HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-30-14 MBE/WBEDIVERSITY 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.
Carrie Kosac agreed that some foundational building blocks should be agreed upon before proceeding.
She also suggested the Council Attorney or one from the City Legal Department, address everything
from parliamentary procedure to possible legal conflicts with state or federal requirements.
Kareemah Fowler thought a review of how and why the ordinance was written along with a review of
how the past DUB saw their role. She suggested City Council member Karen White could be asked to
present this information.
Sam Centellas and Eric Horvath agreed the DUB should research what other cities are doing in regard to
increasing minority owned business opportunities. Perhaps some "best practices" could be learned
from this study.
Carrie Kosac volunteered a contact in Fort Wayne namely John Dortch she could reach out to at 260-
241 -7697.
Following discussion regarding recommendation numbers 7 & 8 and the definition of LBE, Local Business
Enterprise, it was agreed once again, legal assistance would be helpful.
Regarding timely updates of DUB information on the City website, it was agreed the Diversity
Compliance Officer would be the most appropriate person to take responsibility for this. Asking for
public comment Mr. Summers heard from John Sanders who said he would continue attending DUB
meetings as long as he felt progress was being made.
As pledged President Summers adjourned at 6:30.
Attachment: Summers DUB recommendations