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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 HR Commission Minutes Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission March 5, 2002 Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Besty Armstead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr.Wes Scott M.D., PhD. Chief Bill Miller Staff: Dorothy Brandon Nick Oriti The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Chief Miller to approve the minutes with the following corrections. Cmmr. Dews felt that the CDBG grant application as a whole targeted a specific group which is r. the Hispanic population, and she felt that was not the mission of the Commission to target a specific group and that it should be for everyone. Chief Miller indicated that he was not present at the meeting, although he showed up for the meeting at 5:30 p.m. and then had to leave. With these changes, the motion carried. Goals and Objectives Plan Dorothy indicated that she had not received any comments from the Commissioners regarding the goals and objectives and the brochure. Dorothy felt that the mission statement was too vague because at the Neighborhood fest, there were many questions regarding the issue of"against discrimination". Cmmr. Scott felt that the mission statement needed some refinement also. Cmmr. Dews mentioned that the April 20th fair housing event is geared towards first time homebuyers. The goal of the Commission is to: Conduct investigations and hearings when necessary. Hold off-site educational meetings at different locations. Three training presentations during the year elk Elgin Human Relations Commission Minutes March 5, 2002 Page 2 The suggestion was made to hold the first off-site meeting for the Highland House Apartments. This complex was chosen due to the numerous complaints that had been received regarding code violations, and landlord/tenant disputes. Chair Rivera inquired into the purpose of holding such a meeting. Dorothy responded that the purpose is to educate both the landlord and tenants. Cmmr. Scott suggested the need to revisit what the Commission is trying to accomplish by the end of the year and then establish activities that would help the Commission to obtain their goals and objectives. Every activity should bring the Commission closer to its' goal. Dorothy informed the Commission that the Chicago Tribune would be doing a spread on Elgin and Dundee during Fair Housing month. Chief Miller reaffirmed the fact that one way for the Commission to become more visible in the community is to travel around to different areas. Chair Rivera suggested that a Tenant/Landlord training session be held at the Highland House Apartments during April in lieu of the April meeting. This meeting would focus on the rights of both the Tenants and the Landlord. The suggestion was also made to provide time for Code Enforcement and the Police department to discuss issues related to tenant and landlord responsibilities. Dorothy will be contacting the Church of the Brethren to request the use of room to hold the Highland House training session. The training session will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. The format for the training session will be as follows: Overview of the Elgin Human Relations Commission (Cmmr. Rivera) Tenant Responsibilities & Rights (Cmmr. Dews) Landlord Responsibilities & Rights(Cmmr. Scott) Code Enforcement (to be determined) Police Department (Lorenz Burkert) Dorothy indicated that she will be contacting the Management to invite them to attend the meeting and to obtain permission to put flyers in the tenants mailbox. Chief Miller suggested that another possible location for landlord/tenant training could be The Mill Apartments and then Centro De Informacion. Brochure Dorothy suggested updating current activities and events on the brochure. Chair Rivera indicated that the changes being made are to reflect the goals and objectives of the Commission. The objectives of the Commission, covers its' mission statement. Elgin Human Relations Commission Minutes March 5, 2002 Page 3 Chair Rivera and Dorothy will work on the mission statement changes, and then copies will be sent to each Commissioner within one week. Any comments should be immediately sent to Dorothy upon receipt of the revisions. Ordinance Amendment Chair Rivera indicated that it was the goal of the Commission to have the suggested changes to the ordinance ready for the March 2002 Council meeting. The suggestion was made to prepare a short report stating reasons for the ordinance amendment and accomplishments of the Commission. The goal will be to provide the suggested ordinance amendment changes to be placed on the April 24th Council agenda. Since April is Fair Housing month, the Commission felt that this would be an appropriate time to do so. The suggested amendment changes are as follows: Include"Source of Income"as a protected class Quorum to be changed to reflect"2/3 of the active members present" Membership number changed to seven (7) members Annual Report to City Council Dorothy informed the Commission that there was not another Commission or Board that is submitting a written report to the Council. The Image Committee does an oral presentation. Dorothy located previous annual reports that were submitted to the Council from the Human Relations Commission and those reports just provided highlights. A copy was provided to the Chair. Fair Housing Fair Plan The Fair Housing fair will be on April 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cmmr. Scott 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Cmmr. Armstead 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cmmr. Rivera 