HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/12/2008 - Minutes .,,� MINUTES �
ADVISORY COMIVIISSION ON DIVERSITY �P������������
MARCH 12,2008 r'a�'� � I ��Q�
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Commission: Serena Aquino
Sandel Demastus
Raytnond Lam
Vern Nichols
Lari White
Absent: Antonio Cube
Audrey Godwin
Charles Thomas
Staff• Gloria Gamba
Jerry Rerecich
CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Lari White made a motion to approve the March 12, 2008,
agenda as written. Second by Serena Aquino. Motion camed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Lari White made a motion to approve the February 2, 2008,
retreat minutes and the February 13,2008, minutes as written. Second by Serena Aquino.
Motion carried.
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CORRESPONDENCE: The Maxch 2008 packets included the March Community Services
Status Report and the quarterly brochure from the Renton Historical Society&Museum. The
Commission would like to receive these quarterl�brochures as they become available.
OLD BUSINESS: Since Erica Rehberg's resignation, it was decided to open the vacant position
to the public. Jerry Rerecich mentioned the Mayor's office forwarded two applications from
interested individuals. The opening will be advertised in the Renton Reporter, on the City's
home page, on the Diversity Commission's web page, and on the City's electronic newsletter for
six weeks beginning April. The interview process for all applicants will begin in May.
NEW BUSINESS: Starting in April and in the future, the Advisory Commissiott on,Diver�ity
will be meeting in the Human Resources Training Room, 7�h Floor,Renton City�"ul�
At the conclusion of the February Retrea.t, the top three goals, timelines, and committee leads
were selected. During the March meeting, Sandel Demastus volunteered to serve on Goal#1 and
Raymond volunteered to serve on Goa1#3. There aze still two vacancies on Goals#1 and#3. ;
This will be addressed at the April meeting. Jerry Rerecich expressed the importance of these �
committees to meet prior to next month's meeting with their plans on how to achieve the goals in
a timely manner.
Serena Aquino will report on the progress being made on increasing and educating the
�""'` community, employers,businesses, and the City, since the timeline is in May.
Minutes/Advisory Commission on Diversity
March 12,2008
Page 2 �' �
Goals and Committee Members:
l. Increase access to community leaders and connections with churches, social groups, etc. �
—May 2008—Audrey Godwin and Sandel Demastus
2. Increase and educate the community, employers, businesses, and the City—May 2008—
Serena Aquino, Audrey Godwin, and Charles Thomas
3. Increase resources and connections—June 2008 —Vern Nichols and Rayrnond Lam
Gloria Gamba will get a copy of the membership roster for REACH (Renton Ecumenical
Council of Churches) in order for the Commission to connect with local churches.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Sandel Demastus was nominated and accepted the position of
Chair; Lari White was nominated and accepted the position of Secretary. Audrey Godwin and
Charles Thomas were nominated for the position of Vice Chair. Charles Thomas won the
nomination and will be asked to accept at the April meeting.
COMMISSION REPORTS: Lari White will invite Amina Ahmed, Executive Director,
Refugee Women's Alliance to speak at the April meeting.
Later in the year, Lari White would like to invite the President of Rotary,to acknowledge their
support of the Renton community.
COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: A series of emails was distributed on the Renton
Technical College CommLTNITY Festival in June. The Diversity Commission participated �
in the International Festival last year and felt it vwas very worthwhile. The Commission is in
favor of having a booth again this year. Sandel Demastus and Lari White volunteered to work
the booth. Jerry Rerecich is representing the City, attending their meetings,and will update the
Commission monthly.
� Jerry Rerecich mentioned the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Senior Center will be
held on April 30�'. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. Commissioners aze encouraged to attend.
Vern Nichols mentioned he may or may not be able to attend the April meeting as he will be
returning from out of town.
Vern Nichols also mentioned he took a course from the Depariment of Social and Health
Services on aging and disabilities.
Sandel Demastus intends to participate on future Housing Commission meetings. '
ADJOURNMENT: Vern Nichols moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Second by Laxi
White. Motion carried.
Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba �
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Sandel Demastus, Chair �