HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-11 Special Minutes - Council Retreat2021 Council Retreat
Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2021
Social Hall
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Ave 5, Tukwila, WA 98168
Also accessible to the public via telephonic access
City of Tukwila
City Council
PRESENT
City Council: Kate Kruller, President: Kathy Hougardy, De'Sean Quinn, Thomas McLeod, Zak Idan,
Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson
Staff Laurel Humphrey
Guests: Cecile Hansen, Duwamish Tribe Chairwoman; Merna Ann Hecht, Refugee & Immigrant
Youth Voices Poetry Project Co -Director
Council President Kruller called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Duwamish Tribe Chairwoman Hansen joined Councilmembers for dinner and an informal discussion
about the adverse outcomes that played out from government policy in the region and Tukwila
historically, along with current events regarding the Tribe, including efforts toward federal
recognition. Council had an opportunity to read the book Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His
Name in preparation for this discussion.
Ms. Hecht met virtually with the City Council for a discussion about the Refugee & Immigrant Youth
Voices Poetry Project, understanding past traumatic experiences carried by a significant number of
our residents as they arrived here in Tukwila to find refuge - all of which are integral to our tapestry
and identity as a city. Discussions centered around options for further engagement with Tukwila
youth. Council had an opportunity to read the seventh publication by this project, We Are the Future:
Poems with a Voice for Peace, in preparation for this discussion.
6zoo Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington • 98188 - Tel: 206-433-1800 • www.tukwilawa.gov
2021 Council Retreat Summary page 2
June 12, 2021
Social Hall
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Ave 5, Tukwila, WA 98168
Also accessible to the public via telephonic access
PRESENT
City Council:
Staff
Guests:
Kate Kruller, President; Verna Seal, Kathy Hougardy, Kate Kruller, Thomas McLeod,
Zak Idan, Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson
Laurel Humphrey
Greg Taylor, Community Connection Consulting Principal; Eleuthera Lisch & Fahima
Mohamed, King County; Daniel Kenny, Assistant City Attorney.
Council President Kruller called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Community Centered Policymaking
Mr. Taylor facilitated a discussion on Reimagining Racial Inclusion through Community Centered
Policymaking. This involved taking a look at how local government is structured and functions, its
historical roots, learning ways to communicate differently, along with examining, rethinking, and
transforming policy that prevents residents from full access to and receiving the service they deserve
from their local government.
Regional Community Safety & Well Being Plan
Ms. Lisch & Ms. Mohamed shared information about King County's Regional Community Safety & Well
Being Plan, which is an initiative by Public Health - Seattle & King County, Zero Youth Detention
Program to reduce and eliminate gun violence across the region.
City Personnel Organization & Budgeting
Mr. Kenny provided an overview of the City Council's authority and role regarding personnel and
organizational structure through policy and budgeting.
Community Outreach
Councilmembers discussed opportunities for community outreach in the remainder of the year
including town halls, community connectors, and tabling at city events to share information about
the City Council's role and responsibilities.
Strategic Planning
Councilmembers discussed the City's Strategic Plan and would like to schedule a meeting this year
to discuss its relevancy and/or next steps for an update.
Council Rules
Councilmembers discussed the recent Rules of Procedure update recently implemented and how to
get more participation in making motions.
2021 Council Retreat Summary page 3
Returning to In -Person Meetings
Councilmembers discussed transitioning back to in-person meetings, including following state
requirements, providing remote attendance options, meeting room technology, and balancing the
timing of committee vs full Council meetings. Options for meeting room technology will be
presented to Council this summer.
Teen & Senior Center
Councilmembers discussed the Teen & Senior Center Project.
The 2021 Tukwila City Council Retreat was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.