Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, April 2, 2015 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Ike Cabase Ann Jerzowski Susan Kattula Steve Naumovski Andrew Pulford Iqbal Singh MEMBERS ABSENT: Omie Brooks OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Jerzowski. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen to approve minutes as amended by Singh, SECONDED by Singh. Approved 6-0 Kim Liepshutz is in attendance. 5. Communication from Citizens  Giallombardo stated that the Breakfast of Nations event is May 13th, at 7:30 a.m. Members are invited to attend. Giallombardo said the event is a great way to meet members from various organizations. Liepshutz noted that there will be a Welcoming Michigan ambassador at every table. 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Linda Deprez:  Deprez stated that the department has been very busy with a homicide, and added that a suspect was caught in 12 hours.  Following up on a prior discussion regarding the removal of a hijab for purposes of booking a suspect, Deprez stated that it's necessary in order to prevent the victim from hurting herself or others, and to make sure the victim is not hiding contraband, and it helps to obtain proper ID. Deprez said that based on cases around the country, law enforcement officers realize that a person's rights and beliefs should be respected and procedures are handled on a case by case basis. 7. Agenda Items  A. Kim Liepshutz - Welcoming Michigan  Kim Liepshutz is an intern with Welcoming Michigan and is in attendance to interview members for her final thesis paper. She will be graduating in May, 2015.  Liepshutz asked members what their proudest moments were with the Ethnic Community Committee, and asked about any significant achievements. Liepshutz also asked when the committee was formed, what its purpose is, and what events the committee sponsors. B. Cultural Exchange Wrap-up Discussion  Doyle stated that she was very impressed with her first Cultural Exchange, thanked all of members and said that she received a lot of positive feedback from guests.  Singh thanked the community relations department and the members of the committee for making the event so successful.  Naumovski commended Cabase for acting as MC for the event, and congratulated him on his congressional recognition.  Cabase said that he was honored. He added that his picture was on Congresswoman Miller's website and will forward the link to members. Cabase thanked all of the members and said that he was glad the event ran so smoothly.  Naumovski said that he also received postive feedback via phone calls and e- mails.  Jerzowski asked why revenue was less than last year. Giallombardo stated that she spent a little more money on food items and that sponsorship dollars were less than last year. Sponsorships will be critical for future events, due to the low balance in the escrow account.  Pulford suggested that the committee brainstorm next year to try to get more sponsors. Deprez suggested acknowledging sponsors at the Ethnic Committee table during Sterlingfest. Alomari suggested offering different levels of sponsorship and Giallombardo stated that that is already the case. Cabase added that he personally goes into the businesses after the event to thank them, and said he also acknowledged each one of them on the stage during the event. C. "Getting to Know Your Neighbor" Panel Discussion  Pulford stated that the three committee members on the panel are Kattula, Alomari and Naumovski. He added that he would like to see a student on the panel and Kattula stated that she approached a student but hasn't heard back yet.  Doyle stated that the committee needs to finalize things very soon so that Community Relations could advertise properly so that we have a decent audience.  Kattula said she would like to see an Albanian on the panel, since there is such a large and growing poplulation of Albanians in the city.  Pulford stated that he would secure a guest speaker, and planned on asking Steve Gold of One Macomb or Melanie Grund. Giallombardo stated that she has spoken with Dennis Burin and he would be interested in acting as moderator.  Pulford stated that he would get firm confirmations in the next week and follow- up with Giallombardo.  Giallombardo stated that members need to forward the contact information to her as soon as they hear back from invited panelists. 8. Receipt of Correspondence:   Cabase stated that he would be resigning from the committee effective April 30, 2015. Cabase added that he is still active with Welcoming Michigan and the Macomb County Arts Commission. He said he will continue to volunteer with the city and thanked all of the members for giving him the opportunity to be on the committee. Cabase also thanked Giallombardo for her help with everything. 9. Old Business:  Allen reminded everyone about the Memorial Day Parade on May 25 and asked that everyone bring some candy to pass out. Pulford said he would be bringing his truck for those members that didn’t wish to walk the route. Giallombardo said that she would send letters to dance groups and organizations, inviting them to march with the Ethnic Community Committee. Allen asked members to also invite their families, friends and neighbors. 10. New Business  Alomari invited members to attend a fundraiser event for the American Human Rights Council on April 10, in Dearborn. He also invited members to attend a fundraiser for refugees of Syria on April 18, at the Farmington Hills Manor. Alomari said to contact him if you are interested in attending. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.