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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/2008 - Minutes � � tir.r � tis� O u p "� ,��"'�! , !'. �,,. CITY OF RENTON MINUTES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY August 13, 2008 Commissioners: Serena Aquino Antonio Cube Sandel Demastus Jennifer Knickerbocker Raymond Lamb Vern Nichols Lari White Absent: Charles Thomas Staff: Gloria Gamba Jerry Rerecich �rr• CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the August 13, 2008, agenda as written. Second by Vern Nichols. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Vern Nichols made a motion to approve the July 9, 2008, minutes as written. �econd by Antonio Cube. Motion carried. ATTENDANCE: During the July 9, 2008, meeting and required by the Advisory Commission on Diversity bylaws, a letter was sent to Commissioner Audrey Godwin for missing three consecutive monthly meetings and requesting her written intent to continue as a member. On August 11, 2008, she sent a letter of resignation to the Commission effective immediately. A copy of her letter was distributed. COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORTS: The Commissioners acknowledged that progress has not been made in accomplishing the 2008 goals established at the February 2008 Retreat. At the June 11, 2008, meeting,the Commissioners felt it was not necessary to personally meet on these goals,but rather communicate via telephone(conference cal�s) and email. Since this did not transpire, it was agreed there is a need to establish a new direction on how to accomplish the goals. Lari White indicated that in the past, dividing into small groups was very successful. Jerry Rerecich asked the Commission to formulate written recommendations on how to �rr accomplish these goals. '�y� . � Advisory Commission on DiversityZGfinutes � August 13,2008 Page 2 of 3 Vern Nichols mentioned the mission for the Advisory Commission on Diversity is unclear and � recommended reciting Ordinance No. 5155 at every monthly meeting to establish a clear vision of their purpose. Serena Aquino suggested the Commission develop a one or two-line synopsis in order to easily communicate their mission to the public. Vern Nichols made a motion to recite the Ordinance monthly alternating among the Commissioners. Second by Jennifer Knickerbocker. Motion carried. It was agreed the Commission needs more visibility, exposure, and publicity to keep the public informed. However, Jennifer Knickerbocker stated the Commission should promote the unique diversity of the Renton community and not necessarily promote the Commission itself. She will be meeting with the editor of Renton Magazine and will ask him to consider featuring an article on the Commission in a future issue. ACTION ITEMS: The Commission decided to become more involved in the community by attending neighborhood picnics, neighborhood meetings, and various events to learn more about cultural diversity, to connect people with needed resources, and to become a conduit between the community and the City. Jerry suggested the Commission have a booth promoting the Commission at the upcoming Kennydale Association picnic. Sandel suggested they attend the South Union Neighborhood Association meetings held at Heritage Park. Jerry Rerecich indicated the Commission should get involved in Hispanic Month beginning September 1 S and ending October 15, 2008. Lari White and Jennifer Knickerbocker have volunteered for Hispanic Month. Another opportunity for participation would be Domestic Violence Month in October. The Seattle Filipino Association is another option. �' Antonio Cube suggested inviting various representatives of diverse groups to attend the Commission's monthly meetings to share their needs and how the Commission can be of assistance. All of the above recommendations, if accomplished, would establish a new direction for the Commission and succeed in accomplishing their 2008 Goals as established at the February Retreat! Serena Aquino has a personal"My Space" on the Internet and she would like to feature information and events about the Diversity Commission. It is unclear if this would be agreeable to the City. Staff will contact George McBride, Information Services Consultant for the City, to determine if there are rules and regulations allowing and/or prohibiting such actions. NEW BUSINESS: Following Audrey Godwin's resignation, one position remains open. Recently, the City received an application from Marvin Rosete, who is interested in serving and there are three candidates on file who may or may not be interested. Interview dates, times, and questions will be established at the October meeting. OTHER: Jerry Rerecich distributed a list of various Community Services Committees, Boards, and Commissions bylaws comparing term limits. It was decided not to amend the Advisory Commission term limits. Sandel Demastus indicated she will resign as Chair at the end of her � five-year term in March 2009. .� . � � � Advisory Commission on Diversity August 13,2008 Page 3 of 3 � The Commission is hoping to attend the Federal Way Diversity Commission meeting on September 10, 2008. A van will be provided and will depart Renton City Hall at 5:30 p.m. An email confirmation will be sent. Gloria Gamba asked if Commissioners are unable to attend the monthly meetings or other events, they email or phone her in advance. CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER: Commissioner Antonio Cube and his wife, Estela, have been chosen as the Washington State Parents of the Year 2008. This was, "in recognition of their exceptional example as parental role models by demonstrating the finest qualities of unconditional love for their children, spiritual devotion, and ministering to the needs of parents and families in their community". ADJOURNMENT: Lari White made a motion to adjourn the August 13, 2008, meeting. Second by Vern Nichols. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba. � f � � Sandel Demastus, Chair � .