06-30-14 MBE/WBE - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DIVERSITY UTILIZATION BOARD / DUB JUNE 30, 2014 Initially short of a quorum the DUB nonetheless began informal discussion regarding a broad range of issues pertinent to the direction and pace of progress made by the DUB to date. Board President James Summers guided the discussion. As a basis for discussion Mr. Summers cited a seven page personal perspective he sent to the DUB subsequent to the June 16' meeting. In it he reposted the intended agenda for that meeting noting the discussion had only gotten through item 2a. The introductory remarks of his paper acknowledged the seemingly slow pace of getting "up to speed ", while reminding everyone to review, reflect upon, and offer comments on the materials already provided the DUB. These materials include the current ordinance, Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand's comments, the Trinal report, and the documented recommendations of the past DUB. Mr. Summer's paper continued to urge the DUB to do "their homework ", reviewing prior work making any suggestions to help the DUB accomplish its mission. To that end his paper listed 15 of his own recommendations which he used to help facilitate discussion. Eric Horvath was first to offer comment expressing concerns with recommendations three and six. Three trys to delineate the role of the Diversity Compliance Officer, number 6 deals with "good faith effort" and waivers requested from the requirements of the Utilization Plan. Eric proposed the waiver request be the responsibility of the bidder or vendor, not the procurement officer. At this point the arrival of one more board member constituted a quorum allowing President Summers to declare an official start to the meeting at 5:50. For the record board members James Summers, Carrie Kosac, Kareemah Fowler, Sam Centellas, Eric Horvath and Cherri Peate were present. Also present were Council liaison Valerie Schey and South Bend Purchasing Manager George King. Citizens attending were John Sanders and Don Chambers. The first order of business was approval of minutes from the June 16th meeting. City Clerk John Voorde apologized for the lack of minutes. President Summers asked that June 16" minutes be ready for approval at the next DUB meeting on July 7th. President Summers proceeded to engage in discussion about identifying the actual role of the DUB, identifying powers, duties, and expectation. General agreement followed with Sam Centellas adding it would be helpful if the board more fully understood the City's contracting process. Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works said he with the help of George King, City Purchasing Manager, could put together a presentation. Cherri Peate thought the DUB should have a defined understanding of its role and responsibilities as well as those of the Diversity Compliance Officer.