Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity
Regular MeetingLansing, MI · March 9, 2018
Minutes
DRAFT
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, March 9, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:33 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair - excused
Council Member Patricia Spitzley
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Tammy Lemmer – TCOA
Julee Rodocker – Consumers Energy
Dax Carpenter, Disability Network
Heather – Attorney’s Office
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Jim Bale – GLLC
Marilyn Plummer – Mayor’s Office
Al Salas – Small Business Owner
Judi Harris – STVCC Refugee Services
Francine Houston – PSAT Member
Guillermo Lopez – LLEAD Greater Lansing
Mark Brown – LCED/NAACP/ACLU
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPITZLEY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM February
23, 2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 2 - 0
Discussion:
Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
Mr. Lopez stated he could remember when the City of Lansing had a curriculum that
was use by the Police Department but we no longer do. The Police Academy could add
that to the list of things when they are recruiting. And he stated that we should have
attorney’s and police officers that can speak Spanish. We also have a number of African
citizens that speak a variety of languages.
Council Member Wood stated the Mayor’s office is look at creating a Commission on
Diversity, there is a Council resolution for the Ad Hoc Committee until the end of the
year however we don’t want two competing entities. She also advised the group she will
email the list of groups that we previously sent letters to asking to participate in the Ad
Hoc on Diversity Committee. We are looking at send out letters again along with our
accomplishments.
Council Member Wood advised they would like to encourage the Mayor to have the
same type of atmosphere we have at our meetings. We want to make sure we have the
inclusion and are able to bring up different topics to light as this Committee has been
doing. We would want to make sure the topics are relevant topics that would help us all
have a better understanding of each other.
Mr. Carpenter stated that they need to know what organizations can do to help and it
must be maintained that is how you keep the inclusion. Including the Snow Sergeants
program they currently have 107 properties to shovel and only 7 volunteers.
Council Member Spitzley stated if the Mayor develops a Commission we do not want
duel Committees but we may be able to act as staff or a foundation to Mayor’s
Commission as they have questions as we have great resources here. She hopes that
the Commission takes some of our recommendations as a basis to develop policies.
Ms. Locke stated that when she thinks of the diversity and this team; she feels we have
a place where people can sit and talk about being Black and Latino. This is a safe place
we can sit down and be comfortable. She would love to see this Committee continue.
Ms. Rodocker stated there is such a great need in the community and this Committee is
constantly helping.
Mr. Lopez stated this group is different than what he thinks it would be like being under
the Mayor.
Mr. Brown stated that he wants to give kudos for having the Committee. LaShawn Erby
brought up that there is not enough diversity and inclusion of Action of Greater Lansing.
However the influence of this Committee could impact other organizations and he is
disheartened this group could be diminished. He would encourage keeping this Ad Hoc
on Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Council Member Wood stated we do not want to lose the vulnerability of being yourself.
People are comfortable in this group and have discussed things they have never been
talked about before. We will continue to work on this, please continue to think about this
for our next meeting.
Discussion
Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
Council Member Wood reviewed last year’s program. The date of program will be March
29, 2018. She advised that she did research on different themes and came up with
Believe Act Preserve or Building Inclusive Communities. She then asked the group if
any of these themes sound like one we would like to use. The group decided to go with
Building Inclusive Communities. She then discussed who will do what during the
program. She then advised the group that an updated program will be provided prior to
the event.
Council Member Wood stated she will follow up with Council Member Jackson to see if
he talked with El Shabazz Academy regarding their participation at the event, and if not
Mr. Lopez will get in touch with the Lansing School District.
Council Member Spitzley suggested we look for kids to sing the National Anthem in both
English & Spanish. Mr. Lopez advised he will look into this.
Council Member Wood advised the group that we have $500 in the Council budget for
this event and we need to figure out who will help with donating/buying the food for the
reception after the program.
Mr. Lopez stated that in the past they have contacted several businesses and we buy
some food and the businesses normally donate some as well.
Mr. Salas advised he will reach out to Claude Hogan about presenting the scholarships
as he has done for past programs.
Next meeting March 23rd, 2018
Still working on Opioids issues
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
Knights of Columbus Fish fry every Friday at Cristo Rey Church at 6:00 p.m.
March 14th – Students March
March 24th before the capitol rally – “March for our lives” – MLK fellowship breakfast at
Union Missionary Baptist Church 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
8th Annual Cesar Chavez birthday celebration March 31, 2018 – UAW Local 652 426
Clare St Lansing 48917 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
May 25th – May 27th Cristo Rey Fiesta will take place
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:37 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved March 19, 2018
Agenda
AGENDA
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, March 9, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Councilmember Carol Wood, Chair
Councilmember Brian Jackson, Vice Chair
Councilmember Patricia Spitzley
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Public Comment
4. Approval of Minutes
• February 23, 2018
5. Discussion
A.) Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
B.) Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
6. Other
• Updates on Participants in the Committee
7. Adjourn
Pending Opioids information from Sparrow Hospital
MINUTES
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Friday, February 23, 2018 @ 11:30 a.m.
Council Conference Room, 10th Floor, City Hall
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:33 a.m.
