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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.04.24 DEI Advisory MinutesCity of Lansing DEI Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 4, 2024 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 7th Floor, City Hall Lansing, MI Call to Order – 5:44pm Attendance: Amber Denney, Emily Sorroche, Randy Watkins, Florensio Hernandez City Staff Attendees: Michael Hopson Others City: Willard Walker (HRCS) and Joe Abood (OCA), Teresa Bingham (Consultant) The meeting was called to order at 5:44pm by the Board Secretary, Emily Sorroche. Amber Denney followed by a roll call. Approval of Agenda Randy made the motion to approve the agenda, Florensio 2nd. No discussion: motion passed. Approval of Minutes Florensio Hernandez; motioned to approve. It was seconded by Randy Watkins. Discussion •Correct spelling on Prince’s name – “n” is missing. •Randy said amend the motion with corrections; Florensio 2nd; motion passes. •Florensio mentioned if we want to invite guests to speak about things concerning Lansing, that it be open to all board members vs just the subcommittee. There may be questions and learnings to benefit all members. •Randy made Motion to approve the minutes with corrections and save the discussion for the Justice and Safety Committee, motion approved – 1 opposed (Randy). Public Comment Luna Brown •Issues of Anti Queer targeted crime •Police isn’t taking this seriously as reports have been made – pride flags being stolen. •The police didn’t file a report after being asked by the person, the entire neighborhood’s pride flags being stolen. •Bookstore being targeted, in REO town. •Free stand with books, the queer literature that it was stocked with was destroyed. •The shuffle shooting was possibly a targeted hate crime. •Luna has submitted an application for the DEI AB and hasn’t heard anything. Andrez Chuney •Sora Gardens, help promote food security and cultural preservation. •The need they see is the lack of the culture and community, that folks need to get back into community, incarcerated, poverty, immigrants, and migrants. 2 •How can we use some of the funds to find strategic funds to help give back to the community? Directors Report •No report given. DEI Officers Report •Michael is authorized to speak on behalf of Kimberly Coleman when she is absent. •If we have any folks interested to apply for a vacancy spot with the DEI Advisory board. We have 3 spots available. •The applications will be vetted by the mayor’s office. •Flyer was distributed in the agenda packet about the Lansing Racial Equity Fund grant program is open, deadline is June 24th 12pm. Informational meeting is June 6th 10am virtually. •Comment was accepted from the public. o There was a comment and question about the DEI Advisory board doesn’t have say in who can represent on this specific board. Michael discussed the process on how to become a board member. o Zoning reform in communities and understanding what can be done on properties – it can make it harder to achieve things in our community. o Question on who is eligible to apply – non-profits are eligible only. •Diversity Celebration – June 27th, 2024 o Share advancements and bring diverse food options, Land Acknowledgement, De Colores singing, and music. o Michael plans to invite different organizations for tables. •Recap the presentation created, Michael would like the advisory board to review the PowerPoint presentation (PPT), submit the edits to him to discuss the PPT as a team. •The DEI Advisory board will need to register for the parliamentarian procedure instruction on July 25th, 2024. There is a QR code. •The City Attorney mentioned there are a lot of legal questions that may take time to get an answer back to you, not right in the moment. The opinions are based on what our charters allow us to do, he may know the answers although he has to follow what is said before. •Ordinance review – will need to decide on a special meeting and discuss feedback. •Old business – Florensio asked for follow up regarding the LCLAA fund raising effort for the Lansing Chapter from the April meeting. •Committee Budget process – Amber asked if this can be written up. Michael did write up a process and he is awaiting it to be approved. •Randy asked if the procedures should be approved? City Attorney said yes, the board should approve to adopt the process. The board can make edits/suggestions for the forms and process. •Randy moved for the committee to review the PPT that Michael proposed and vote on it at the next meeting. Florensio 2nd, no discussion, motion passes. 3 Committee/Themes Reports Justice and Safety Committee •Randy moved to bring in the police chief in to discuss the MRJEA report, Florensio 2nd, no discussion, motion passes. •Florensio and Emily along with Raquel joined, met last month. o 3 recommendations, develop climate survey, create a small BIPOC business toolkit, and create a BIPOC directory within the city of Lansing. •No report from the community sustainability committee Economic Empowerment Committee •Florensio and Emily along with Raquel joined, met last month. •3 recommendations, develop climate survey, create a small BIPOC business toolkit, and create a BIPOC directory within the city of Lansing. Community Sustainability •No report Old Business •Addressed the items earlier in the meeting. •Question: Did Muhummad resign officially? Michael will follow up. •Juneteenth and Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game. New Business •A board member commented during the meeting that HRCS Director agreed to provide a copy of the HRCS Annual Report for review. •Read the bullet points with the upcoming events. Announcements •Celebration of Diversity at City Hall, June 27th, 4:30-6:30pm. •DEI Conference at MSU - $75 public cost, July 10 & 11th. •Juneteenth activities, Gier park baseball game June 13th, Scholarship winners are being honored in the Michigan room. June 14th St Joe Park at 12pm; Parade on the westside of Lansing 11am on the 15th, and Juneteenth Flag raising at City Hall on June 19th. •Save the date Pow Wow Dance by the River Traditional Pow Wow Sept 28 and 29th in Adado Park. Randy asked if we could make a decision on the Human Rights Review process where we can discuss the document for 15 minutes and then follow the rest of the agenda. Randy made the motion to delay the meeting to July 9th, Florensio 2nd; No discussion, motion passed. Motion to adjourn (Florensio), motion passed 6:43pm