CommUNITY Alliance

STERLING HEIGHTS CommUNITY Alliance Minutes of Wednesday, Oct. 20 , 2021 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall Conference Room 020 Members Present: Stacy Bahri, Tim Doppel, Ricardo Harris, Nakia Powell- Thomas Members Absent: Sara Itoh, Lea Mitchell, Rich Rubba Representing the City: Melanie Davis Meeting called to order at 6 :03 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the September 15, 2021 CommUNITY Alliance with one change from “Tim Doppel’s continued strategic plan” to “Continued Strategic Plan Discussion” made by R. Harris; Seconded by: T. Doppel Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Communication from Citizens – there was no communication from citizens at this time. B. Continued development of strategic plan :  The group reviewed the three buckets and expanded on them: o Education – the group decided that the two most likely objectives to focus on in this bucket were creating an open line of communication with residents (including getting into the schools to talk about unity with our youth as well as creating a calendar of monthly celebrations and a “did you know” section in every issue of City News) as well as hosting a series of panel discussions (i.e. a live version of our former “Meet your XX Neighbor” brochures, and using this information for social media campaigns as well as the panel series which would include a networking portion). o Leadership – the group decided that the two most likely objectives to focus on in this bucket were working to make sure  everyone feels welcome (including multi-lingual welcome signage at city hall and communication) and making our city the most handicap accessible community (working with facilities to assess and identify any potential ADA gaps that exist throughout the city as well as hosting an event requiring leaders and/or residents to spend time in wheelchairs to understand the challenges). o Inclusion – the group decided that the two most likely objectives to focus on in this bucket were creating a process that ensures all events the City hosts are inclusive (a checklist for event planners) and auditing existing City events and the public art program to ensure they are inclusive and adjust if necessary.  M. Davis agreed to work to put the existing plan that T. Doppel created into an actual strategic plan document with strategies, goals, measurable objectives and tactics. She will present at the November meeting. OLD BUSINESS:  S. Bahri offered the group an opportunity to go through the cultural competency training that the Chaldean Community Foundation offers. M. Davis suggested hosting the December 15 meeting at CCF and inviting the mayor and city manager to address the group, per the group’s request.  M. Davis asked for the group’s feedback on the recent Diversity Awards dinner. Feedback included: o The program was a bit too long. Perhaps ONE performance would be sufficient, especially since we have so many performances at the Cultural Exchange. o It would be nice to feature additional ethnic food and draw more attention to the fact that it is there. o They were surprised that the banquet facility had a buffet, despite lingering concerns about COVID. NEW BUSINESS :  R. Harris reported about an incident going on at his daughter’s school and requested the group’s advice on moving forward to address the incident. ADJOURNMENT : The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. on a motion from T. Doppel, seconded by R. Harris and voted all in favor.