2023-02-01 DEIA Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
February 1, 2023
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Elaine Helm, Chair (via Zoom)
Jeanett Quintanilla, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed (via Zoom)
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Jessie Owen
Anil DeCosta
Pam Iverson
Dipti Chrastka
Councilmember Dave Teitzel, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Robert White - unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
STAFF ABSENT
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
Anil read land acknowledgment. Robert's absence is unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda
Jessie moved to approve agenda, Alison second; approved by consensus.
3. Approval of January 4, 2023, Summary (5 minutes)
Jessie moved to approve summary, Alison second; approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Teitzel (5 minutes)
Todd shared the Mayor's State of the City is tomorrow night at the Waterfront Center.
There are interviews being scheduled for the REDI position. The position will audit City
practice. It is a contract position. February 14th is Elaine and Jessie will present the draft
annual report and name change proposal to Council Committee.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
February 1, 2023
Page 1
Councilmember Teitzel introduced himself to the group. He explained his appointment
process to the Diversity Commission. Jeanett welcomed him to the Commission. CM
Teitzel is happy to share communication with Council on behalf of the Commission.
6. New Business:
a. Commission Appointments (10 minutes)
Elaine shared that this is to cover the recent Council topic of Boards & Commission
Appointments. CM Teitzel shared that Council is working on equitable Boards &
Commission appointment process. There is a desire to get a better set of rules in place
to fill open positions, advertise in multiple languages, ultimately advertisements should
have a wider reach. Todd shared that staff is moving forward to update the front page of
the website, so that there is multilingual application processes and advertisements. CM
Teitzel & Todd are both interested in Diversity Commissions input. They're especially
interested how to best reach diverse communities. Alison suggests in person
communication for seeking interest of diverse communities. She also explains that the
City needs to hire more people of color and people who speak multiple languages.
Elaine shared that the DC has a clear appointment process in the Code. She suggests
announcing openings of Boards & Commissions to current board members and
commissioners to share with their networks. Alison asked if there is staff person
dedicated to this, Todd shared there is not.
7. Old Business:
a. Retreat Planning Discussion (30 minutes)
Jessie shared that a small group met to develop an agenda. The retreat has been
scheduled for February 25th from loam to 2pm at the Waterfront Center.
Pam made a motion to allocate $100 for the Waterfront Center room rental, Anil
seconded, approved by consensus.
Jessie went through the draft agenda, Attachment 1. She asked if we want a facilitator.
Pam is unable to attend but will try to join via Zoom. Elaine recommends that we have
a facilitator to run the agenda. Megan will reach out to Michelle Johnson, who
facilitated last year, Elaine moved that we hire a facilitator for the retreat for up to
$400, Ardeth seconded, approved by consensus. Elaine offers to work with the
facilitator to prep them for the retreat. Jeanett suggests limiting goals for the year to an
amount that feels feasible. We will send out a Doodle Poll to vote on a restaurant for
lunch. Jessie motions to allocate $250 for lunch, Anil seconded, approved by
consensus.
b. Name Change Proposal Update & Annual Report to Council (30 minutes)
Todd shares that they plan to present to Committee on 2/14. He suggests asking the
Committee how the Diversity Commission can support Council. Elaine explains that
they will present the draft annual report and develop the final report and the name
change proposal based on the take away from the meeting on February 14th. Elaine
suggests meeting with Todd to develop a game plan. Todd has time on 2/10 or 2/13 to
meet with Jessie and Elaine. They will meet 2/13 at 1pm. Elaine will review and update
Molly's PowerPoint.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
February 1, 2023
Page 2
c. Mukilteo DEI Retreat Review (5 minutes)
Alison gives a review of Mukilteo's DEI Retreat that she and Jeanett attended last
month. Mukilteo's commission is very diverse, all but one are people of color.
Mukilteo's Councilmember Harris was in attendance. They are looking to Edmonds for
guidance and to partner for future work. Alison suggests setting up regular meetings
with them. She shared with them that she has been interested in opening a regional
office for civil rights. Jeanett adds that they are excited to build a partnership. She said
they were very well prepared.
d. February Film (5 minutes)
Ardeth volunteers to open it and lead the discussion following the film. Molly will send
her script, per Megan.
8. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes)
Jessie visited 76t1i Ave with Susan Paine to discuss accessibility issues. She suggests the
City have the grounds crews be trained on how to identify accessibility issues and area to
improve. She attended the Martin Luther King event at the ECA, it was great! She also met
with Councilmembers Olson & Paine to discuss dog park accessibility. David Kaufer has
expressed interest in funding the walkway product for the dog park. She delivered a sample
product that could be used to have a walkway built to access the dog park, those are
currently in the Council office. Alison suggests that the commission advocate for this
improvement. Alison shares that the Waterfront Center is moving forward with providing
assistance for hearing impaired. Jeanett shares that Edmonds hosted a Lunar New Year
Event. Jessie has two events to share, February 5th, Black in Edmonds, hosted by Alicia
Crank; there is also a multi -cultural job fair at Edmonds College tomorrow. Dipti shares she
is happy to be here as this is her first meeting. Anil is meeting with Councilmember Chen
on Friday. Ardeth shares she went to the MLK event, it was impressive. Lunar New Year
event was great but the location could be improved. Todd shares that Nikki mentioned
moving the event to ECA next year. Elaine shares that the MLK event was great. The Lunar
New Year Event was good, she cut out early to attend the Diversity Commission film, a
great discussion followed the film. Alison shares she spoke to Tabatha Shoemake for an
update on the Safe Place program, she explained this has run up against some issues from
local businesses, more to come.
Adjourn — 7:29PM
Next meeting: RETREAT - Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 10:00AM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
February 1, 2023
Page 3