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CITY OF RENTON ���,�R��s Q�
MINUTES
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY SEP � I 2���
August 12, 2009
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G�9TY GIEf��'��'�PC�
Commissioners: Antonio Cub�e
Sandel Demastus
Serena Aquino
Barbara Clark-Elliott
Vern Nichols
Charles Thomas
Lari White
Absent: Kathleen Booher
Raymond Lam
Staff: Jerry Rerecich
CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus,Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the August 12,2009, agenda
as written. Second by Charles Thomas. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Vern Nichols made a motion to approve the June 10, 2009, minutes
as written. Second by Barbara Clark-Elliott. Motion carried.
Barbara Clark-Elliott volunteered to take the August 12, 2009, minut�s.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS: The Commissioners shared their experiences/encounters with diversity issues
during 1uly:
➢ 8arbara Clark-Elliott staffed a Parents, Families& Fr'Eends of Lesbians and Gays booth at
the 2009 Renton River Days Festival.
➢ Sandel Demastus participated in the National Night Out at Renton Highlands Community
Center.
D f�aymond Lam helped staff the Community Servic�s booth at Ren�ton River Day�. It was
noted there was a lack of volunteers representing the Commission at Renton River Days.
➢ None of the Commissioners attended the�Renton Tect�nical College picnic.
2010 Diversitv Commission Work Plan: 'Since the Commission is no ionger an "errforcement"
group for Civil Rights'rs°sues and complaints, it was decided to create a plan to include
•community involvemen#. Vet-n Nichok suggested theComrri�ssion f�ocus on�Em�et-gency
H:�Boards and Commissiai�slDiversity Committee�Adviso�Commission on Diveisity�,A,t7GUST 49 MIIdiffES.doc
Advisory Commission on Diversity ` �
August 2009 Minutes
Page 2 of 2
Services/Information. The�e was an extended discussion regarding the City's Emergency
Preparedness Plan for Renton residents. Jerry Rerecich wil) contact Deborah Needham, Renton
Emergency Management Director,to obtain a schedule of training sessions for the
Commissioners to attend. She may also know if the Corps of Engineers has a warning system
for relocation or evacuation in case of heavy flooding. Jerry will also ask Deborah if there is a
role the Commission can play during emergencies.
Vern Nichols made a motion to put together a "What if........." scenarios including emergencies,
language barriers, diverse cultural issues, etc., and possibly have the information translated into
a few of the major languages spoken in Renton. Charles Thomas seconded the motion. All
were in favor. The Commission�ers were asked to email Jerry Rerecich a list of suggestions,
concerns, or issues prior to the September meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: lerry Rerecich noted th�ere has been very little interest in a South KingCounty
combined diversity workshop. The City of Auburn appears to be gaining interest in diversity
and becoming involved to some degree in commonly shared issues with Renton.
It was agreed the n�ew Advisory Commission on Diversity brochure is very attractive and
informative.
Charles Thomas explained the circumstances of his absences. He will continue serving on the
�Commission.
Jerry Rerecich will talk with Dean Radford, Renton Reporter, about publishing Vern Nichol's
article on, "Who's Your Neighbor".
OTHER: On November 30, 2009, a training is scheduled for all City boards, commissions, and
committee members. Further details to follow.
Sandel Demastus will email Gloria Gamba about a tour of Valleycom Dispatch Service.
ADIOURNMENT: Vern Nichols made a motion to adjourn. Second by Lari White. Meeting was
adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Minutes were taken by Barbara Clark-£Iliott.
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� Sandel Dema�, Chair
THE NEXT ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVfRSITY MEETING HAS BEEN
CHANGED TO SEPTfM6ER 16, 2009, BEGINNING AT 6:30 P.M.