2022-11-02 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
November 2, 2022
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Dean Olson, Chair
Nikki Okimoto Glaros, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Elaine Helm
Jeannett Quintalla
Gracelynn Shibayama
Robert White (via Zoom)
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Will Chen, ex-officio
Sekou Kon6 -
GUESTS PRESENT
Lu Loree, Racial Justice team from
Edmonds United Methodist Church
Charles Darnell, Edmonds Beacon
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
Molly Jay, Diversity Commission
Coordinator (via Zoom)
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
Ardeth moved to approve, Alison seconded; the agenda was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of October 5, 2022, Summary (5 minutes) Alison moved to approve, Nikki
seconded; the summary was approved by consensus.
There was discussion regarding the ADA recommendation/amendment.
Alison moved to accept amendment; Nikki seconded. Approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
No public comments.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
November 2, 2022
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5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Chen (5 minutes)
Todd gave an update on the budget process. The Holiday Market starts this Saturday. Dean
asked about reduced funding to Diversity Commission; Todd has heard no discussion.
Elaine asked about update on REDI position; Todd reported that HR Director has been out
and we should be entering period where we're trying to interview for REDI position soon.
6. Interviews:
a. Jessie Owen
b. Anil DeCosta
Ardeth moved to approve both candidates; Nikki seconded. Motion approved by
Commission. The recommendation will be forwarded to Council for confirmation.
Robert asked if we can reach out to past applicants for additional applicants for the vacant
seat; Megan will reach out around past candidates.
7. Committee Reports:
a. Policy — Dean (5 minutes)
Alison read tentative DEIA name change statement. Robert would like more
language around the "equity" piece.
Megan explained that staff can draft an ordinance based off of the document put
together by Alison and Dean. It will go to the Commission to vote on. Then we go
to Council with the proposal. Nikki explained that we need approval on name
change, and why we're doing it. Elaine said we must develop some new language
before we make the recommendation.
Nikki motioned to move ahead with the name change proposal; Gracelynn
seconded.
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (5 minutes)
Alison talked with Tabatha Shoemake, the Safe Space program is expected to roll
out in January. Elaine wants to make an announcement for Safe Space across social,
at film series, etc.
c. Events — (5 minutes)
Dean gave update on the successful October film. November's film will tentatively
be hosted by Gracelynn, Elaine offered to be a back-up if needed.
8. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes) this portion of the meeting was not recorded.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
November 2, 2022
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Adjourn — 7:43PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
November 2, 2022
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