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Home My WebLink About03/11/2009 - Minutes f 'f ''�"`" � CITY OF RENTON Gti�Y �"A '� ' APR 0 9 2009 � ��N�o, � C�7Y CLERK�S OFFICE CITY OF RENTON MINUTES ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY March 11, 2009 Commissioners: Antonio Cube Serena Aquino Sandel Demastus Barbara Clark-Elliott Jennifer Knickerbocker Raymond Lamb Lari White Absent: Vern Nichols Charles Thomas Staff: Gloria Gamba Jerry Rerecich ,�„ CALL TO ORDER: Jennifer Knickerbocker called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the March 11, 2009, agenda as written. Second by Sandel Demastus. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the February 11, 2009, minutes as written. Second by Lari White. Motion carried. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None. NEW BUSINESS: Jennifer Knickerbocker welcomed the newest member to the Advisory Commission on Diversity, Barbara Clark-Elliott. Ms. Clark-Elliott's background includes 30 years in various divisions of the Federal Government and the last 15 years as an auditor for HMO's serving Medicare beneficiaries. She is currently President of Seattle PFLAG(Parents, Families& Friends of Lesbians, Gays) and has been involved as a member and volunteer for ten years. Jennifer Knickerbocker, Chair, tendered her resignation with the Advisory Commission on Diversity effective March 11, 2009. Jennifer mentioned how she thoroughly enjoyed working with the Commission. She and her family will be relocating to Spokane. With her departure, the Commission needs to replace the Chair position. Lari White, Vice Chair, declined the Chair position. Sandel Demastus offered to accept the position. A motion was made by Barbara .�,, Clark-Elliott to elect Sandel Demastus as Chair. Second by Serena Aquino. Motion carried. O:�Boards and Commisions�Dive�sity Committee�Advisory Commission on DiversityU�tAR 09 MINUTES.doc �� , Advisory Commission on Diversi� � March 11,2009 Page 2 of 3 � With Jennifer Knickbocker leaving, a vacancy remains on the Commission. A motion was made by Sandel Demastus, second by Lari White, to offer the vacancy to Kathleen Booher. Motion carried. Jerry Rerecich will contact Kathleen Booher. If Kathleen Booher does not accept the position, a motion was made by Sandel Demastus, second by Barbara Clark-Elliott to offer the position to Stan Kawamo. Motion carried. If necessary, Jerry Rerecich will follow up. The Commissioners shared their experiences/encounters with diversity issues during February: ➢ Jennifer Knickerbocker shared how important it is to be pro-active in the community and to encourage businesses to hire diverse individuals. ➢ Lari White enjoyed the Renton History Museum's presentation on Black History Month featuring,"A visit with Harriet Tubman". She also attended a presentation at Garfield High School where Quincy Jones promoted his latest book, "The Complete Quincy Jones, My Journey& Passions". Gloria Gamba will check to see if the book is available at the Renton Library. ➢ Serena Aquino toured the African American Museum in Seattle(formerly Coleman Elementary School). � ➢ Sandel Demastus attended a presentation at the Highlands Asian Market featuring Chinese New Year Dragon Dancers. Sandel also distributed flyers on the next two AARP meetings. ➢ Barbara Clark-Elliott, explained her involvement in PFLAG. OLD BUSINESS: Jerry Rerecich explained the Advisory Commission on Diversity and the Human Services Advisory Committee will meet with Mayor Law on March 18`h, Renton City Hall, 7�'Floor Conferencing Center, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Commission agreed to send the following questions to the Mayor for his review, prior to the March 18th meeting: ➢ What is your definition of diversity and how do you feel diversity has changed the City of Renton? ➢ How can the Advisory Commission on Diversity become more visible within the business community and local neighborhoods? What strategies should be utilized? ➢ What can the Commission do to help promote a diversity event, encompassing all populations? Would a"Celebrate Renton's Diverse Community Fair"be feasible, or do you have other suggestions? `'� ➢ Is there a way to become more closely connected with the Renton School District? Advisory Commission on Diversity � �• March 1 l,2009 � � Page 3 of 3 �rrr� Jerry Rerecich met with the Diversity Commission liaison for Federal Way to determine their interest in having a combined workshop with Renton. Before committing, Federal Way would like the Commission to submit specific agenda topics. Lari White distributed applicable questions. Jerry Rereich will contact the liaison with this information. Barbara Clark-Elliott volunteered to review the 2009 Programming Plan and identify upcoming events of importance. She will bring this information to each monthly meeting. The"Who's Your Neighbor" article was tabled until Vern Nichols returns next month. The redesign of the Commission's brochure was tabled until the vacancy is filled and after the meeting with the Mayor. Jerry Rerecich urged all of the Commissioners to attend the March 18th meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Lari White made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Second by Sandel Demastus. Meeting adjourned. Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba. ��r° � Sandel Demastus, Chair ''�rw