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2020-01-08 Diversity Commission PacketSPECIAL MEETING NOTICE EDMONDS DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING The Edmonds Diversity Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is a regular meeting of the Edmonds Diversity Commission. The agenda and packet for the meeting are attached. The meeting will be held in the Edmonds City Hall, 121 5t" Ave N, Brackett Meeting Room 3rd Floor, Edmonds. WA 98020. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Posted/Mailed: January 2, 2020 POSTED: City Hall Edmonds Library Edmonds Post Office Public Safety EMAILED: Newspapers The Herald The Seattle Times The Edmonds Beacon Karlin C#a#innc KCIS/KCMS KSER KRKO KIRO Television Stations KING KOMO KIRO Myedmondsnews.com City Council Directors or EDIT 0 �89 p �)qo AGENDA Edmonds Diversitv Commission Brackett Meeting Room, Edmonds City Hall 121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds, WA 98020 Wednesday, January 8, 2020 6:OOPM — 8:OOPM 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 and Absences 10 min. 1 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of December 4, 2019 Meeting Summary 4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker) 20 min. 5. Update from the city: Patrick Doherty, Adrienne Fraley-Monillas Budget review of final 2019 expenditures 6. Old Business: 10 min. a. Update on coordinator position 7. Subgroup Reports: 5 min. a. Policy: 5 min. b. Partnerships: Decal project status 5 min. c. Events: 8. New Business: 55 min. a. Discuss retreat topics 10 min. 9. Commissioner's Corner: Adjourn — 8:OOPM Next regular meeting: Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 4 PM, Brackett Meeting Room Guiding Principles To ensure we meet our responsibilities as a Commission, we agree to • start and end our meetings on time • demonstrate our respect for our fellow Commissioners, the City of Edmonds, and the citizens we represent by: being present, being prepared, actively listening, participating in meetings, completing our individual assignments, and holding ourselves accountable • "step up and step back" • establish goals and action plans that are results oriented • establish subcommittees as needed • engage in courageous, honest, and open dialogue when faced with difficult issues or questions • utilize the "Ouch Rule" (assume positive intent; resist the temptation to be offended) • embrace the education opportunities presented through the Commission meetings • strive to make decisions by consensus. In a case where consensus cannot be reached after a reasonable attempt has been made, the Chairperson may call for a majority vote. DRAFT CITY OF EDMONDS DIVERSITY COMMISSION December 4, 2019 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Pat Valle, Chair Anabel Hovig, Vice -Chair Dean Olson Ed Dorame Donnie Griffin Maria Montalvo Mindy Woods Sarah Mixson Tomas Brodniak, Student Representative Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, officio COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Brian Potter (unexcused) GUESTS: Adam Cornell, Snohomish Co Prosecutor Mayor Earling Nikki Okimoto-Glaros, Commissioner -elect Sekou Kon&, Commissioner -elect STAFF PRESENT Patrick Doherty, ED/CS Director ex Giovanne Schachere, Diversity Commission 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 6:01 p.m. Pat recognized Brian Potter as an unexcused absence. Nikki Okimoto Glaros and Sekou Kon6 were recognized as Commissioners -elect who were confirmed by City Council last evening. Mayor Earling recognized Ed Dorame and Maria Montalvo as outgoing Commissioners as of the end of 2019. Pat recognized the Mayor and thanked him for his years of service. Approval of Agenda: The agenda was approved by consensus. 3. Approval of Meeting Summary of November 6, 2019: Summary minutes approved by consensus. 4. Public Comment: VivianOlson introduced herself as an incoming Councilperson for 2020. Supported the work that is being done and expressed her interest in being involved with the commission. Ardeth Weed spoke regarding getting the word out on diverse community events and if the Beacon could cover these events. 5. Visit from Snohomish County Prosecutor Adam Cornell: Prosecutor Cornell spoke regarding his letter back to the Commission regarding the Harvey's Tavern incident. The incident did not result in any charges against the Harvey's Tavern employee. Explained his role as prosecutor and he was elected and took office in January 2019. An individual cannot be charged with a crime unless there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. Explained how the system of justice requires decisions to be made based on the facts and the applicable law. He DRAFT Meeting Summary Diversity Commission December 4, 2019 Page 1 DRAFT explained the process that led to the decision not to file charges in the Harvey's Tavern incident. He expressed his opinion there were no errors made in the investigation by the Edmonds Police Department (EPD). Must believe there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Does not endorse the language used in this incident, but the person cannot be charged because words did not constitute a true threat under the law. There was no true threat of harm and, while vile and shameful, words are not a crime. Could not show without a reasonable doubt there was a hate crime committed in this incident. There have been some changes in law and always the possibility to petition the Legislature for further changes. There were questions and a reiteration from the Commission as a whole how disappointing this decision was. Donnie expressed his thanks and appreciation. But has concerns about this not really being a priority for the Prosecutor's Office. Referenced another case at McDonald's that had been also declined to prosecute regarding racial slurs. Donnie also asked why the Prosecutor's Office did not respond in a timely manner after numerous calls by citizens regarding this case. Mr. Cornell stated the decision was made a long time ago but