Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, November 7, 2019 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Abul Patwary Iqbal Singh Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal Susan Kattula OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen; SECONDED by Patwary. Approved 7-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Taylor to approve the minutes as amended; SECONDED by Singh. 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.  Giallombardo stated that she will contact Reese and if he is unable to attend future meetings, perhaps he could send a colleague. 7. Agenda A. Facebook Page  Allen stated that she and Elzhenni discussed the idea of starting a Facebook page for the Ethnic Community Committee, adding that this would be a great way to not only promote the Committee but to open the lines of communication with the residents.  Singh asked if the Committee could utilize the City’s facebook page. Giallombardo stated that the city’s facebook page is administered by the Community Relations Department’s Digital Content Coordinator and that they  already share events that are sponsored by the Committee. The City will also share and help promote other events that take place in Sterling Heights. However, the city doesn’t have the time or resources to help with a facebook page devoted to the Ethnic Community Committee; there are 26 Boards & Commissions in the city.  Giallombardo added that the Committee members would be responsible for administering the page as well as monitoring the activity, responding to questions, etc. Giallombardo spoke with Melanie Davis and the City Attorney regarding the name of the facebook page. The Committee will have to decide on a name that separates the group from the City of Sterling Heights, but will still promote diversity and inclusion. Dechavez suggested that members email ideas to Giallombardo for discussion at the February meeting. Giallombardo will bring copies of the City’s APPO regarding social media guidelines. B. Cultural Exchange 2020  Giallombardo stated that the Cultural Exchange will be the first event taking place in the new Community Center, slated to open at the end of February.  Giallombardo will coordinate a tour with Kyle Langlois and members of the Committee, and will try to host the February meeting at the Center.  Giallombardo stated that she will mail participation forms to the members since there will not be a December or January meeting, as voted on September 2019.  Giallombardo encouraged members to seek sponsorships, seek new participants, and reminded them to send all forms back as quickly as possible. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business:  Dechevaz stated that he attended Schuchard Elementary’s Cultural Event. He added that he was there from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., speaking with 6th grade classes; and said that the event was their first ever and was very successful.  Dechavez shared an article and photos highlighting the Diveristy Dinner in the Filipino Star News.  Giallombardo stated that she purchased flags from ten different countries, concentrating on those that make up a majority of the residents in Sterling Heights. These flags will be sold during Sterlingfest and if it’s successful and more countries are requested, she will place future orders. Giallombardo also purchased a set of 200 international flags to be used for display purposes at future events. 10. New Business:  Dechavez announced that the USP4GG will be hosting an insurance forum and invited members to attend. Dechavez will share the details; if you’d like to attend please let him know.  Dechavez initiated a proclamation from the office of Senator Michael McDonald promoting Sikhism.  Dechavez stated that he would like to include a continuous agenda item called Building Bridges. This agenda item would allow and encourage members to discuss events that they’ve attended, promote future events and encourage member outreach in supporting community events sponsored by other organizations, such as the Cultural Event held at Schuchard. Members were  receptive to the idea. Dechevaz made a MOTION to add the agenda item “Building Bridges” to future agendas; SEONDED by Singh. Approved: 7-0.  Singh announced that there is an upcoming event sponsored by the Sikh Heritage Community Foundation. He will forward details of the event to Giallombardo for sharing and invited all members to attend, adding that “there is only one race, the human race.”  Dechavez said that he will be in the Philippines during November and December, and will be visiting the city’s sister city of Legaspi. He added that he will be reaching out to the City and to committee members for possible donations that will go to worthy fundraising efforts in Legaspi and nearby communities. Giallombardo will follow up with City Administration regarding the city’s policy on donations.  Giallombardo stated that there will not be a regular December meeting, and that members are all invited to have dinner if they’d like to celebrate the holidays. It was decided that members will meet at Ike’s Restaurant on Thursday, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Giallombardo.  Elzhenni stated that she would like to assist a family in need for the holidays, as the committee has done in the past. Giallombardo said that she will coordinate these efforts by contacting members that are interested, will select a family, and do any necessary shopping. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.