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Tacoma committee recommends removals and appointments to Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs after interviews
Summary
After interviewing applicants for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the committee moved to recommend removal of two inactive members and recommended several reappointments and new appointments, approving each motion by voice vote.
The Community Vitality and Safety Committee interviewed applicants and considered reappointments for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (CIRA) on April 23 before recommending removals and appointments.
Nicole Emery, the city clerk, explained the process and said staff had requested motions to remove two inactive members and to consider reappointments and reassignments based on prior service and updated applications. She told the committee there were 10 positions to fill (nine member positions and one alternate) and that two members were flagged as inactive after repeated attempts to contact them.
Vice Chair/Councilmember Scott moved to recommend removal of Linus Niaga (member 2) and Hugo Nicholas (member 9); both motions were seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee also moved to recommend reappointments and reassignments for incumbents (motions included Yulia Dibakiska, Emanuela Shasha, Lydia Zeta, Mary Grace Castro and Isabel Hernandez); those motions passed by voice vote.
The committee interviewed four applicants during the meeting. Olga Fedovna described her community work and role with the Tacomaslava Association and emphasized language access and outreach. Ryan (first name only) and Shanae Tracy highlighted language access, representation and legal‑support needs; Faith Siango described nonprofit leadership experience working with immigrant families and youth and said her downtown Tacoma office gives her a direct connection to city residents.
After the interviews the committee moved to recommend appointments to fill unexpired terms and vacancies: the committee recommended appointing Olga Fedovna, Brian Macintosh, Shanae Tracy and Faith Siango to specified member positions; each motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: the committee used its authority to remove inactive members and to replenish CIRA with a mix of incumbents and newly recommended community representatives; appointees will advise the city on immigrant and refugee issues that affect access to services, language access and community integration.
The clerk said staff will notify applicants and finalize appointments as the process moves forward.
