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
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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
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Diversity Commission
December 4, 2019
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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
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December 4, 2019
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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.
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Diversity Commission
December 4, 2019
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