2023-03-01 DEIA Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
March 1, 2023
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Elaine Helm, Chair
Jeanett Quintanilla, Vice -Chair (via Zoom)
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Jessie Owen
Pam Iverson
Dipti Chrastka
Councilmember Dave Teitzel, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Anil DeCosta - unexcused
Robert White - unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Greg Long
Carin Chase
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
Ardeth moved to approve the agenda, Jessie seconded; approved by consensus.
3. Approval of February 1, 2023 Summary & February 25, 2023 Retreat Summary (5
minutes)
Ardeth moved to approve the February 1st summary and the February 251h retreat summary,
Jessie seconded; approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
Carin Chase on behalf of the Snohomish County Human Rights Commission is interested
in partnering with the Commission to make local youth feel more connected. She is
interested in partnering to exchange information about upcoming events and initiatives.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
March 1, 2023
Page 1
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Teitzel (5 minutes)
Todd gave an update on the governor's budget which includes large investments for
affordable housing and mental health with new bills being considered centering on
neurodivergency. He added the Commission is set to present the annual report and name
change recommendation to Council on March 7th.
Dave Tietzel reported that a climate action plan is being discussed, which could affect
equity issues around Edmonds income and housing.
6. New Business:
a. Presentation — Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation & Human Services Director
Angie shared a presentation that included improvements and additions that the Parks
Department is working towards. The presentation was followed by a questions from the
Commissioners.
b. Retreat Debrief
i. Vision for the Year:
Build intentional relationships so that we are a value add to our community,
influencing City Council and other partnerships.
ii. Areas of Focus: Subcommittee Assignments & Meeting Schedules
Elaine identified Engagement, Communication and Education as the three
committees and asked that the Commissioners work amongst themselves to
determine the best time to meet and report back at the April meeting. Ardeth
mentioned the importance of having a lead for each Committee.
iii. 2022 Budget Review & 2023 Budget
iv. Councilmember Assignments
7. Old Business:
a. Name Change & Annual Report Update
On March 7th, Elaine and Jessie will present the Commission's 2022 annual report
to Council, along with the proposed name change from Edmonds Diversity
Commission to Edmonds Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)
Commission. The annual report slide deck was reviewed in the meeting, edits were
made by Molly and Todd updated the ordinance language.
8. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes) No comments tonight.
Adjourn — 8:01 PM
Next meeting: April 5, 2023 at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
March 1, 2023
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