Human Relations Commission

AGENDA Human Relations Commission Meeting Location: Executive Conference Room (Second Floor) City Hall, 200 South Fourth Street January 8, 2019 6:30 p.m. A. Roll Call B. Approval of Agenda – Additions/Deletions C. Approval of Minutes – December 11, 2018 D. Public Participation E. Old Business F. New Business 1. City Website Redesign G. Adjournment For questions regarding this agenda, please contact Raymond Munch at 815-748-2392 or raymond.munch@cityofdekalb.com  DRAFT – MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB Human Relations Commission December 11, 2018 The Human Relations Committee (HRC) held a Meeting on December 11, 2018 in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall. Chair Larry Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Lisa King, Maurice Bailey, David Barrow, Norden Gilbert. Members absent at roll call were: Joe Gastiger and Robert Williams. The following City staff members were present: Interim City Manager Raymond Munch. Notes were taken by Raymond Munch. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS The agenda was approved with an amendment to add an update on the City Manager search process to New Business. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No public participation occurred. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the October 2, 2018 meeting were approved. E. OLD BUSINESS 1. AGN Revitalization Plan Update Munch provided an updated on the AGN Revitalization Plan to the members. The AGN Plan received the approval of City Council on November 26, 2018. Now that the Plan has been approved, it is likely that discussion will focus on the creation of a community development corporation (CDC) or similar entity to oversee revitalization efforts in the AGN area. The City is already implementing the Plan with regard to evaluating projects and seeking grants. The City has already been awarded a grant through Jeff Keicher’s office that will be earmarked for a community food hub project being spearheaded by Dan Kenney and the DeKalb County Community Gardens. Discussion ensued. 2. Cultural Diversity Training Munch updated members on the proposed FY2019 budget. Due to fiscal constraints, funding for additional cultural diversity training is not included in the FY2019 budget. Discussion ensued. Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Apperson updated members on his efforts to identify potential sources of grant funding that may be used by the City to continue with the cultural diversity training program. Apperson noted that his initial research has included looking at both public and private grant sources. Grants appear to be difficult to come by for this specific purpose; however, there may be potential to seek funding through broader programmatic efforts related to the AGN Plan. Discussion ensued. Barrow mentioned that it may be worthwhile for the City to talk with its liability insurance carrier to determine if this type of training program could have a positive effect on rates. Thus, savings could be used to fund the program. King emphasized the importance for police officers to receive cultural diversity training. She suggested the City contact NIU Police and inquiry to what end their officers receive this type of training. It was suggested that the City and NIU might partner in this effort. 3. Western Counties Organization Update Apperson provided a brief update on work being done by Welcoming Western Counties; specifically, the organizations efforts related to the District 428 residency litigation. Apperson also announced that he received an invite to Welcoming Western Counties holiday party, indicating that all members were invited to attend. 4. Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Apperson provided a news article from the December 3, 2018 edition of the Daily Chronicle that discussed the First Step Act, a bill aimed at prison reform. No further update. 5. Local Sports and Concussions No update. F. NEW BUSINESS 1. City Manager Search Process Munch provided an update on the City Manager search. In total, 50 people applied for the positions. City Council narrowed the candidate pool to six applicants, whom they interviewed on December 6. On December 7, three of the six candidates were interviewed by panels consisting of community members, department heads, and union and non-union employees. City Council has identified the preferred candidate and an announcement is forthcoming. It is anticipated the City Council will vote on an appointment December 18, 2018. Gilbert asked Munch to what end diversity was considered during the search process. Munch indicated that he was part of the team that formulated interview questions, and the interviews included specific questions aimed at assessing each candidates level of experience working in communities with diverse stakeholders.  Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes December 11, 2018 Page 3 of 3 F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at: 7:50 p.m. _____________________________________ RAYMOND MUNCH, Interim City Manager Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on: