Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, September 3, 2020 regular meeting, via Zoom conference call. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Iqbal Singh Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal Susan Kattula Abul Patwary Shawn Taylor OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Director Melanie Davis Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Singh. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Allen. Approved 6-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese: None 7. Agenda A. 4 & 400 Ballot Proposal  Davis outlined the details of the 4&400 ballot proposal that will be up for voters on the November 3rd ballot. Residents will be able to vote on each issue separately.  The 4 ballot proposal would amend the City Charter to provide for a 4-year term for the offices of Mayor and City Council beginning with the November 2021 city election. The City Charter currently provides for a 2-year term for these offices.  The 400 ballot proposal would decrease the number of registered voter signatures required on nominating petitions to 400 for the offices of Mayor and City Council  through an amendment to the City Charter. The City Charter currently requires candidates to secure the signatures of 1% of the registered voters in Sterling Heights, which equates to nearly 900 signatures.  A majority of the cities that are comparable to Sterling Heights have 4-year terms consistently throughout the state of Michigan.  Dechavez asked if the ballot proposal is political in nature. Davis replied that yes, it is political. The City cannot promote the proposal in either direction, only provide information. However, businesses and non-profit organizations can promote.  If the proposal passes, it will go into effect in November 2021. There are no term limits for Mayor or City Council in Sterling Heights.  For more information on this proposal, you may visit the city’s website: https://sterling-heights.net/1786/_4400 B. Building (virtual) Bridges  Dechavez stated that he’s participated in several virtual events during the summer months, including a Voter’s Registration Training, the National AAPI Leadership Summit, and a webinar title “Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment”. Dechavez also assisted with the Virtual Philippine Independence Day Celebration that included guest speakers, local government officials and community leaders. In addition, he attended a virtual India Day celebration with Iqbal Singh; and also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new American Islamic Community Center. Also in attendance at the AICC ground breaking were Elzhenni, Alomari and Singh.  Dechavez wrote three articles for the Filipino Star News.  Allen stated that she attended a virtual meeting re Race Amity, attended two meetings for the city’s first ever African American Coalition and also wrote an article titled The Church, Race and Jesus for her church’s blog: https://sgatechurch.org/blog/the-church-race-jesus/  C. Williams also attended the African American Coalition meetings and a Diversity and Inclusion webinar sponsored by ICRJ.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. C. Approval of Meeting Dates for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 (see attached)  The calendar for the meeting dates for the upcoming Fiscal Year were discussed.  Elzhenni made a MOTION to approve all listed dates with the exception of the March 4, 2021 meeting, to be cancelled due to the Cultural Exchange being held on March 5, 2021. SECONDED by C. Williams. Approved 6-0. D. 2020 Diversity Distinction Award Presentation  Giallombardo stated that five awards will be presented at the City Council meeting on Sept. 15th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road. Pending proper approval, there will be a short reception at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby. Elzhenni stated that she will bring a tray of treats, individually wrapped. Giallombardo will also set up snacks, water and coffee.  The five awardees are: Malcom Charles, Ted Amsden, Steven Slancik and the staff of Schuchard Elementary, James Oh and Michaella Oh.  Giallombardo added that there will be limited reserved seating, SHTV will conduct short interviews with the recipients prior to the meeting and that someone  from Community Relations will be taking photos for social media.She will forward suggested scripts to each member that is participating in the presentation.  Davis reminded members that masks will be required unless you are speaking, and asked any committee members that are speaking to please wipe down the podium area when finished. 8. Old Business:  Giallombardo stated that City Administration will not be changing the name of the Ethnic Community Committee, but will be starting the process to create a new commission or coalition that will have a focus different than that of the Ethnic Community Committee. Members will be welcome to apply for the group, details to follow in the coming months. 9. New Business:  Giallombardo stated that she received a call from Jason Groth, Library Programming Coordinator, asking if Committee members would be interested in hosting some sort of an event for Black History Month in February. Details are unknown at this time, but he will follow up as we get closer to the date.  Dechavez inquired about a showcase at the library or the Community Center. Giallombardo stated that at this time, neither building is open to the public yet. The library is being renovated during the closure, and they may not have an available showcase when they re-open. However, a showcase at the Community Center will likely be made available for the Committee on a permanent basis. 10. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.