Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, February 7, 2013 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Omie Brooks Ike Cabase Susan Kattula Doug Najor Andrew Pulford Iqbal Singh MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Naumovski Linda Preka Betty Rush OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo Community Relations Director Steve Guitar 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Andrew Pulford, SECONDED by Sharron Allen. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Sharron Allen, SECONDED by Susan Kattula. Approved 6-0 5. Communication from Citizens: - Ann Zerzowski introduced herself. Zerzowski stated that she is a resident of Sterling Heights and is taking a diversity class at Oakland University. - She added that as part of an assignment, she was required to attend an event or meeting related to the topic of diversity and write a paper about her experience. - She has an interest in the Ethnic Community Committee and wanted to attend the meeting as a guest. 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept. – Sgt. Jim Selewski - Selewski stated that the department has been busy.  There has been a rise in recent breaking and enterings. A special task force has been working on the problem. The department is trying to be more effective with a lot less man hours. - Selewski stated that the department is looking at participating in a web-based program that would help mandate the buying and selling of precious gems. - Re-sale and pawn shops are required to adhere to the Precious Gem Act and record all transactions and enter them into the database. Otherwise the owner could receive a violation and have his/her license revoked. - Pulford asked if the areas that have been hit with the breaking and enterings are in a certain area and asked if there is a Neighborhood Watch program in effect for that area. - Selewski stated that there is no set area and that the break-ins have occurred during the day. He added that Troy has a tight lead on a group of suspects. - Pulford asked if there are efforts in place to expand the Neighborhood Watch program. - Selewski stated that the information is always out there and that if someone has an interest in forming a group, Officer Milke could assist. - Selewski added that the COP (Citizens on Patrol) program continues to expand and has been successful. 7. Agenda A. 2013 Cultural Exchange Wrap-up - Singh thanked Guitar and Giallombardo for their help in coordinating the event. Singh stated that they deserve a lot of appreciation. - Guitar stated that the Committee members worked hard to get sponsors, ads and entertainment, etc. Guitar added that he sent letters to the editors of the local newspapers, thanking the businesses and volunteers that helped make the event possible. - Giallombardo stated that the event was another huge success. She added that she received very positive feedback from everyone she spoke with throughout the night. - Giallombardo distributed a final report, showing a total net profit of $265.94. - It was estimated that 1,000 people attended the event. - Committee members were asked to share their thoughts and ways to improve for next year. - Allen stated that nobody was using the counter at the front door to keep track of attendees.  - Giallombardo stated that there was too much crowding in front of the table, and suggested that next year the line somehow weave behind the check-in table. - Allen stated that the two food lines were not identical; different foods were on each side of the line. - Guitar stated that some restaurants did not supply enough food for both sides of the line. - Pulford suggested distributing food tickets next year, and calling “groups” of numbers to alleve the long lines. Giallombardo stated that there isn’t a speaker system available for that type of set-up. - Giallombard added that Cabase did a wonderful job as MC and commended him on filling in at the last minute. - Cabase questioned the durability of the stage, referring to the groups from the high schools. Cabase suggested that if a group is going to do a line dance, that they perform in front of the stage. - Singh stated that all in all, he thought the event went great. He added that committee members should remain friendly to the guests as to not spoil their fun. - Giallombardo stated that we will limit the number of tables placed in the hallway next year. B. Memorial Day Parade - Allen stated that the Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 27 and asked members if they would like to participate again, marching as they did last year. - Motion to participate in the 2013 Memorial Day Parade made by Allen, seconded by Pulford. Approved: 6-0. - Pulford volunteered the use of his pick-up truck for members and/or family that didn’t want to walk the route. - Kattula suggested that each committee members purchase two bags of candy so they don’t run out so early. - Giallombardo stated that she will mail letters to all of the entertainment groups that participated in past Cultural Exchanges, inviting them to march with the Ethnic Community Committee. - Allen asked if the Committee could be moved closer to the front of the parade. Giallombardo noted the request on the application. - Allen will e-mail Committee members once she receives the confirmation and assignment position from Community Relations. 8. Receipt of Correspondence – None. 9. Old Business: None. - Allen stated that she has her items on display in the showcase at the library for Black History Month. - Giallombardo reminded members that there would be no meeting in March, due to lack of an agenda. 10. New Business: - Pulford noted the error in the Source Newspaper, which incorrectly printed the information for the Cultural Exchange under the title “Tea Party Meeting”. - A discussion ensued about addressing the situation by contacting the paper. - It was decided that the Committee would not take action. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.