press releases are not sent out on cases that are declined. Mindy asked questions about the video and why was not a bat in the hands reason for prosecution. The response is this does not rise to the level of probable cause to prosecute as the video did not show the bat being used in a threatening manner. There is very little subject to interpretation in the video. Anabel expressed her concern why the testimony of the minors did not have more weight. Mr. Cornell explained that criminal prosecutors represent the state of WA and do not represent victims. Victims do not decide to press charges, but rather prosecutors make those decisions. Dean also had concerns about using a bat as a threat. And concerns about calls not being answered when questions were raised. Mr. Cornell apologized on behalf of his office as they had not provided answers regarding this case when asked. Adrienne thanked him for attending and being subjected to the questions. Mr. Cornell reiterated that this was inappropriate behavior but did not rise to the level of charging for a crime. A victim's advocate should have contacted the family and he will address why this did not happen with his office. Maria stated that the Diversity Commission needs to be following up on cases such as this as the role of the Commission is to effect change. 6. Update from the City: Patrick advised that Giovanne will not be continuing with the Commission after this year. The position should be included in the 2020 budget although it has not yet been approved. Budget process is still going on, with possible approved by Dec 17, 2019. Meetings will have to be moved during elevator repair/replacement, which could begin in mid -January and run for 6 weeks or more. Adrienne said budget should be passed within the next two weeks. New Council and Mayor will have some new direction. But she assured the Commission the budget for Diversity Commission will not be impacted. There will be a Council retreat on 2/7/20 and hopefully the new Councilmember will be appointed by 2/7/20 retreat. Patrick mentioned that Nikki had been a model for increasing diversity in the tourism brochure. Giovanne stated his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Commission and hoped to stay involved in the future. 7. Old Business: a. "I Am Edmonds" capstone event debrief. Pat stated there were approximately 35 people in the Plaza Room for the event. It was a great event and had received positive feedback. Donnie stated how impressed he was and felt we are on the right track with the event. Sarah appreciated working with Courtney Wooten and how impressive it was getting the attendees involved. Dean said at a Chamber meeting someone told him how impressive the event was. Anabel was impressed would like to see the stories put together so they are able to be kept and referred to as the 2019 event. Mindy enjoyed event but unfortunately it was DRAFT Meeting Summary Diversity Commission December 4, 2019 Page 2 DRAFT the same day as community Day of the Dead event. Pat would like to continue the event in the future. 8. Subgroup Reports: a. Policy: Captioning letter was sent out to approximately 250 businesses. State has taken over the business licensing which should increase the amount of business licenses issued as more businesses are identified that didn't have licenses. b. Partnerships: Decal project status: 200 decals/window clings have been ordered through Branding Iron. Should be available before the end of the year. Will send out press release when they are ready for distribution. They will be available at the front counter of City Hall and/or through the Council office c. Events: 2019/2020 Film Series — Assign hosts for film series: January 18: Anabel & Mindy; 2/15: Pat & Donnie; 3/21: Adrienne & Sarah; 4/18: Donnie & Pat. 9. New Business: a. Elect chair & vice chair for 2020: Donnie nominated Pat for chair and Sarah seconded and Pat accepted as chair. Adrienne nominated Anabel for vice chair and Sarah seconded, and Donnie nominated Dean as vice chair. Pat opened discussion regarding these nominations after offering the opportunity to Dean and Anabel to leave the room if they wished. They did so. Dean and Anabel rejoined the Commission for the vote. After discussion, a vote was taken and Anabel was elected vice chair for 2020. b. Discuss retreat date for 2020 — possibly February meeting although new commission Sekou Kone will not be available so the decision was made to have the regular meeting on March 4 for a retreat as a tentative date. The planning for the retreat will take place in January and February. 10. Commissioner's Corner: Ed discussed an Edmonds School District event on Wednesday, January 15 4-9 p.m. at Meadowdale Middle School for the LGBTQ student community. They would like the Commission to have a table with information about the Edmonds Diversity Commission and what they do. Will put event on website. Pat, Sarah and Anabel will attend. Tomas asked about retreat timing. Anabel reported on the University Women's policy cafe she attended as a facilitator. Donnie has posters for MLK event. He appreciated support from Commission and Council. Mindy mentioned that Courtney was producing the morning MLK program. Sunday is Human Rights Day Sno Co Human Rights Commission is holding an event on December 8 at Everett CC for 2019 Human Rights Day Awards. Mindy nominated Kim Gorney of Washington Kids in Transition. Shoreline sends out e-mail and would like to see Edmonds do the same thing. Edmonds is one of few cities that does not have anyone dedicated to Human Services. She is encouraged by this position in the proposed 202 budget for Edmonds to coordinate resources for citizens. Would encourage individual Commissioners to express their support for this to City Council. Pat and the Commission recognized and wished Giovanne well in his future endeavors. Adiourn: Pat adjourned the meeting at 8:04 PM — Next meeting: January 8, 2019, 6 p.m. in the Brackett Room at Edmonds City Hall. DRAFT Meeting Summary Diversity Commission December 4, 2019 Page 3