HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC 2023-03-28
Human Relations Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2023
I. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chair Glover. Members Present:
Richard Glover, Denise Collins-Robinson, Becky Drzewicki, Madison Ling and
Thomas Emerick. Not Present: Haitham Fakhouri
II. Approval of Agenda
The agenda for the March 28, 2023 meeting was approved unanimously.
III. Approval of Minutes
The minutes for the January 17, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously.
IV. Chairperson’s Report
A. Member Changes: Intro + farewell
Farewell to Carmen Kennedy-Rogers, who resigned last week.
Introduce Madison Ling, a Bio major at Schoolcraft College who is
passionate about disabilities in social life and Livonia’s infrastructure, as
well as making sure there is distinguishment between the two. She also
wants to help promote a more comfortable feeling for children faced with
disability.
Introduce Thomas Emerick, a student at Stevenson High School who is
dual enrolled at Schoolcraft College and Madonna University and is a
cadet with Livonia Fire Department. He wants to help provide resources
for students who may be struggling and provide more mental health
assistance, especially since they have been extremely impacted by
COVID-19.
B. Member Vote (2)
The motion to elect Haitham Fakhouri as vice chair was unanimously
confirmed.
The motion to elect Thomas Emerick as secretary was unanimously
confirmed.
C. Relationship Development - Next Steps
Introduced a discussion regarding who will begin connecting with different
groups in Livonia.
V. Old Business
A. Updates from our subcommittees
Non-Discrimination Ordinance - No updates but will likely brought to the
City Council next year.
Research + Data: Information will be brought to the April meeting.
Outreach + Communications: No new information at this time.
DEI Forum: No new movement. Something bigger is planned and we are
awaiting the right time.
Education: Denise Collins-Robinson and Madison Ling will work together
for the first year to run essay contests. There was a discussion regarding
the timing of the essay contests.
A. Mental Health Event:
Becky Drzewicki met with the Mayor, who gave us the green light to move
forward. This will focus on the 7 dimensions of mental health and will be
assisted by non-profits and Livonia Police Department. There was also
discussion regarding a contest in September for suicide prevention
month.
Ethnic Festival: The idea was approved by the Mayor and Haitham
Fakhouri will provide more information.
B. City email addresses: The motion to have one email was unanimously passed.
This will provide a more centralized way to interact with members of the
community who have input.
C. Commissions Meetings: Denise Collins-Robinson attended Library and Arts
Commission meetings.
Library meeting provided us with information that we can get involved with
diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries as well as virtual access as
libraries move in that direction.
The Arts Commission also holds sentiment regarding diversity, equity,
and inclusion and its expression. We would have many opportunities to
work alongside the Arts Commission.
D. Government Affairs Position: There has been no movement, but people have
held interest in the position.
E. DEI Award: Haitham Fakhouri submitted the leadership award.
VI. New Business
A. Pride:
Kate, the President of the Livonia Dems, discussed a pride event in June.
A flag raising with activities for children is the current plan, which may be
assisted by other groups at Schoolcraft College or other groups in
Livonia.
B. 2023 Campaign
We discussed ensuring that we are conscious of how our actions may
impact public and public opinion.
C. Update Documents + with new members
The new members will be added to the website and distribution list and
will be provided with name tags and shirts.
VII. Audience Communication
There was no outside input that was not addressed previously in this document.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.