HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 4 -15Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Second Floor Conference Room – South Tower
1. Call To Order
Chair Habun called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
2. Person(s) Recognized
New Commissioner Winfried Cordell Cooper, Jr. was welcomed by the
Commission. Winfried’s term is February 2015 through May 2015. Winfried
wants to get involved in Elgin and is pursuing having his term renewed.
3. Approval of January 6, 2015 Minutes
Commissioner Jacobs made a motion to approve the January minutes, seconded
by Commissioner Benjamin. Minutes approved.
4. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen went through the monthly reports.
5. Old Business
Diversity Committee Update
Phil Reed of SNAP Consultants has been providing training to the sworn officers
of the police department. The focus of the training is to assist officers in
recognizing and dealing with biases present in all people. Phil Reed’s contract is
being presented to Council for renewal. Staff Liaison Cohen was asked to invite
Phil to the next HRC meeting. Chair Habun would like to invite former Deputy
Police Chief Cecil Smith to the next Community Conversation, to be held on May
13. Chair Habun encouraged all HRC members to attend the next Community
Conversation meeting.
United Black Scholarship Dinner Tickets
Staff Liaison Cohen confirmed that Chair Habun and Commissioners Benjamin
and Khotisene are attending the dinner. Commissioner Khotisene is waiting to
hear from the MLK Scholarship winners as to whether they are attending.
6. New Business
Training
Staff Liaison Cohen was asked to invite the Legal Department to the next
meeting in order to walk through the Commission’s powers and responsibilities
as set out in the Municipal Code; particularly regarding receiving and
investigating complaints.
Elections
Chair Habun reminded the Commission that her term expires next month and
they should think about who they wish to nominate for Chair and Vice Chair.
Chair Habun may not run again this term per the Municipal Code.
Commissioner Benjamin
Commissioner Benjamin announced that she is moving to Florida in June and will
be leaving the HRC.
7. Adjournment
There being no other business Commissioner Williamson made a motion to adjourn,
seconded by Commissioner Benjamin. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison/Human Resources Director