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dorothy Brandon 3:00 p.m. - close Magnet Cmmr.Armstead suggested that the magnet have the following information. Elgin Human Relations Commission "Know Your Rights" Phone Number The Commissioners agreed to allow Dorothy to design the magnet due to time restraints. The Commission asked that the magnets be made available for the Tenant meeting event on April 2nd and for the Fair Housing event on April 20th. r Elgin Human Relations Commission Minutes March 5, 2002 Page 4 Monthly Report The February Staffs Monthly report showed several landlord/tenant complaints, however, all complaints had been solved. The February Monthly Contract Compliance report was provided and showed that there was no affirmative action information provided on Bid #02-013 C-A Construction Inc. Purchasing is looking into getting this information. CBDG Application Chair Rivera reported that the YWCA would be happy to partner with the City in an outreach program to provide assistance to individuals. Dorothy provided copies of the updated proposal which included the YWCA. Correspondence Illinois Municipal Human Rights Association will be sponsoring a conference on May 2nd in Normal. John Marshall School of Law will be providing classes on"Testing & Investigation for Fair Housing Violations, anyone interested in attending should contact Dorothy. The classes are free and will be held on April 12th &13tH Membership Openings Currently there are three openings on the Human Relations Commission and the Commissioners are encouraged to solicit individuals to apply for the openings. For those individuals whose term will be expiring in May, they should receive a letter from the Council regarding their appointment to the Commission. Chair Rivera suggested that an ad be placed in the Elgin Spirit regarding the opening on the Commission. Dorothy indicated that she will approach the City Clerk on this issue, regarding the opening and appointments of expiring Commissioners. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera entertained a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Armstead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Scott to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m. The motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Approved April 2, 2002 i Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission April 2, 2002 Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Wellesley Scott, MD, PhD Chief Bill Miller, Ex-officio Absent: Cmmr. Besty Armistead Staff: Dorothy Brandon Guests: Nicole Litner Erica Oddo Emily Suite The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Chief Miller to approve the March 5th minutes with the noted correction: list Bill Miller as the ex-officio. Motion carried 4-0 Brochure Draft Cmmr. Scott provided the Commission with his written suggestion for the brochure. Dorothy indicated that no new copies of the brochure will be printed until a response has been received from Legal regarding the requested changes to the ordinance. The suggestion was made and all agreed that the title of the contact person for the Human Relations Commission be included in the brochure. There was much discussion regarding the changes to be made to the brochure, therefore, it was decided that Chair Rivera and Dorothy will work together to provide another draft copy of the brochure. Dorothy will bring copies of the draft brochure to the next meeting. Elgin Human Relations Minutes April 2, 2002 Page 2 rik Annual Report to City Council A suggestion was made to the Commission, that they should request a meeting with the Mayor and the City Council regarding the change of"source of income" as apart of the ordinance. Dorothy provided information regarding the request from Council to meet with the Commission. Chief Miller suggested that the Commission meet with the Acting City Manager, the Mayor and a couple of the Council members and outline some significant accomplishments, planned events for next year and address any issues and concerns on the voucher system. Chair Rivera agreed that the Commission should meet with the Acting City Manager, the Mayor and Council members to determine what their feeling were towards the "source of income" becoming apart of the ordinance. Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Dews to have the Commission removed from the April 24th Committee of the Whole meeting and not to ask for another meeting date until the annual report is ready to be presented to the Council. The motion carried 4-0 Dorothy will look into possible dates of meeting with the Acting City Manager and the Council. The members present agreed on the following format and assignments for the annual report. Message from the Chairperson — Chair Rivera Message from the Staff Liaison — Dorothy Purpose and Structure of the Commission - Cmmr. Scott Commission Terms and Expirations — Cmmr. Scott Commission Meeting Dates — Cmmr. Scott Organizational Chart — Cmmr. Scott Case Statistics — Chair Rivera and Dorothy Complaint Process — Dorothy Basis of Discrimination Complaints — Dorothy Classification of Respondents— Dorothy Informal Inquires — Dorothy Case History— Dorothy Activities — Chair Rivera 2002 Objectives — Chair Rivera r Elgin Human Relations Minutes April 2, 2002 Page 3 Other Business The Commission felt that it was very important that a meeting date and location be established for the Highland Apartments on the first available date, therefore, the suggestion was made to have Dorothy proceed with obtaining a tenant meeting location. Cmmr. Scott suggested that the Commission also address the issue of discrimination on the sale of homes. It was brought up that the Fair Housing event on April 20th will be addressing this issue. Chair Rivera indicated that she has information regarding housing grants from other cities. Cmmr. Scott inquired into whether the Commission should address the issue of homeless individuals and hate crimes. The suggestion was made for the Commission to partner with the Police Department regarding hate crimes. Since Chief Miller had left the meeting, this issue will be brought to his attention. Monthly Reports The staffs monthly report for March was provided. Dorothy provided information regarding a pending employment discrimination case. The Bidders Compliance report will be provide at the April meeting. