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2023-04-18 Special Meeting Edmonds City Council Approved Minutes April 18, 2023 Page 1 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 Page 2 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 Page 3 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. ____ SCOTT PASSEY, CITY CLERK