HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/2025 - Minutes
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MEETING DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
MEETING LOCATION: Tigard City Hall, Town Hall
Members Present
Alireza Haddadi, Vice Chair
Caitlin Johnson, Chair
Connie Ramaekers
Marinda Bottesi
Rafael Palacios
Stacey Ghoddusi
Stephanie Godfrey
Shaila Kotadia
Jeremy Hajdu-Paulen
Kristi Allen
Not Present
Christina Putterman
Israel Jacquez
Rachel Roundy
Maria Rue
City Team Present
Heather Robbins, Council Liaison
Alex Richardson, Analyst, City Management
Nicole Hendrix, Team Liaison
Susan Shanks, Senior Planner, Community Development
Cindy Murphy, Guest Presenter
Leandro Barrientos, Digital Communications Coordinator, Design & Communications
Laura Pena, Guest Presenter
Meeting start: 6:00 pm
Welcome (Caitlin Johnson, Chair)
Introductions took place around the table. Shaila noted that as CCE members, we are informed about the
city’s budget process and other initiatives, allowing us to ask proactive questions.
City of Tigard
Committee for Community Engagement Minutes
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Member Updates (All)
Questions and follow-up
Are there any plans to centralize support for food cart business owners in the city? On May 1st, Rafael
presented a proposal to the city council aimed at improving the Senior Center. He led the
Summerfield interest group and has invited Eric Kang, the Director of Finance for the City of Tigard, to discuss
the city budget process. For community engagement, Rafael is also working on developing interest groups
throughout the neighborhoods, which will include presentations on various important topics for the city, such
as the history of Tigard, the city’s website, and the boards and committees. He hopes to see the Senior Center
and St. Anthony included in the Equitable Engagement report prepared by Laura Pena. Additionally, he noted
that the city of Tualatin and Sherwood have excellent programming for seniors.
Celebrations and Curiosity
The State of the City event was well planned and executed. The Tigard United Methodist marimba band
performed at the State of the City event. The Farmers Market on May 4th was well attended by Star Wars
fans, and the new location is better suited than before. Other exciting events: Yoga in the Park, Tigard-Tualatin
School District (TTSD) fundraiser, high school proms, and the Tigard Balloon Fest. The Tigard Police's
community outreach programs foster positive relationships within the community.
Concerns and Curiosity
Given the challenges our nations are currently facing, how do these issues affect our city, community
experiences, and funding for projects related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? One significant concern
is the notable increase in water costs that occurred in March, which then stabilized in April. Many residents
have experienced this rise in costs, but had their inquiries about utility billings go unanswered. Curiosity, the
plan for the Diversity and Inclusion ideas from the new city manager, Brent Stockwell. Councilor Robbins
raised awareness on TTSD funding cuts for arts in Spanish and Flower Middle School Band
Liaison Update (Nicole Hendrix)
Please inquire Nicole if you need a copy of the shared agreement. Here are some event highlights: - The Move
With the Mayor programs include "Yoga in the Park." - A National Community Survey is being conducted, and
if you receive it, please make sure to participate, as it is randomly selected. - An open participation event
starts on May 27th, led by Alex Richardson. - We are also offering free weddings and a Summer Reading
program in June. - Interviews for one open vacancy at CCE are currently underway. - Hall Boulevard is
undergoing construction improvements, which include the addition of a bike lane. This will require closing one
lane and installing a new crosswalk and lighting.
Equitable Engagement (Laura Pena)
Laura provided CCE with a draft report document last week. The report primarily reflects community priorities
and includes staff insights on equitable engagement. It is intended to be used by the city as a tool for
identifying long-term actions, resources, and investments. This document serves both as a strategic plan and
an action plan. The report highlights several themes, including the importance of building authentic
relationships, increasing leadership presence and visibility, strengthening internal accountability, and
following through with the community. It emphasizes improving coordination across departments and
engagement efforts while prioritizing community building as a fundamental service.
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A key question raised is how to determine which communities to reach out to and how to involve or engage
residents in city life. The approach aligns with the city Community Promise, emphasizing equity, engagement,
and breaking down barriers through the Five Es. The city should work on enhancing cultural competencies
among its citizens.
It was suggested that CCE take on the outward-facing outreach efforts. Establishing a connection between CCE
and EAC would enable them to serve as community engagement liaisons. Additionally, a citywide engagement
handbook could be developed to outline the various options for staff involvement. It is important to clarify
CCE’s roles and the expected outcomes of the committees before moving forward. Revisiting the charter is
also recommended.
The community navigator position should be considered after two years, as fundamental and systemic
changes need to be addressed first. Success metrics are not included in the draft because they will be
developed later by the city's implementation team. Additionally, a recommendation is made to utilize a
customer relationship management (CRM) system platform.
Laura looks forward to receiving members' input and recommendations. She will collect feedback through
June 30th, and members can provide their thoughts using the QR code provided.
Community Events (Alex Richardson, Cindy Murphy)
Cindy is a part-time event consultant hired by the City and serves as the executive director of the Balloon Fest.
The four major events that focus on equity are:
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration: This event honors black seniors from both Tigard and Tualatin and is in
partnership with community member Juma Whately. It will be held at Cook Family Park, Shelter #4, from 3 PM
to 6 PM.
Pride Parade & Festival: Featured guests include the Rose City Rollers Skatemobile and Rachel Wong. Alex is
still accepting applications from food vendors and craft vendors. This event will take place at Tigard High
School, from 2 PM to 4:30 PM.
4th of July Celebration: This marks the second year for the drone show, which is becoming a new community
tradition. The event will be held at Cook Family Park from 6 PM to 10:30 PM and will feature a DJ and more
drones, along with improved traffic control.
El Tigre Fest: Details about this event are to be determined. These events reflect the commitment to equity
and community engagement in Tigard and Tualatin.
Community Development Hub Online Services (Susan Shanks)
The Permitting, Planning, and Licensing enterprise software system is set to go live in Summer 2025. This
system aims to consolidate the processes of reviewing and issuing building and engineering permits, as well as
business licenses, all in one platform.
Right now, Susan is leading a community awareness campaign for our customers. This campaign will include a
press release in the Portland Business Journal and a business card featuring a QR code. Additionally, she will
network with the Home Builders Association and the Chamber of Commerce. The primary goal is to drive
traffic to our new webpage, which will have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section that will be
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continually updated. Furthermore, CCE has been requested to complete a survey based on a provided
printout.
Meeting Minute Review and Action (Chair, All)
Jeremy Hajdu-Paulen attended the meeting in March. The Chair proposed to approve the minutes with a
correction, which was seconded by Connie Ramaekers and supported by the other members present.
Adjournment (Chair)
The chair called to adjourn. Meeting ended at 7:35 pm