Diversity & Community Relations Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, October 17, 2023 4:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Diversity & Community Relations Committee Committee Members Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Chairperson Councilman Joe Clement Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023 Page 1 of 1 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Present Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero and Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra APPROVAL OF MINUTES TMP-6538 Attachments: 091123 A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to approve Diversity & Community Relations Committee Minutes--September 11, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. None. MICHELLE STIFF, SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT Ms. Michelle Stiff, Joliet Township High School Board, appeared before the Committee with information regarding a serious problem in the school where students are vaping with THC . Last year vaping was the #2 infraction next to fighting. This year it's the #1 infraction. She is hopeful the city can assist with enforcing that the vape smoke shops are not selling to under age people and that they are held accountable. Councilman Clement asked if Ms. Stiff spoke with Chief Evans. Ms. Stiff responded. Councilwoman Ibarra inquired about the addiction specialists that the school hired. Ms. Stiff responded. Councilman Guerrero asked about the treatment with the addiction specialists. Ms. Stiff said she does not have that information due to confidentiality. Councilwoman Ibarra suggested everyone reach out to the state legislators to create legislation that would make it illegal to target children when they are creating vapes that look like toys. Councilman Clement asked what the discipline is when they get caught smoking. Ms. Stiff said it is an out of school suspension for 2 to 3 days. Page 1 of 2 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final October 17, 2023 Ms. Stiff said she would like to come back in January to provide the Committee with an update. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION None. PUBLIC COMMENT 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 Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. Mr. Bill Leach, CEO of Play 4 Ring, appeared before the Committee regarding available funds for a program that he is running. He explained that his organization fights for equity play for kids and an active lifestyle for adults to help them beat preventable diseases . Ms. McNichol said the Community Development Block Grant applications come around yearly from April to May. Everyone is invited to apply and she said she would make sure he received the invite and notification of the application next year. Councilwoman Ibarra asked to have a copy of Mr. Leach's plan. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra 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 2 of 2