HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-09-02 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes — 5:15 p.m. — Tukwila City hall Conference Room # 3
September 2, 2010
PRESENT
Commissioners: Joan Hernandez, Brenna Arnesen, Carolyn Barge
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Guests: Mary Hulvey, Mellody Matthes, Aaron Dragonov
ABSENT: Felicia Green, Jonathan Joseph, Verna Seal
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m
In the absence of the Commission's Chair, Vice -Chair Brenna Arnesen, conducted the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes from the June 10, 2010 were read and reviewed. Motion was made (Joan Hernandez) and
seconded (Brenna Arnesen) to accept the minutes as written.
It was suggested that in the future, minutes from the previous meeting be sent out to members, along
with the Agenda, a few days prior to the meeting, and staff will take the necessary steps to make that
happen in the future.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion from Board Retreat, July 22, 2010
Information was shared regarding the budget reduction (from an annual budget of $3,000 to $1,500).
The group discussed the feasibility of exploring corporate sponsorship as a way to obtain funding for
grants/programs. Perhaps a letter could be sent to Tukwila businesses and corporations as a way to
provide more information and solicit sponsorship. Brenna indicated that she could provide mailing
labels if such a mailing occurs. Joyce will pursue this furtherwith the City Attorney's office to determine
what legal issues could arise.
Carolyn attended the Burmese event/meeting and advised the group thatthere are a significant number
of Burmese/Nepali students (over 200) in the school district which incorporates 6-7 different dialects.
She will send the members of the Commission a copy of the slides from the meeting.
Discussion followed regarding Commission members attending School Board meetings, as a way to
connect more direction with the schools, share information, etc. Since Mellody already attends all of
these meetings, she volunteered to act as the liaison between the district and the Commission. Joyce
will add a line item to future agenda's, to highlight any items from the School Board that might be
relevant to the Commission members.
The group talked about use of the budget ($1,500/year), and the possibility of updating the bi-lingual
guide which was published 6-7 years ago. The school district has applied for a grant that, if approved,
could possibly provide financial assistance to make this happen. There was also discussion regardingthe
possibility of updating the website. Joan will talk with Ms. Burke to determine the status of the grant —
whether it was approved, and if so, could any of the funds be utilized for the guide update. It was also
suggested thatthe grant process be formalized (versus a phone call as king for money). The Commission
members agreed that the Commission needs to give first consideration to its own funding needs, and
then consider grant applications. The reduced budget will need to be utilized very efficiently.
Joyce will contact the Somali group who received a grant in May (summer school program) and invite a
representative to attend the October 7th meeting and share information regarding how the funds were
used. She will also send the current grant application form to Commission membe rs for their review
and edits.
Joan indicated that the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers would like to come and make a
presentation to members at the November meeting. They would like to be able to share information
with the schools regarding their mentor program for students interested in pursuing a career in
engineering. This information, along with otheractivities by the Commission, could be shared with staff
from the Tukwila Reporter as well.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of Membership Applications
Aaron and Mellody verbally shared their background and experience with Commission members, and
after review and discussion, it was recommended that the following actions be taken:
• Accept the application of Mary Hulvey, for Position # 4 (City Rep)
• Accept the application of Aaron Draganov, for Position # 8 (School Rep)
• Accept the application of Mellody Matthes for Position # 5 (School Rep).
These applications will be submitted to the Mayor's Office for approval. Joyce explained to the
Commission that there are several vacancies on various Boards and Commissions, and that she and
Tracey Galloway, Parks and Rec., have been tasked with identifying opportunities to streamline the
process for filling vacancies. More information will follow in the next couple of months.
At some point, new members (Mary, Aaron, and Mellody) will be invited to attend a Council Meeting, to
be formally introduced to Council members.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
OTHER
Mary Hulvey thanked the Commission for the grant funds to assist in debris/junk removal. Only about
$75 of the approved $600 was actually utilized, but she appreciated the willingness of members to help
provide the funding for this project.
Calendar:
Discussion followed regarding any cultural fairs at the schools. International Day is held at Tukwila
Elementary School in spring (May) and the group wondered if that event would be expanded to Cascade
or Thorndyke, and if so, what role the Commission could have. Mel lody will provide school district
calendars at the October 7 meeting.
Joyce will also create an Equity/Diversity calendar for the next meeting.
Joan shared with the group, that Felicia has submitted her resignation to the Commission. She is going
to work for the Seattle School District. Brenna accepted the role of Chair for the upcoming year, and
Carolyn Barge volunteered to step in as Vice -Chair.
We also received notice that Verna Seal is resigning from the Commission due to other conflicts.
Members were given copies of the Application for Appointment to Boards/Commissions, and will solicit
others who might be interested in serving the City in this way. There are currently two remaining
positions open: No. 2 (School Rep), and Pos. 7 (Community Rep.)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — OCTOBER 7, 2010
Submitted by Joyce Trantina