HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2008 - Minutes �` "��+�'
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY
JANUARY 9, 2008 MINUTES
�:I�`'��)F 4�E{V`CGI�
Committee: Serena Aquino
Antonio P. Cube, Sr. U�A�' � '� �QQ�
Sandel Demastus
Audrey Godwin ��T`��t,E�K°s aFFic�
Raymond Lam
Vern Nichols
Charles Thomas
Lari White
Staff Gloria Gamba
Bonnie Rerecich
Jerry Rerecich
CALL TO ORDER: Sandel called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Audrey made a motion to approve the January 9, 2008,
agenda as written. Second by Charles. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Audrey made a motion to approve the December 12,
2007, minutes as submitted. Second by Antonio. Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Henry of Bellevue's Cultural
Diversity Program was unable to attend the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE: The January 2008 packets included Utility Rate Information;
Renton Senior Center Golden Opportunities Brochure; Downtown Renton Calendar of
Events; City of Renton Elected Officials; and the Community Services Status Report.
OLD BUSINESS: A meeting has been set for January 16, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Renton City
Hall, Conference Room#519, to meet with Helena Stevens who has agreed to facilitate
the Advisory Commission on Diversity Retreat on February 2, 2008. The Commissioners
are invited to attend or they can email their ideas to Gloria �gamba(cr�,ci.renton.wa.us.
Lari, Bonnie, Jerry and Terry plan to attend. Audrey will participate via conference call.
A Call for Celebrations is now featured in the What's Happening Brochure. In the future,
it will be in RentonNOW, and on the City's home page, and will be updated as needed.
The 2008 Get Connected and Celebrate Calendar lists community activities to educate
and celebrate the diversity of Renton. The Community Gospel Performance scheduled to
appear at Carco Theatre on February 24, 2008, will be cancelled due to a conflicting
performance.
In the past, the Commissioners had requested�to receive copies of monthly minutes from
all Community Services Boards and Commissions. There was discussion to determine if
the minutes are still of value to the Commissioners. It was decided to discontinue this
practice.
A draft of the 2007 Ac�rory Commission Annual Summary o�ivity(as required by
Ordinance) was presented to the Commissioners for approval. It is a recap of the
Diversity Commission's 2007 accomplishments. It was noted that the Commission
achieved all of their established goals! A motion was made by Audrey to approve the
summary. Second by Vern. Motion carried.
Erica Rehberg will send a letter to the Mayor's office to officially resign from the
Commission. She has purchased a home outside the city limits.
NEW BUSINESS: Lari announced that Kevin Henry of Bellevue's Cultural Diversity
Program is now scheduled to speak at the February 13, 2008, meeting. In the future, she
will refer to the suggested list of speakers that was established at the August 8, 2007,
meeting.
COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sandel announced that Tim Eyman will
speak on the One Percent Property Tax Initiative(in Kent) on January 26, 2008,2:00
p.m. If interested, more information is available on pugetsoundaccess.org or by phoning
253-479-0200. Seating will be limited. If you would like to reserve a seat, ca11425-255-
9448. Paul Guppy of the Attorney General's Office may attend.
It was decided to delay recruiting for the Commission's vacancy until March 2008 when
the Benson Hill annexation becomes effective and will include an additional 18,000+
residents. There are two applications presently on file in the Mayor's Office.
Antonio mentioned the Fairwood Annexation Initiative to become a city. It may be on
the November ballot. This is not a Diversity Commission action item.
There is a new marketing video worth watching, "Renton Ahead of the Curve", featuring
John Keister. Jerry asked Gloria to email the link to the Commissioners.
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS: Vern expressed concerns about the Council process
to fill the Council vacancy without public comment.
Bonnie gave each Commissioner an IKEA Renton River Days survey/questionnaire to
complete. The purpose is to receive input on how to improve the festival. IKEA has
signed a one-year contract for the 2008 Festival.
The Commissioners are encouraged to attend the retreat on February 2, 2008,beginning
at 9:00 a.m., Renton City Hall, 7th Floor Conferencing Center.
ADJOURNMENT: Charles made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m. Second
by Lari. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Minutes were taken by Gloria Gamba.
� . � ��J
Sandel Demastus, Chair