 6, 2021 Summary & November 3, 2021 Summary: Donnie asked that
his absence on October 8' be excused as it was due to a work obligation; with that change the
October summary was approved by consensus. Alison abstained from approving November 3'
summary as she was unable to be present at the entire meeting due to technical issue. The
November 3' summary was approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment:
a) Mayor Nelson thanked Donnie, Mindy and Sarah for their service and presented them with
their paper weight gift that will be mailed to them.
b) Nora Carlson was invited by Mindy to share an idea. She has some thoughts about updating
Brackett's Landing South. The current name plaques on the tables are unreadable; she'd
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like to see some cleaned up artwork and updated name plaques. She also thinks it would be
a good place see a tangible honor to the Coast Salish people. There is an opportunity to
collaborate with the arts community here. She'd also proposed the idea of renaming the
beach to honor the Coast Salish people.
Ardeth took a minute to thank outgoing Commissioners Donnie, Mindy & Sarah.
5. New Business:
a) Environmental Science Associates discussion and requesting input for Edmonds'
Climate Action Plan Update:
Nicole with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is interested in getting the
Commission's input on the Edmonds' Climate Action Plan (CAP). She shared the memo
that was sent out to the Commission ahead of the meeting. ESA is seeking Commission
input on vulnerable populations in the City and how equity could be addressed in the CAP
update. Mindy shared that she thought that the word vulnerable could be replaced with
"most impacted" to remove any negative connotation. Ardeth shared that Arwen created a
report that highlighted demographics within the City and it could be a helpful tool for ESA.
Donnie's concerned that ESA's report has not highlighted the inequities of the City's
investment downtown vs. the southeast section of the City. Patrick shared that the
environments in different parts of the City are very different. The weather and temperature
downtown are different from the Hwy 99 area. The Bowl is generally cooler than any other
area in the City. He suggested to be mindful of not only different people in the City but also
the environment and how environmental changes will affect most impacted populations.
Climate change significantly impacts Native communities, and that needs to be addressed
also. Nicole thanked everyone for their input.
b) Grant application recommendations:
Alison shared that Partnership Committee discussed the applications through email.
The applications are as follows:
1. League of Women Voters of Snohomish County (LWVSC): Storytelling and
Listening: Initiating Intentional Action
2. Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA): 2022 We Speak Festival
3. Floretum Garden Club: Centennial Daffodil Project
Four members of the Partnership Committee recommend funding the LWVSC grant. Three
members of the Partnership Committee (Sarah abstained due to conflict of interest) voted to
grant funds to ECA for their event. Three members denied the Floretum Garden Club
application due to not fitting into the Commission's mission.
Ardeth moved to move forward with the Partnership Committee's recommendation,
approved by consensus
c) Elect Chair & Vice Chair for 2022:
Ardeth asked for nominations for 2022 Chair; Mindy nominated Dean, he accepted the
nomination and is approved by consensus.
Ardeth asked for nominations for 2022 Vice Chair: Donnie nominated Nikki, she accepted,
approved by consensus.
6. Update from the City: Patrick shared that this is his last update. Diversity Commission
Coordinator interviews are scheduled for tomorrow. We are moving forward with our Hwy 99
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City office; the lease could be signed as early as this week. Tenant improvements should be
completed in January. We are still under COVID restrictions so the office may not be open to
the public immediately, but Tabatha Shoemake, Community Engagement Officer, will have her
office in this space and there will be two workstations for patrol officers. Patrick shared that we
have been holding Hwy 99 Merchant meetings since June. We sent out a survey today via email
to solicit info from the merchants to seek input on timing of the meetings, location, and the best
way to hold the meetings. There are two more Council meetings this year. The rank choice
voting memo, on behalf of the Commission, will be presented in companion to the legislative
agenda. He shared details on the upcoming legislative session at the State level. The other two
things that the Commission is sending to Council is the District Based Council Election and the
Land Acknowledgement Update. Ardeth will present these during public comment at the
December Th. There will be a public hearing next week on the extension of the streateries
ordinance. There is currently an active survey to weigh in on the topic. He welcomed
Councilmember Will Chen as our liaison.
Will thanked the Commission for welcoming him. He's grateful for all the work the
Commission has done. He lives and works near Hwy 99 and is excited that the City is investing
in this area of our community. He shared he's has experienced some crime issues in this area.
