HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/2009 - Minutes `�Y° Gl,�y o� "'"''` CITY OF RENTON
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CITY CLERK�S OFFICE
CITY OF RENTON
MINUTES
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY
February 11, 2009
Commissioners: Antonio Cube
Sandel Demastus
Jennifer Knickerbocker
Vern Nichols
Charles Thomas
Lari White
Absent: Serena Aquino
Raymond Lamb
Staff: Gloria Gamba
Jerry Rerecich
CALL TO ORDER: Jennifer Knickerbocker called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Antonio Cube made a motion to approve the February 11, 2009,
agenda as written. Second by Vern Nichols. Motion cazried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Lari White made a motion to approve the January 14, 2009,
minutes as written. Second by Sandel Demastus. Motion carried.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Gene CrreccoStoliesSimile had planned to attend the
February 11, 2009,meeting. He had a conflicting meeting and asked that the Commission be
notified he will be attending all future Diversity Commission meetings.
OLD BUSINESS: Jerry Rerecich has been in contact with Federal Way, Kent, and Tukwila to
determine their interest in participating in a Multi-City Diversity Commissions Workshop. Kent
has recently disbanded their Diversity Commission, Tukwila has not made a commitment, and
Federal Way may participate. Jerry Rerecich will meet with the Federal Way liaison on
February 12, 2009, to draft a proposed agenda for the workshop. The proposed agenda will be
presented to both the Federal Way and Renton Diversity Commissions at their March meetings.
Councilmember Terri Briere is very interested in the Diversity Commission. Jerry Rerecich will
provide information about upcoming events.
Jennifer Knickerbocker tabled the discussion on the Advisory Commission brochure until after
the March meeting.
Advisory Commission on I?iversity iPiinutes �
February 1 l,2009
Page 2 of 2
NEW BUSINESS: Jennifer Knickerbocker and Jerry Rerecich met with Denis Law, Mayor;
Terry Higashiyama, Community Services Administrator; and Karen Bergsvik, Human Services
Manager. Mayor Law is very positive about both the Human Services Advisory Committee and
the Advisory Comrnission an Diversity. He suggested celebrating the diversity of Renton,
learning about the varied papulations, and cannecting them with services and resaurces. The
Mayor is also interested in identifying leaders af the ethnic groups in Renton.
It was suggested that a joint meeting be held for both the Human Services Advisory Committee
and the Diversity Commission on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. However, Vern
Nichc�is will be unable ta attend, so this sub}ect has been tabled.
Jennifer Knickerbocker introduced a concept and plan to make the Commission more effective.
During the monthly meetings,the Cornrnissianers will be asked to share what each has done to
promote,investigate,or learn about diversity in their personal and(ar professional lives. Jennifer
Knickerbacker distributed her dacurnent an"The Develapment of Diversity Appreciation for
Young Childreri". The Commissioners then shared their recent experiences/encounters with
diversity and will continue to do sa.
A 2009 Days of Celebration calendar representing ethnic group celebrations far the year was
included in the rnonthly packets. Jennifer Knickerbocker recommended using this as a tool to
cannect with the camrnunity in 2009.
QTHER:
Neighbor to Neighbar 6th Annual Leadership Workshop, February 21, 2009, at 8.00 a.rn.
offers the apportunity far residents ta meet ather neighborhood leaders and learn rnare abaut the
City of Renton. Gontact Norma McQuiller via ernail at nmcauiller(cr�,rentonwa.�av or call 425-
430-6895 with questians,a.nd to RSVP.
Vern Nichols is going to begin writing an article called, "Who's Your Neighbor?"to be sent to
the Renton Reporter dradfordt7a,rentonreporter.com and to Renton Magazine's Andrew Fickes
425-2�1-9300. {3ennifer will help edit the article.}
Lari White will attend the Renton Historical Museum Black History Month presentation an
February 14,2009, and will report baek. wwwxentonhistorv.or�
Sandel Demastus recomamended inviting Kathleen Booher, Boeing Representative on Diversity,
to attend a future meeting.
Sandel Demastus distributed the AARP flyer. Their presentation on February 24, 2009, Renton
Seniar Center,will be,"Is yaur home full of clutter, collections, and junk?".
ADJOURNMENT; Charles Thomas made a mation ta adjournrnent the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Secand by Lari White. Meeting adjourned.
Minu#es were taken by Glaria Gamba.
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Jenni�er ckerbo� er, Chair
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