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Dews to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: June 4, 2002 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Human Relations Commission May 7, 2002 Minutes Present: Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Larry Pickens Cmmr. Michael Powers Cmmr. Wellesley Scott M.D., PhD (present by phone) Absent: Chair Dionnes Rivera Chief Bill Miller, Ex-officio Staff: Nick Oriti Dorothy Brandon The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Acting Chair Dews. Welcoming of New Commissioners Acting Chair Dews welcomed Larry Pickens and Michael Powers as Commissioners on the Elgin Human Relations Commission. Approval of the Minutes Approval of minutes was tabled until the June meeting due to the newness of the two (2) Commissioners. Review of Ordinance Dorothy provided an overview of the Human Relations Commission ordinance regarding the responsibilities of the Commission. Nick provided the new Commissioners with an overview of what he expects from the Commission. Old Business Acting Chair Dews provided an update on the proposed tenant/landlord meeting for the i Highland House Apartments to bring the new Commissioners up-to-date. Elgin Human Relations Commission May 7, 2002 Minutes Page 2 The new Commissioners were invited to participate on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. Acting Chair Dews informed the Commissioners that the election of Chair and Co-chair will take place at the June meeting. One of the goals for the Commission is to educate the community on how the Commission can assist the public. Cmmr. Armistead inquired into the status of the CDBG grant. Dorothy informed the Commission that the grant was not passed, however, the city is looking into legal assistance from another source. Dorothy went over the packet of information that was provided to the new Commissioners. The next meeting of the Dr. King Committee will be held on May 23rd at 5:30 p.m. Dorothy indicated that a future date for the Highland House meeting needs to be determined. Acting Chair Dews indicated that she would contact the Church of the Brethren as a possible meeting location. A tentative date in June will be scheduled. Dorothy provided an overview on how to conduct the landlord/tenant meeting. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Acting Chair Dews called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Armstead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Powers to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: June 4, 2002 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Human Relations Commission June 4, 2002 Minutes Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Michael Powers Chair Wellesley Scott M.D., PhD Absent: Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Larry Pickens Bill Miller, Ex-officio Staff: Dorothy Brandon The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Approval of the Minutes Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Powers to approve the April 2, 2002 minutes as presented. The motion carried 4-0 Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Dews to approve the May 7, 2002 minutes with the following correction. The date of the minutes changed from May 8, 2002 to May 7, 2002. The motion carried 4-0 Election of Chair and Co-Chair Chair Rivera reminded the Commission that she could not be reappointed as chair. Since Cmmr. Armstead could not be present, she did absentee voting. Chair Co-Chair Cmmr. Rivera Cmmr. Armistead / //// Cmmr. Dews / Cmmr. Pickens Cmmr. Powers Cmmr. Scott /// / Human Relations Commission June 4, 2002 Minutes Page 2 New Chairperson — Cmmr. Wes Scott New Co-Chairperson — Cmmr. Besty Armstead Cmmr. Rivera continued to chair the meeting and Cmmr. Scott indicated that he would start his chairing at the next meeting. Subcommittee assignments were made at this time. See attached sheet. Monthly Reports Reports will be provided at the next meeting. Landlord/Tenant Meeting Cmmr. Dews informed the Commission that she has not been able to secure a room at the Church of the Brethren as they have not provided her with a response. Cmmr. Dews indicated that she is pursuing other locations to hold the meeting. The suggestion was made to contact the Hemmens for use of the lower level or the Gail Borden Library. Dorothy will contact the Hemmens and the Gail Borden for use of a room. ►. Potential meeting dates are: Monday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m. Change of Meeting Date Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Powers to move the regularly scheduled July 2nd meeting date to Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. The motion carried 4-0 Old Business Annual Report Cmmr. Scott inquired into the status of the annual report. Dorothy indicated that she is working on the report and that changes need to be made. New Business Chair Rivera provided copies