HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11 -15Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Second Floor Conference Room – South Tower
1. Call To Order – the meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
2. Person(s) Recognized
Chair Williamson welcomed new Commissioner Bob Whitt. Commissioner Whitt
explained that he has been a pastor in a downtown Elgin church for 17 years. He
has been involved with the Mayor and the Elgin Police Department in
community/police dynamics. He has an interest in bringing people together for
special things in the city and wants to be an encouraging voice. The commission
welcomed Commissioner Whitt.
3. Approval of October 6, 2015 Minutes
Commissioner Habun made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Cooper. A correction was noted that the reference to “Blue Lives
Matter” should be changed to “All Lives Matter.” Minutes approved as
corrected.
4. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen walked the Commission through the monthly contract
report.
5. Old Business
Diversity Committee Update (standing item)
Staff Liaison Cohen provided a Diversity Committee update summary.
Chair Williamson asked that Phil be asked to attend HRC meetings,
perhaps on a quarterly basis. Chair Williamson asked that Phil schedule a
meeting with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee before the end of
the year.
MLK Committee Update
Commissioner Habun reported that the subcommittees are meeting
regularly. Various clergy people, including Commissioner Whitt and a
member of the Congregation Kneseth Israel will provide prayers at the
Prayer Breakfast. Commissioner Habun is waiting to hear from members
of the Buddhist and Moslem communities. Joyce Fountain will be the
keynote speaker. Commissioner Cooper reported that the Sunday
program includes a new U‐46‐wide “MLK Scholar” initiative. MLK
Scholarships provided by the HRC are limited to Elgin residents. The
Youth Conference on Monday has a keynote speaker lined up. About 300
students are anticipated to participate in the day’s activities. Joe Wars is
working on the Food Drive. Commissioner Habun encouraged the HRC to
sell ads for the calendar as the revenue offsets other Prayer Breakfast
costs.
Black Lives Matter
Commissioner Habun reported that she and Commissioners Whitt and
Jacobs met to brainstorm ideas. Traci Ellis and Chair Williamson will be
part of the group. These meetings are subject to the open meetings act
and public notice is placed on the city’s website and on the entrance to
the location of the meeting.
6. New Business
Commissioner Habun asked about the training the commission has requested
from the Legal Department. Staff Liaison Cohen will follow up on this.
7. Adjournment
Commissioner Habun made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Chair Williamson.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison/Human Resources Director