Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, September 7, 2017 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari William Dechavez Kozetta Elzhenni Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Lulgjuraj Dr. Steve Naumovski Shawn Taylor Alvin Thomas OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Alomari, SECONDED by Dechavez. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 6-0. 5. Communication from Citizens: None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  Alomari stated that he received a call from the director the of mosque on Ryan at M-59 (Muslim Community of Macomb), telling him that people had been driving by and yelling racist comments out their car windows. Alomari then reported this to Reese, who arranged for some additional patroling. No further incidents were reported.  Following up on a discussion from the last meeting, Reese reported the ethnic make-up of the police force. Reese said that the current police force consists of two Chalean-Americans, an Albanian officer, a Pakistani officer, two Filipino officers and several African-American officers. Command officers are working to recruit a more diverse pool of applicants.  Reese stated that he was asked to speak at Holy Martyrs Chaldean Catholic Church. Reese discussed phone scam safety, the opiate epidemic and other issues that were brought up by the attendees. Reese said that if members know of any other groups that would be interested in having him speak, please let him know, 586-446-2945.   Reese said that the police National Night Out event was held August 8th, and was a great success. The event included food, bounce houses, finger printing, free bike helmets and much more. Reese suggested that the Ethnic Community Committee have a table at next year's event. Giallombardo will follow up on this next year.  Reese announced that Captain Dale Dwojakowski was recently sworn in as the new Police Chief. 7. Agenda A. Approval of Meeting Dates for Fiscal Year 2017/2018  The meeting dates for the upcoming fiscal year were reviewed; several members in attendance stated that they wouldn't be able to attend the October meeting; Kattula made a motion to cancel the October meeting; motion seconded by Alomari. Motion was approved, 6-0.  Alomari made a motion to change the January meeting to January 11, 2018 and to change the February meeting to February 8, 2018; motion seconded by Allen. Motion was approved, 6-0. B. 2017 Diversity Distinction Award Dinner  Giallombardo stated that ticket sales are going well, but there are still seats available. Tickets sales can be added up to one week prior to the event. Giallombardo added that adwork for sponsorship must be submitted no later than September 11, with payment.  Giallombardo reminded members of the meeting on Sept. 11, at the Century Banquet Center. The purpose of the meeting is to do a run-through of the night's program, and to finalize details with management. The meeting should not take longer than an hour.  Giallombardo asked committee members to arrive at the dinner by 5:45 p.m., to help greet guests and help with any last-minute preparations. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business  Allen inquired about the status on make the change from Ethnic Community Committee to Ethnic Community Commission. Alomari stated that he is still having conversations with the city attorney, and he will follow up with a status at the next meeting.  Dechavez stated that he is still interested in securing a showcase cabinet to display at the library. This would be a permanent cabinet, that would only be used by the Ethnic Community Committee; members would rotate displays throughout the year. Giallombardo found several options for cabinets, ranging from $300- $500. Dechavez suggested soliciting donations to pay for the cost.  Kattula stated that DTE has a fundraising/sponsorship program for up to $5,000. Giallombardo stated that she will do some research and provide a status at the October meeting. 10. New Business: None 11. Adjournment. Alomari made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Allen. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.