Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, April 11, 2019 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Abul Patwary Iqbal Singh Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Talil Abrhiem Abbott Basal Susan Kattula Shawn Taylor OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Dechavez to approve agenda as amended with moving Item C to the beginning of the agenda, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 7-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Patwary. Approved 7-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  Stacy Williams was in attendance as a resident and an observer. Williams has applied to be appointed to the Ethnic Community Committee.  Monica Boomer, Director of Community Engagement at Zaman International, sent a thank you card to the Committee thanking everyone for their work to champion diversity and said that Ms. Najah Bazzy was honored to be included in the Diversity Award Dinner.  Alomari stated that after the tragic shooting at the mosque in New Zealand, he spoke with Sgt. Reese who arranged for an officerto be on site at AMDA during masses on Sunday as a precaution. 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese - none 7. Agenda A. Election of Officers - Chair and Vice Chair   Giallombardo stated that the floor was open for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair. Members could nominate themselves or fellow members.  Allen nominated Dechavez for Chair, Dechavez accepted the nomination. Allen nominated Williams for Vice Chair, Williams accepted the nomination. Allen made a MOTION to appoint Dechavez as Chair and Williams as Vice Chair; SECONDED by Elzhenni. Approved: 7-0.  Congratulations were extended to Dechavez and Williams. B. Memorial Day Parade  Allen asked members to continue to encourage other groups and organizations to march with the Committee members. Allen reminded members to bring bags of candy to pass out along the parade route.  Giallombardo stated that she will have the banner ready the morning of the parade, she will have magnetic signs made for a vehicle if one is available, and that members are welcome to wear their Ethnic-themed attire or patriotic attire, whichever is more comfortable.  Dechavez stated that his Filipino organizations will have two floats/cars in the parade and he has multiple Veteran banners for members to carry down the route.  Allen stated that Shawn Taylor may be able to drive his vehicle in the parade, in case members are unable to walk.  Giallombardo will forward staging information once it's available, member should plan to arrive around 8:30 a.m. There will be a ceremony at 9:00 a.m. in front of City Hall, which should only last approximately 45 minutes. C. Cultural Exchange Wrap-up  Giallombardo thanked everyone for their help and participation, and stated that the event was a great success.  Giallombardo reviewed points that were brought up at the March meeting. Due to lack of a quorum, an official meeting could not be held. The points included: o Singh stated that he would like to add wording in the program stating that "the material at the display tables or the performances are not endorsed by the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee." o Allen stated that since the Cultural Exchange is one of the Committee's signature events, members should make an effort to volunteer throughout the venue and help at various areas (i.e. managing the food lines, help with set-up, solicit donations at the door and at the food line, distribute posters prior to the event, etc.) o Form a sub-committee to keep on top of progress  Giallombardo stated that going forward, she will distribute a sign-up sheet and if members are available to help with a larger role, please feel free.  It was also suggested that performers be reminded that it's a family-friendly event, that the signs for the donation boxes be larger and more visible, and there should be a bigger variety of food.  Giallombardo stated that the Community Relations staff can only pick up from a limited number of restaurants in a short window of time. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business: None 10. New Business:   Giallombardo asked members to save the following dates and try to attend: o Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair - July 25, 26 & 27 o Naturalization Ceremony - Friday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m at the Library o National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6, at City Hall o Diversity Dinner - Wednesday, September 25 at Century Banquet Center  Giallombardo stated that Community Relations is planning a free field trip to the DIA on Friday, May 3rd. The invite will be open to all Boards and Commission members and one guest. The bus will leave City Hall parking lot around 5:30 p.m. and return around 9:30 p.m. More details to follow via e-mail, please RSVP as soon as possible; seats will be given on a first come, first serve basis. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.