Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the April 6, 2017 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Marta Guran Robert Lulgjuraj Dr. Steve Naumovski Shawn Taylor Alvin Thomas MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo Community Relations Director Bridget Kozlowski 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call  Tom Mitchell and Jazmine Early, both residents of Sterling Heights are in attendance as guests to observe.  Macomb Daily reporter Gina Joseph is in attendance to observe and gather information for an article; Joseph is working on a series regarding the changing faces of Macomb County and all of the positive things relating to the diversity in Sterling Heights and Macomb County 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Naumovski, SECONDED by Dechavez. Approved 9-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Allen. Approved 9-0. 5. Communication from Citizens:  None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 7. Agenda A. 2017 Cultural Exchange Wrap-up  Giallombardo stated that the event was very successful; based on the bus count, plates used and overall crowd, Giallombardo believes that it was the largest crowd to date.   Elzhenni stated that activity near the stage was very busy throughout the night but not so much at 6:00 and suggested the politicians be introduced later in the evening.  Naumovski suggested that monitors be displayed throughout the other rooms so that visitors could see what groups were performing. Kozlowski will look into this option for 2018.  Mitchell said that he was amazed at all of the different cultures and said it was a very nice way to meet so many people.  Alomari noted the difficulty in keeping performances to their allotted time and suggested fading out the music.  Giallombardo stated that she repeatedly stresses to each group the need to stay under the 10-minute limit.  Dechavez suggested to include a short bio of each group in the program, in order to shorten the time that their director/instructor would need to introduce them. Naumovski added that the participation form could require a bio.  Members discussed shortening the time for each performance as an option.  Dechavez noted that the USP4GG tables were featured on the front page of the Source Newspaper and was good publicity for his organization; he added that the publication was shared with 4,000 organizations throughout the United States.  Naumovski suggested holding the event at a larger venue such as Freedom Hill. Giallombardo added that City Council members would like the event to remain on City Campus, and noted that the new Community Center is a much larger venue, and should be available for the 2019 event.  Dechavez said that all of these issues can be re-addressed prior to the 2018 Cultural Exchange. B. Diversity Dinner 2017  Kozlowski stated that the committee would likely be given a budget of $1,500, but that this would not be finalized until the Budget Presentations in April. Kozlowski added that $1,500 would be a good start but sponsorships and ticket sales will be needed.  Dechavez added that the committee will need to work together for the event to be successful.  Dechavez made a motion to go forward with the planning and implementation of the Diversity Dinner. Motion seconded by Naumovski. Approved 9-0.  Lulgjuraj asked if the committee meets during the summer months. Giallombardo stated that the committees do not typically meet in July and August; and noted that the Diversity Dinner sub-committee would likely need to meet several times to ensure plans keep moving forward, as September is only five months away.  Dechavez stated that the sub-committee will meet to discuss the MC/guest speaker, entertainment and will report back to the committee via e-mail for approval before making any final decisions.  Members discussed different ideas for a guest speaker; it was agreed that the guest speaker should have some sort of ethnic background, story, etc. 8. Old Business:  Dechavez asked if the Holiday Celebration topic could be discussed at the May meeting. Kozlowski suggested that it's great to bring new ideas to the committee and said that she'd like the events to be well executed and the committee should focus on one event for now to ensure that since we are bringing back the Diversity  Dinner, we need to make sure it's successful so that it can continue to be an annual event.  Dechavez reminded members that the showcase is available at the library if anyone would like to display their cultural items to celebrate their heritage. If anyone is interested, please contact Jason Groth, 586-446-2669.  Dechavez added that he has been talking with Jason regarding having some permanent space at the library for Ethnic-themed items. 9. New Business:  Allen asked members if they would like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m.  Dechavez made a motion that the committee participate in the Memorial Day Parade; motion seconded by Naumovski. Approved: 9-0.  Giallombardo will send invites to entertainment groups, asking them to join the committee in the parade.  Dechavez stated that USP4GG will be participating as well, and will have a float.  Naumovski said that Karen Spranger, Macomb County Register of Deeds/City Clerk will be creating and Ethnic outreach program and will ask for assistance from committee members. Alomari suggested Naumovski invite her to a future meeting. 10. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.