2023-07-05 DEIA Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
EDMONDS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION &
ACCESSIBILITY COMMISSION
July 5, 2023
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Elaine Helm, Chair
Jeanett Quintanilla, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Pam Iverson
Jessie Owen
Anil DeCosta
Councilmember Dave Teitzel, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Dipti Chrastka — excused
Rebecca Perrault - unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Ben
Alan — via Zoom
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
Molly Jay, Diversity Commission
Coordinator
6:05 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
Pam read land acknowledgment. Dipti is excused due to illness. Rebecca's absence is
unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda
Ardeth moved to approve the agenda; Jessie seconded; approved by consensus.
3. Approval of June 7, 2023 Summary: Ardeth moved to approve; Alison seconded;
approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
Ben shared his work and educational background. He finds himself interested and drawn to
DEIA work. He visited the Commission booth at the Civic Center Playfield Ribbon cutting
and he's attending the meeting to see what the group does.
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Teitzel:
Todd explains the RFP for the Comp Plan is on the Council agenda tonight. The City is
researching a purchase of property on Highway 99. It's an opportunity to review the
disparities between downtown and the Highway 99 area. Todd recommends putting the
Landmark Property Project on the August agenda for discussion. Councilmember Teitzel
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
July 5, 2023
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clarifies that we have not committed to purchasing the property yet. The acquisition is in a
very preliminary phase. Any thoughts, questions, comments should be directed to Todd,
Susan McLaughlin and/or Angie Feser. The first Edmonds Community Fair is scheduled
for August 6th from loam to 3pm. Councilmember Teitzel commended the group for the
Pride event on June 30th. He also highlighted that Civic Center Playfield is now open.
Jeanett pointed out that BIPOC business owners need to be included in the community.
6. Mid -Year check -in: How are things going? Plans for the 2" a half of year:
Elaine asked everyone feels about the first half of the year and what is one or two things
they would like to see happen over the course of the next 6 months.
• Alison would like to see an Office of Civil Rights get lifted off the ground.
She mentions she will need to go outside of the Commission to get
momentum.
• Jessie would like to see increased involvement from the Commissioners. If
we can get events on the schedule, it would be great to get all the
Commissioners to show up for them. 3-5 events is a reasonable goal for the
next 6 months.
• Jeanett would like to see the group work together better.
• Anil mentions that he is not clear on what Council's expectations are of the
Commission. He is aware that he needs to give more of his time.
• Pam is concerned that the wonderful Film Series is poorly attended, how do
we elevate that. Share on social media, Facebook, LinkedIn, word of mouth.
Add the Film Series information to signature blocks.
Anil suggests going all in on what is committed to for this year. The Film Series is the only
event that's been committed to. Jessie, Pam and Ardeth are committed to working the day
of, at the Edmonds Community Fair. Jessie will help with the planning, she'll send out a
survey to sort out the day of schedule.
7. New Business:
a. Commissioner Name Tag — Budget Approval:
Megan shared that it will cost $120.00 to outfit the entire commission with name
tags. Pam made a motion to approve the expense; Ardeth seconded; motion
passed by consensus.
8. Old Business:
a. Voting Options Discussion: Elaine moved to bump this item to the next meeting;
Jessie seconded, motion passed by consensus.
9. Committee Reports:
a. Engagement
i. Grant Program: The grant call deadline has been extended to July 201h
Push the grant opportunity out to your networks.
Jessie mentioned that they will start planning for the Community Fair.
b. Communication:
i. Newsletter: Molly is working on getting the newsletter launched. She has
the bio's on the website. Elaine would like the newsletter blasted out to
everyone's networks.
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
July 5, 2023
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c. Education:
i. Film Series: Molly is working through securing rights for films. She's
submitted requests for 12 and should have at least 6 secured. Jeanett
mentioned that Mukilteo's DEI group would like to partner on a film event.
She's invited them to come to a meeting and discuss what that looks like.
ii. Review of 4th of July Parade: Jeanett had reservations about walking with
her Peruvian flag. In the end she felt welcomed and feels she opened a door
for Latinx to feel included in the event.
iii. Review of Civic Park Grand Opening, June 23rd: Elaine, Jessie & Ardeth
manned the table. There was a positive response from the community and
interest in getting involved in Boards & Commissions.
iv. Review of Pride, Event, June 30th: The event was a success and well
received by the community!
10. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes)
Ardeth, shared that in early June she went to Edmonds bookstore, they had stacks of fliers
from Madrona K-8, providing education on Juneteenth.
Jeanett shared that something needs to be done for Spanish heritage month, starts
September 15th. Elaine suggests an appropriate film for the film series to honor Spanish
Heritage month. Pam suggests avoiding October 21 st as it's NW Culture Event. October
14th would be a good day for Spanish Heritage month. Jessie points out that November is
Indigenous People month, and a relevant film would be good.
Alison shared that Tabatha Shoemake has said all is ready for the Safe Place Program.
Chief Bennett announced it at the Pride event. It has not been officially launched yet.
Alison will be working with David Kaufer and the Edmonds School District to include a
program with for inclusivity for children with Autism.
Adjourn — 7:58 PM
Next meeting: August 2, 2023, at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
July 5, 2023
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