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Home My WebLink AboutCommunity Services Committee - 12 Jan 2026 - Agenda 1. APPOINTMENTS TO THE RENTON MUNICIPAL ARTS COMMISSION Mayor Pavone requests confirmation of the following appointments to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission: Melanie Cates and Emma Foster with terms expiring December 31, 2029, and Scott Douwes to fill a vacant position with a term expiring December 31, 2027. 2. FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS IN PARKS & RECREATION 3. EMERGING ISSUES IN PARKS & RECREATION If you would like to attend this week's meeting remotely,you can do so by going to https://us02web.zoom.us/I/$9g58744646?pwd=TDRIeTBqZUs5L1VZN11zMIM2Tm9Udz09 Zoom Meeting ID: 898 5874 4646, Passcode: 139067 You can call through Zoom at (253) 215-8782 and use the Meeting ID. • SUBJECT/TITLE: Appointment of Melanie Cates, and Emma Foster to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission to Terms of January 1, 2026-December 31, 2029, and Scott Douwes to Fill a Vacant Term Expiring December 31, 2027. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Refer to Community Services Committee DEPARTMENT: Executive Services STAFF CONTACT: Linda Moschetti, Executive Assistant EXT.: 6520 . • . . • Appointment of Melanie Cates, Scott Douwes, and Emma Foster to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission has no fiscal impact. � • • � • Mayor Pavone is appointing Melanie Cates, and Emma Foster to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC) to terms starting January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. In addition, he is appointing Scott Douwes to a vacant term expiring December 31, 2027. Ms. Cates brings over 15 years of experience as a project and program manager in the Developmental Disabilities field with a professional background that includes art and recreational therapy, graphic recording, mural painting, and grant writing and management. She hopes to use her experience to focus on engaging diverse artists and promote inclusive programming between the arts and the broader community. Ms. Cates has been a resident of Renton since 2009. Ms. Foster also has a background in project management. She has recently become a certified project manager in the technology and gaming industry. Additionally, she has experience in community service and public engagement and has served as a librarian connecting vulnerable populations with essential resources. A Renton resident since 2020, through her work on RMAC, she hopes to strengthen community connections and contribute to the Commission's efforts in fostering inclusive and meaningful programs for our community. Mr. Douwes is being appointed to a previously vacated seat, with a term expiring December 31, 2027. As a long-time Renton resident since 1999, he brings a strong commitment to community engagement and cultural arts. Mr. Douwes currently teaches Tai Chi at the Renton Community Center and has been actively involved in public art, including mural projects and other citywide initiatives. Through his efforts on RMAC, Mr. Douwes would like to bring more cultural art reflecting the city's rich diversity and contribute to efforts promoting inclusion and vibrancy through the arts. 1 � • � � • Mayor Pavone recommends appointing Melanie Cates and Emma Foster to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission to terms starting January 1, 2026, and expiring December 31, 2029. Additionally, he is appointing Scott Douwes to a vacant term expiring December 31, 2027. 2 . � � � . Community & Economic Development Department DATE: November 19, 2025 TO: Armondo Pavone, Mayor FROM: Gina Estep, CED Administrator SUBJECT: Request for Appointments and Reappointments to the Renton Municipal Arts Commission This memorandum recommends the appointments of Scott Douwes, Melanie Cates, and Emma Foster to vacant positions on the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Scott will fill the seat previously held by Duffy Delgado,with a term expiring on December 31, 2027. Melanie and Emma will each begin full three-year terms in their respective positions— Melanie filling the seat formerly held by Bill Huls and Emma filling the seat vacated by Dave Samek. It also recommends the reappointment of Jake Heare for a new term following the expiration of his current term on December 31, 2025. Scott brings a strong commitment to community engagement and cultural arts. He teaches Tai Chi at the Renton Senior Center and has been actively involved in public art throughout Renton, including mural projects and other citywide initiatives.Scott hopes to see more cultural art that reflects Renton's rich diversity and aims to contribute to RMAC's efforts in promoting inclusion and vibrancy through the arts. Melanie Cates brings over 15 years of experience as a Project and Program Manager in the Developmental Disabilities field,with a professional background