Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Unofficial minutes of the Thursday, February 6, 2020 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Abul Patwary Iqbal Singh Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: 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 Alomari. Approved 10-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by C. Williams. Approved 10-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese: None 7. Agenda A. Building Bridges  Dechavez stated that he is working diligently to promote Census 2020; he is working with AICPA and coordinating a Census forum that will be open to all residents of Sterling Heights, but will focus on inclusion of the Asian community.  Dechavez suggested having a table at one of the Farmers Markets to sell and sample Asian food.  Dechavez stated that he has been talking with Councilman Yanez about a proposed “DiversiTree” project, to increase the tree canopy in Sterling Heights. They are discussing various ideas to get the Ethnic Community Committee involved.  Dechavez noted that there is not a display at the library promoting Black History Month. He added that he would help with a display if others are available. S. Williams and Allen stated that they could possibly help as well. Giallombardo will contact Library staff to check on availability of the showcase and follow up with members as soon as possible.  C. Williams stated that there is an event at the ICRJ on February 8, at noon and she will be attending. She will send details to the group.  Allen stated that she attended a Census 2020 workshop at Velocity. Giallombardo added that the City is working very hard to promote the Census and is looking for volunteers to help as Census “ambassadors”. B. Cultural Exchange 2020  Giallombardo stated that she has received a good amount of applications for performers and table displays, and a couple of sponsorships as well. She encouraged members to solicit sponsors quickly for inclusion in the program, and also asked members to get any paper work to her as soon as possible. Dechavez said that he will have three tables for USP4GG and an ad, Singh also said that he will be purchasing an ad. Giallombardo will continue to contact restaurants and past sponsors.  Allen said that she is unable to attend the event this year, for the first time in over 20 years; she will be visiting her family in Texas.  Giallombardo said that she was unable to have the meeting at the new Community Center, but shared the potential lay-out with the members. The food and entertainment will both take place in the main room, with tables and chairs for at least 240 attendees. The display tables will be set up in the main hallway and possibly the Teen Room or the hallway leading to the gym. Giallombardo will email members a layout of the event.  Giallombardo reminded members that they are welcome to wear attire representing their heritage; and asked members to arrive around 5:30 to help greet guests. She also asked for volunteers to help with whatever task they prefer; she will send out a sign-up sheet via email. Areas to volunteer include asking for donations at the entrance and the food area, greeting guests, coordinating entertainment and helping to serve food in the buffet lines. C. Sister City Update – Dechavez  Dechavez said that he visited Sorsogon, Philippines, and shared some stories of his vacation. He passed out gifts to members, and said that he visited the guests that had recently visited Sterling Heights. With over $1,000 in donations from his friends and colleages, including Iqbal Singh, he was able to assist a small community with under-priveleged children. His group set up a feeding program that provided nutritional meals for 29 children, for a three month period.  Dechavez added that he plans to coordinate additional community outreach in Lagaspi, Phillipines in the future. D. 2020 Elections – Chair & Vice Chair  Giallombardo stated that the floor is open for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair.  Allen nominated Dechavez for Chair and C. Williams for Vice Chair; Dechavez and C. Williams both accepted the nominations.  Alomari nominted Patwary for Chair; Patwary thanked Alomari but declined the nomination.   Patwary nominated Allen for Chair; Allen declined.  Alomari nominted Basal for Chair; Basal accepted the nomination.  Devachez stated that regardless of who the Chairperson is, that person should strive to think outside of the box, and continue to bring new ideas to the Committee; adding that the Chairperson needs to be very active in such areas as seeking sponsors, helping with events, etc.  Elzhenni added that all members have make an effort to help and promote the Committee; she said that Dechavez has done a great job and has made a positive difference but all members should contribute.  After voting, Giallombardo stated that Dechavez was elected Chairperson; C. Williams was elected Vice Chairperson. 8. Receipt of Correspondence: None 9. Old Business: None 10. New Business:  Giallombardo stated that she became aware of the facebook page for the Ethnic Community Committee and thanked Allen and Elzhenni for setting up the page and adding content. Giallombardo said that the page looks great and will help to promote the committee. Elzehnni said that members can post to the page, or send their content and information to herself or Allen and they will post. Giallombardo encouraged all members to like and share the page, and said that she will also promote through the city’s main facebook page.  Giallombardo stated that she attended a meeting with City Manager Mark Vanderpool and City Attorney Marc Kaszubski, and they notified her that they will be changing the name of the Ethnic Community Committee, to the Diversity and Inclusion Commission. The current goals and objectives of the committee will remain the same, but they would like to increase the mandate to include all residents of the City. Alomari stated that he would like to keep the word Ethnic in the title, to retain their identity, and suggested the name: Ethnic, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, and requested that the suggestion be passed along to the City Council. Singh supported the new Committee name, adding that the word inclusion is a bigger umbrella and is widely used and accepted currently. Giallombardo stated that this was a decision made by City Administration, and they hope that members will continue to serve as they have been.  Giallombardo said that she was asked by Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois if the Ethnic Community Committee could set up a temporary showcase in the Community Center, to be ready for the Grand Opening on Feb. 29. He would like the theme to incorporate a welcoming message with the diversity of the city. Giallombardo said that she would help with this task and appreciates any input. Due to the lateness of the request, Giallombardo will coordinate via email once the showcase is assembled and ready, which likely will not take place until later in the month. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.