CommUNITY Alliance

STERLING HEIGHTS CommUNITY Alliance Minutes of Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Meeting Location: City Hall Members Present: Stacy Bahri, Cindy Bjornson, Nakia Powell-Thomas, Rich Rubba, Tim Doppel, Tatrika Graphenreed, Ricardo Harris Members Absent: None Representing the City: Melanie Davis MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 6:04 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the October 19, 2022 CommUNITY Alliance made by Rubba; Seconded by Powell-Thomas and voted all in favor. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Group Bonding Exercise – Powell-Thomas conducted a bonding exercise called “Bucket List”. The members of the Commission listed items that are on their respective “life buckets lists.” Many commonalities included travel, music, books, swimming and sewing. While only mentioned by one member, seeing as many oddities in the world was well received by all. B. The Boards and Commissions Online Portal and Handbook was distributed and discussed. C. Strategic Plan Updates I. DEI Checklist/Barrier Free Gaps Items 1, 2, 5, and 10 were identified as priorities in the DEI Checklist. 1 - Updated signage for single user restrooms in Community Center, Senior Center, and Parks 2 - New Wheelchair accessible/ ramped bleachers at Delia Park ( 4 fields) 5 - Funding for participant scholarships 10 - Enhanced marketing with more inclusive flyers and publications including large print, multilingual, etc.  It was further discussed that the Alliance needs to send a letter to the City Council to request funding for 2023 programming. These items are priorities but there will be other items needing funding as well. II. Resolutions/Social Media The City Council has requested that ongoing resolutions be worded and presented as such, so that the resolution does not need to be presented every year, but will be recognized as an ongoing event. III. Unity Workshop/Networking Event a) Workshop: The 2023 theme is “Your Story Matters” and will be held on February 14. Melanie will approach the Youth Advisory Board to get volunteers to present Why get involved in City Government. Providing we can get volunteers, Doppel offered to facilitate the discussion at the Workshop. b) Diversity 101: Theme “Lets talk about the Terms.” Format: Discussion and networking. a. Possibly held in conjunction with New Neighbor Forum b. Marketing will be crucial c. When? May or October IV. Human Library a) Date: April 13, 6-9pm b) Where: Community Center c) Actively seeking volunteers to be “books” d) Will need media coverage. This is a special event! V. Disability Workshop(s) a) A small example of demonstrations will be held at the Cultural Exchange on February 24, 6-10pm. b) The primary event is scheduled for March 1, 6-8pm a. Will need approx. 20 volunteers to assist c) Both events are at the Community Center. d) Suggested we move the February Alliance meeting to the 22nd in order to do a walk thru of the demonstrations. e) A brochure for the Alliance should be available at both events. OLD BUSINESS None Presented NEW BUSINESS A. Much to the dismay of the Alliance members, Ricardo Harris submitted his resignation as he has moved out of the City and is therefore not eligible to serve.  Many of the Alliance members commented on Ricardo’s significant contributions to the alliance and that he will be sorely missed. B. In order to prepare for the December holidays, the Alliance unanimously agreed to cancel the December meeting MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:02pm CommUNITY Alliance Upcoming Event Calendar Wednesday, January 18 6:00pm Alliance Meeting City Hall Tuesday, February 14 ________ Unity Workshop _______________ Wednesday, February 22 6:00pm Alliance Meeting Community Center Friday, February 24 6-10:00pm Cultural Exchange Community Center Wednesday, March 1 6-8:00pm Disability Workshop Community Center Wednesday, March 15 6:00pm Alliance Meeting City Hall Thursday, April 13 6-9:00pm Human Library Event Community Center Wednesday, April 19 6:00pm Alliance Meeting City Hall