2018-01-03 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
January 03, 2018
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Diana White, Chair
Donnie Griffin, Vice -Chair
Dean Olson
Sarah Mixson
Anabel Hovig arrived at 6:11 p.m.
Pat Valle
Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, ex
officio
1. Roll Call: Call to order at 6:05 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Ed Dorame
Maria Montalvo
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF PRESENT
Dave Teitzel, Councilmember
Chief Al Compaan, EPD
Cindi Cruz, ED/CS Program Coordinator
Misha Carter, Diversity Commission
Coordinator
2. Approval of Agenda: The agenda approved by consensus as amended.
3. Approval of Meeting Summary of December 6, 2017: Summary minutes approved as
submitted by consensus.
4. Public Comment: Dorothy Trinnen encouraged the Commission to recognize economic
diversity in Edmonds including citizens who are considered lower income. Edmonds is
known as a prosperous, beautiful community but economic diversity is not always recognized
and discussed as much as it should be and affects the well-being of community. Ms. Trinnen
represents homeless coalition with a focus on advocacy and need for low-income housing in
Edmonds. Mary Wysocki, Snohomish County Human Services and Coalition for Inclusive
Communities, as an organization can provide movies for viewing regarding development
disabilities and would like to have an outlet for showing the films. Megan Mittelstaedt is
from The ARC of Snohomish County, a nonprofit organization for families with disabilities
provided a handout and info regarding The ARC. Mindy Woods spoke about housing and
homelessness in Snohomish County and specifically Edmonds. Concerns expressed about the
lack of affordable housing and alternative housing for the homeless in Edmonds.
5. Update from the City: Cindi passed out info on ECA event on 1/11/18. This is the event that
is supported by a Diversity Commission grant. Donnie encouraged attendance. The next film
in the Diversity Commission film series is "The Stray" on Saturday, January 20. Adrienne
stated that committee assignments were last night and she is please to be the Council liaison
to the Commission. Chief Compaan was invited back to update on the noose incident from
last fall. The Chief gave a detailed timeline of what had transpired and investigation notes by
the EPD. Investigation provided no leads in determining who did this. Based on information
from victims they quit working at the job site due to fear. The Chief said the company did
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Diversity Commission
January 3, 2018
Page 1
take the incident very seriously. Took action in the termination of three employees and did
not excuse the bad behavior. A letter went out from commission thanking company for their
response. Case is inactive unless new information becomes available. Dave Tetizel advised
the Development Services is developing information to give to contractors with permits for
notification that this behavior is not allowed or acceptable. Could diversity training be
required by City of the contractors who do business in Edmonds? Invite Shane Hope to attend
a meeting to address this issue. Thanked Chief Compaan for attending and reporting on the
incident investigation.
6. Roles & Responsibilities for Commissioners and staff: Open Public Meeting Act
(OPMA) and conducting business with parameters, Guiding Principles: Patrick and
Cindi develop agenda with chair. Misha is contracted for 10 hours per month with some
months more hours and some less. Her responsibility includes research, work on events,
partnership compilation. She will work with Diana to determine workload. Donnie thanked
Council for their support in increasing the budget. Open Public Meeting Act requirements
were reviewed. Guiding principles are printed at bottom of agenda and they could be
reviewed and revised.
7. Discussion of Strategic Planning Session/retreat: Discuss retreat for half day on a Saturday
and Cindi will send out an e-mail to determine the best date for retreat at City Hall.
8. Re-examine sub -groups (Policy, Events, Partnerships): Discuss Commission movement
among groups, mission & purpose of sub -groups, addition of Communications sub-
rg oup, Discussed adding a Communications group. This group could work with Carolyn
Douglas, City Communications and Outreach Consultant. Communications could combine
with partnerships sub -group. Policy sub -group has had last interview with staff and will be
compiling notes to bring recommendations for Commission. Make recommendations to City
after presentations to Diversity Commission. Events sub -group will be reviewing films for
fall film series, second round of grant applications, and preparing for youth forum.
Commissioners can switch sub -groups. Partnership sub -group has some work to be done but
information is on website. Could use partnership lists for getting out information. Have a
repeat event inviting organizations to meet with commission again. Re-examine mission and
discuss at retreat. Build relationships with surrounding communities. City of Lynnwood
Diversity Commission could create some opportunities for partnership.
9. 2018 Work Plan: review 2017 plan and existing programs/events; Sub -groups will
continue work as discussed with addition of Communications sub -group. Events include: 4`h
of July parade, youth event, world caf6, second round of grants awarded, monthly column in
local papers, have more discussion at retreat on the work plan, Diana and Donnie will create
agenda for retreat. Signs for businesses to place in windows to demonstrate inclusivity.
10. New Business, Commissioner's Corner: Discussed school distribution of purchased books
to include label with logo and have photo opportunity for distribution event. Misha stated for
Black History month her book "Criminal Color" is available for free on Amazon. Diana
advised there will be a MLK assembly at Meadowdale HS at 9:30 a.m. on 1/16/18 in
auditorium. Please send event items for website to Cindi. MLK prayer breakfast 1/15/18 at
Westin Hotel. Courtney Wooten advised of event held on 2nd Monday of the month at
Edmonds Library Conference Room, 6:30 p.m., Under the Rainbow Storytelling series.
Mindy Woods advised of Snohomish County Advocacy Day in Olympia on Friday, January
19 to meet local legislative electeds. Anabel advised that To Kill a Mockingbird at
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Diversity Commission
January 3, 2018
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Driftwood Players opens on February 9 thru 2/25 and will be sending out more info to
Commission.
Adjourn: 7:59 PM — Next regular meeting: February 7, 2018, 6 PM at Edmonds Senior
Center.
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Diversity Commission
January 3, 2018
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