2022-12-07 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
December 7, 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
Sekou Kon6 -
Jeannett Quintalla
Gracelynn Shibayama
Robert White (via Zoom)
Will Chen, ex-officio
GUESTS PRESENT
Jessie Owen
Lu Loree, Racial Justice team from
Edmonds United Methodist Church
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
Elaine moved to approve, Nikki seconded; the agenda was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of November 2, 2022, Summary (5 minutes) Ardeth moved to approve, Alison
seconded; the summary was 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 gave update on REDI position: Council denied the proposal that the position become
full-time and it remains a contract position. Will reported that there are three candidates,
and the interview process has begun. Todd is working to get on Council's early 2023
calendar to give the 2022 annual report and report on upcoming priorities for 2023. He'll
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
December, 7 2022
Page 1
also explain the Commission's proposed name change and will ask for vote at that time; the
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Commission would change to the Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Commission. No updates from Molly or Megan.
6. Interviews:
a. Terry Anderson (via Zoom)
b. Usha Bhansali (in person)
c. Dipti Chrastka (via Zoom)
d. Pam Iverson (via Zoom)
Following the interviews, commissioners discussed the candidates. Dean asked that each
commissioner provide feedback on each candidate, then moved to invite candidates Dipti
and Pam to the Commission; Ardeth seconded. Elaine mentioned that we should look at the
specific wording of the interview questions going forward to be sure they're understandable
for all. Several commissioners expressed interest in inviting Terry and Usha to re -apply for
future openings.
7. Grant Review & Recommendation (15 minutes)
Alison, Ardeth and Elaine met in earlier in the week to review the two applications that
were received. One is a Community Outreach & Education event hosted by Chinese
Services Center and the other is the 5th Annual Edmonds International Women's Day event
hosted by Alicia Crank.
Ardeth moved that we offer the grants to both candidates who applied; Nikki seconded.
Dean asked that all grant awardees be announced on the Commission's homepage and
social media; Molly to execute.
8. 2023 Chair & Vice Chair Appointments (10 minutes)
Dean talked briefly about his time chairing the commission and recommended that Elaine
Helm and Jeanett Quintanilla serve as chair and vice -chair respectively beginning in
January 2023. Ardeth moved that Elaine be nominated for chair and Jeanett be nominated
for vice -chair; Dean seconded. Motion passed by consensus with Robert abstaining.
9. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes)
Megan thanked outgoing chairs Dean Olsen, Nikki Okimoto Glaros and Sekou Kon6 for
their service and dedication to the Commission. Dean thanked the Commission and staff for
all their efforts and work over the years. Nikki gave an update on Lunar New Year and
welcomed Jessie Owen to the commission. Alison expressed interest in getting the regional
collaborative DEI group reformed in 2023. In his last meeting on the commission, Sekou
thanked commissioners for all their time and work. Ardeth gave an update on her housing
authority discriminatory work and her efforts to broadcast the toolkit.
Adjourn — 7:58PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
December 7, 2022
Page 2