of articles she had received regarding housing choice vouchers. •4th of July Parade Chair Rivera inquired if anyone was interested in being apart of the 4th of July parade. Human Relations Commission June 4, 2002 Minutes Page 3 Cmmr. Powers indicated that he is working on a float with his neighbors and will be in the parade. He also provided insight on the insurance coverage necessary for participation in the parade. If any additional information is necessary, they need to contact Nora. Dorothy informed the Commission that Nora called to see if the Human Relations Commission was interested in participating in the 4th of July parade. Dorothy indicated that she will be contacting both Joe Wars to see if Ron Hopkins would provide a car to be used in the parade, and check with Nora regarding the insurance. The Commission agreed to participate in the parade. Cmmr. Powers suggested different ways or events that the Commission can become more involved in the community. 1. Facilitate activities the Commission becomes involved in. i.e. P.A.D.S. issue, speakers or to facilitate an interfaith service 2. Raising the profile of the Commission Affordable Housing for Seniors Cmmr. Dews brought up the issue of a senior housing complex on the First Assembly property and how the residents of Valley Creek are opposed to this project. Cmmr. Dews indicated that she was informing the Commission of this issue and would keep them updated. Cmmr. Dews was inquiring if the Commission would be supportive of the Fox River Housing project. There was much discussion regarding the housing issue. Dorothy informed the Commission that they have the right and responsibility as a Commission to approach the Mayor and Council regarding any issues they feel should be brought to their attention. r Human Relations Commission June 4, 2002 Minutes Page 4 ebk Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Scott made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Dews to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. The motion carried 4-0 Respectfully Submitted, Approved: July 9, 2002 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary • 3 Human Relations Commission Minutes October 1, 2002 Present: Chair Wellesley Scott M.D., PhD (via phone) Cmmr. Betsy Armistead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Michael Powers Cmmr. Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Aloun Khotisene Staff: Dorothy Brandon Absent: Cmmr. Larry Pickens Ex-officio Bill Miller Guests: Pastor Dave Bohyer Pastor Willie Tate Pastor Francis Senyah Bernie Kleina, HOPE Fair Housing r The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Co-Chair Armistead. Approval of Minutes Cmmr, Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Scott to approve the September 3th minutes as presented. The motion carried 6-0 Welcome New Member Co-Chair Armistead welcomed Aloun Khotisene as commissioner to the Human Relations Commission. Black Ministries Alliance Pastor Willie Tate of the Ministries Alliance addressed the concerns of the Commission regarding the April 18, 2003 Good Friday event. It's an annual community event on the Last Seven Days. The event is open to the public. The Alliance is requesting co-sponsorship for location only. Cmmr. Dews asked if a collection would be taken. Pastor Tate stated "Yes" the collection goes toward scholarships. Human Relations Commission October 1, 2002 Minutes Page 2 There was much discussion regarding the event; Co-Chair Armistead requested a vote from the Commissioners on co-sponsoring the event. Cmmr. Dews motioned to co-sponsor the April 18, 2003 event by providing location only, seconded by Chair Scott. Motion Carried 3-2 Cmmr. Khotisene abstained The Commission will secure the Hemmens Cultural Center for the April 18, 2003 date. HOPE Fair Housing Bernie Kleina, Director provided the Commission with an overview on HOPE Fair Housing. HOPE is dedicated to promoting equal housing, lending and insurance opportunities through education, research, enforcement, training and advocacy. Mr. Kleina stated that HOPE would like to work with the Commission, just don't know how at this time. But would love to share some of the videos with the Commission. elk HOPE is always looking for testers. Cmmr. Dews asked what plans HOPE has to improve the relationship in Elgin regarding the settlement. Mr. Kleina didn't remember all of the information outlined - will provide the Commission with a draft copy of the HOPE report. Cmmr. Powers would like to see the Commission and HOPE work together on county wide issues. Monthly Reports Copies of the September, Staffs Monthly Report was provided. No Contract Compliance Activity Report for the month of September. Old Business Cmmr. Rivera suggested the bi-lingual programs and general communication issues be tabled until the November meeting and be placed first on the agenda. Cmmr. Dews —the next Continual Care meeting on the Homeless will be October 9, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. Co-Chair Armistead suggested that the Commission be Human Relations Commission October 1, 2002 Minutes Page 3 placed on the mailing list for Continual Care. Staff will contact Continual Care and have them placed on the mailing list. New Business Staff requested assistance from two (2) Commissioners to review an alleged discrimination issue in employment. Cmmr. Scott and Rivera volunteered to assist Staff. