Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, September 6, 2018 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Abul Patwary Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Talil Abrhiem Abbott Basal Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call *Carmen Williams was recently appointed as the newest member of the Committee. Williams is a 7-year resident of the city and is married with two children. Williams was a probation officer for 19 years and is excited to be a member of the Committee. 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Dechavez, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 7-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen to approve the minutes as amended to make minor corrections, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 7-0. 5. Communication from Citizens: None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None, Reese was absent from meeting. 7. Agenda A. Approval of Meeting Dates for Fiscal Year 2018/2019  Alomari made a motion to change the October 4 meeting to October 11 and to change the November 1 meeting to November 8th; motion seconded by Dechavez. Approved: 7-0. B. 2018 Diversity Disctinction Award Dinner   Elzhenni suggested that Giallombardo attempt to contact a member of Steve Naumovski's family and present them with an Honorary Award at the Diversity Dinner. Giallombardo will reach out to the Macedonian Cultural Center.  Giallombardo will discuss the menu with the Century Banquet Center and will send details to committee members via email.  Giallombardo urged members to continue soliciting sponsors and ticket sales, noting that tickets sales were only at 50 at the time of the meeting. Final count has to be given to the hall by Sept. 13th.  Giallombardo orderd mums for the centerpieces. Giallombardo stated that if anyone would like to suggest an entertainment group, they may do so; Giallombardo reached out to several groups that have performed at the Cultural Exchanges, she is waiting to hear back.  Patwary stated that the Imam at AMDA would give the invocation at the dinner.  Giallombardo will bring the Welcoming Michigan/Welcoming Week banner to the dinner for photo opportunities. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business:  Allen stated that she really enjoyed attending the Police Department's National Night Out in August. She added that the Committee should have a table every year. 10. New Business:  Allen suggested that the group should look into different give-away items such as chip clips or magnets, to promote the committee at future events. Giallombardo will get some quotes from Purchasing. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.