that includes art therapy, recreational therapy,graphic recording, mural painting,grant writing,federal grant management,and providing training and technical assistance.As an artist and creative connector, Melanie is eager to re-engage with the local art community and help bring creative contributions back to the forefront of community life. She hopes to help RMAC highlight diverse artists, promote inclusive programming, and strengthen connections between the arts and the broader Renton community. Emma brings a strong background in project management, community service, and public engagement. She has experience as a public librarian connectingvulnerable populations with essential resources and most recently as a certified project manager in the technology and gaming industry. Emma is active in Pride community organizing,women's leadership in gaming and tech, and supporting independent developers and entrepreneurs through Seattle Indie Developers.She hopes to strengthen community connections and contribute to RMAC's efforts in fostering inclusive and meaningful programs for all Renton residents. Armondo Pavone,Mayor Page 2 of 2 December 4,2025 Since taking on the role in May 2024,filling the vacancy left by a former commissioner who departed before the end of her term,Jake has made a significant impact. In his short time on the Commission, he has built strong relationships with arts organizations and individual artists throughout the city, brought new energy and visibility to RMAC initiatives, and created opportunities for community engagement. By engaging businesses door-to-door before every RMAC-supported event and welcoming artists to participate in Art Walks and Art Lounges, he has drawn in new talent and styles and made the arts accessible to a wider audience. His reappointment will allow him to continue strengthening RMAC's role in supporting and promoting the arts across the city. We look forward to the contributions of Scott, Melanie, and Emma, as well as the continued leadership of Jake, as they help shape Renton's artistic landscape and strengthen our community through the arts.The Commissioners are confident that Scott, Melanie, and Emma will each bring unique perspectives and valuable contributions to the Arts Commission and enthusiastically recommend their appointments. CITY OF RENTON � APPLICATION FOR BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES � If you are interested in particfpating in local govemment by membersh(p on any of the following city boards,commissions,or committees,please complete this application. Check the boards/eommisslons/eommittees In which you are Interested: Q AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ❑LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITfEE O CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Q PARKS COMMISSION ❑PLANNING COMMISSION 0 RENTON MUNICIPALARTS COMMISSION Q EQUITY COMMISSION Q SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD(age 50 and older) Q HOUSING AUTHORITY Q HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Specla/membenh/p and resldentla/requlrements may app/y for certaln boards/commisslons/commlttees.Ca11425J30-6500 for detalls.Your appl/catlon wlll be gJven every consldcvaUon as vacandes occur. Do you qualHy for a youth positlon(are you under the age of 21)7• No Yes FIRST NAME• LAST NAME• DATE• Scott Douwes 07/07/2025 ADDRESS• Street Address � Address Line 2 Ciry State/Province/Region Ren[on Washington Postal2lp Code � PHONE NUMBER• EMAIL• � RENTON RESIDENTT• IF RENTON RESIDENT,SINCE WHEN?' Yes No 1999 EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND• Associates from che Art Institute of Seattle in vsual Communications OCCUPATION EMPLOYER � OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND Graphid motlon designer by trade.Muralist and fine artist Have been in the commercial aru Industry over 25 years. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES 1/2 (organfzations/clubs/service groups,etc.) I teach TafChf at the Renton Senior Center. REASON PORAPPLYING' I want to see more culturel art around Renton.We have such a diverse group residing in Renton and I would love to see reflectfons of the diversity within the city. CAN YOU ATTEND DAY MEETINGS7• CAN YOU ATTEND NIGHT MEETINGS4• Yes No Yes No Appllcations will be kept on flle for one year.if you have questions about serv(ng on a board,commission,or committee,please feel free to contact the mayor's offlce at 425-430-6500. Mayors Office Review Reviewer Name Linda Moschetti Review Deeision• Q Accept and No6fy 88C Staff Q Reject Submit 2/2 CITY OF RENTON � APPLICATION FOR BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES � Ifyou are Interested in particfpating in local govemment by membership on any of the following city boards,commissions,or committees,please complete this appli�ation. Check the boards/eommisslons I eommktees In which you are Interested: Q AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITfEE