05-05-14 MBE/WBE - Laserfiche WebLink

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DUB — Diversity Utilization Board May 5th, 2014 5:11 P.M. Seven members of the newly formed nine member DUB were recorded as present constituting a quorum. Present were Board President James Summers, Vice - Present Carrie Kosac, Secretary Kareemah Fowler, Thomas Capers, Sam Centellas, Eric Horvath, and Cheri Peate. Sheri Miller -Story sent notice she was out of town. Joe Shabazz was removed from the DUB by a majority (5 -3) vote of the City Council at their meeting of April 28th. The City Council is taking applications to fill that position. Also attending were Jan Hall, George King, Valerie Schey, Oliver Davis, Donald Chambers and Don Sanders. Board President James Summers opened this second meeting of the DUB and said the board's first task was to review the current ordinance affecting minority enterprise originally adopted in 1987 and amended in 2011. The 2011 ordinance creating the DUB is the one now being reviewed. Mr. Summers noted the handouts provided at the first meeting on April 21 including the Trinal report, Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski- Farrand commentary, and the City's 2013 diversity participation report, were all to be studied for suggestions for possible changes to the ordinance. In addition, each board members perspective would be considered as well as those of the public. Mr. Summers urged the board to keep in mind the purpose of the ordinance and subsequent action plan to accomplish that purpose. He identified the purpose in terms of the intended outcome, that being to increase the number of minority business enterprises. The minority businesses' capability, sustainability, and possible need for training. Prior to soliciting board views it was agreed upon a motion by Eric Horvath, seconded by Kareemah Fowler and affirmed by all that DUB meetings were to be held on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 in the Council Caucus Room and be limited to one hour in length. Mr. Summers then asked each board member to express their own opinion as to the board's mission. Cheri Peate was first. She said they should work to raise public awareness bridging gaps between the board, minority businesses and the public. Carrie Kosac thought it critical to increase the number and capacity of minority businesses. Eric Horvath agreed noting that growing the capacity of existing minority was important as was growing the number. He added he would like to see the term "good faith effort" found in contracts for goods and services be better defined. Kareemah Fowler suggested simplifying the opportunities for minority enterprises to do business with the City. This might include better communication of opportunities as well as opening the door to non - state certified businesses.