HomeMy WebLinkAboutESJ 2017-06-01 MinutesI. Call to Order
5:17 pm
II. Roll Call
Joan Hernandez
Dat Tran
Nancy Coogan
Aaron Dragonov
Kathy Hougardy
Guests:
Karl Henry
Ekua Monkah
Learly Labanlic
Staff:
Mia Navarro
III. Approval of Agenda
The group approved the agenda by consensus.
IV. Approval of Minutes, May 4, 2017
Joan made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Nancy seconded. The motion
passed.
V. Guest Presentation: Foster High School Student Project — Flags on TIB and
Documentary
Foster High School juniors Ekua Monkah and Leary Labanlic presented information on a
proposed project to produce a documentary about students' stories, and installing
international flags on Tukwila International Boulevard. Two other students, seniors
Serena Nget and Daniel Humkey are also part of this project.
The students were inspired by the results of the election to find ways to make their
voices heard, promote inclusivity, show pride in diversity. The documentary would
include a history of Tukwila, incorporate the stories of immigrant and refugee families
and students, tell the story of what is happening for students at home, and discuss the
need for improving the community (crime, violence, inequities, prostitution, etc.). The
documentary would include many different languages so students can tell their stories
in the way that's most comfortable for them.
The Commission expressed support for the documentary, and stressed the importance
of telling all the stories of Tukwila, both old and new.
Once the students have their plan more fleshed out, they will be looking for help with
funding, professional filmmaking, advertising, and a way to share the documentary.
They are thinking of premiering the film at the Tukwila Village grand opening. The goal
for completion of the film is Spring 2018.
The goal for the flag project is to install all 230 country flags on Tukwila International
Boulevard on flag poles. They are thinking of starting with the 80+ flags represented by
Foster families, and including a plaque for each pole with the country name and motto.
The motto of the project is, "Today we stand, tomorrow we unite." The group wants to
make this an official group and leave a legacy for the future.
The Commission again expressed support, encouraged the students to meet with the
Tukwila Historical Society and gave grant ideas. Leary also mentioned that one funding
idea is to have the different cultural committees sponsor their flag's installation.
Kathy recommended next steps to the students:
• Submit a funding request to the Commission once all the details are in place.
• Present to Commission again when plan is in place, perhaps September.
• The Commission will help set up a presentation to the City Council.
• Mia will send the funding request form to the students.
VI. Unfinished Business
a. Bylaws Discussion. The group decided to postpone the bylaws discussion to a
future meeting.
b. Membership. We still need a student, 2 employees, 1 resident/business
representative, and 1 representative from the educational field. The question
remains of whether or not students should vote. The students present were split
about that.
VII. New Business
a. Summer Meetings. The group decided to cancel the July meeting due to staff and
Commission absences. Mia will check for a quorum before the August 3rd
meeting.
VIII. Reports of Commissioners and Staff/Announcements
Mia updated the group on the Equity Policy. It is currently being revised in advance of
going to the Finance Committee. Will have an update at the next meeting. Mia also
updated the group on the high school internship program. We will have at least 6
summer interns.
Joan asked the group to begin looking for her replacement. Joan's term ends December
31, 2017, and she will not seek reappointment.
Kathy reported that she has some prospective parent members.
IX. Agenda for Next Meeting
• Bylaws or Student Presentation
• Equity Policy Update
X. Adjournment
The group adjourned by consensus at 6:26 pm.