Q LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITfEE O CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Q PARKS COMMISSION Q PLANNING COMMISSION Q RENTON MUNICIPALARTS COMMISSION Q EQUITY COMMISSION Q SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD(age 50 and older) Q HOUSING AUTHORITY 0 HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Specla/membersh/p and resJdenda/requlrements may app/y for certaln boards/commisslons/rnmm/ttees.Ca11425d30-6500/or detal/s.Your appllcatlon wlll be gJven every conslderaUon as vacanNes occur. Do you qualHy tor a youth positlon(are you under the age of 21)T` No Yes FIRST NAME" LAST NAME• DATE' Emma Foster O9/29/2025 ADDRESS• Street Address 1207 N.2nd St Address Line 2 ❑ty Sta[e/Province/Region Renton Washington Postal2ip Code i PHONE NUMBER" EMAIL• - RENTON RESIDENT7• IF RENTON RESIDENT,SINCE WHENT' Yes No 2020 EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND' Master's degree in library science.I've worked in museums and librarians.Most recently worked as a certified projec[manager in technology and games industry. OCCUPATION EMPLOYER � OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND Prior public librarian,project manager in private software development corporetions,now a consulting Project manager. COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (organ(zations/clubs/seMce groups,etc.) Currently active in Pride communiry organizfng and women's leadership in gaming and tech,and fostering support networks for independent developers and entrepreneurs through Seattle Indie Developers. REASON FOR APPLYING' I am a North Renton resfdent with a background in proJect management,community service,and publfc engagement As a prfor public Ifbrarian,I worked in ♦ vocational rehabilitation and veterans'services,connecting wlnerable populations with essential resources.In my nefghborhood,I help bufid community � among elderly residents and young families,fostering supportive,intergenerational connections.With experience managing complex technical and social � projects,I understand the balance between fiscal responsfbiliry,compassion,and achieving program goals all skills I would bring to support Advisory CAN YOU ATTEND DAY MEETINGS?' CAN YOU ATTEND NIGHT MEETINGS?' Yes No Yes No Applicatfons will be kept on flle for one year.if you have questions about serving on a board,commfssion,or committee,please feel free to conW ct the mayor's office at 42Sd30-6500. Mayor's Office Review Revlewar Name Linda Moschetti Revtew Deeision' Q Accept and Notify B&C Staff Q Reject CITY OF RENTON � APPLICATION FOR BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES � Ifyou are interested in participating fn local govemment by membership on any of the following city boards,commissions,or commfttees,please complete this application. Check the boards I commisatons I commlttees In which you are interested: QAIRPORTADVISORY COMMITfEE Q LODGING TAXADVISORY COMMITTEE O CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Q PARKS COMMISSION Q PLANNING COMMISSION Q RENTON MUNICIPALARTS COMMISSION Q EQUITY COMMISSION Q SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD(age 50 and older) Q HOUSING AUTHORITY Q HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Specla/membersh/p and resldentla/requlrements may app/y/or ce�taln boards/commisslons/comm/ttees.Ca11425-430-6500 for detal/s.Your applicadon wlll be glven every conslderaHon as vacanNes occur. Do you qualHy for a youth position(are you under the age of 21)7' No Yes FIRST NAME' LAST NAME• DATE• Melanie Cates 09/15/2025 ADDRESS` Street Address Address Line 2 City S[ate/Province/Region Ren[an WA Postal2ip Code � PHONE NUMBER' EMAIL• � RENTON RESIDENT7• IF RENTON RESIDENT,SINCE WHEN?• Yes No 2009 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND' Bachelors of Fine Arts and Museum Studies OCCUPATION EMPLOYER ProJect Manager Open Doors for Mul[icultural Familfes OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND Project and Progrem manager in the Developmental Disabilicies fleld for the last 15+years.My work experfence includes: � Art Therapy � RecreationalTherapy � Graphic Recording COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES (organizations/clubs/service groups,etc.) REASON FORAPPLYING• I'm an artist and a creative connector who is looking to better connea to the art community in Renton.Disability service work has taken the forefront of my professional Iffe and I would Iike to shift back to contr(buting to my community and getting art and creative convibutions back into the forefront of my priorities. CAN YOU ATTEND DAY MEETINGS?' CAN YOU ATTEND NIGHT MEETINGS4' Yes No Yes No Applfwtlons will be kept on flle for one year.If you have questions about serving on a board,commissfon,or committee,please feel free to conWct the mayor's offlce at 425-430�6500. Mayor's Oftice Review Reviewer Name Linda Moschettt Review Decislon' Q Accept and Notify B&C Staff Q Reject