Human Relations Commission

Carbondale Human Relations Commission Minutes – October 2, 2023 Carbondale Civic Center - 5:00pm Commissioners Present: Anita Brown, Gerald Edwards, Roger Webb, Michelle Snyder, Stephanie Brown, Carmalita Cahill, Roy Mazuchowski, Carla Childs, Jacob Bowers Commissioners (Excused): Mary Hamilton, Sherrica Hunt Commissioners (Unexcused): Guest Present: Tracie Donnelly, Jen Lampkins SIU-C Dept. of Public Safety Representative: None Study Circles Staff: Sarah Heyer, Mary O’Hara Staff Present: Chief Stan Reno, Deputy Chief Matthew Dunning, City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell and Commission Liaison Courtney Beverly CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:08p.m. by Chair Stephanie Brown. MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Carmalita Cahill and seconded by Commissioner Anita Brown to approve the minutes from the August 7, 2023 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Cahill announced that the Carbondale Warming Center would be holding a press conference on Thursday October 5th at 12p.m. Commissioner Webb announced the Carbondale CommUNITY Dinner, which is scheduled for Saturday October 14th located on Washington Street. Chair Brown mentioned that the Human Relations Commission Annual Retreat would immediately follow the Human Relations Commission meeting. OLD BUSINESS None to Report NEW BUSINESS Chair Brown mentioned that the Review of ByLaws for future adoptions for the Human Relations Commission will continue during the November 6th meeting. ISSUES None to Report Public Education/Presentation Commissioner Anita Brown introduced guest speaker Tracie Donnelly, Tracie Donnelly is the MHJJ Program Manager at the SPERO Family Services. Tracie Donnelly has a Master Degree in MSW, twenty years of Social Services experiences, Intake Coordinator at Hour House in Charleston, Illinois, Substance Abuse Coordinator at Big Muddy Impact Incarceration Program and an Adolescent Abuse Counselor. Tracie Donnelly discussed the SPERO Family Services, which provides several services to the community, these services includes Residential Treatment Program, Transitional & Independent Living, Foster Care, Bright Start Early Learning Center, Parents as Teachers, Doula Services, Nurturing Parent Program, Mental Health Juvenile Justice, In-Home Intensive Services, Youth Build, and Wraparound Services. Tracie also explained the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a psychotherapeutic approach to treating trauma. In addition, Brainspotting, which is a mind, and body therapy tool that can help you access, process, and overcome trauma, negative emotions and even some physical symptoms. For additional information, Tracie Donnelly can be reached by email traciedonnelly@SPEROFS.org or www.SPEROFS.org. Commissioner Childs enters meeting at 5:28p.m. City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell discussed the Review of ByLaws for future adoptions and OMA to the Human Relations Commission. Jennifer Sorrell explained all nine sections of the ByLaws and the general purpose and functions of the Commission, Commissioners and Staff Liaison responsibilities. Jennifer Sorrell also discussed the Open Meeting Act. Trainings are to be taken once by new Commissioners but also can be retaken as a refresher for current Commissioners. Public Forums/Events None to Report PUBLIC COMMENTS None to Report COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Anita Brown discussed the Human Relations Commission Flyer and requested feedback from Commissioners during the upcoming November meeting. Commissioner Childs thanked the Carbondale Police Departments and Police Officers for their support during some recent events that involved her family’s residence. PROCESS ASSESSMENT Sparrow Coalition Report Commissioner Webb announced that the Sparrow Coalition meeting will be held on October 3, 2023 beginning at 9 a.m. through Zoom. If anyone is interested in attending the meeting, please contact Roger Webb at rowebb@hotmail.com or sparrowcarbondale@gmail.com. Commissioner Webb mentioned the Free Laundry Day Program, which is located at Laundry World. Commissioner Cahill also mentioned that the Laundry Day Program are accepting donations of laundry detergent and quarters. Commissioner Webb announced that the Spirit of Christmas Drive would begin on November 1st. Non-Violent Carbondale Project Report None to Report Neighborhood Action Group Report Sarah Heyer mentioned that an email was sent out containing the Study Circles meeting notes and will be meeting on October 4th to discuss revisions to the Study Circles Group. Racial Justice Coalition None to Report Race Unity Group None to Report Carbondale United None to Report NAACP Commissioner Childs announced the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, which is scheduled for Sunday October 22nd beginning at 4p.m. Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois None to Report The Survivor Empowerment Center Jen Lampkins mentioned that the Survivor Empowerment Center would be hosting a Dry BINGO at the Carbondale’s Varsity Center on October 22nd beginning at 1p.m. Law Enforcement Deputy Chief Dunning mentioned that the month of August had no informal complaints, one formal complaint and one administrative review and two citizen accommodations. Four Police Officers were recognized for their assistance in two traffic stops and another was recognized for items returned from a stolen property. The month of September had one administrative review, formal complaints and Police Officers being recognized. Chief Reno mentioned that the Citizen Police Academy will start on Wednesday October 4th. Chief Reno announced recruitment of new Police Officers for the Carbondale Police Department. Chief Reno mentioned Threat Response Training for teachers at Carbondale Community High School. Chief Reno announced local upcoming events, which includes the Carbondale Police Department Safe Halloween at Murdale Shopping Center, Pumpkin Race, and Coats for Kids Drive and the Carbondale Police Department Open House. Chief Reno also discussed the CPD New Emergency Alert System with the Commission. Items for City Council None To Report ADJOURNMENT Next meeting – November 6, 2023. There being no further business, Chair Brown closed the meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned Recorded by Courtney Beverly