2022-10-05 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
October 5, 2022
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Waterfront Center Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Dean Olson, Chair
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Elaine Helm
Gracelynn Shibayama
Jeanett Quintanilla
Sekou Kone
Will Chen, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Nikki Okimoto-Glaros — excused
Robert White — unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Lu Loree, Edmonds United Methodist
J Johnson, Edmonds resident
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
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 spiritual connection with
the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences
Nikki has an excused absence. Robert's absence is unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda
Alison moved; Ardeth seconded. Approved by consensus.
3. Approval of September 7, 2022, Summary (5 minutes)
Ardeth moved; Alison seconded. Approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
No public comments.
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Chen (5 minutes)
Will Chen gave updates on the city budget including the Highway 99 project. Council is in
the process of interviewing to fill the vacant council position.
Todd gave updates on Indigenous Peoples Day. He visited Edmonds College today and met
with the President and members of Edmonds College Foundation about administering job
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October 5, 2022
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retraining grants. Todd gave updates on the mayor's budget for 2023 which includes a
storefront officer at the Hwy 99 Neighborhood City Office.
6. Old Business:
a. Review of Equitable Engagement Presentation (10 minutes)
Todd reported a total 8,500 responses on the survey. He's curious what the Diversity
Commission's role could be in fostering more conversations. Dean responded that he met
with one city official because the questions and survey didn't really seem to address
accessibility. Participating could be a factor if it's too hard to get to these events in a
wheelchair.
Alison met with Susan Mclaughlin prior to last month's meeting, and sent an email
explaining that she's the Executive Director of the MS Helping Hand donor closet. "I work
with people with disabilities on a daily basis, and she's never reached back out to me to find
out more information about people with disabilities, so I take it to believe that that's not
really on her radar." Todd said he would reach out to Susan regarding perceived gaps in
outreach.
Status of the Asian hate crime proclamation was brought up and Todd agreed to check into
better processes and responsibilities for getting our statements in front of the mayor and
public. Will Chen asked that Todd check in on status of the open REDI hire.
7. New Business:
a. Commissioner Engagement (30 minutes)
Megan reported that there's been some feedback from commissioners expressing the desire
to learn more about their fellow commissioners plus how we can better work together to
organize new events and revive pre -pandemic, popular events.
i. Icebreaker
Commissioners shared where their birth name came from.
ii. Commissioner Connection Opportunities
Dean explained that we used to host the World Cafe and Youth Cafe that met in
person. Ardeth mentioned the idea of having a short in -person retreat or shared
meals. Gracelynn said that she would like to have more connection to each other
and understand the "how and why" we're all on the Commission, and what we're
each interested in and what we bring to the table. Todd said it's possible to have a
retreat and we can start to plan it. Ardeth inquired about meeting in person for our
monthly meetings. Elaine mentioned a hybrid approach. Dean stated his desire to
have everyone in person but the need for better technology in the meeting rooms.
b. Commissioner Openings: Advertise for applications and interview schedule (30
minutes)
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Sekou, Dean and Nikki will be leaving the Commission in December. Megan said that
applicants should be interviewed in the November meeting and applications are due the last
Wed of October.
Ardeth moved that we post the three openings and applications are due by EOD on
October 26. Alison seconded. Motion passed.
8. Committee Reports:
a. Policy — Dean (10 minutes)
i. Ad hoc ADA Committee Recommendation
Alison read the recommendation aloud. Elaine asked the question "why now?"
Dean explained that Edmonds has issues around people with mobility issues. Alison
expressed that Porta-Potties in parks aren't always accessible.
Ardeth moved to send Recommendation to City Council; Gracelynn seconded.
Motion passed.
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (5 minutes)
Alison gave updates on her Safe Space work with the Edmonds Police and what it involves
and means for citizens.
c. Events — (5 minutes)
i. Film Series
Gracelynn gave an update on film series and interest to start up World Cafe again,
along with new events. Molly asked for film series "hosts" for next two films; Dean
will host in October and Gracelynn will host in November.
9. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes)
Gracelynn expressed an interest in getting to know her fellow commissioners better.
Ardeth went to Edmonds Lutheran Church and met a Native American man she'd love to
connect to the Commission.
Elaine attended the Community of Color Coalition, and there were a number of Edmonds
connections.
Jeannett expressed an interest in spreading the word of what we do at Edmonds College.
Dean is headed to an ADA conference that he'll report back on.
Lu Loree, with the Racial Justice team from Edmonds United Methodist Church, thanked
the Commission for bringing the Film series flyers around.
J Johnson: wants to withdraw city ordinance on no camping. He's a disabled vet, Edmonds
resident, who is living in his car with his dog.
Adjourn — 7:53PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6:OOPM
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