Donnie recognized that Patrick is leaving and gave kudos to organizing the Hwy 99 Merchant
group. He also recognized the hate mail that Councilmember Chen and the Commission needs
to speak out against hate mail like that. Dean shared that the Commission did release a
statement regarding the hate mail. Ardeth mentioned we should have sent the statement to the
Commission. Councilmember Chen shared the hate mail he received. He reported it to
Edmonds Police as well as the FBI Seattle Office. The IP address that was used was masked;
the person who sent this note, was technologically savvy because they were able to cover
themselves up. He was impressed by the quick response that Mayor Nelson had and appreciates
the tone that it sets that this won't be tolerated in our community. There is still a lot of work to
be done.
7. Youth Commission Update (Chelsea Beck & Audrey Lim): Not present.
8. Budget Update & Discussion on how to spend the remaining 2021 budget: We have
$1,254.88 balance remaining. Nikki shared that the Events Subgroup has been working on a
Lunar New Year event for January 29, 2022. They're still brainstorming ideas including a red
envelope event to engage the community. Nikki will be meeting with Carrie Hulbert from Ed!
for future brainstorming. She's hoping to partner with Edmonds School District, the library and
other community stakeholders. They would like to string lanterns in the City, Patrick mentions
that the funds have to be spent in 2021; he also mentioned that we could possibly do a
carryforward to expend the funds in 2022. Nikki suggests having to put a deposit on a lion
dancer.
Sarah moved; Mindy seconded to spend up to $1,254.88 on Lunar New Year prior to the
end of the and to carryforward the balance into 2022. Approved by consensus.
Will shared that he has also been working on a Lunar New Year project and he would like to
combine forces. He would also like to see the event make a presence up to Hwy 99.
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9. Subgroup Reports:
a) Policy: Dean shared that their one item was the Council District based election memo and
is pleased to hear that Ardeth will present the item to Council this month.
b) Partnership & Outreach: Alison shared that she's working with the Native American
community and bringing Native American history to Edmonds School District.
c) Events: Mindy shared that her update was given above regarding Lunar New Year. Patrick
mentioned that there were two films at the November film event. The showing had a great
turnout; there was over 60 people present and we received $200 in donations. Both films
were great! Mindy mentioned that Honor Thy Mother has been shown in the Bainbridge
School District and suggested to Alison that the film would be good for her work with the
school district.
Ardeth shared a question about what holidays is the City not recognizing? Patrick did not
have any direct info but there are several holidays and "months" that are not being
recognized that perhaps should be. Ardeth suggests that the Events Subgroup adds this to
their workplan. Patrick suggests everyone check the list that's on the Diversity Commission
webpage and make sure it's comprehensive.
10. Commissioner's Corner
Ardeth shared that President Biden is the first president to recognize that Indigenous People's
Day in a proclamation.
Sarah thanked everyone for their work. Specially Ardeth for her year as Chair and Dean for
serving as Vice Chair. It's been an honor!
Mindy has also enjoyed her time on the Commission. She looks forward to working adjacent to
the group in her Human Services work.
Donnie is concerned that the gravity of what the Commission needs to do is not going to help
him. He's concerned that Patrick's leaving will impact the Commission negatively. Some
Councilmembers are not supportive of the Commission. The Commission needs a louder voice.
If all the group is doing is showing up at meetings, the Commission shouldn't exist.
Dean is sorry to lose the three Commissioners but is hopeful for the three incoming
Commissioners. Patrick has pushed the events in the past and we'll need staff to push new ideas
forward.
Alison told Donnie that she hasn't forgotten about the Office for Civil Rights.
Nikki said a big thank you to Donnie, Mindy, Sarah and Patrick for all the work that they've
done!
Sekou echoed Nikki. It will be different but it's time for the remaining Commissioners to step
up and do the work. He would also like to be a part of any Ranch 99 meetings.
Alberto thanked all the exiting commissioners and Patrick. He was very inspired by Donnie and
will miss hearing his message at the meetings.
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Patrick shared that being involved with this Commission has been the highlight of his work
with the City. The Commission has spearheaded change in our community. The events have
been great but the work the Commission has done on a Policy has been extremely important. It
has been an honor! He recommends a Commissioner sit on the interview panel for his
replacement. He also mentioned that the Holiday Trolley will be visiting the Hwy 99 area on
12/12 & 12/19.
Adjourn — 7:54 PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 6:00 PM, Zoom
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