HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2013-01-03 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
January 3, 2013
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Mary Hulvey, Kathleen Gantz, Charlie Penor, Mellody
Matthes
Absent: Verna Seal, Brenna Arensen
Staff: Joyce Trantina, Nate Robinson
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
The minutes from the September 6, 2012 meeting were reviewed and approved as submitted. The
Minutes from the December 6, 2012 meeting were reviewed and approved as submitted.
NEW BUSINESS
Joyce provided a summary of the 2012 budget and how funds were used. The Commission's 2012
budget was $3,257. Approximately $2,356 was spent as follows: Police Explorers Grant; Translation
services for magnets; cost of magnets for Cultural Diversity event. The remaining (unspent) balance was
$900.03.
She also advised the group that the 2013/2014 budget has been approved at the same level ($3,257
each year).
Joyce also provided an update regardingthe City's recently adopted Strategic Plan, and the process that
was used to engage the broad Tukwila community (residents, businesses, and employees) in helping
develop a Vision statement and goals that will help us meetthe needs of a broad group of stakeholders.
Work will continue this yearas we begin the job of implementing processes that will help us reach these
goals, and there will definitely be opportunities for the Commission to play a role in improving
communication with our ethnically diverse residents and building greaterskills in the area of community
outreach.
The group talked about the Dream Act — Mellody indicated that a meeting was held at Foster High
School in Octoberfor Spanish speaking residents, and about 65 people participated. She thanked Verna
Equity and Diversity Commission
Minutes
January3, 2013
for her role in helping organize the workshop. The group would like to hear more from Verna at our
next meeting.
ELECTIONS
After a brief discussion, nominations were made from the group, asking that Mary assume the role of
Chair, and Aaron assume the role of Vice Chair for 2013, and the following vote was unanimous. Both
members were willingto assume these roles, and the group expressed their gratitude and appreciation
to Brenna Arnesen who has done an excellent job in her role as Chair.
Mellody shared information with the group about a program called Girls on the Run — which helps 3rd —
5th grade girls develop self- esteem. It also deals with family nutrition, and provides coaches who help
the girls after school. The program continues thru the school year, and ends in a run/walk at Seward
Park. Mellody will ask someone to make a more formal presentation to the group at an upcoming
meeting. The program has received funding through CSC, but there are not adequate funds available,
and she is hoping the Commission might consider some level of support.
Kathleen shared that Scott Hood (who grew up in Tukwila and was a Foster grad) has been involved in
the WE program and plans to make a presentation to some current Foster kids later in the year. The WE
program celebrates kids who have done one local and one global community project.
Joan shared information regarding the Military Seisquicentennial group, made up of representatives
from the various cities that border Military Road. Joan is Tukwila's acting representative. Each City
bordering on Military Road is being asked to take their turn sponsoring a program. Some of the ideas
for Tukwila to consider are: a presentation about Joseph Foster or Frederick Dent. Martha Steel is
mentioned in our Tukwila History book, and also might be someone to highlight. Joyce will set up time
with the Mayor and City Administrator to get their opinions and recommendations. It is likely a
presentation featuring Tukwila would take place in the June time period.
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2013