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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2010-06-10 MinutesEQUITY & DIVERSITY COMMISSION Meeting Minutes — 5:15 p.m. — Tukwila City Hall Conference Room # 3 June 10, 2010 PRESENT Commissioners: Falicia Green; Chair, Joan Hernandez, Jonathan Joseph, Carolyn Barge Staff: Joyce Trantina Guest: Mary Hulvey The meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Concensus existed to approve the minutes dated May 6, 2010. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Mary Hulvey thanked the Commission members for their responsiveness in providing funding for dump p asses for the Hands Across Tukwila event. Three home owners received help in removing blackberries and debris from their property. In prior years, the cost to the City for dump passes has been around $600 - $800, but this year, that will be significantly less. Invoices for the dump passes will be forwarded to Kimberly/Joyce and will be coded to the Equity/Diversity account and processed). Mary was encouraged to stay for the rest of the meeting. OLD BUSINESS No Items NEW BUSINESS School District Update Joan and Felicia reported that they had met with Ethelda Burke, School Superintendent, to share information about the Commission and to let her know that this Commission would be very interested in collaborating with the school district to work on diversity issues. Currently there are two school representative vacancies on the Commission, and Ms. Burke felt that a newly hired staff person might be an excellent candidate to serve one of these positions. Ms. Burke also offered a school district location for future Commission meetings. Discussion followed regarding the access guide that is currently outdated, and the usefulness this has in the school district, as well as other areas throughout the City. The guide is written in several languages, and p rovides information regardingtransportation, services throughoutthe City, etc. The City's Community Policing Advisor has utilized the guide frequently and would like to see it updated. According to Ethelda Burke, the School District is hoping to secure grant funding which might include funding to finance an update of the guide. The group discussed the need to interact on a more regular basis with the school district and it was suggested that one or more members could attend school board meetings. Each Commission member could be connected to a different school, and provide information - • From the school back to the Commission • Invite members of school board/administration to attend Commission meetings. June 10, 2010 Page 2 The Commission asked Joyce to send the Superintendent a thank you letter (have Felicia sign) and include the application form for appointment to a Board or Commission. We could also ask for updates regarding their grant application. Staff Support Joan met with the Mayor and City Administrator regarding staff support for this Commission. She expressed appreciation that staff support will continue to be available, and thanked Joyce for assuming this role. Somali Grant Application The group reviewed and discussed the application for funding from the Somali Community Services Coalition for the Summer Adventures 2010 Program. In 2009, this Commission awarded a $500 grant for the program (they requested $1,000). The group was very supportive of the summer program, which has provided academic enrichment in a very short period (six weeks) overthe summer. Historically, almost all grade levels showed academic improvement after the program. After further discussion and consensus, the group recommended that a similar award be granted for the 2010 program ($500), and that the Somali Community Services Coalition be asked for the following: Report back to the Commission with results of the program in September, as well as two other meetings during the year: How many participants are in the Tukwila school district? What is the total budget for the program (how far does the $500 go? — what are their other funding Sources for the Summer Adventure 2010 Program?) Is the group working with the Tukwila Community Center Summer programs? Joyce will notify the applicant of their $500 grant approval. CITIZEN COMMENTS No citizen comments STAFF REPORT No report June 10, 2010 Page 3 OTHER The members discussed the need for greater representation/visibility in the community: name tags for all members, visibility at Tukwila Days, etc. and discussed the difficulty in keeping the 9 member positions filled. The decision was made to hold a goal setting workshop for members, in an effort to lay out the calendar and activities for the upcoming year, set goals, etc. This workshop will be held August 12th, 5:00 p.m. at Carolyn Barge's house. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Next meeting: Sept., 2010 Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Submitted by: Joyce Trantina