Human Relations Commission

MINUTES DeKalb Human Relations Commission April 7, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: The Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting of April 7, 2015 was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by Chairperson Norden Gilbert. ROLL CALL: Committee members present were Larry Apperson, Joe Gastiger, Norden Gilbert, and Lisa King. Absent committee members were Robert Williams and Ellingsworth Webb. City staff present were Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt and Executive Assistant Ruth Scott. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt introduced herself to the HRC and provided a brief history of her professional background. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no minutes to approve. OLD BUSINESS: A. Report from Sub-Committee on HRC Conducting Community Group Meetings Mr. Gastiger passed out a flyer regarding a Family Resource Fair on April 18, 2015. There was a brief discussion regarding the event and further outreach by the HRC. Mr. Apperson asked how the HRC could find out what events the City was involved with in the future so that the HRC could contribute. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt replied that the HRC staff liaison should be informing them of the events the City is participating in and stated that if it was the desire of the HRC, she would be interested in being the HRC staff liaison. There was a brief discussion regarding the history of the HRC’s staff liaisons and what would be the best direction for the HRC staff representation. HRC members present agreed that Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt would be the commission’s representative going forward. 1 B. Discussion on Revision of Mission Statement Mr. Apperson provided a brief history of the HRC and its mission statement. There was discussion regarding the preference of which version of the proposed mission statement each member preferred from the five suggested. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt offered that option four is concise and clear and reflects the purpose of the HRC. It was decided that option four was the preference with an amendment as follows: To foster a community that respects and supports the diversity of its residents and dignity of all people and promotes building strong relationships between its diverse citizens, groups and organizations. Mr. Gastiger motioned to adopt version four with the recommended amendment, seconded by Mr. Apperson. All in favor, none opposed. There was discussion about presenting the mission statement to Council, requesting that it be made part of Chapter 49 “Human Relations Committee”, Section 49.06 “Duties and Authority” of the City’s Municipal Code. Mr. Apperson stated he would write a recommendation to the Council regarding the mission statement. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stated that once the memo is presented, she will acquire clear direction on how to present it to Council and asked if they had a specific timeline in mind for presenting the statement. All members present stated it should be presented as soon as possible and to let them know if further information was needed after the recommendation is received from the committee. C. Update on Municipal Code Recommendations for Non-Discrimination Statement There was discussion among the HRC members regarding their frustration and the length of time it takes for their recommendations to be presented or acted upon by City staff and Council. An example given was that of the service animal issue that has yet to be addressed. D. Discussion and Review of Models for Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Deferred to the next meeting. 2 E. Follow-Up on Service Animals Recommendations Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stated that she would obtain an update from City Attorney Frieders since it was the HRC’s impression that this item was waiting on feedback from City Attorney Frieders. A general statement regarding the City and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is recommended to be placed in the City’s Municipal Code. Mr. Apperson stated that the HRC had hoped the statement could be put in front of the code so it is easily accessible. Further, HRC member Mr. Webb had volunteered to write an informational piece that could be shared with landlords in order to help them with the issue of service dogs. It was unknown if the statement was completed. F. Community Member Recognition Deferred to the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: A. City Website Mr. Gilbert asked if the City’s new website would be available in Spanish. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt confirmed that the new website will have that functionality. Mr. Gilbert stated that based on a motion at the last HRC meeting, three recommendations were forwarded to Management Analyst Lauren Stott regarding the website, one being the inclusion of a statement regarding non-discrimination. In her response, Management Analyst Stott suggested that the HRC pursue the issue with their staff liaison. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stated she would discuss this with Management Analyst Stott. Mr. Apperson presented a handout listing the HRC’s website recommendations. There was a brief review of the recommendations. Mr. Apperson stated the recommendations would be discussed in further detail at the next meeting. CITIZEN INPUT: There were no citizens present at the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Apperson moved to adjourn the HRC meeting, seconded by Ms. King. Mr. Gilbert declared the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. 3