Committee Members
Council Member Carol Wood, Chair
Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Vice Chair
Council Member Patricia Spitzley - excused
Others Present
LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff
Tammy Lemmer – TCOA
Tierra Riddick – MSU School of Journalism
Julee Rodocker – Consumers Energy
Dax Carpenter, Disability Network
Brandon Waddell – Attorney’s Office
Stacey Locke – Peckham
Elaine Womboldt – Rejuvenating South Lansing
Jim Bale – GLLC
Marilyn Plummer – Mayor’s Office
MINUTES
MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM February 9,
2018 AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 2 - 0
Discussion:
Exploring what a Diversity & Inclusion Committee may look like
Council Member Wood reminded the Ad Hoc Committee that Mayor Schor discussed
creating a Commission on Diversity. The options are a standing Committee established
by City Council or the Mayor establishing a Commission. The Committee talked and
decided to put together some questions to understand what Mayor Schor may be
considering with his Commission. The Committee talked about resending letters to the
different organizations that were invited three years ago. The hope is to create a new
interest in the Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee was asked to determine some ideas
on pros and cons for a Commission.
Ms. Locke asked the difference between an Ad Hoc Committee and a Commission.
Council Member Wood advised that the Ad Hoc Committee is established by City
Council and has a certain time set by a resolution and charge to accomplish certain
task. A Commission could be set up for a specific purpose and reports to the Mayor.
He or she would give them certain charges from time to time.
Ms. Wombolt stated that she likes how this group functions, it is informal but committed
to making sure all the populations have their needs addressed. She would hate to lose
the respect that has been earned and the willingness to help each other feel
comfortable and welcoming. Each individual’s opinion is important and has added to
better understanding. She would hate to lose that in a Commission.
Council Member Wood stated that Ad Hoc Committee has allowed us to learn from
each other, and we then advocate in different areas for each other that we may not
have thought about. We need to make sure the Mayor would ask people to sit on
Commission that are willing to go out of their comfort zone.
Ms. Locke stated If you limit the amount of people you limit the experience. Everyone
brings something different to the table. Council Member Wood stated that over a period
of time you realize there are other people who would benefit from this group. What we
are hearing is the need to make sure that you are continuously reaching out and
bringing people to the table that have diverse interest and can reach different groups of
people.
Ms. Lemmer asked if the Commission idea is this just a thought, as she does not see
the need for two such Committees. Council Member Wood explained some of the
advantage of being under Mayor Schor is he is creating budgets, hiring practices, and
policies that affect the city. And she would hope City Council would have some
representation on a Commission.
Ms. Lemmer asked who was on the original mailing list. Council Member Wood stated
she will get that information and provide it at the next meeting. It was about 100 letters
that were sent out we tried to reach as many groups as possible, and all ages.
Mr. Bale state that often individuals only participate if agenda pertains to them.
Ms. Plummer asked whether the Clergy Forum had been invited and did they
participate? Council Member Wood advised they were invited but did not come. She
did indicate that she has made presentation before the group on different topics that Ad
Hoc Committee was working on.
Ms. Lemmer suggested going on speaking tour to different organizations to bring
awareness.
Ms. Locke asked would there be rules for the Commission. Ms. Plummer will take those
questions and get some direction from the Mayor’s office.
Council Member Wood stated that she likes that we try to keep this to an hour meeting,
the Commission would have to look at that to see what time would capture the most
people.
Discussion
Cesar Chavez March 29, 2018
Council Member Wood advised that a few years ago HRCS decided they weren’t going
to do the Cesar Chavez Memorial Celebration in the Council Chambers anymore so Ad
Hoc on Diversity & Inclusion took it on. She has not heard from the Mayor’s office that
this event will be done by HRCS. So we want to make sure we get the planning done.
The date of the event will be Thursday, March 29, 2018 12pm-1pm. We need to secure
people for the following: Master Ceremony, Invocation, Speaker, and school choir.
Council Member Jackson will take on finding a school that has kids that can perform.
Council Member Wood will reach out to either Pastor from Bread House South or Pastor
Rosalinda Hernandez to do the Invocation. Council Member Wood will ask Tracy Ruiz if
she would be willing to Guest Speaker for the event, and looking into the theme. We will
see if Mr. Lopez or Mr. Salas will be master of ceremony. We have a $500 budget for
food and will also see about food donations. Need to be prepared to discuss the
program at the next meeting.
Next meeting March 9th, 2018
Still working on Opioids issues
OTHER
Updates on Participants in the Committee
Group discussed parking issues in downtown, especially the limited availability for handicapped
parking spots. Ms. Plummer took notes and will take this information back to the Mayor’s office.
Council Member Jackson will also speak with Downtown Inc regarding this matter.
Council Member Jackson 4th Ward meeting February 24, 2018 from 10am – 12pm at Gregory’s
Representative from BW&L and Sparrow will be present. He also invited members to Know
Your Rights Meeting Feb 24, 2018 1-3 p.m. Downton Library
Dax Carpenter announced the Neighborhood Engagement Team meeting March 19th, 2018
from 6-7 p.m. at Disability Network.
Tammy Lemmer spoke about the movie viewing “Raising America” March 24, 2018 from 2:30 –
4:30 p.m. Allen Neighborhood Center.
Cesar Chavez event March 29th at 12:00 p.m. – City Council Chambers 10th Floor. 12-1 p.m.
Amplifying Voices October 22, 2018 at Kellogg Center
Adjourn
Adjourn at 12:36 p.m.
Submitted by,
LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant
Approved March 4, 2018