HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-21-14 MBE/WBEDIVERSITY UTILIZATION BOARD / DUB
JULY 21, 2014
Present: James Summers, Carrie Kosac, Kareemah Fowler, Tom Capers, Sam Centellas, Eric
Horvath, Cherri Peate, Sheri Miller -Story, John Voorde
Absent: Valerie Schey, Jan Hall, George King
Citizens: None
The July 7th meeting of the DUB was cancelled due to a lack of a quorum.
Acting Clerk John Voorde distributes minutes of the June 160 and June 30th DUB meetings.
The June 161h meeting minutes were approved on motions by Eric Horvath and Kareemah Fowler.
The June 30" minutes were approved on proper motions from Care Kosac and Eric Horvath.
President Summers opened by recounting a meeting with Council liaison Valerie Schey and the City
Legal Department. From that meeting came the realization that the mission and progress of the DUB
could better communicated to the community. This, in turn combined with the efforts of other
interested groups could leverage meaningful progress in achieving the DUB's mission.
As an example President Summers cited the current project of turning the old Beacon Bowl into a
community center. Here the general contractor, DJ construction, would like to work with the DUB to
employ minority sub - contractors. Creating this kind of connectivity and communicating the result could
create a synergism boosting success.
President Summers went on to report he had some preliminary discussion about the St. Puis X project
using it as another opportunity for leveraging progress.
He also suggested that perhaps the SBA and SCORE might be asked to engage and evaluate business
projects, in a non - punitive way, to uncover opportunities for minority business.
Carrie Kosac cautioned that as business opportunities arise for MBE /WBE business, we guard against
"steering ", keeping opportunities open to all.
Eric Horvath thought another "Open House" for both certified and non - certified MBE /WBE business
would help with connectivity and also raise awareness.
Carrie Kosac thought training for contractors to develop an awareness of the different requirements
between residential and commercial construction would be helpful.
Kareemah Fowler and Cherri Peate saw this kind of activity as a way for the DUB to act as a collaborator.
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Picking up on the aspect of building relationships, James Summers spoke to a "Dignity & Respect"
program condensed in 30 tips that he thought useful which he would provide to the DUB.
Carrie Kosac wondered what process was employed when the City solicits bids and quotes. Eric Horvath
said he would get with George King to provide that information. Carrie suggested she heard stories of
an "old boy network' in the City's awarding business. She asked further how business opportunities
were communicated by the City. Fairness in who, how, and where there might be business opportunity
is paramount. Eric Horvath acknowledged protocols and an expanded data. base were needed.
James Summers again said communication was key to who we are and what we are trying to do if we
are to be effective.
Eric Horvath saw a benefit in bringing in the Chamber of Commerce to hear about what we do.
Before closing President Summers touched on the idea of Board Training. He suggested a local group by
the name of Skylight might be a good facilitator. He would pursue the how, when, and how much
aspects of their service.
Meeting adjourned at 6:36 P.M.
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