HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2014-02-06 Minutesilivolo
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
February 6, 2014
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Nate Robinson, Kathleen Gantz, Charlie Penor
Absent: Mary Hulvey
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Guests: Kathy Hougardy, Kyana Cavaiani , Martin Turney
Meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
2014 Chair/Vice-Chair
After discussion, Mary Hulvey agreed to continue as Chair in 2014 and Nate Robinson will be
Vice -Chair.
The minutes from the December 5, 2013 meeting were reviewed and approved. Kathleen
Gantz made a motion to approve — Aaron Draganov seconded.
Joyce provided an update on the Community Connectors program (liaisons), who have received
very broad training on City services, and more specific information regarding the
Comprehensive Plan Update (Housing, Food Access, Neighborhoods). The liaisons will be
collecting survey data within their own communities over the next several weeks. That
information will be utilized in the Comp. Plan update early next year. She also shared that a
Community Conversation for residents and businesses along Tukwila International Boulevard
has been scheduled for March 6th. Interpreters, child care and a light meal will be provided,
and is open to everyone. Invitations/flyers/emails will be going out next week.
Equity and Diversity Commission members were encouraged to attend, and could also be a
resource for helping with logistics at the meeting. Joyce will send members a flyer and more
information when available.
Kathy Hougardy shared that community outreach is important to Council members. During her
Council presidency, Kathy worked with other councilmembers to brainstorm ways that Council
members could be more accessible to residents. Through this process, Council members
identified communities they could work with and they will continue these efforts. Several
members plan to be at the March 6th event.
Kyana shared a few comments about her background and experience. She has completed an
application for one of the vacancies on the commission.
Kathy Hougardy has also completed an application for the Council vacancy on the Commission.
She expressed interest in expanding connections with the community. As Council President,
she has made outreach one of her goals.
NEW BUSINESS
School District members shared information about current and upcoming events in the
district:
• WE day is March 21— and the district is planning to take 3 groups of students to
participate (2 from the district, 1 fr4om the Parks and Rec. Dept.).
• ELL students will be testing during February.
• Nate shared that a group of students spent a day in Olympia (in conjunction with World Vision
and Washington State Youth Advisory Council). The students attended workshops, learned
about legislative processes, gave a presentation on Teens for Tukwila, and learned what other
groups across the state are doing. They also attended meetings with State Legislators
representing Tukwila.
• After school program at Foster went until 7:00 p.m during finals week. 83 students participated,
which provided a place to study for finals. A snack meal was also provided
• On Monday's breakfast will be served in Tukwila Elementary school (pilot program)
• Career fair — if there is anyone who would like to be a guest speaker, or like to volunteer to help,
please get in touch with Nate. This will be a great partnership opportunity between the school
district, City, City businesses, and students.
Joyce indicated that City staff have been receiving Cultural Awareness training (Cultures Connecting).
Equity and Diversity Comission members may want to participate in the next class on May 7th.
Joan shared information about the Vietnamese Martyers Church opening which was a wonderful event
(about 2,000 attendees from around the area). The new Church, located in Tukwila, was dedicated
and the New Year celebrated throughout the weekend.
Visiting guests left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
COMMISSION VACANCIES
The Commission discussed the current vacancies and were very supportive of Kathy Hougardy's
appointment into Position 1 (Council member). Joyce will work with Laurel to determine whether or not
other Council members wish to submit applications. The Commissioners present would unanimously
recommend Kathy's appointment to the Mayor for consideration.
Discussion continued regarding the remaining vacancies. Because positions are appointed, it will be
necessary for the school district to have the same individual filling Position No. (versus rotating
people in and out of meetings). Joyce will work with the Superintendent on this.
The group has several concerns regarding applications submitted by non -Tukwila residents. While the
Ordinance does not specifically state a residency requirement, the intent was that commissioners reside
in the City. Ms. Cavaiani's background and experience would make her an excellent resource for this
type of work, and SeaTac should be the benefactor of her skills, rather than Tukwila. We are working
diligently to have our boards, commissions and staff, more closely reflect the people we serve, and the
commissioners feel strongly that members should also be part of our own community (residents). Joan
will get in touch with SeaTac officials, to talk further about Ms. Cavaiani's experience, and whether or
not she could be a resource for her own local City.
2014 GOAL AREAS
The Commissioners unanimously approved the goal statements for 2014 (found on E/D agendas).
Meeting adjourned 7:15 p.m.
THE MARCH 6, 2014 MEETING IS BEING CANCELLED SO THAT EQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSIONERS
CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION DISCUSSION AT SHOWALTER.
NEXT MEETING - APRIL 3, 2014