Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the January 5, 2017 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Susan Kattula Robert Lulgjuraj Iqbal Singh Alvin Thomas MEMBERS ABSENT: Stephanie Guran Dr. Steve Naumovski Shawn Taylor OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call  Newest member, Pastor Alvin Thomas introduced himself to the group. Thomas has been a Sterling Heights resident for over 20 years, is a pastor at The Nations Church in Shelby Twp. and is a hospice care counselor. Thomas was born in New York and is of Asian Indian decent. 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Kattula, SECONDED by Dechavez. Approved 7-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Dechavez. Approved 7-0. 5. Communication from Citizens:  None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 7. Agenda A. 2017 Cultural Exchange  Giallombardo stated that she has mailed participation forms to all of the past participants, including past entertainers, table display participants, restaurants and sponsors.  Giallombardo encouraged members to secure sponsorships, or forward contact information to her for follow up. All paperwork, ad work and payment will be due by the date specified on forms, which is January 27.  Giallombardo reminded members that she will take entertainment groups AND table requests on a "first come, first serve" basis. Due to overcrowding the last couple of years, table space WILL BE limited. Entertainment groups WILL BE limited to 10-minute performance times to keep the end time of the event to 10:00 p.m. B. Ethnic Holiday Celebrations in Sterling Heights - William Dechavez  Dechavez would like to bring a new event to the committee. He stated that he visits the library frequently and sees the showcases of educational and informational displays. Dechavez would like to start hosting a Holiday Celebration event, to educate the public on different holidays that are celebrated in the city, such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Pasko, etc.  Allen inquired if this would be an SHTV show or an event with displays.  Dechavez suggested an event in December; committee members and/or residents could have table displays to discuss holiday traditions, significance of symbols, traditional food items could be available, etc.  Alomari noted that holidays vary from one denomination to another, and aren't always celebrated in December; he suggested that the Cultural Exchange might be a better venue to share the information.  Dechavez stated that he would like a separate event to focus on the holidays; and stated the item could be further discussed and that members could work out the mechanics at a later date.  Doyle noted that the library would be a perfect venue for such an event but said that it would need to get booked very soon; the Programming Center is very busy with classes most evenings. C. Election of Officers - Chair and Vice Chair  Alomari stated that the table is open, nominations for Chair and Vice Chair will be accepted.  Allen made a motion to nominate Alomari for Chair; Alomari accepted the nomination.  Singh made a motion to nominate Dechavez for Chair; Dechavez accepted the nomination.  Kattula asked both candidates to say a few words as to why they would like to serve as Chair.  Dechavez stated that he is a retired teacher and served as Chair in the past and did a good job while in that role. Dechavez added that he was instrumental in bringing the Diversity Dinner and the Naturalization Ceremony to the city of Sterling Heights. He added that he would like to enhance the activities and events that are currently sponsored by the Committee and would like to help the committee become more visible. Dechavez said that he works well with others, is a team player and would like a chance to lead the committee.  Alomari stated that he has been an active member in the committee for four years, he is an attorney by profession and said that serving on the committee is his way of sharing his knowledge and giving back to the community. Alomari would like to expand the committee and convert it to a "commission" so that City Council would help fund some of the events. He added that the committee's events are very good but they could be expanded on. Alomari stated that building outreach is  important, and he could help do that with his contacts in surrounding communities.  Members voted; Alomari is Chairperson for 2017.  Singh nominated Dechavez for Vice Chair; Dechavez accepted the nomination.  Allen nominated Lulgjuraj for Vice Chair; Lulgjuraj declined stating that he would like to serve on the committee longer before accepting the position.  No vote necessary; Dechavez is Vice Chairperson for 2017. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business:  Dechavez reiterated that the sub-committee met and would like to bring back the Diversity Dinner, which would take place of the Diversity Award Presentation at the Council meetings. Giallombardo stated that the dinner could not take place in December, but should be moved to September. She added that this will space out the time between asking for sponsorships. Giallombardo added that the prior dinners held in 2008, 2009 & 1010 were successful, but ticket sales had decreased. Giallombardo will provide cost summaries at the February meeting. Giallombardo stated that there are 2 other events that Community Relations coordinates in the fall, so committee members will need to be committed to the planning of the dinner.  Dechavez said that he visited the Philippines in November and he met with the Vice Mayor of both Legaspi City and Sorsogon, cities that he initiated Sister City relationships with. Dechavez added that the Mayor of Legaspi City is a friend of his families and has been guest in his home. His visit will appear in the minutes of the next Legaspi City Council meeting and will be forwarded to him. Dechavez said that he will continue to strengthen the sister city relationships with future conversations. 10. New Business:  Dechavez said that he would like to see more ethnic-themed displays at the library. He spoke with Jason Groth, the Program Coordinator at the library, and suggested a multi-cultural shelf display, or international flags to be hung. Dechavez also suggested that members consider reserving a showcase to display cultural items. If you're interested, contact Jason at 446-2669.  Dechavez had one final suggestion, to possibly march in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, to give the committee publicity. If interested, Dechavez would contact the Parade Company and members could be assisgned a float to march along with.  Doyle said that the Recreating Recreation millage passed and the city will soon preview a construction plan for the new community center. Once complete, the center will be the new location for the Cultural Exchange, hopefully by 2019. There will be much more space which will allow the event to continue to grow.  Doyle stated that the police department is creating a new community outreach program; adding that although the police department maintains a good reputation in the city, they want to create stronger relationships. Six officers will be assigned to six quadrants throughout the city, the officers will host meetings on their day off to meet with residents. Doyle invited committee members to attend the meetings to help as advocates.  Dechavez stated that he has been asked questions from residents regarding the situation with the mosque and the Department of Justice. Alomari stated that any  questions involving legal matters should be referred to the City Attorney and suggested that members should just respond by stating that they hope the case can be resolved amicably. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.