HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-10-07 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes — 5:15 p.m. — Tukwila City hall Conference Room # 3
October 7, 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 September 2, 2010 were read and reviewed. Motion was made (Joan Hernandez)
and seconded (Carolyn Barge) to accept the minutes as written.
OLD BUSINESS
Joan followed up from the September meeting regarding the Stuart Foundation Grant application
(school district) which the Commission had hoped could help support updating the access guide.
Unfortunately, the grant was not awarded, which is going to make it very difficult to get the guide
updated/re-published, based on the budget dollars available. Discussion followed regarding the
possibility of other grants/sponsorship, and Joyce shared feedback with the group from the City
Attorney, regardingthe fact that while there are no laws that prohibit a city's use of corporate sponsors,
there could be issues relating to the public's perception of such funding, and the potential for
misunderstanding (i.e. could be viewed as the City "supporting" or favoring some businesses that could
run contrary to perceived objectives/goals of the Commission). After further discussion, the group
determined that if sponsorship was pursued in support of a specific Commission project, the City
Attorney's office would be consulted prior to any commitments by the Commission.
Carolyn indicated that she had met with the counselor at Foster High School, and learned that the
school is severely challenged in the area of career/higher education counseling, both in lack of staff and
budget. The Gates money is no longer available, and there are concerns regarding meetingthe needs of
a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, in trying to help students explore their college and career
options.
Equity & Diversity Minutes
October 7, 2010
The group also discussed the need to provide support and education for the parents of these students.
She believesthatsome of the larger employergroups (Boeing, Costco) may have grant funds available,
particularly in situations where a match can be provided.
It was suggested that someone from the Commission contact the Gates foundation to see what type of
qualifications/requirements exist in order to secure funding to help high school students get into
community colleges.
The School District calendars will be provided to Commission members in the next couple of days, and
the group should be thinking of ways we can utilize the budget to make a positive difference. Once the
Commission has focused on specific projects or areas to address, it would be good to provide grant
applications to the various groups in the school district.
Joyce was asked to review the City's website (as it relates to the Equity/Diversity Commission) so that
our information can be readily found by residents and others.
Joyce provided an update relating to the status of the Commission membership. Currently, there are
two vacancies (Position 2, formerly held by Felicia Green, and Position #7, formerly held by Verna Seal).
Joan indicated that Felicia has returned to the Tukwila School District, and she will follow-up to
determine whether or not Felicia would like to be re -appointed to her former position on the
Commission). Mellody shared that she had someone in the school district who may be willing to serve
in that role, depending on Felicia's response. Joyce also advised the group that the Mayor is reviewing
several board appointments for various Boards and Commissions, and as soon as they have been
approved, applicants will be invited to attend a Regular Council meeting for appointment by Council.
(target date: October 18). (Pos. # 7 — Community/Business Rep. does not require the applicant to live in
Tukwila).
NEW BUSINESS
Joan shared information from the City of Auburn Diversity website regarding a cultural essay contest.
She also provided a copy of the Ethnic Heritage newsletter, and asked Commission mem bers to consider
these and other ideas for celebrating diversity in Tukwila. Joyce will collect these and other related
materials/ideas as they come up.
At some point, new members (Mary, Aaron, and Mellody) will be invited to attend a Council Meeting, to
be formally introduced to Council members.
Equity & Diversity Minutes
October 7, 2010
Joyce presented the group with a copy of the Equity and Diversity Commission section from the City's
preliminary 2011/2012 budget document, for review and discussion. It was suggested that the
Commission's 2011/2012 Program Goals be written in a very broad way (not school/committee/group
specific) and Joyce will draft language and forward it to the group for review.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — NOVEMBER 4, 2010
Submitted by Joyce Trantina