2019-10-02 Diversity Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
October 2, 2019
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Pat Valle, Chair
Anabel Hovig, Vice -Chair
Maria Montalvo
Mindy Woods
Dean Olson
Donnie Griffin
Sarah Mixson
Brian Potter
Tomas Brodniak, Student Representative
Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas,
officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Ed Dorame, (unexcused)
GUEST:
STAFF PRESENT
Patrick Doherty, ED/CS Director
Giovanne Schachere, Diversity Commission
ex Coordinator
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledeement: "We acknowledee the orieinal 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: Pat called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Pat recognized Ed Dorame's absence is
not excused as it does not fit with any of the criteria for an excused absence.
2. Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by consensus.
3. Approval of Meeting Summary of September 4, 2019: Summary minutes approved by
consensus.
4. Public Comment: Ryan Crane discussed Indigenous People's Day recognition and/or
acknowledgement. Concern expressed about the abundance of US Flags displayed rather than
some show of recognition of Indigenous Day. Chris from the Edmonds Theater mentioned the
film series.
5. Update from the City:
1. Patrick: Mayor's budget will be presented next Tuesday at Council, then the Council
will review and make amendments to proposed budget and hold public hearings.
Reviewed a copy of the budget for the Commission.
2. Adrienne: No report
3. Giovanne: Sending out a -mails to Commissioners from other organizations requesting
volunteers from the Commissions. Please respond to his requests as soon as possible.
Approved Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
October 2, 2019
Page 1
6. Old Business
a. "I Am Edmonds" Project update/progress: Pat discussed the proposed capstone event on
11/2 for this project. Will be held in Plaza Room. Agenda and event details of the program
are still being developed. I Ia.m. — 1 p.m. will be the event time. Will need some additional
budget for the honorarium for speakers and additional advertising. Could be up to an
additional $500. There was discussion on how to accommodate hearing -impaired and
visually impaired for the event. This will be researched. There was interest expressed on
making this more than a one-time event It was agreed by consensus to add to the budget for
a total of $1,500 to be spent on the event.
b. Letter to Sno Co Prosecutor re: Harvey's Tavern. Patrick gave update that this is a result of
the Police Chief advising the Commission to ask the Sno Co Prosecutor's office about
status of case at last month's meeting. It was also suggested that perhaps we could ask the
Prosecutor to attend a meeting to discuss situations such as these. After discussion
regarding proposed letter, some proposed changes were made, and Pat and Patrick will
finalize the memo to be sent out. Memo approved by consensus.
c. Unexpended Funds Policy — please send ideas to Patrick, Giovanne, or Cindi.
7. Subgroup Reports:
a. Policy:
Maria updated progress on captioning recommendations that letter is completed and Patrick
and Giovanne will be finishing the project by selecting businesses to receive letters. The
Policy subgroup will bring back a recommendation for a policy on reading and receiving
statements to Commission next month.
b. Partnership: Patrick updated project and discussed parameters the sub -group had come up
with to work with designer to create a draft decal. A version of "All Are Welcome,
Edmonds" or "Edmonds, All Are Welcome" was preferred. Have received some drafts but
have not seen a revised version at this time. The decals will be available at City Hall and
thru the Chamber. Agree by consensus to spend up to $500 for decals including design.
Events:
2019/2020 Film Series update: assign hosts for Oct. & Nov. Ed and Donnie will host
November, Mindy and Adrienne will host October. Will choose 2020 hosts at a later
meeting.
8. New Business:
a. Recognition of Indigenous Day: Giovanne provided examples of proclamations from other
jurisdictions recognizing Indigenous Day. The example from Bend was highlighted as the
best one. There was discussion on recognizing events along with additional areas of
diversity that can be recognized. The Commission could forward this on to the Council for
a proclamation or a member of the Commission could read at a Council meeting. Adrienne
stated that a task force has been created by Council to explore ways sponsor and/or partner
an event highlighting the connections with a local Indigenous Peoples. Sarah reminded of
the Jeremy Dutcher concert in October at the ECA which is a Canadian Indigenous singer
Approved Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
October 2, 2019
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sponsored in part by a Diversity Commission grant. After discussion regarding this subject
it was discussed to review the original mission statement and how to proceed at the retreat
for 2020. Need calendar to determine what can be highlighted on a monthly basis. It was
agreed by consensus to create a statement recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day and
recognizing October as Disability Month.
b. Arts and Youth Commission Partnerships: Pat updated on her attendance at the Youth
Commission meeting. It is a struggle to recruit students to sit on the commission as 5 are
graduating and moving on. Will be holding a youth forum, October 10 from 4-6 p.m and
plan to hold quarterly youth forums. How could Diversity Commission connect and support
the work of the Youth Commission? Pat will check in with YC to suggest some outreach
from DC commission for support and help. She will be meeting with Tanya Sharp and
Frances Chapin from Arts Commission.
9. Commissioner's Corner (comments by individual commissioners):
Adrienne mentioned Salish Sea Native American group rally this Saturday in Olympia. Maria
mentioned event on November 10 at ECA 5-8 with Dali Lama. Anabel discussed current issues
happening at King's High School regarding LGBTQ intolerance. Mindy had attended a C3
meeting and they encouraged feedback. Donnie attended India Arie concert at ECA. He also
reported that C3 has an office in Edmonds. Donnie encouraged the Commission to read the
book: Waking Up White. Brian has joined Puget Sound Works Chorus. Mindy mentioned
ENAC has social justice book club which meets 3' Thursday of the month. Sarah
recommended the book White Fragility. Dean recommended the book White Trash: The 400-
Year Untold History of Class in America.
Adiourn: Pat adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM — Next meeting: November 6, 2019, 6 p.m.
potentially at the Plaza Room, Edmonds Library.
Approved Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
October 2, 2019
Page 3