Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Unofficial minutes of the Monday, March 6, 2014 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Ike Cabase Ann Jerzowski Susan Kattula Doug Najor Andrew Pulford Iqbal Singh MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Omie Brooks Dr. Steve Naumovski 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 Kattula, SECONDED by Jerzowski. Approved 7-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Najor. Approved 7-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  Ben Allen and Carrie Smith were in attendance from Warren Consolidated Schools for a school assignment.  Taprir Singh (Iqbal’s daughter) in attendance because she is interested in learning about the Ethnic Community Committee.  Pulford attended the ICRJ’s Listen, Live and Learn summits, featuring Islam. He stated that they were very interesting and educational.  Cabase stated that he received a letter from Raices Morenas, thanking the committee for allowing them to participate in the Cultural Exchange. The letter stated that they had a great time and really enjoyed the event.  6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Jim Selewski  Selewski thanked members for their well wishes during his surgery recovery.  Selewski said that he was happy he was able to have additional police officers, COP members and CERT members assist at the Cultural Exchange. He added that he thought the event was great and that it ran smoothly.  Selewski said that they police department was able to get a conviction on the “backpage” murders.  Selewski discussed recent police activity (robberies, breaking and enterings, etc.) and told members that if they see suspicious looking individuals or notice suspicious activity to call 911 or 446-2800 for the non-emergency police. 7. Agenda A. 2014 Cultural Exchange  Giallombardo distributed the final report for the event. The event netted a $792.36 profit. Sponsorship dollars were higher than in 2013; however the donation boxes brought in less money than last year. Attendance appeared to be close to last year’s event according the the guests and the amount of plates used.  Allen stated that it seemed like a smaller crowd but said that maybe the food line moved at a faster pace.  Pulford stated that he and his daughters loved the event and had a very nice time.  Cabase said that he talked to a lot of guests in line for food and added that there were a lot of politicians and political representatives in attendance.  Jerzowski was pleased to see the proclamation from the Governor’s office and Giallombardo stated that she would purchase a frame and have it hung in the lobby of city hall.  Najor asked if we could have heaters by the front door for next year.  Cabase stated that it would be a good idea for the MC to mention the donation boxes throughout the evening.  Giallombardo stated that she received a letter from a resident stating that she really enjoyed the evening but wished that coffee was available. Giallombardo will look into serving coffee at next year’s event. B. Memorial Day Parade  Allen asked the members if they would like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade.  Members stated that they would like to participate.  Allen made a motion that the committee participate in the 2014 Memorial Day Parade. Pulford seconded the motion; motion passed 7-0.  Pulford stated that he would drive his truck once again and decorate it with the ethnic flags.  Allen asked members to purchase a couple bags of candy to pass out along the route.   Giallombardo stated that she would mail letters to cultural exchange participants inviting them to walk with the Ethnic Committee in the parade.  Kattula thanked Allen for her assistance with the parade. C. Election of Officers – Chair and Vice Chair  Kattula stated that she would like to be nominated for Vice Chair.  Allen nominated Pulford for Chair; Pulford politely declined.  Pulford nominated Cabase; Cabase accepted.  Singh made a motion for Chair and Vice Chair to remain the same. Pulford seconded the motion; motion passed 7-0.  Cabase will remain as Chair and Kattula will remain as Vice Chair. 8. Receipt of Correspondence:  Giallombardo stated that she received a thank you letter from Rev. Curro, for the committee’s support of the MLK Dinner Celebration. Giallombardo added that she also received a letter from Wayne Oehmke, thanking the committee for his Diversity Distinction award. 9. New Business: None 10. Old Business:  Allen stated that she had her cultural items displayed in the library showcare during the month of February.  Kattula stated that Dr. Jacobs, from Macomb Community College is in the planning stages of a Chaldean Summit. She added that she is not a part of the planning committee but was asked to attend the event.  Guitar added that he will be in attendance at the next planning meeting and understands that the event is geared toward education and the available resources relating to the Chaldean community.  Singh stated that his daugher, Taprir, would like to volunteer with the committee.  Cabase thanked everyone for their work in making the cultural exchange so successful and stated that he enjoyed Naumovski’s performance at the event. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.