Citizens' Unity Commission

Citizens’ Unity Commission Monthly Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 9, 2021~ 6:00 pm-8:00pm Ruppert Sargent Building, Veterans’ Conference Room, 1st Floor Attendance: Katrina Bailey, Alice Capehart, Jennifer Evans, Chris Grady, Malik Perry, Luretta Ray, , Mei Stukes, Ellen Velissarios, Mary Wallace, Steven Wendell Absent: Justin Carolina (Absent Notified), Trevor Hutson, Tamika Lett (AN), Joiecel Riviera, Whalan McDew, Barbara Washer (Resigned), Erica Spencer (Absent Notified); Shuntay Tarver (Absent Notified); Staff: Imara Gabe Diaz (Interim Director), Hugo J. Morrison (Education Manager); Assistant City Manager Steve Bond (Absent Notified) Call to Order – Jennifer Evans, Chairperson @ 6:01 pm Roll Call – Imara Gabe Diaz, Interim Executive Director Item 1: Welcome and Introductions – Roll Call  Imara Gabe Diaz, CUC Interim Director, asked all Commissioners to sign in on the attendance sheet and called rolled. He also listed the Commissioners who were absent with notice. We have a couple of communicated absences this evening but we hope to move forward in hopes of a quorum.  Interim Executive Director, announced that Councilwoman Snead seat has been filled as council selected an applicant out of 63 applications reviewed. This person will start on council on January 1 and The Honorable Chris Snead will serve as City Treasurer.  On Jan. 1 or shortly thereafter, Council will appoint a new council liaison to the CUC.  Emailed by-laws and minutes to the group prior to the meeting. If there are any amendments you would like to suggest please email your thoughts or ideas to Mr. Diaz by Monday, December 13, 2021. Item 2: Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes  Interim Director Gabe Diaz informed the commission we have a quorum for the record and the roll. He continued saying we did speak about attendance last meeting so please adhere to that as much as possible so we can conduct official business. 1   Jennifer Evans, Chairperson called for the motion to adopt the minutes. Motion was made by the chair, and the motion was seconded by Katrina Bailey. The motion to adopt the minutes passed unanimously. Item 3: Team Building Exercise  Hugo Morrison, Education Manager, led the Commissioners in a team building exercise focusing on inclusion. Commissioners were handed color dots and a necklace of lights, and asked to stand up and without talking to group themselves. Old Business New Business Item 1: Volunteer Opportunities  Saturday, December 11 we have another volunteer opportunity for the 5Th Annual 249 Ninja Toy Drive. CUC and the Office of Diversity are co-sponsors of the event. Item #2: Packing Party  We have 5 stations, asking volunteers to pair up in 2’s per station to form an assembly line to pack PPE for distribution at the 249 Ninja 5th Annual Toy Drive & Giveway at Phoebus High School. Go-Backs Announcements On December 16th, we have been invited by YH Thomas Community Center staff to distribute food boxes in the senior community, Langley Village, to assist families with dinner. You can see Hugo Morrison if you like to sign up for a volunteer shift. Adjourned 7:12pm by Chairperson Jennifer Evans Next Meeting Date and Time: Thursday, January 13, 2021 6:00 pm-8:00 pm 2