2023-11-01 DEIA Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
EDMONDS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION &
ACCESSIBILITY COMMISSION
November 1, 2023
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Brackett Meeting Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Elaine Helm, Chair
Jeanett Quintanilla, Vice -Chair
Ardeth Weed
Pam Iverson
Rebecca Perrault
Dipti Chrastka via Zoom
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Councilmember Dave Teitzel, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Jessie Owen - excused
Anil DeCosta - unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Pamela SeaMonster
Donnie Griffin
Nick Ng, My Edmonds News
Dave Matthews — via Zoom
Wendy Zieve - via Zoom
Mindy Woods - via Zoom
Frances Chapin - via Zoom
Beth Lanie - via Zoom
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Molly Jay, DEIA Commission Coordinator
STAFF ABSENT
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
6:06 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
Elaine read land acknowledgment. Jesse is traveling for work; her absence is excused.
Anil's absence is unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda
Elaine moved to shift agenda item #7 before #6 to allow our guest speaker time to arrive.
Pam to approve the agenda as amended; Alison seconded; approved by consensus.
3. Approval of October 4, 2023 Summary: Ardeth moved to approve the agenda; Dipti
seconded; approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker): None
5. Update from the City: Megan, Molly & Councilmember Teitzel:
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
November 1, 2023
Page 1
Todd reported that the Mayor has presented his budget and it is under Council review. A
budget task force has been created to review the financial deficit. The Landmark Project is
moving ahead with plans to give the community an idea of what the new space could look
like. There will be a joint public meeting between Economic Development Commission
and Planning Board on November 8th to discuss the comp plan. Holiday Market starts this
weekend with Holiday Trolley coming later this year.
6. New Business:
Pamela SeaMonster Land Acknowledgement presentation/discussion for
Native American Heritage Month: "There has to be action behind the land
acknowledgment. Land Acknowledgment aren't for us, they're for you, the white
people. And what we want to see is ACTION behind the words." —Pamela
SeaMonster
Several of the public asked how we can be active. Pamela recommended coming to
Tribal Council to meet them and join their community. Invite them to give
blessings. Call them to ask about involving them in everything from giving advice
on native medicinal plants to inviting them to give blessings at the beginning of our
meetings and or events. Donate money to Snohomish non -profits.
7. Committee Reports:
a. Engagement: No update.
b. Communication: Third newsletter just went out; open rates have been above
average. Stickers will be printed and ready at next month's meeting. The first film
of the free film series couldn't be shown as the audio wasn't working with
streaming platforms. We have an option to move that film to May, we will need to a
decide at future time whether we'd like to do this. We should also consider showing
a film in June for Pride.
c. Education: There is a need to move film series to a more modern and ADA-
compatible facility after this season —need to talk about this at length in an
upcoming meeting.
8. Commissioner's Corner (10 minutes) No notes.
Adjourn — 8:04PM
Next meeting: January 3, 2024, at 6:OOPM
Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
November 1, 2023
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