March 9, 2022 Draft Minutes

D R A F T
MINUTES
COMMISSION ON DIVERSE CULTURES
5850 W. GLENDALE AVE.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301
MARCH 9, 2022
6:30 P.M.
 
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:13 p.m. by Brittany Leslie, Staff Liaison.
 
2.
ROLL CALL
James Smith, Commissioner 
Martha Dennis, Commissioner
Reka Vicacsan, Commissioner
Ashor Chamoun, Commissioner 
Also Present: Brittany Leslie, Staff Liaison
Attendee: Denise Flynn, Constituent
Present: 
James Smith, Vice Chair   
Martha Dennis, Commissioner   
Ashor Chamoun, Commissioner   
Reka Vicsacsan, Commissioner   
Absent: 
Nellie Andrade, Chair
Also Present: Brittany Leslie , Staff Liaison
3.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Attendee, Denise Flynn, commented that she was a previous commissioner on the Human Relations Commission
when it first started and likes the name change.  Just wanted to check in and see what the status off the commission.  
 
4.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
 
a.
First meeting as a commission, no minutes to approve.

5.
NEW BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION: Introduction of commission members, Staff Liaison Brittany Leslie
    a. Commissioners introduced themselves and shared a brief background. 
2. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION: Chair and Vice Chair Recommendations for 2022,
Staff Liaison Brittany Leslie 
     a. Commissioner Ashor Chamoun recommended James Smith as Vice Chair.  James Smith
recommended Nelled Andrade as Chair. 
         
            Motioned by Commissioner Ashor Chamoun, seconded by Commissioner
Reka Vicacsan.
             AYE: Commissioner Ashor Chamoun
                      Commissioner Reka Vicacsan
                      Commissioner James Smith 
                      Commissioner Martha Dennis 
Passed
          
3. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL: Goal setting and Topics of Discussion for Upcoming Year,
Staff Liaison Brittany Leslie
     a.  Commissioner James Smith would like to look at other commissions in other cities to see
what other city commissions are doing. Commissioner Ashor Chamoun asked if every city has
this type of commission.  Staff Liaison Leslie said she would confirm and report at next
Commission meeting. Commissioner Chamoun asked for background on commission to see if
goals can be compared to current commission goals. Commissioner James Smith recommended
commissioners follow up with their designated council members.  Commissioner
Reka Vicacsan mentioned that she would like a topic of discussion to be looking into a
multicultural festival to showcase different cultures and do research to see what cultures are in
Glendale. Contact cultures and their organizations to see how festivals are organized, etc. 
 
6.
STAFF REPORTS
 
a.
This report allows the Staff of City Attorney's Office to update the Commission. The
Commission is prohibited from discussing or acting on any of the items presented by the Staff
since they are not itemized on the Commission on Diverse Cultures Agenda.
 
7.
COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Commissioners commented saying that meetings can be held via Zoom or in person, in person
is most desired.  Staff Liaison Leslie said she will look into getting the conference room reserved
for future meetings to be held in person. 
 
8.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Commission on Diverse Cultures will be held on April 13, 2022
at 6:00 p.m., virtually via Zoom.
 
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
      
        Motioned by Commissioner Ashor Chamoun, seconded by Commissioner James Smith. 
         AYE:  Commissioner Martha Dennis
                   Commissioner Reka Vicacsan

Commissioner James Smith 
                   Commissioner Ashor Chamoun 
Passed
 
The Commission on Diverse Cultures meeting minutes of _______, 2022 were
submitted and approved this ___ day of ________, 2022.
____________________________________
Recording Secretary