Human Relations Commission

MINUTES MEETING OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB September 8, 2015 The Human Relations Commission (HRC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in the Ellwood Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Chair Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. I. ROLL CALL The following members of the Human Relations Commission were present: Chair Larry Apperson, Norden Gilbert, Lisa King, Ellingsworth Webb and Robert Williams. Absent: Joe Gastiger and Cameron Zelaya. Also present were: Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) and Deputy City Clerk Julie Abraham. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Apperson requested the addition of “Discussion on Merging HRC with the Advisory Commission on Disabilities” under Old Business. A motion to approve the revised agenda was made by Mr. Williams and seconded by Ms. King. Motion carried on voice vote. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the August 4, 2015 minutes was made by Mr. Gilbert and seconded by Ms. King. Motion carried on voice vote. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Promotion of Diversity Programming Mr. Webb discussed the information emailed to HRC members by Deputy City Clerk Abraham regarding Diversity Plan/Summit. Discussion ensued regarding ideas and how to proceed. Mr. Williams stated Dr. Cohen, a diversity instructor, might be willing to attend an HRC meeting to provide guidance on this project. Mr. Williams was asked to contact Dr. Cohen to attend the next meeting. Human Relations Commission September 8, 2015 Page 2 of 3 B. Update Municipal Code to Include New Mission Statement 1. Ordinance Amending Section 49.01 – Approved by City Council on August 24, 2015. The City Council approved the Ordinance on August 24, 2015. This item can be removed from the HRC agenda. C. Update on Municipal Code Recommendations for Non-Discrimination Statement 1. Ordinance Amending Section 1.22 – Approved by City Council on August 24, 2015. The City Council approved the Ordinance on August 24, 2015. This item can be removed from the HRC agenda. D. Updated Municipal Code to Include Service Animal Recommendations 1. Ordinance Amending Section, 10.11, 10.16, 18.11, 18.22, 55.09 and 58.06 – Approved by City Council on August 24, 2015. The City Council approved the Ordinance on August 24, 2015. This item can be removed from the HRC agenda. 2. Review and Discuss Brochure Updates to Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stated not all of the information provided by the HRC would fit on the brochure and while the brochure has limited information, full information can be on the website. The brochure was reviewed and Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt asked for feedback. After discussion, the HRC approved the brochure as presented. E. Discussion and Review of Models for Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Mr. Webb again asked members to advise of interest in assisting him with this project. Mr. Williams and Chair Apperson stated they will assist on this project. Mr. Williams reiterated his statement from a prior meeting that he is willing to assist but not be the lead on this project due to time constraints. Mr. Webb provided an update and discussion ensued. Mr. Webb will continue to do research and provide an update at the next meeting. F. Community Member Recognition Discussion took place regarding direction of this project and how to move forward.  Human Relations Commission September 8, 2015 Page 3 of 3 G. Website Recommendations Update Chair Apperson distributed an example for review and asked recommendations be brought to the next meeting. H. HRC Brochure 1. Discuss Updates Tabled until next meeting. I. Community Conversations Tabled until next meeting. J. Discussion on Merging HRC with the Advisory Commission on Disabilities Chair Apperson stated he has provided feedback to the Mayor regarding the merging of the two commissions. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Diversity in Schools Discussion was held as to why this was added to the agenda and several members shared their involvement in promoting diversity in schools. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stated there is a strategic plan vision of ‘inclusiveness’. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt asked and it was agreed upon that the HRC review the inclusiveness vision and provided feedback. V. CITIZEN INPUT None. VI. ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Webb. Motion carried on voice vote. Chair Apperson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. JULIE ABRAHAM, DEPUTY CITY CLERK