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Home My WebLink About07/11/2007 - Minutes a A�JISORY COMMISSION ON DIVER IS TY July 11, 2007 Minutes CITYOFRENTON AUG 0 9 2Q07 Committee: Antonio P. Cube, Sr. CITY C�ERK S OFFICE Sandel Demastus Vern Nichols Charles Thomas Lari White Guests: Raymond Lam Adria Krail �Erica Rehberg Staf£ Gloria Gamba Bonnie Rerecich CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Lari made a motion to approve the June 13, 2007 minutes as submitted. Second by Antonio. All in favor, motion carried. COMMENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bonnie acknowledged the attendance of guests, Adria Krail, Erica Rehberg, and Raymond Lam, applicants to the Commission on � Diversity. She summarized the status of the process. They will then report to the Council of the Whole for co�rmations. The applicants will receive official notification and the August 8, 2007 meeting of the Advisory Commission on Diversity would be their first official meeting. The Renton Public Library will be partnering with the Multi-Service Center to organize an English as a Second Language (ESL) class. Initially,the class was scheduled to be held at the Highlands Neighborhood Center and will begin with two students. However there was a conflict with the volunteer instructor's schedule and they are looking for a new volunteer. If the Commissioners know of anyone interested, they should contact Bonnie. The Renton River Days Kick-Off Banquet will be held on Tuesday, July 24 , 2007, with a social hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. and dinner following at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at The Bristol at Southport, located at the south end of Lake Washington between Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Boeing. Tropical attire is suggested. The cost is $50 per ticket. Commissioners shauld contact Bonnie if they would like to attend. OLD BUSINESS: At the July meeting, it was noted that Native Americans were eligible for Farmer's Market vouchers at age 55,while other seniors were eligible at age 60. Gloria reported back explaining the Federal Government established the eligible age criteria of age 55 for Native Americans since their life expectancy tends to be shorter. H:\F3onnie2007\2007 Advisory Commission on DiversityUULY 07 Minutes FINAL.doc � I . July 2007 Minutes � Page 2 The City Clerk's office issued a public notice that the Commission changed their meeting room from#521 to #51 l, effective July 1 l, 2007. Unfortunately, the Renton Reporter dated July 11, 2007, Page 19, stated the meeting would be in the Human Resources Conference Room, Fifth Floor#521. Gloria was asked to contact the City Clerk's office and have the Renton Reporter make the necessary corrections. A sign-up sheet was passed around to work the Community Services Renton River Days Booth on July 28-29,2007: Saturdav. Julv 28,2007: ➢ 2:00 pm—4:00 pm Charles Sundav, Julv 29, 2007: ➢ 10:00 am—Noon Sandel ➢ 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Antonio Vern was unsure if he could attend. Bonnie presented the changes that were made to the poster to be used at the RRD booth introducing the Diversity Commission. REVIEW OF ACTION ITEMS: Website: Maintaining the website is ongoing. Bonnie will update the website to include the meeting room change and add new commissioner information when it becomes available. Investi�ations: Charles had a question on a City Ordinance. Gloria will follow-up with the City Clerk's office and report back at the August meeting. Vern heard that condos are not allowed to fly flags from other countries and that only the U.S. Flag is allowed. It appears this may be stated in their Covenant and Conditions Agreement. Vern will get the name of the condo association and get the information for follow-up. Vern asked for clarification as to when speaking to candidates or incumbents, is it appropriate to ask questions on behalf of the Commission or as a private citizen? He should speak as a private citizen. Mentor Development: There was a short discussion if there will be a need for a mentor, given the age and skills the new youth member may have. This will be re-evaluated after appointments are made. H:�Bonnie2007�.?007 Advisory Commission on DiversityUULY 07 Minutes FINAL.doc x� July 2007 Minutes � Page 3 Recruitin�: Bonnie explained more applications have anived. These are kept on file in the Mayor's office for one year and will be a good resource for future task forces. She recommended that this item be removed from the Action list until it is needed again. Survev: Bonnie and Community Services Department intern, Erin Snodgrass, recapped the Administrators' responses on the 2007 Survey on Diversity. The Commission was very pleased with their report as it offers the Commissioners challenges and opportunities for the future. There was a short discussion as to how the information may be used and it's value in planning goals. HANDOUTS: A King County Office of Civil Rights document was distributed with information on the requirements of the American Disability Act. The Renton School District will be hosting a Diversity Workshop on August 22, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. unti13:30 p.m. Commissioners are encouraged to attend and should contact Bonnie to register. Beginning July 24 through August 31, 2007,there will be an ESL Exhibit at the Renton Museum. The artwork came from Renton Technical College ESL students and will be on display Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. unti14:00 p.m. OTHER: Bonnie showed a sample vest that the Commissioners may want to consider purchasing and can be ordered after the new members are appointed. Commissioners were asked to consider a half-day retreat in September or October to familiarize the new commissioners and also look at establishing new goals and a work plan. The date will be determined at the August meeting. Vern announced that the new logo for Martin Luther King Jr. County was adopted and can now be seen throughout the county on all new items. The process and cost for making necessary changes will now be spread out over a period of time. ADJOURNMENT: Charles made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Lari. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba. � ��Sandel Demastus H:�Bonnie2007�2007 Advisory Commission on DiversityUULY 07 Minutes FINAL.doc