09-15-14 MBE/WBE - Laserfiche WebLink

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DIVERSITY UTILIZATION BOARD / DUB SEPTEMBER 15.2014 5:30 P.M. BOARD PRESENT: Carrie Kosac, Kareemah fowler, Sam Centellas, Cherri Peate, George King, Paul Singleton BOARD ABSENT: James Summers, Thomas Capers, Eric Horvath, Sheri Miller- Story, Valerie Schey Though one board member short of a quorum to allow official action, the consensus of those attending was to open discussion. Vice - President Carrie Kosac read an e-mail from Board President James Summers. The letter announced his separation from the African - American Chamber of Commerce. In that Mr. Summers represented the African - American Chamber and their appointment was actually at the behest of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, discussion as to where to go from here followed. Sam Centellas felt it was up to the St. Joseph County Chamber to name a representative. George King said the ball was in Summer's court as he is the St. Joseph County Chamber's appointee. Carrie said she would contact Mr. Summers to find out his intent. Sam Centellas felt the Board attendance record should be circulated (attached). This prompted comment about the need for a policy addressing the status of frequent non- attendees. George King said the appointing bodies, Mayor, Council, Chamber, should be informed of their appointees' attendance record. George went on to report that Jan Hall had retired from the City leaving her position as Diversity Compliance Officer open. He added that the City Administrations 2015 budget proposal reduced the hours of the diversity compliance officer from 32 to 18 hours per week in 2015. George also said he was authorized to hire a temporary compliance officer forfour months. He was in the process of interviewing two candidates and he would make the final decision to hire. George felt the remainder of the year and into 2015 regardless of the hours the focus of the compliance officer should be administrative not legislative. Paul Singleton and attorney representing the City legal department introduced himself saying he would be attending all future Board meetings. Carrie Kosac said that by the next Board meeting on the September 29 James Summer's status should be determined. The Board should determine whether to go ahead with Board training. George King echoed the call adding that a training syllabus could be developed using in house resources to help identify requirements and costs. Cherrie Peate and Kareemah Fowler both felt the Board would be well served using internal resources to avoid "reinventing the wheel." Additional discussion followed before Carrie Kosac adjourned the meeting at 6:15 P.M.