Human Relations Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION October 4, 2016 The Human Relations Commission held a Meeting on October 4, 2016 in Council Chambers at City Hall. Chair Larry Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Joe Gastiger, Norden Gilbert, Lisa King and Ellingsworth Webb and Robert Williams. The following City staff members were present: Management Analyst Lauren Stott and Management Intern Emily Tipps. Notes were taken by Analyst Stott. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS Commissioner Gilbert requested an addition to the meeting agenda: Discussion of Chapter 49. The Commissioners approved the agenda. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioners approved the September 2016 meeting minutes. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No public participation occurred. E. OLD BUSINESS 1. Cultural Competency Training Update Analyst Stott provided an update on the Cultural Competency Training Proposal. She reviewed some questions posed by the HRC to the trainers. Commissioners asked when the training would begin. Analyst Stott indicated that the training session would begin in March, after snow season is over and Public Works employees would be more readily available for the training. Regular Meeting October 4, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Commissioners asked whether the training would be open to City Council members. Analyst Stott indicated that staff was exploring methods for training not only the City Council, but also all Board/Committee/Commission membership. 2. Reaction to Discussion on Models for Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Commissioners discussed the recent presentation to the HRC from Keith Knazze of Transitional Alternatives. Chair Apperson asked whether the Commission could identify any clear next steps following the presentation. Commissioner Webb indicated that DeKalb County State’s Attorney Richard Schmack has brought the concept to his staff for review and consideration of potential next steps. Commissioners discussed the issue of permanent funding for programming, and the effects of the State Budget on continuity of the programming. Commissioners discussed the lack of support in the TA programming for sex offenders. Commissioner Williams provided his personal perspective on the issue. He indicated that the lack of support for sex offenders was concerning. Commissioner Webb recommended that people who aren’t sure what resources are available to them should approach the Police Chief to learn more. Commissioner Williams said that relatability is a major concern for individuals who leave prison and are not well prepared for re-entry. He said he hopes there is a system in place for those who are leaving prison for the first time and are in need of support. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of a mental health court in DeKalb County that would be similar to drug court, and the need for more support services due to the fact that local Police are typically the responders to mental health issues. 3. OMA Training Update Analyst Stott reminded the Commissioners to complete their Open Meetings Act training and submit their completion certificates to Ruth Scott in the City Manager’s Office. 4. HRC Brochure Update Commissioner Gilbert reviewed the HRC brochure draft content. Commissioners discussed whether their contact information should be included in the brochure. Commissioner Gilbert indicated that he left names off the brochure to reduce reprinting needs.  The Commissioners discussed additional content (for example, an FAQ section) and Commissioner Gilbert indicated that he would work to create some additions. Analyst Stott indicated that Intern Tipps would work to develop a draft brochure. E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Municipal Code Chapter 49 Discussion Commissioner Gilbert said he had reviewed Chapter 49 of the Municipal Code and that there are several items believed to be missing, such as definitions. Commissioner Gilbert indicated that the Municipal Code was updated about four years ago. He indicated that more items may have been removed during that update than were made known by the Commission. The Commissioners also discussed the possibility of an inadvertent removal that may have occurred within the last year when the Commission requested an addition of information related to service animals throughout the Municipal Code. Analyst Stott indicated that City Attorney Dean Frieders would need to assist with historical information related to purposeful or inadvertent changes to the Municipal Code. G. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. _____________________________________________________________________ LAUREN STOTT, Management Analyst Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on December 6, 2016.