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MINUTES
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY
September 16, 2009
Commissioners: Serena Aquino
Antonio Cube
Kathleen Booher
Sandel Demastus
Barbara Clark-Elliott
Raymond Lamb
Vern Nichols
Charles Thomas
Lari White
Staff: Jerry Rerecich
Gloria Gamba
CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Barbara Clark-Elliot made a motion to approve the
September 16, 2009, agenda as written. Second by Antonio Cube. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the August 12, 2009,
minutes as written. Second by Charles Thomas. Motion carried.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS: The Commissioners shared their experiences/encounters with diversity issues
during August:
Lari White attended the Heritage Park picnic.
Sandel Demastus participated in the Renton Highlands Community Redevelopment
meeting and distributed the new Diversity Commission flyers. She also distributed the
flyers at the Night Out Against Crime gathering.
Barbara Clark-Elliott worked a booth at the "Gender Odyssey—Transgender Fair".
Antonio Cube attended the Earlington Community picnic.
Kathleen Booher attended a Multi-Cultural Health Fair in South Seattle and plans to
represent Boeing at the Northwest Diversity Learning Series.
H:\Boards and Commissions\Diversity Committee\Advisory Commission on Diversity\SEPT 09 MINUTES.doc
Advisory Commission on Diversity
September 16,2009
Page 2 of 3
2010 Diversity Commission Work Plan: During the August meeting, Vern Nichols suggested the
Commission focus on Emergency Services/Information and on the City's Emergency
Preparedness Plan for Renton residents. The members were to email Jerry with a list of"what
if's" and "what to do" in emergency situations, however, no responses were received. Jerry
distributed the "Fall What's Happening Brochure", which features Renton Emergency
Preparedness Academy (REPA) training classes (most are available at no cost) if the
Commissioners are interested. A representative from REPA will be invited to a Diversity
Commission meeting in the future to address issues about the Howard Hanson dam, flooding of
the Cedar River, and other potential dangers.
An invitation and agenda was given to the Commissioners to attend the King County Civil Rights
Commission multi-city meeting on September 30th to discuss the work of the various civil and
human rights commissions in King County and to consider ways in which these commissions can
collaborate to advance their goals. Serena Aquino, Raymond Lam, and Kathleen Booher agreed
to attend. They will carpool with Jerry and meet at the Liberty Park Community Building at
4:00 p.m.
Sandel Demastus distributed an email regarding Valley Com's 911 presentation at the AARP
meeting, Renton Senior Center, October 16th at 1:00 p.m., with a tour of Valley Corn following.
Commissioners are to RSVP to Gloria if they plan to attend.
The Commissioners were reminded of the upcoming All-City Boards and Commissions training
scheduled for November 30th and the importance of attending. Details to follow.
Kathleen Booher reminded the Diversity Commission to wear their name tags when
representing the City.
EXPIRATION OF TERMS: The terms of Kathleen Booher, Raymond Lam, Barbara Clark-Elliott,
and Charles Thomas will expire 12/31/09. All three would like to continue serving on the
Advisory Commission on Diversity. A memo will be sent to Mayor Law recommending
extension of their terms until December 31, 2011. The term of Serena Aquino, Youth
Commissioner, also expires on 12/31/09. She recently turned 22 years of age and is no longer
eligible to serve as a youth member. The Commission agreed to advertise for a Youth Member.
A motion was made by Lari White, second by Kathleen Booher, to recommend to Mayor Law to
allow Serena Aquino to continue serving until a Youth Commissioner is appointed. All in favor,
motion carried.
2010 WORK PLAN: Lari White and Barbara Clark-Elliott will meet with each other Tuesday,
September 17, to discuss the 2010 Work Plan, and assign a monthly goal to each Commissioner
to become educated on certain facets of diversity.
Advisory Commission on Diversity
September 16,2009
Page 3 of 3
Kathleen Booher will bring an Action Item list to the October meeting to expand on the 2010
Work Plan.
OTHER:
Lari White will act as Chair, at the October 14th meeting, due to Sandel Demastus' absence.
Lari White would like the Commissioners to adopt a senior for the holidays . It may be difficult
to choose an individual and it was suggested that the Commissioners "Adopt a Family" through
The Salvation Army program. The Commissioners were also encouraged to be a part of The
Salvation Army's Bell Ringing program.
Vern Nichols' article, Who's Your Neighbor" will be sent to the Renton Reporter for publication.
ADJOURNMENT: Kathleen Booher made a motion to adjourn. Second by Barbara Clark-Elliott.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba.
Lari White, Co-Chair