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Co-Chair Armistead called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Chair Scott to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm. The motion carried 6-0. Respectfully Submitted Approved: January 7, 2003 rSandra Taylor Recording Secretary elk Human Relations Commission December 4, 2002 Minutes Present: Chair Wellesley Scott M.D., PhD Cmmr. Larry Pickens Cmmr. Michael Powers Cmmr. Aluon Khotisene Bill Miller Ex-Officio Absent: Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Dionnes Rivera Staff: The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Chair Scott. Chair Scott indicated that there were no minutes; however, there was old business to discuss. Chair Scott thanked all of the Commissioners and Chief Miller for their time and effort that has been expended in attending the monthly meetings. Chair Scott indicated that the last meeting was in October and there was no meeting in November due to the elections. Approval of the Minutes Tabled until the January meeting. There was a brief discussion of the unity day meeting that took place at the October meeting. Martin Luther King Program Update Cmmr. Powers provided a brief overview on the progress of the Dr. King program. He indicated that Travell from Elgin Community College had provide an update at the meeting on the Prayer Breakfast events and that the events were in order. Cmmr. Pickens also reinforced that everything was all set for the Prayer Breakfast. He will provide Dorothy with information for the program and will have the brochure rkfinalized by the January meeting. • Elgin Human Relations Commission December 4, 2002 Minutes Page 2 elk Chair Scott indicated that the Essay contest is going well. Chair Scott provided a revised copy of the scholarship application and was passed around for all to view. The deadline for the submission of all applications is December 13th. The Selection Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the review of the applications. The Humanitarian Award applications have also been made available to the public for nominations. Objectives for 2003 Chair Scott advised that the January meeting will be dedicated to developing goals for the Commission. Cmmr. Powers provided a list of potential goals and objectives for the Commission for 2003. He provided a little background on the reasons he chose these goals. Further discussion will commence at a future meeting. Pro-action with HOPE Tabled until the January meeting Chief Miller spoke regarding the utilization of the Elgin Image Commission and other groups/committees within the city. Cmmr. Pickens inquired into the proposed senior housing on Highland Avenue and how this issue affects the Commission. Chair Scott indicated that this is an issue that the Commission may want to become involved. He indicated that it is the role of the Commission to make recommendations where it pertains to discrimination and serve as advisors to the Council. Chief Miller indicated that this issue dealt with quality housing. Cmmr. Pickens indicated that since this issue deals with human relations, the Commission should become involved. There is a need for advocacy for senior citizens. Chief Miller indicated that we need to advocate for the disabled and housing for seniors is an issue that needs to be discussed. There was much continued discussion regarding the senior housing issue, therefore, Chair Scott concluded that this issue is one that the Commission can objectively work rak on as a goal for 2003. Elgin Human Relations Commission December 4, 2002 Minutes Page 3 Chief Miller indicated that there is a need to educated the people and this would be an appropriate role for the Commission. Cmmr. Scott pointed out that the role of the Human Relations Commission in regards to the senior housing issue will be discussed at the January meeting. Chief Miller suggested inviting someone from Planning to the January meeting to discuss this issue. Dorothy will be contacted requesting Planning to attend the January meeting. Chief Miller informed the Commission that the Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer and the deadline is December 13th. Any applicant wishing to apply must have a Bachelor's degree. Cmmr. Khotisene informed the Commission about a play that he is writing and producing at the YWCA entitled "Magical Ride". Cmmr. Khotisene asked if the Commission would like to be involved in this project. The play will be diversified and will be held on June 21, 2003. Chair Scott asked Cmmr. Khotisene to provide a proposal for the Commission to vote on at the next meeting. Cmmr. Powers spoke about the July 4th event and asked if Cmmr. Khotisene would be interested in performing. Cmmr. Khotisene mentioned that someone form the Youth Empowerment Service "YES" will be attending a future meeting. Cmmr. Khotisene indicated that he is interested in developing a Youth Leadership Program. Youths in this program will provide community service work and leadership training for 7th graders through high school, and if the youths stay in the program they will receive two (2) years of free college from Elgin Community College. Chief Miller indicated that the Gang and Drug Task Force is looking at developing a Youth Leadership Commission and that Cmmr. Khotisene should contact Christine Mitchell. The next meeting of the Human Relations Commission will be January 7, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. . • Elgin Human Relations Commission December 4, 2002 Minutes Page 4 l Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Scott called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Pickens made the motion, seconded by Chief Miller to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. The motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: January 7, 2003 )6-4-'-Nt :, tom-. -J Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary F