Citizens' Unity Commission

Citizens’ Unity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 24, 2017 ~ 6:00pm-8:00pm Community Development Conference Room, 5th floor, City Hall, Hampton, VA Attendance: Andrea Bynum (Chair), Carter Phillips (Vice Chair), Mei Stukes, Luretta Ray, Ruthann Kellum, Milton McDonald, Mary Wallace, Nikcola Walker, Enrique Zapatero Absent: Anne Andrews, Sharmane Baynard, Alice Capehart, Deena Franklin (Community Liaison), Burley Gardner (Community Liaison), Kayla Hicks, Ellen Shackelford (Community Liaison), Ray Smith, Staff: Synetheia Newby (Executive Director); Steven D. Bond (Assistant City Manager) Call to Order – Andrea Bynum, Chairperson, 6:14pm Roll Call – Synetheia Newby Action Items Item 1: Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes from 4-10-17 • Commissioner Andrea Bynum made a motion to approve the minutes; motion seconded by Commissioner Carter Phillips. Minutes approved by vote of commissioners. Old Business Item 1: International Children’s Festival • CUC Executive Director and Commissioners Ray Smith and Alice Capehart set up the table. Commissioners Mei Stukes, Andrea Bynum, Carter Phillips, Nickola Walker, Luretta Ray, Alice Capehart and Mary Wallace provided table coverage. • The bags were a hit with the kids!! All the bags were gone by approximately 1pm so the afternoon shifts did not have bags for distribution. • Recommendations for improvement: 1. Distribute the total number bags by shift so that they don’t run out. 2. The printed literature, ink pens, lapel pins inside the bag should be out on the table or placed in a bag specifically for adults. 3. If we develop bags for adults, a decision needs to be made about what the content of that bag should include. 4. Instead of using the long coloring page, consider a more technologically advanced activity to engage with the kids. 1  5. Utilize a mobile brochure holder for CUC brochure and information distribution to avoid items blowing off of the table New Business Item 1: Committee Reports and Updates • Bylaws and Standards Subcommittee Report 1. Commissioner Carter Phillips provided the committee report; the committee had a phone meeting and made some updates to the language of the bylaws. 2. Commissioner Carter Phillips made a motion to approve the by- laws with the agreed changes; Commissioner Enrique Zapatero seconded the motion. 3. The committee will revise and disseminate updates, via email, through CUC staff. • Membership and Orientation Subcommittee Report 1. Commissioner Enrique Zapatero provided the report. 2. The committee has drafted interview questions for use in interviewing potential commissioners; the proposed interview questions were reviewed. 3. There are currently 6 vacancies and we will have 9 after June 30th. 4. There are 17 applications available for review and recommendations must be sent to Clerk of Council by June 2, 2017. 5. Executive Director Synetheia Newby will send the committee the existing applications for their review and recommendations on May 24, 2017. 6. Due to the small turnaround window, the committee will forego conducting interviews. • Unity Awards Subcommittee Report 1. Commissioner Mary Wallace provided the report. 2. Date and Time: Friday, June 9th @6:30pm at The American Theater. 3. The program draft for the occasion was presented, reviewed, and updated. 4. Requested volunteers to serve as greeters; Commissioners Ruthann Kellum, Mei Stukes, and Luretta Ray volunteered. 5. Receipt of nominations have been extended to May 26, 2017. 6. Reception: Refreshments should include items for vegetarians. • Youth Outreach and Development Subcommittee Report 1. Synetheia Newby provided the report and noted that a committee head still needs to be appointed. 2. The YAG application is scheduled to be disseminated via high school guidance counselors, Project Inclusion coordinators, and 8th grade guidance counselors, beginning June 5th. The date was 2  delayed for proper vetting by the City Attorney’s Office due to the addition of the disclaimer and release form. Anne Bane is assisting with dissemination via the school system. 3. The goal is for their first meeting to be held in September 2017. • “Movie Talks” Subcommittee Report 1. Commissioner Luretta Ray provided the report. 2. CUC is partnering with Hampton Public Library system and the point of contact is Rita Schrievner. The movies will be shown at the Main Hampton Library on a quarterly basis. Refreshments of popcorn and a drink are permissible in the facility. 3. The committee is brainstorming movies for viewing and open to suggestions. 4. The first event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9th and will include a viewing of “Loving.” The second event is scheduled for Sunday, October 8th and will include a viewing of “Alice’s Ordinary People.” • “America Divided: Community Conversations” Subcommittee Report 1. Synetheia Newby provided the report. 2. The final viewing will be held on June 10th at the Hampton Performing and Creative Arts Center. City Manager Mary Bunting and Assistant City Managers Laura Fitzpatrick and Steven Bond have attended and participated. 3. The feedback from citizens has been positive and desirous of the CUC to continue this initiative; the committee is considering doing viewings on a quarterly basis. • “One City, One Book” Subcommittee Report 1. Commissioner Andrea Bynum provided the report. 2. The committee has not met since the last general body meeting, however, Andrea met with the City of Hampton’s Economic Development to discuss partnering with restaurants to host the book meet-ups. She has also initiated contact with Hampton Public Library system on the potential for partnering and they are eager to participate. 3. The committee is considering the following: a. How the program will be initiated and run b. What dates will the program run c. How the program will be evaluated for success d. What partnerships need to be explored e. How the program will be marketed 4. Synetheia will work with the Marketing and Outreach Department once the committee has all the dates and details. 5. Projected launch date is June 30th with meet-ups occurring in September and October 3 “Go-Backs” • Unity Awards 1. Commissioner Mary Wallace provided a copy of the layout for the program and for the invitation to Synetheia Newby for use and dissemination. Next Meeting Date and Time: September, 2017 (Specific date and time TBD) Adjourned at 7:51pm 4