CommUNITY Alliance

STERLING HEIGHTS CommUNITY Alliance Minutes of Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Meeting Locatio n: Community Center Teen Room Members Present: Stacy Bahri, Tim Doppel, Richard Harris, Sara Itoh, Piedad Mantinen, Lea Mitchell, Nakia Powell-Thomas Members Absent: None Representing the City: Melanie Davis Meeting called to order at 6 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : This being the first meeting of the CommUNITY Alliance, there were not minutes from previous meetings to approve. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Commission Ordinance Overview  M. Davis reviewed the key issues of the ordinance adopted allowing for the creation of this commission including number of members, officers to be elected, attendance requirements, number of meetings per year, not subject to open meetings act, etc. B. Election of Officers  M. Davis outlined the key responsibilities for the offices requiring election.  L. Mitchell nominated herself to serve as Chairman. There were no other nominees, so she will serve as Chairman through the first term of 2021-2022.  S. Bahri nominated herself to serve as Vice Chairman. There were no other nominees, so she will serve as Vice Chairman through the first term of 2021-2022.  N. Powell-Thomas nominated herself to serve as Secretary. There were no other nominees, so she will serve as Secretary through the first term of 2021-2022. C. Purpose, Process and Timeline   M. Davis reviewed the overarching purpose of the Alliance as well as the timeline for creation of the group’s strategic plan and presentation of same to City Council.  M. Davis answered some questions regarding how this commission is different than the existing Ethnic Community Committee and African American Coalition.  M. Davis also talked about the option of having a facilitator walk the group through a SWOT analysis to begin the process at the May meeting. L. Mitchell and N. Powell-Thomas both have contacts they will ask to see if they are available to assist the group with that process. OLD BUSINESS:  This being the first meeting of commission, there was no old business to discuss. NEW BUSINESS :  T. Doppel asked M. Davis if she could make name placards for the group for the next meeting, and she agreed.  M. Davis also noted she will circulate a commission roster to all members which includes contact information as well as each member’s term. ADJOURNMENT : The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. NEXT CommUNITY Alliance MEETING: Wednesday, May 19 , 2021 @ 6 p.m. in the Community Center Teen Room