HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 5 -15Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Second Floor Conference Room – South Tower
1. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm
2. Person(s) Recognized
Chair Habun introduced Phil Reed, SNAP Consulting who discussed the city’s
diversity and inclusion strategic priority. Mr. Reed reminded the commission
that the strategic priority is “not a sprint” and that visible change takes a long
time. The pace is dictated by the amount of money the city allocates. The
diversity and inclusion strategic plan has been created, and subcommittees have
been assembled to manage demonstrated leadership commitment, recruitment
and retention, accessible programs and services and the marketplace.
Leadership commitment has been demonstrated through discussion at city
council meetings. In recruitment, key positions were identified and openings
provided a diverse slate of candidates. The city needs to develop a high
potential program. An external benchmarking study was performed to compare
Elgin with identified comparable communities. In the marketplace, the current
ordinances were examined, including the responsible bidders ordinance. The
focus will be on assessing who we do business with (minority and women owned
businesses) and getting minority and women owned businesses to connect with
departments.
This year, Mr. Reed has developed and provided training to the Police
Department, both sworn and civilian. The theme of the training is using diversity
as a tool, understanding everyone has a diff erent world view and frame of
reference. Next training needs to be provided to managers, supervisors and
department heads, emphasizing the correlation between diversity and
innovation. Key performance indicators will be developed to measure the
success of the subcommittees.
Commissioner Williamson asked if the Police Department was more open to the
training due to events in other communities. Mr. Reed responded that the
training preceded recent incidents by a couple of years; Chief Swoboda was
“ahead of the curve.” The Elgin community needs training as well on how to
treat the police. Elgin police officers should be engaged in the community
socially, through sporting events, etc.
3. Approval of April 7, 2015 Minutes
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the April minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Williamson. Minutes were approved.
4. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen reviewed the monthly reports.
5. Old Business
Diversity Committee Update (standing item)
This item was addressed by Mr. Reed in “Recognize Persons Present.”
6. New Business
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Habun opened up the floor to nominees for Chair of the Human Relations
Commission. Seeing that Commissioners Khotisene and Jacobs were not
present, it was agreed to table the item to the June meeting.
Other
Chair Habun reminded commissioners that the next Community Conversation
between the EPD and citizens was scheduled for May 13 th.
Chair Habun reminded commissioners that Ernie Broadnax’s documentary about
the African American community in Elgin would be shown at the Gail Borden
Library on May 19th.
Staff Liaison Cohen invited commissioners to attend a city sponsored diversity
presentation on May 19th. Chair Habun and Commissioner Cooper will attend.
Staff Liaison Cohen showed the commissioners the T shirt quilt made from tees
from MLK and I Fest events. The commission agreed the quilt could be raffled at
the next MLK prayer breakfast.
7. Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison/Human Resources Director