2017-07-12 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ed Dorame — Co -Chair
Diana White
Donnie Griffin
Dean Olson
Sarah Mixson
Anabel Hovig
Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, ex
officio
1. Roll Call: Call to order at 6:02 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Maria Montalvo — Co -Chair
Tung Bui
Pat Valle
STAFF PRESENT
Patrick Doherty, ED/CS Director
Cindi Cruz, ED/CS Program Coordinator
Carolyn Douglas, Public Communications
Speciliast
2. Auuroval of Agenda: The agenda approved by consensus.
3. Auuroval of Meeting Summary of June 7 and June 21, 2017: Summary minutes approved
as submitted by consensus.
4. Public Comment: Larry Vogel, MEN, complimented Commission on their work and
community involvement since the Commission was created. Ardeth Weed, commented on the
4th of July parade and the participation by the Commission.
5. Update from the City: Patrick stated that steps have been made to include partner
organizations on the website. Ed welcomed new Commissioners Sarah Mixson & Anabel
Hovig.
6. Al Comuaan/Edmonds Police Chief: Chief Compaan was invited to attend and speak to the
Commission. His comments: Very enthusiastic about the creation of the Commission by the
City. Concerned about things that have happened in the City and across the country. Have
seen uptick in crimes since the national election. He and the Edmonds Police Department
(EPD) want to see a stop to these crimes. In regards to the recent Edmonds graffiti crimes at
Madrona School, the EPD has made an arrest. But this arrest does not solve the problems.
The community is tolerant and respectful. As a City and community we are responsible for
our environment and our children's safety. Question asked about the label of hate crimes vs
vandalism? Westgate Chapel incident with swastikas on cars was an angry person and
specifically a VW was the target. WA State laws govern these incidents. He did not know
victim and was charged under vandalism and is still in custody It has to be shown that target
has to be based on racial bias against a specific person or group, etc. to be charged as a hate
crime. Investigation has not shown a connection between this incident and the Madrona
school incident. Malicious harassment vs vandalism. There was not as much of a reaction to
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Diversity Commission
July 12, 2017
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the swastika incident as there was to the Madrona incident.
School Board response: Cameras and security were passed as part of a levy and includes
ongoing work in common areas, hallways, etc. Communication from the principal could have
been handled more quickly when the incident happened. The school district's communication
department is aware it could have done better. Superintendent has implemented a training
guide for school officials to respond to hateful incidents happening in the school. In August a
community forum is planned for the Madrona school parents in regards to this incident.
Policies need to be rewritten and updated to reflect the current issues. Work being done by
district to address these issues and incidents that are happening at individual schools. NAACP
is meeting with the district to discuss the incidents and what is happening currently. Question:
do we have more hate crimes than we think we do in Edmonds? Is reporting crimes the issue?
Is it a problem to get people to trust government? Partnership with EPD and Diversity
Commission to create a better relationship with community. Need cooperation from victims,
family members, friends, to share information to help authorities solve these crimes. Fine line
for EPD to walk but they are not immigration enforcers and will not be pursuing immigration
violations. Social worker to be hired by Lynnwood/Edmonds as a shared 2/3-1/3 shared
position and will be available to provide social/community resources to officers. These
crimes are unacceptable behavior. Could messages be translated so the broad community can
understand these messages. It is important to reach the diverse community with more
information about reporting crimes. Partnership group is gathering names of groups to
disseminate this information out to the diverse groups in the community. Edmonds school
district has a group/department that will translate information. School district, City and EPD
should be able to get information out jointly. 132 different languages in the district. Chief
Compaan would like to continue collaboration and is willing to come semi -regularly to the
Commission to share and provide information on the EPD. He also offered to Commissioners
to have a ride -along with one of the patrol units.
7. 2017 Budget Update: Patrick provided updated information on expenditures for the year a
total of $142. Budget for Misha's services is $6,000 and the expenses are up to $3,000 for the
year. (See attached budget for year handed out at meeting). City communications that could
be translated should be done. Diversity Commission agreed by consensus to recommend the
City consider including in budget for 2018 translation services for City communications.
8. 2017 Work Plan:
Events Group Update/4`h of July parade review/Mini grant program: Parade was good and
parade participation was great. Mini -grants: two inquiries so far; deadline is 7/24/17.
Subcommittee to review — Ed, Maria, & Sarah. Film series: Patrick has researched — cost per
film varies from $10 - $350 but many are under $25. Six films the first year: October, Nov,
Jan, Feb, March, and April. Edmonds Theater will try to keep cost to $100 per screening.
Theater would like to make $250 but will count what they make on concessions as part of that
total. Theater and ECA will help in advertising along with City Facebook page. Need a Q&A,
movies will be shown at 12 noon on Saturdays and advertise the series. Consensus by
Commission to move forward with film series. Subcommittee to help select movies: Sarah,
Anabel, and Dean will work with Patrick to select movies.
Partnership Group Update: Did not meet. Dean gave update and he and Diana were provided
list of groups. Translation of city information will be a focus to and will determine what can
be done by City. Partner groups can also be utilized for translation services.
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Policy Group Update/Indigenous Day Update: Donnie updated interview with Adrienne
Fraley-Monillas. City does not have a good way of communicating outside of the areas out of
the Bowl. Hwy 99 corridor is another issue - could determine location for gathering places for
community, have Commission meet in the area outside the Bowl possibly on Hwy 99.
Concern that City does not have good way to recruit people for boards and commissions. Not
just send press release to local news medias. Get out to the various areas and provide
information. District council elections might be good way to diversify. Yakima was raised as
an example to increase diversity on their council by going to a district election methods.
Identifying the different neighborhoods could be a start.
Indigenous Peoples Day: Diana introduced students to work on project. Research started
around last Columbus Day. Ethan and Cole Sargeant are students at Meadowdale High
School who feel this would be a worthwhile project to work on for the City of Edmonds.
They are members of the Tlingit tribes from Alaska. It is felt it would be most impactful for
students to present project to City Council. Should be able to have a draft of the project
proposal to present to Council in September. Patrick will help to prepare packet for Council
presentation. Bring information back to August meeting for approval to take to Council.
9. New Business, Commissioner's Corner:. Banner was discussed for film series but would
not logistically work. Announcement that Initiative 551 was removed last Friday as it did not
get enough signatures to get to the state ballot.
Adiourn: 7:53 PM — Next regular meeting: August 2, 2017, 6 PM
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July 12, 2017
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