Diversity & Community Relations Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, September 21, 2020 4:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Diversity & Community Relations Committee Committee Members Councilwoman Bettye Gavin Councilman Pat Mudron Councilwoman Jan Quillman Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 21, 2020 Page 1 of 1 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 21, 2020 The Governor’s Office and the Illinois Department of Public Health activated the mitigation plan for Region 7, effective August 26, 2020. Region 7 includes Will and Kankakee counties. The new Region 7 mitigation plan limits in-person meetings to 25 people or 25% of overall room capacity (whichever is less). Council Chambers allows for 13 members of the public while adhering to social distancing guidelines. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting has commenced. Speakers will be rotated into Council Chambers to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth. Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Present Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Councilman Pat Mudron and Councilwoman Jan Quillman APPROVAL OF MINUTES TMP-0448 Attachments: 081320.pdf A motion was made by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, seconded by Councilman Pat Mudron, to approve Minutes from the August 13, 2020 Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilwoman Gavin, Councilman Mudron and Councilwoman Quillman CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Erica Holmes asked if the cannabis tax dollars have already been allocated. Councilwoman Gavin responded they have not. Ms. Holmes wanted to know where and when will they be allocated. Councilwoman Gavin responded. Ms. Holmes had some suggestions for the tax dollars. Mr. Garland Mays, Forest Park Neighborhood Council, appeared regarding the cannabis tax revenue proposal. Mr. Mays said some cities are making sure the dollars are allocated back into the community. He would like to have a conversation with the City Council, Mayor and City Manager in order to get a consolidated plan. Page 1 of 3 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 21, 2020 Councilwoman Gavin asked if Mr. Mays had a proposal to submit. Mr. Mays responded he would like to see the City's plan first before submitting his proposal. Mr. Jerry Hervey inquired about the cannabis tax dollars and asked if it has been spent . Councilwoman Gavin responded. Mr. Hervey had suggestions on where the money should be spent. Ms. Suzanna Ibara asked if there is a projected amount for the money. Councilwoman Gavin said she would have to check with the Finance Department. Ms. Regina Bew Jones inquired about the money and asked if it could be used for certain programs. Ms. Jones stated concerns about the area surrounding Englewood and feels the cannabis dollars can be used to build the area up. NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda. Anyone speaking on an agenda item is entitled to speak for a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Diversity & Community Relations Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Diversity & Community Relations Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. CANNABIS TAX REVENUE PROPOSAL NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION None. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Suzanna Ibara stated the Diversity Committee does not represent the Hispanic community and made some suggestions about it. Councilwoman Gavin responded. Mr. Jerry Hervey spoke about the Eric Lurry investigations that Councilwoman Gavin requested. There was further conversation about the investigations. Ms. Regina Bew Jones spoke about the Eric Lurry investigations. Page 2 of 3 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 21, 2020 NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Diversity & Community Relations Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilman Pat Mudron, seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilwoman Gavin, Councilman Mudron and Councilwoman Quillman This meeting is accessible to handicapped individuals. If you have a handicap and need assistance, please contact Christa Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 (815-724-3780). Page 3 of 3