2022-06-01 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING I
June 1, 2022
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Dean Olson, Chair
Nikki Okimoto Glaros, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed
Sekou Kone
Elaine Helm — via Zoom
Gracelynn Shibayama — via Zoom
Councilmember Will Chen, ex officio
Caitlin Chung, Student Rep
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Robert White - unexcused
Alberto Orejel Malfavon - excused
GUESTS PRESENT
Tabatha Shoemake, Community
Engagement Coordinator
Violeta Reyes, Intern
STAFF PRESENT
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
Economic Development & Community
Services
Molly Jay, Diversity Commission
Coordinator
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 sairitual connection with the land and water." - City Council Land
Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call: Dean called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Alison read the land
acknowledgement.
Absences: Commission staff were notified that Alberto had a work conflict; his
absence is recorded as excused. Robert had a school conflict; his absence is
recorded as not excused.
2. Approval of Agenda: Ardeth moved to approve, Nikki seconded; the agenda
was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of April 22, 2022 Summary: No corrections. Ardeth moved to
approve; the summary was approved by consensus.
4. Public comment. None.
5. Tabatha Shoemake, Community Engagement Coordinator, Police
Department — Overview of her role and Q&A: Tabatha gave brief review of
the history of her position and her role. The police department takes pride in the
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
June 1, 2022
Page 1
diversity of the department. She has been leading the first Community
Academy; she's working with the Human Services Division to create care
packages for people in need. She's also working with the Elaine and Alison on
the Safe Space program. Tabatha has been working to implement it by meeting
with Seattle Police Department (SPD) to understand the program and what is
involved to launch the program. She must obtain SPD approval prior to moving
forward as well as the Chief's approval. She shared that staffing the Hwy 99
office has had a positive impact on the community. Ardeth inquired on how
information gets relayed back to the Mayor and/or Council. Megan explained
that Tabatha reports to her supervisor and her supervisor would report back to
Mayor and/or Council. Dean asked what the Police Department is doing to
improve their practices. Tabatha explained that they do bias training. She
further explained that they can only follow up on incidences if they are reported.
Dean explained that there appears to be a service quality issue in the police
department and wants to know what's being done about it. Tabatha explains
that her position is to show the human side of the police work and to help the
community feel more comfortable reporting crime. The department as whole is
trying to show more empathy and put an emphasis on officers listening.
6. Update from the City (Will Chen)
Will shared that there is $9M ARPA funding, he is asked the Commission for
input for how to distribute the funds. Will shared that the Council approved the
Unlawful Public Camping Ordinance. He encourages the Commission to move
forward and focus on the services that are needed. Will pointed out that the
request for the Ordinance came from the City's administration.
Megan shared that City's Arts Festival booth is seeking volunteers to man it the
upcoming event.
7. New Business
A. 4t" of July (10 mins)
The Commission agrees they would like to participate again this year; Megan
will sign the group up. Nikki suggests inviting Diversity Commission alum as
several current Commissioners will not be able to attend. Gracelynn
volunteered to get banner. It's agreed that we will purchase candy to pass out.
8. Old Business:
a. Feedback on Molly's DEI Document
Molly shared that Dean has expressed interest in updating the Commission
name. He suggests thinking about it and addressing a recommendation at a
later meeting. Ardeth expressed how well the document was put together.
Ardeth moved to add the document to the website; Alison seconded;
approved by consensus. Gracelynn suggests sharing the document with
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
June 1, 2022
Page 2
public assembly venues. Nikki suggests discussing the name change when
Will is present.
9. Committee Reports:
a. Policy — Dean (20 minutes) — No report.
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (15 minutes) — No report.
c. Events — (10 minutes) — The committee did not meet. They are working on
pulling together a list of films. Juneteenth event will be held on June 19t" at
Esperance Park.
10. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes)
Dean: Council presentation, Dean would like to practice the presentation at the
July meeting.
Ardeth: shared a discussion that she had with Donnie Griffin regarding a
covenant issue that she discovered in housing development regarding a ban on
black families living in the community. Donnie explained that erasing the
reference, erases history. Donnie suggests adding a reference to the document
that doesn't erase the history but adds to the information. She is going to move
forward with working on this.
Caitlin: this is her last meeting. She joined in November 2020. Thankful for the
opportunity. She will be providing feedback to the Chair & Vice Chair on
suggested improvements.
Nikki: Thanked Caitlin. She's very proud of her!
Adjourn — 7:49PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
June 1, 2022
Page 3