HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2007 - Minutes �!`TY��,qE�l'Olti
ADV`�ORY COMMISSION ON DIV��SITY ,�E� � �
NOVEMBER 14, 2007 MINUTES Z00?
Committee: Antonio P. Cube, Sr.
"(�'�ERK S OFFI�E
� Sandel Demastus
Audrey Godwin
Raymond Lam
Vern Nichols
Erica Rehberg
Lari White
Absent: Serena Aquino
Charles Thomas
Staf£ Gloria Gamba
Bonnie Rerecich --�
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Audrey made a motion to amend the agenda for a special
recognition presentation prior to approving the minutes. Second by Antonio. Motion
carried.
SPECIAL RECO(GNITION: Sandel read a letter from Mr. Robert F. Hussy to honor
Vern Nichols for his lifelong efforts in helping Mr. Hussey cope with blindness,
arranging for a visiting nurse, and assisting him with legal issues. �Iern has donated his
time to helping others and was presented a plaque noting him as listed zn the 2008
Presidential Who's Who in Professional and Business Achievers.
� APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Antonio made a motion to approve the October 10, 2007,
minutes as submitted. Second by Audrey. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE: The City of Renton's Winter Blast flyer features the City's
involvement in several holiday events.
A letter addressed to Board& Commission members from Terry Higashiyama was
distributed with information from the Boards & Commissions training. The Advisory
Committee on Diversity may consider inviting someone from the City's Information
Services Division to discuss the City's capacity and role to support technology and
improve visibility.
Other pieces of information included Renton NOW, availability of free flu shots, and
flyers from the American Red Cross Language Bank, Interpreters, and Resource
Information. Each month the Commission will receive the Community Services Status
Report featuring current information on Renton Community Services Divisions.
OLD BUSINESS: The Commission has chosen Saturday,February 2, 2008, for their
annual retreat. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Renton City Hall
Conferencing Center, 7�' Floor.
Bonnie attended an English as a Second Language (ESL)meeting last month. There are
presently three Renton sites: Service Linen,North Highlands Neighborhood Center, and
awr► The Salvation Army. Beginning the second week of January, the Main Library will have
ESL Talk Time led by volunteers. Days and times to be determined.
NEW BUSINESS: A�cirey made a motion to sponsor a perfor�ice by Choklate at
Cazco Theatre (during Black History Month) in the amount of$500. Second by Lari.
After discussion, motion carried with Antonio abstaining.
Three Commissioners' terms will expire on December 31, 2007: Sandel Demastus,
Charles Thomas, and Raymond Lam. All three have indicated an interest in continuing to �
serve the City of Renton. A recommendation will be made for reappointments to the
Mayor. Gloria was asked to include term expiration dates on the Contact Information
Sheet.
Commissioners were asked if there is an interest in taking tours or visiting community
facilities to become more aware of City resources. Discussion followed and it was
suggested that one or two commissioners visit diversity meetings in other South King
County cities. Bonnie will report back. A request was made to have copies of minutes
from other Renton Boards and Commissions to stay informed about what is happening
within the City.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Lari discussed possible guest speakers. She mentioned
that Carlos Guangorena from Plaza Bank in Kent does not have the time to speak at one
of our meetings. She is awaiting a reply from a University of Washington professor to
attend the February 2008 meeting and speak on Black History Month.
Lari recommended inviting the Renton High School Speech and Debate team to perform
at one of the monthly meetings. After discussion, it was decided to address the issue of
"how to choose speakers" at the February retreat.
Gloria was asked to email the Commissioners and have each submit three goals for the
2008 Work Plan to be used as a guide for the facilitator at the February retreat.
Vern attended the Three Dawg Night Program at the University of Washington. He �
explained it was an excellent presentation and reviewed the recent strides made in diverse
communities.
COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Highlands Neighborhood Association
is partnering with Highlands area churches to have a Sing-a-Long on December 16, 2007,
at 5:00 p.m., at the Highlands Neighborhood Center. Everyone is welcome.
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS: Two flyers were distributed: an invitation to attend
Liga Hispana's,the first Copa WA/JAL with Governor Emilo Gonzalez Marquez from
Jalisco Mexico, and an announcement in Spanish for a Citizen Workshop.
ADJOURNMENT: Antonio made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Second
by Vern. Meeting adjourned.
Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba.
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