2022-01-05 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
January 5, 2022
Meeting conducted via Zoom
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Dean Olson, Chair
Nikki Okimoto Glaros, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Alberto Orejel Malfav6n
Sekou Kon6
Elaine Helm
Gracelynn Shibayama
Robert White
Councilmember Will Chen, ex officio
Caitlin Chung, Student Rep
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Nikki Okimoto Glaros, excused
GUESTS PRESENT
Scott
Clark Wiegman
STAFF PRESENT
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator Economic
Development & Community Services
Molly Jay, Diversity Commission Coordinator
Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager
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: Dean called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Ardeth Weed read the land
acknowledgement.
2. Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of December 1, 2021 Summary: Dean moved to approve the summary, Alison
seconded, they were approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment: No public comments tonight.
5. Input on Civic Park Public Art — artist, Clark Wiegman
Francis Chapin introduced Clark Weigman and asked for comments and feedback.
Clark Wiegman (artifacture.org) walked through a PowerPoint, an intro of his work and the
process of design and concept development to create a public artwork reflective of the goals of
the project and Edmonds as a community and region (and its crucial place within a larger bio-
region).
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
January 5, 2022
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Clark presented artwork around nearby cities and schools to give context to his ideation and
installations. He then spoke about the opportunities, initial thoughts, budget and scope of work
for the Edmonds City Park art. He spoke about the challenging elements of Edmonds' weather
and sheltering the artwork appropriately as needed. Clark touched on a "suspended" piece of the
installation and showed several past installations showcasing suspension elements.
He wrapped up with the goals and concepts of the Edmonds project: nature, mapping, day/night
presence to be a beacon at all times, a "love letter to the Salish Sea".
Comments from the commission included making certain the artwork is all-inclusive for ADA
children with sensory challenges
6. Update from the City:
Megan covered the recruitment for Patrick's position; there could possibly be an interim
Director.
Will updated us that a new council president has been selected. Businesses will be charged $500
per month for their street eateries, extended to April.
7. New Business:
a) Appoint representative to the Creative District:
Dean asked for a liaison from the commission to be on the creative district commission. Frances
explained that the representative would attend one meeting a month, a retreat once a year, and
some committee work.
Subgroup assignments Dean recommended that all commissioners join a subgroup.
Events: Ardeth, Alberto are standing members. Gracelynn and Nikki would like to join.
Partnerships: Alison and Caitlin are standing members. Elaine and Robert would like to
join this group.
Policy: Dean, Alberto and Alison are standing members.
b) MLK Day event at ECA representative
Dean shared that the event is all set. There is a rep from Snohomish planning to attend. There is
still need for reps from Shoreline, Lynwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds to sit at table for
ECA event on Monday, Jan. 17 at 7:30. If you can volunteer please let Dean know.
c) Discussion of Snohomish County's lack of Juneteenth recognition
This is the first year King County will recognize it as paid holiday. Snohomish County is
currently recognizing it as a holiday. The City of Edmonds is recognizing it as a paid holiday
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Diversity Commission
January 5, 2022
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for non -represented staff. Represented employees contracts are still under negotiations and this
will be determined for those employees once the contracts settled.
d) Retreat Planning for February
Last year's meeting was March 3, 4-hour Zoom meeting. First is legal/HR training, then
breakouts into subcommittees to set goals for 2022. Ardeth encouraged an open floor for getting
to know each other more personally. Megan will reach out to Jennifer McLaughlin and
Courtney Wooten for facilitation. Need to come up with list of topics to discuss at the retreat.
Let's talk about recommendations sent to City Council that haven't been acted upon.
8. Subgroup Reports:
a) Policy — Dean — No report.
b) Partnerships & Outreach — Alison — No report.
c) Events: Lunar New Year, Winter Market
9. Old Business:
a) Discussion and approval of memo to Council on Edmonds City Council Districts
The Commission discussed whether or not to send a recommendation to Council to support
District based Council.
Motion to recommend district -based voting; motion passed by consensus with GraceLynn and
Robert abstained.
The issue passes as a recommendation for the City Council.
10. Commissioner's Corner
Will: Minority voters and residents. How do we motivate them to vote? He encourages the
commission to think about that.
Gracelynn: Push the CC w timelines.
Ardeth: Excited about energy of new commissioners and event planning.
Alison: Concerned that we have a few issues that have gone to City Councils and they haven't
been acted on: updated Land Acknowledgment and Ranked Choice Voting.
Alberto: Stay safe, everyone.
Sekou: get some more diverse voters
Caitlin: frustrated with the way the meeting went tonight. She felt that people talked for her and
that there was inappropriate exchanges between Commissioners.
Robert: Need to inform our residents to vote.
Adjourn — 8:01 PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 6:00 PM, Zoom
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
January 5, 2022
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