2023-04-18 Special Meeting
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 18, 2023
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EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
April 18, 2023
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
Neil Tibbott, Council President
Vivian Olson, Councilmember
Will Chen, Councilmember
Diane Buckshnis, Councilmember
Susan Paine, Councilmember
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Jenna Nand, Councilmember
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT
Mike Nelson, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT
Jeff Taraday, City Attorney
Scott Passey, City Clerk
Jerrie Bevington, Camera Operator
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Edmonds City Council special meeting was called to order at 6:25 p.m. by Council President Tibbott
in the Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, and virtually.
2. INTERVIEW CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT TO A CITY BOARD/COMMISSION
1. INTERVIEW CANDIDATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION
Council President Tibbott introduced Councilmembers Olson and Nand who were participating via Zoom
and Councilmembers Teitzel, Chen, Paine and Buckshnis and Council President Tibbott introduced
themselves.
Councilmembers interviewed Samantha Hopper for appointment to the Sister City Commission. (responses
in italics):
Councilmember Teitzel asked what drew her to this opportunity. I have been very interested in driving
cultural understanding in travel and giving those opportunities to others since I was given that opportunity
in high school. I grew up in a small rural town in Central Washington, Prosser, and was given that
opportunity in high school with a lot of fundraising support to visit Europe, an opportunity that otherwise
would not have been available to me based on economic status. That trip really solidified how important
travel is and how important it is to meet people from other cultures and to learn about the world beyond
where you live. Since then I’ve made Spanish language part of my background; I’ve studied international
business, I’ve visited 24 countries and I support students in my day job as the leader of Amazon’s internship
program which supports students in over 40 countries, giving them opportunities that may otherwise be
challenging. We provide them cultural understanding and opportunities to interface with people all around
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 18, 2023
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the globe and that really drives passion in me. I found out about this opportunity through perusing the
City’s website, looking for opportunities to get involved and this caught my eye because it is actually my
passion and I thought this was something I could contribute to Edmonds.
Councilmember Chen commented Edmonds currently has one sister city; he asked her perception of having
multiple sister/brother cities. I’ve wondered that myself. My research found many similarly sized cities have
more than one sister city. Most important is retaining a really strong connection to the relationship the City
already has with Hekinan. If the City felt they were in good standing and had a good program with Hekinan,
I could see an opportunity to expand and consider additional cities to broaden our reach and connection
with cities in other countries that may have similarities to Edmonds such as size, industry, and opportunity
to learn. There is definitely an opportunity, but I would want to make sure the City feels strongly connected
to Hekinan first and foremost.
Councilmember Paine commented Ms. Hopper’s background in working with students and interns is
extensive. She asked what steps would need to be taken to bring back the student exchange program. Having
the opportunity to travel in high school was transformative for me and for others who have had that
opportunity, getting outside of your comfort zone and experiencing the uncertainty and newness is really
important and brings understanding and makes people more well-rounded and empathetic. Giving that
opportunity to students is really impactful and can be a good opportunity in Edmonds. I’d suggest
considering how that opportunity can be expanded so it is not just for the affluent who can afford it, but
also offering the opportunity to others. The student exchange change program would be very impactful and
I would definitely like to pursue that.
Councilmember Buckshnis commented her resume and her description of job illustrates she is perfect for
this commission. She asked which of the 24 counties she visited were her favorites and why. Japan is
actually one of my favorite countries because I find the culture absolutely beautiful and the collectivistic
society and how everyone looks out for each other is very inspiring. I had the opportunity to volunteer in
Ecuador and found that also very inspiring; the people are incredibly hardworking, kind and hospitable
and volunteering there was very transformative for me.
Council President Tibbott asked if Ms. Hooper had heard about any of the activities during the exchange
program and which ones sounded intriguing to her. Although I have not yet participated in any of the
activities, I am excited to do that. I understand there are events and activities for visitors from Hekinan
including visiting downtown Seattle, sporting activities, Halloween festivities in Edmonds, and other local
opportunities to get to know Edmonds. I’m excited to focus on understanding broader Washington and
finding local activities to learn about Edmonds, the entire area and its history.
Council President Tibbott asked if she had met any of the Sister City Commission members, Yes, I had the
opportunity to connect with Colin Torretta who was very helpful in providing background on his experience
on the commission, what has worked well, and what they are interested in doing in the future.
Council President Tibbott advised Ms. Hopper’s appointment to the Sister City Commission will be
approved on tonight’s Consent Agenda.
3. CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION
PER RCW 42.30.110(1)(I)
At 6:35 p.m., the city council convened in executive session for approximately 20 minutes to discuss
pending or potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
The executive session concluded at 6:55 p.m.
Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes
April 18, 2023
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4. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
The meeting was reconvened at 6:56 p.m.
3. ADJOURN
With no further business, the Council meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
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SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK