HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-05-06 MinutesEQUITY & DIVERSITY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes - 5:15 p.m. — Tukwila City Hall Conference Room #3
May 6, 2010
PRESENT
Commissioners: Falicia Green; Chair, Brenna Arnesen, Joan Hernandez, Jonathan Joseph and Zak Palsha
Staff: Kimberly Matej
Guest: Don Lincoln
The meeting was called to order at 5:16 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Consensus existed to approve the minutes dated April 1, 2010.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
No Special Presentations.
OLD BUSINESS
Citizenship Day — April 17, 2010
Verna was not able to attend the Commission meeting, and the remaining members were unsure if she
would have information to report out on. Kimberly reported that as she understood, Verna did not attend
the event to assist as a paralegal; however, she did order and deliver lunch to the volunteers at the event.
The cost of the lunch was sponsored by the Commission, and was just over $100.
Joan inquired if the organization acknowledged the financial support of the Equity & Diversity
Commission. Brenna asked what the budget is and/or costs involved for the organization which sponsors
this event (Washington New Americans). Answers to each question were unknown.
NEW BUSINESS
Summer Meeting Schedule — July and August
Brenna inquired about the Commission's summer schedule. After discussion of summer activities and
commitments as well as the difficulty for many of the Commissioners to meet during the summer months, the
Commission agreed it is in the best interest of all members to cancel the July and August meetings. Additionally,
based on year-end school activities, the Commission moved the June 3 meeting to Thursday, June 10 (same
location, same time).
Commission Vacancies
Zak reported to the group that he has taken a position in another location and will no longer be able to serve on the
Commission. Kimberly reported that Zak's departure will take the Commission to three vacant positions: two
school representatives and one City representative. Don Lincoln is attending the meetings to see if he might be
interested in submitting an application for appointment for the City representative position; however, he has not yet
decided.
Zak stated that he will be working diligently to try to identify a school representative that he feels would be an asset
to the Commission and also interested in serving as a Commissioner. If he can find someone, he will bring them to
the June Commission meeting so that everyone can meet the individual.
City Budget Reductions
Kimberly reported that the City is in the process of considering additional budget reductions in response to the
downward economy. Although the City Council has not made decisions relative to budget cuts, a proposal has been
brought forward to reduce some of the Boards and Commissions budgets. Specifically, Equity and Diversity could
be reduced up to 50%, resulting in a remaining budget of $3,100.
Last year Kimberly informed the Commission of some of the financial challenges the City is/was facing, and at that
time, the Commission determined it was best to freeze funding that would be utilized as grants to outside sources.
Equity & Diversity Commission Minutes May 6, 2010 — Page 2
The Commission again agreed that Commission funds used for grants should be frozen until a decision is made
regarding budget reductions. Joan reminded everyone that the Equity and Diversity Commission has not always
functioned as a granting group. It was not until the Commission began having difficultly identifying specific
projects to dedicate funds to that financial assistance/grant process/application emerged.
In light of budget challenges, Kimberly suggested the group consider meeting their goals through service. For
example, if the Commission cannot provide financial support to an organization or program, perhaps members
would be willing to commit an hour or so to volunteer for a specific function and/or event; such as committing to
read to a non-native speaking child/participant. This suggestion did not appeal to the Commissioners.
The group had a round-robin dialogue regarding suggestions for future project/funding opportunities for the
Commission. Ideas included: Living Voices; consistent execution of an MLK activity; school district -wide
international day; United Nations Day activities (October), purchase international flags for schools (like Tukwila
Elementary has). Don Lincoln suggested funding for DARE, Gang Resistance Education or Safe Schools Route.
City Staff Support
Kimberly distributed a memo from Council President Dennis Robertson regarding providing City staff support to
the Commission. The discussion was controversial and the Commissioners agreed to have Joan discuss this issue
further with Dennis Robertson.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
No citizen comments.
STAFF REPORT
No report.
OTHER ITEMS
Zak reminded the Commission of International Day at Tukwila Elementary of June 4 and extended an invitation for
everyone to attend. The Assembly begins at 9:15 a.m. and the multi -cultural potluck is from 11:20 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Joan distributed the Ethnic Heritage Council newsletter and invited Commissioners to attend the 30th Anniversary
and Awards Dinner on May 15. The cost of attendance could be covered by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 10, 2010.
Taken by:
Prepared by:
Kimberly Matej
Kimberly Matej