Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, October 6, 2016 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Kozetta Elzhenni Stephanie Guran Robert Lulgjuraj Dr. Steve Naumovski Shawn Taylor MEMBERS ABSENT: Omie Brooks William Dechavez Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Elzhenni. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Guran. Approved 6-0. 5. Communication from Citizens  Guests in attendance include Tom Mitchell, who is observing the meeting as an resident of the Sterling Heights and Subra (Mani) Manivannan, who is also a resident of the city and made a recommendation for a sister city partnership with Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 7. Agenda A. Sister City Relationship Guidelines  Giallombardo stated that the committee created guidelines for selecting sister city partnerships and will discuss each request as a committee before making a recommendation to City Council. Giallombardo introduced Manivannan and asked him to discuss his request and why he would like to form a sister city partnership with Jaffna.   Manivannan stated that Sri Lanka, Jaffna is located in the southern part of India and was his hometown. He added that he left his home country when he was 18 years old, speaks 5 languages, works in the manufacturing field for the auto industry, and has lived in several countries over the years, including Norway and Cananda. He and his family have attended, supported and partcipated in the Cultural Exchange since 2002.  If a sister city relationship is formed, Manivannan said that he has ideas to share and incorporate, such as teaching English and setting up an exchange programs, at the expense of the individual. He has already established contact with city administration in Sri Lanka and they are excited to move forward.  Taylor asked who would act as a liaison from the committee to assist Manivannan. Members agreed that details could be worked out as things progress.  Allen made a motion to recommend to City Council that the city of Sterling Heights form a Sister City partnership with Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Seconded by Taylor; Approved 7-0.  Giallombardo stated that she will prepare the resolution to present to City Council at the November 1 meeting. It is not required that members attend the City Council meeting; the item will be a part of the consent agenda. B. 2016 Diversity Distinction Awards  Giallombardo stated that the nomination form is on the city's website, and encouraged members to nominate individuals and/or organizations that have championed diveristy in the city. Giallombardo added that the nominees do not need to reside in the city.  Allen stated that the committee rarely receives nominations from residents because they don't seem to know about it. Alled added that the committee needs to promote the awards at the Cultural Exchange and Sterlingfest.  Giallombardo stated that the city will put out a couple press releases, as they've done in the past, and will also promote the awards through social media.  The deadline for award nominations is Friday, October 28. 8. Receipt of Correspondence:  None 9. Old Business  None 10. New Business:  Alomari said that he is part of a committee called "Bridges". Members of the committee are made up of law enforcement agencies at the local and state levels (FBI, U.S. Attorney, local police), members from the Arab community, attorneys and members from the public. The committee recently met and discussed the situation that occurred in Pittsfield Twp., a suburb of Ann Arbor, regarding their refusal of allowing an Islamic school to be built on their property. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the township, which led to a settlement. Alomari also provided an update in regards to the pending lawsuit against Sterling Heights. Alomari reminded members that they should play a positive role throughout this process, in hopes of helping the city avoid a similar lawsuit.  Giallombardo reminded committee members that a motion was passed at the October 2015 meeting to approve the following statement: "The Sterling Heights  Ethnic Community Committee supports the efforts to promote goodwill between all the communities and rejects bigotry in response to the recent land-use issue protests. Committee members are encouraged to participate in the community meetings to help resolve the issues."  Alomari added that he'd like to see a positive outcome on both sides. Allen added that the committee members should be available to help if ever needed.  Giallombardo said she would pass the information along to management.  Naumovski stated that refugees from Syria recently resettled in Sterling Heights and asked if the city was notified and wondered why the committee hadn't been notified. Giallombardo stated that there are three resettlement agencies that are assisting with all of the incoming refugees and that the city is never notified, but they work with the resettlement agencies exchanging resources. Naumovski stated that the committee should be more involved. Elzhennie stated that she is very involved and delivers meals to many refugees. Giallombardo added that the agencies are in place for the purpose of assisting with the refugees and they are doing a great job; if members would like to become more involved, they could work with these agencies. Contact Giallombardo if you would like more information.  Mitchell said that he lives in the community near the area of the proposed mosque; he thanked Alomari for the information. Mitchell hopes that things could be worked out amicably. Mitchell asked if the Ethnic Committee attends meetings with the Welcoming Michigan organization. Giallombardo stated that she attends meetings, workshops and events associated with Welcoming Michigan and invites Ethnic Committee members to attend as well.  Naumovski asked about business cards for committee members. Giallombardo will follow-up. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.