Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, January 4, 2024 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Kelechi Anyaogu Kozeta Elzhenni Naketa Jones Iqbal Singh Vipul Tripathi Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSEN T Mohammed Alomari Dunia Arif Abbott Basal Willie Dechavez Susan Kattula OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order – Carmen Williams 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes as amended: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Jones. Approved 6-0 4. Communication from Citizens - None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Department – Lt. David Allen  Lt. Allen introduced himself, and stated that he’s been with the Sterling Heights Police Department for 20 years. He served as a DARE Instructor in the 2000’s, a training officer in several areas, worked in the Internal Affairs division and in 2017 was appointed to Chief Dwojakowski’s office, where he heads up the Community Services Bureau. Lt. Allen added that his department is in the early stages of a program called “Building Bridges with Badges” which allows officers the chance to work with and mentor foster kids. He added that things have been relatively quiet at the department and told members to reach out to him anytime. Lt. Allen’s email is dallen@sterling-heights.net; phone is 586-446-2814. 6. Agenda A. Elections for Chair/Vice Chair  Giallombardo stated that the floor is open for nominations for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.  Elzhenni nominated Anyaogu for Chair and Jones for Vice Chair; Jones politely declined and Anyaogu accepted his nomination.  Elzhenni nominated Tripathi for Vice Chair and Tripathi accepted.   MOTION by Singh to appoint Anyaogu Chairperson and Tripathi Vice Chairperson, SECONDED by Williams. Approved 6-0.  Giallombardo and Committee members congratulated Anyaogu and Tripathi and thanked each for accepting; and also thanked Williams for serving as Chairperson and doing an amazing job and thanked Jones for her role as Vice Chair. B. Building Bridges  Jones shared that she volunteered this month with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, assisting women at the Amelia Agnes Transitional Home. Members asked for the contact information: ameliaagneshome@gmail.com, or call 586-323-7066. C. 2024 Cultural Exchange  Giallombardo distributed participation forms and stated that she mailed forms to all past participants and will send the forms to members electronically as well. She encouraged members to solicit sponsorships, and reminded members to submit their forms as soon as possible, especially for entertainment, since the slots fill up fast. The deadline for ad work and performances will be Feb. 26th, no ads will be allowed after this date to allow time for printing the programs.  Elzhenni asked that Noor International Academy lead off the event.  Tripathi suggested raising the sponsorship amounts. Giallombardo stated members would have to vote on this at a future meeting, and added that the new amounts could go into effect for the next event. 7. Old Business:  Giallombardo reminded members that the showcase is available at the Community Center, and added that if members can’t fill the showcase on a monthly basis, we may lose the showcase altogether. Members interested in putting items in the showcase can let Giallombardo know. 8. New Business – None 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.