Multicultural Affairs Committee

Minutes of Meeting

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
St. Louis, MO
Nov. 23, 1998

Attendees (per sign-in sheet)

Huni Hamzeh, Jan Douglas, Terry Sheffield, Saundra Farrow, G. Lawson Penny, Debra Ray, Birhanu Kinfe, Clarice Morgan, Patricia Pride, Richonia Freeman, Bud Pratt, Walter Pearson, Glenda Crymes, Kevin Johnson, Steve Wyatt, Lorrie Koelling, Doris E. Mann, Charles Dachroeden, David Bahadori, John Moten, Maher Jaafari

The minutes from the previous meeting were read, Bud Pratt motioned to accept, Jan Douglas seconded; and noting a quorum existed, the body voted unanimously to accept.

Chairman Penny stated the Personnel policy was being forwarded to us, and we should have a response by the next meeting.

Walter Pearson was introduced as the liaison between the director's office and the MAC. Pearson served in a similar position with the Department of Economic Development. He talked about a few of the items he will be looking at in his new position, including working with Valerie Johnson on the personnel policy. Another item is the Minority Literacy Scholarship program for those interested in environmental sciences. This has passed through the legislature; however, there is no money in the budget to fund it. Money could come from fees and penalties, and the department will try to get $100,000 appropriated. Pearson's opinion is that DNR has reached a turning point in terms of diversity. He has met with division directors and talked with them about our projects, most recently our Multicultural Foods Festival. He challenges MAC to have a Vendor Fair Workshop in an effort to increase our participation with minority vendors. When asked if the Personnel Advisory Council is being formed, Pearson stated Johnson is getting acclimated to her new position and by the first of the year the council should begin its work.

Kevin Johnson stated the Calendar Committee is working on editing, and the calendar should go to the printer next week. Because of the costs involved, the calendar will not be in color. MAC plans to print 2,500 calendars to be distributed to the legislators, division and program directors, section chiefs and MAC members. MAC is paying for the start-up and printing costs for 1,000 calendars. The Department of Agriculture wants some and have committed to help with the costs, and the Departments of Health and Labor Relations have expressed an interest. MAC will probably be able to distribute the calendars in mid-December.

Kenny Seeney, representing the Budget and Planning Committee, discussed an additional $1271.50 budget item (for the Black Caucus), stating we can possibly rearrange other budget items and perhaps DNR will absorb part of it. The Diversity Conference was discussed, and questions were raised about whether or not the conference could be considered training and therefore save DNR dollars it would have to spend for OA-sponsored training. Advertising for the conference was discussed, including fliers, posters, articles in Inner Resources and memoranda to all DNR facilities.

Pearson suggested someone from MAC serve on the Legislative Black Caucus Planning Committee.

David Bahadori commented on the Multicultural Foods Festival and stated MAC should send letters of appreciation to everyone involved in assisting to make this a successful event, especially Bob Abery, Dan Walker, Glenda Crymes and Rick Campbell. Penny mentioned we will have another food festival at our April meeting in Rolla.

John Moten from Laclede Gas was introduced and spoke to us about civic progress in the St. Louis area.

Kevin Johnson mentioned Rick Savage is the new citizen member of the Solid Waste Advisory Board. Savage is a professor at Lincoln University and also serves on the Minority Scholarship Committee.

Considerable discussion was held concerning having someone from MAC work with the Division of Administrative Support regarding our budget. A motion was made by Penny to change our by-laws to include a budget officer to handle financial matters and to assist the committee chair in budget issues. This officer will be elected by the MAC body and shall be a member of the Budget and Planning Subcommittee. Jan Douglas seconded, and the motioned carried.

Another motion was made by Bahadori for the MAC chair to request the DNR director to contact and request from the director of the Division of Administrative Support a designated financial person to facilitate payment and procurement documentation and issues with the MAC budget officer.

Further discussion about the Employee Advisory Council ensued, and it was agreed the MAC needs representation from this body. Seeney, Doris Mann, Richonia Freeman and Pratt will send Penny suggestions regarding this issue. Another suggestion is that a letter be sent to Steve Mahfood through Pearson asking that he outline who will be on the council and what the council will be about. MAC would also like to know Valerie Johnson's role. Perhaps we could have a response by the next MAC next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m. The next meeting is in Springfield on Dec. 23, 1998.

These minutes were recorded by Terry Sheffield, secretary.