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Home My WebLink About06/11/2008 - Minutes + r �� , r�lTY oF RElVTorJ JUL. �. 1 2008 �iE,Cf1�E� Cf i Y CLERK'S OFFiCE MINUTES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY JUNE 11, 2008 Commissioners: Antonio Cube Sandel Demastus Audrey Godwin Vern Nichols Charles Thomas Lari White Absent: Serena Aquino Raymond Lam Staff: Gloria Gamba Jerry Rerecich CALL TO ORDER: Sandel Demastus, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. GUEST 5PEAKER: Marcie Maxwell, Renton Rotary President, was the guest speaker. She explained that the International Rotary has 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotarians share their time, talents, expertise, and financial support to humanitarian and social issues. The Renton Rotary has 115 members comprised of community leaders, businesses, elected officials, educators and neighborhoods who meet weekly. The money raised from the Rotary Caper Auction and the Rubber Ducky Race fund numerous community and regional programs that benefit Renton residents. They support many non-profit organizations such as Renton Area Youth Services, Renton Communities in Schools, Way Back Inn, Renton Clothes Bank, Vision House and the YMCA. They established Renton RotoCare(a free medical clinic), and were the major contributor to build the new Salvation Army Food Bank, Renton Technical Resource Center, and the IKEA Performing Arts Center, to name just a few. Jerry Rerecich mentioned the Rotary generously supports the City of Renton Scholarship Program that provides summer day camps and other recreational activities to low-income Renton children. Marcie Maxwell also serves on the Renton School District Diversity Board. Their annual event, Building Bridges & Cultural Diversity Workshop, will be held at Renton High School on August 18`"from 8:00 a.m. unti13:00 p.m. She mentioned there are 81 languages spoken in the Renton School District, 40% of the students are low-income, and 30% of the students move every year. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Charles Thomas made a motion to approve the June 1 l, 2008, agenda as written. Second by Antonio Cube. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Audrey Godwin made a motion to approve the May 14, 2008, minutes as written. Second by Charles. Motion carried. . . � � Advisory Commission on Diversity Minutes June 11,2008 Page 2 of 3 RTC CommUNITY FESTIVAL RECAP: The "Togetherness in Diversity CommiJNITY Festival" was a great success attended by hundreds of people from all cultures. Vern Nichols, Charles Thomas, Raymond Lam, and Jerry Rerecich participated. Although there was somewhat of a language barrier, the festival provided exposure for the Commission on Diversity and access to City services. The Diversity Commission provided Resource Directories in thirteen languages to those attending, along with other City programs and opportunities as well as the Diversity Commission flyers. Audrey Godwin recommended the Commission produce a small placard that would briefly explain the purpose of the Commission. OLD BUSINESS: Sandel Demastus noted the Commissioners agreed at the May meeting to meet on Monday, June 9, 2008, in the Human Resources Training Room,to achieve their goals established at the February Retreat. Two of the goals were to be completed in May and the third in June. Only two Commissioners, as well as Jerry Rerecich, attended the June 9�h meeting, so it was canceled. The Commissioners felt it is not necessary to personally meet on these goals, but rather communicate via telephone(conference calls) or email. Gloria will send the Commissioners contact information for this purpose and will also send another copy of the February Retreat minutes. Audrey Godwin questioned why the Commission deviated from the established guest speaker list and encouraged the Commission to revert to the August 2007 list for future speakers. City staffhas been approached by Sarah Sullivan, Assistant Director, for the Community Voters Project who is looking for local community groups(African-American in particular but also other minority groups)to conduct a voter registration project in Renton. The Commissioners agreed that this is a timely topic and she should be invited to speak. Jerry Rerecich mentioned that Denis Law, Mayor, is planning to attend a full meeting of all Boards, Committees, and Commissions during 2008. Jerry Rerecich will check with the Mayor to see when he will be available(possibly in July) to attend the Diversity Commission meeting. The Commission is interested in the Mayor's overall vision for the Diversity Commission. Charles Thomas would like to review various City ordinances for compliance with diversity regulations. Jerry Rerecich said that all ordinances are sent to the City's attorney for review and legal approval. P � � Advisory Commission on Diversity Minutes June 11,2008 Page 3 of 3 NEW BUSINESS: Audrey Godwin has offered to put together the Commission's mission, bylaws, and work plan in order to clarify the Commission's purpose. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sandel Demastus mentioned there is now a Buddhist Foundation Medical Clinic in the Renton Highlands. Sandel Demastus also invited the Commissioners to the Highlands Neighborhood Association on June 12`h at 5:00 p.m. They donated over$3,000 to provide emergency preparedness kits for the community. ADJOURNMENT: The June 11, 2008 meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba. �� Sandel Demastus, Chair � v