2018-09-05 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
September 5, 2018
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Diana White, Chair
Ed Dorame
Pat Valle (arrived at 6:18)
Dean Olson
Sarah Mixson
Brian Potter
Maria Montalvo
Anabel Hovig
Donnie Griffin, Vice -Chair
Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, ex
officio
1. Roll Call: Call to order at 6:01 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND STAFF PRESENT
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember
Patrick Doherty, ED/CS Director
Cindi Cruz, ED/CS Program Coordinator
Misha Carter, Diversity Commission
Coordinator
2. Approval of Agenda: The agenda approved by consensus.
Approval of Meeting Summary of August 1, 2018: Summary minutes approved as submitted
by consensus.
4. Public Comment: Naomi Baltuck was in attendance. Kristen Tollefson and Melissa Bosell
from Meadowdale High provided information and a flyer about the October 24 equity
conference to be held at Meadowdale High. David Ortiz of the Communities of Color Coaltion
spoke about a four -week series on suicide prevention focusing on both youth and the elderly
weeks in partnership with KSER FM radio station beginning on 9/12. Strategic planning retreat
on 9/8/18 and invites commission to attend. Would like to get a Diversity Commission member
as a regular attendee at the Communities of Color Coalition meetings. There will be a table at
upcoming race conference in 2019 for the Edmonds Diversity Commission.
5. Washington State Voting Rights Act: Patrick and Councilmember Neil Tibbott introduced
this subject, which is a change by legislature in how local/cities, counties are represented by
their elected leaders such as at -large councilmembers and district representation. Referenced
Yakima as an example. This could alleviate concerns there are disenfranchised areas that are
not well represented by issue, racial, or age diversity. Negative side could be if not followed
there are fining mechanisms. Doesn't have to be 100% district representation could be 5-2, etc.
A planning commission must be formed to create the districts and process. Neil had seen
presentation at the AWC conference and felt was a perfect fit for the Diversity Commission to
work on as education mechanism and to go forward for implementation. He would prefer to
have the Council form a study group to determine what the next steps are for Edmonds. Some
of the impetus to make improvements in specific districts could be championed by
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Diversity Commission
September 5, 2018
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councilmembers elected in those districts. There is interest in providing a greater voice for
unrepresented portions of Edmonds. Meeting and event space accessibility is an example of
needs outside of the bowl area. There has been no discussion by Council or direction at this
point. Suggestion was for Neil to propose to Council to create ad hoc group and include
Diversity Commission along with other boards and commission participation.
6. Update from the City: Patrick updated that City department and Council budget proposals
were submitted to Finance in August. The next step will be review and Mayor's
recommendation. Youth Commission press release has been issued and there was discussion
of next steps for appointing a Youth Commission. Updated on meeting location and will
relocate to the Council Chambers first of 2019.
7. Discussion on Closed Captioning in Public Venues — next steps: Dean recapped the
discussion from last month as to where closed caption tv's should be available. The plan will
be fleshed out and work to have a presentation to Council in October 2019. Discussed as a
potential with the Grand Alliance project to meld together creating a 3' place location for
welcoming diverse population to a comfortable meeting place. There is interest in involving
schools in the Edmonds School District.
8. Student Representative: Diana discussed press release that went out for a student
representative. Brian discussed the details and his concerns about limiting this to only students
and why not other youth who may or may not be in school. Adrienne stated Council created
the student representative code and wanted students to apply that are interested in government.
After considerable discussion it was decided to discuss commissioner recruitment at the time
when regular positions are available.
9. 2018 Sub -Groups:
Policy: Council presentation of the policy recommendations has not been scheduled but Patrick
will put in a request to schedule on agenda. There was some discussion about the '/2 FTE
position in the recommendations and Patrick stated this position had been included in the
budget requests. It was a conclusion that a 10 hour per month assistant is not sufficient.
Events: Film Series: Patrick passed out a spreadsheet of proposed movies and discussed
categories and movies proposed for the series. Movies approved for series by consensus. The
movies are (name of movie followed by category): Paper Tigers (emotional & mental health);
Just Charlie (transgender); Bully (bullying); Old Goats (elder); Honor & Sacrifice
(immigration/Japanese internment); Proof of Loyalty (immigration/Japanese internment); and
The Only Good Indian (Native -American). David Ortiz discussed event at Everett's Shack
Center with recordings of interviews regarding Japanese internment that they will donate to
Diversity Commission for promotion. Melissa Bosell from Meadowdale High School would
be willing to attend film series, especially to help facilitate discussion regarding "Bully" which
she has facilitated before. World Cafe date: October 13, 10 — noon, Plaza Room has been
booked for this event. Need to review and establish topics. Some suggestions were
homelessness, hunger, what is happening in public schools. Will bring to October meeting for
approval.
Partnerships/Communications/Grants: Grand Alliance Project, Diana discussed project and
invited David Ortiz to join discussion. Couple of ideas: downtown business issues with POC
not being treated in a welcoming manner and lack of inclusivity in downtown Edmonds; Hwy
99 corridor racial incidents; including Korean community. How to appeal to businesses and
what is the project? David: his observation is Diversity Commission is passionate but
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September 5, 2018
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unfortunately getting overwhelmed from the proposal. He recommends a one-time summit
where you invite human rights/diversity commissions from the greater Puget Sound area as a
learning exercise. These groups can provide considerable advice — the State, Snohomish
County, Lynnwood, other surrounding cities. This would take the burden off the Commission
to be the experts and utilize these outside groups who can provide many resources. Other
groups have already developed best practices and tools to help and provide information that
would be helpful to Edmonds. He encourages the Commission to start small and not create an
overwhelming structure. Will continue to discuss in October. Group will continue to meet
regarding this project. Connectivity of some events could create unity and inclusiveness.
10. New Business, Commissioner's Corner:. Pat is going to ECA at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow to attend
their Inclusion & Accessibility Committee. She will report back next month.
Adjourn: 8:01 PM — Next regular meeting: October 3, 2018, 6 PM at Edmonds Senior
Center.
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September 5, 2018
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