SAB Meeting Minutes for Monday, March 7, 2011 Meeting start time 4:06 PM
Reminder from Dr. Sheila: SAB reflection papers are due this Friday, March 11, 2011.
Remember that this Sunday daylight savings time begins, and to reset your clocks!
Guests Jessica and Daniel have come to SAB for input on the ECC Gala event. The
concern is the budget which has been cut from $5000.00 for individual RSO awards to
$1250.00. These awards are specifically attached to organizations. They are seeking
ideas on how best to distribute the limited funds. The ECC Gala is a celebration of the
community and its’ works. There are five awards given each year; Mentoring,
Organization of the Year, Programming, ECC involvement, and Community Service. All
ECC groups are eligible for all awards, and will be scored in all categories for the
awards. Because of budget cuts planning of funds must be strategic yet inclusive.
Jessica and Daniel will be sending out messages for event volunteers. Some ideas
proposed by SAB members included the following:
Equal distribution of the award funds
Excluding past years winners from this years awards
Increasing the recognition and using the funds for some other part of the Gala
Not attaching a monetary award to the recognition of groups
This is the last SAB meeting of the quarter. Next meeting will be Monday, March 28,
2011.
There are no community concerns this week.
Guests City Councilman Mike O’Brien and his Assistant Sahar have joined SAB today
for a candid question and answer dialog.
Councilman is a UW alumni.
Became involved in the Sierra Club as an accountant, advanced in the organization,
entered city government from a true concern for the environment.
How does the city council office work?
There are 9 at large elected members serving four year terms with salaries, legislative
body for the city of Seattle.Non-partisan organization. They approve the citys $4 billion
dollar budget. Oversight is inclusive of Public utilities, City Light ($2 billion), and Parks
Department, City Planning and other agencies ($2 billion).
Who are the five most important people to know? Five people who are 100% dedicated.
(Having your spouse in full support helps as the work in campaigning is strenuous.)
Endorsements were a concern for the Councilman but on the trail he learned that
people want to know that you are aware of the issues that concern them, and know
what you care about.
What is the City Council position on education?
City Council and Seattle Schools are separate entities. Will collaborate through Family
and Education levy to support schools by providing funding for on site health clinics in
schools, and college counselors in schools starting in junior high.
SAB Meeting Minutes for Monday, March 7, 2011 Meeting start time 4:06 PM
There is discussion about the effectiveness of the college counseling program, its
reach, and continued funding in communities of color. Members are encouraged to
come to City Hall to testify at council meetings. Youthful voices are rare and stir the
attention of council members. Let Mr. O’Brien know what your concerns are and when
there is an opportunity to speak about it notification can be sent to you.
What is the Councils position on increasing police brutality and unacceptable standards
for accountability involving the murder of Seattle residents?
The Councilman speaks about the need for changing the culture of the agency,
restructuring, and a top down approach to embracing the new culture. Having meetings
with police leadership the Councilman has expressed to them that, “...we are doing a
shitty job.” Recent events in Seattle are “embarrassing” and may be expected in other
cities in the country but not here. We have to do better.
How do we get involved with the City Council Office?
Volunteer, check into internships, meet with members to discuss ideas. There are 40
boards and commissions to get involved with. “Just show up!”
There were several hand outs given to members with City Council information. Absent
members who would like to see the documents can contact the secretary for a copy.
Meeting end 5:34 PM