HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 9 -15Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
1. Call To Order – the meeting was called to order at 6:37 pm.
2. Approval of August 4, 2015 Minutes
Commissioner Habun made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Jacobs. Minutes approved.
3. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen reviewed the contract reports and two intake forms.
4. Old Business
Diversity Committee Update (standing item)
Staff Liaison Cohen provided the Commission with the Diversity/Inclusion
Strategic Priority Update report, attached. Deputy Chief Wolf reported that
Police will be recruiting for new officers in 2017.
MLK Committee Update
Commission Habun, Chair of the MLK Celebration Committee, reported that the
planning committee has already met two times. There are 15 volunteers on the
committee, 10 of whom are new to the event. The MLK Celebration will consist
of three days of programs, as in past years. The theme for the Youth Day of
Service will be restorative justice. Another activity, at the high schools, may be a
privilege walk, which physically demonstrates students’ life advantages and
disadvantages. The public program will be different this year and more inclusive.
A theme is being developed. The committee is thinking about a monthly activity
around justice or anti‐racism. The food drive’s goal this year is collection of 7
tons of food.
5. New Business
The next community conversation with the Elgin Police Department is
September 16th.
Adjournment
Commissioner Lara made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner
Cooper. There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison/Human Resources Director
Diversity/Inclusion Strategic Priority Update
September 1, 2015
8/3/2015 -Supplier Diversity subcommittee met to discuss next 6 month’s goals:
Become a member of US Minority Contractors Association (USMCA) to
leverage minority and women businesses with City of Elgin construction projects
Host the August USMCA business meeting at The Centre, August 20, 2015
Host an apprenticeship workshop with the unions to come and present to Elgin
residents.
Host a Minority and Women Business Owners Fair
Design Supplier Diversity Program.
Host a workshop for local unions to participate with the current JOC Program
8/20/15 - The City hosted the US Minority Contractors Association business meeting.
Introductory remarks by the Mayor. Copenhaver, large construction company, attended.
8/26/15
Meeting with Phil Reed to review rough draft of Transformational Leadership Workshop. Once
Phil has provided a more detailed outline, a group of 10 employees will be chosen to attend a
short pilot of the training. Contents include thinking innovatively, building an awareness of
diversity and inclusion, Elgin as the city of choice, personal biases, supporting an inclusive
environment and leading a diverse community.
8/27/15
Meeting scheduled with Corporation Counsel, Purchasing Director to discuss point system for
partnerships with minority and women owned businesses. Reed requested to write up proposal
for review.
8/27/15
Supplier Diversity subcommittee met to discuss next 3 month’s goals:
Vendor assessment – looking for ownership certifications (veterans, minority owned and
women)
Benchmark against 6 – 10 cities
Identify new firms
Educate unions
Communication plan
One on one with City Council
Review ordinances
9/8/2015
Recruitment and Retention subcommittee meeting
9/24/15
Supplier Diversity subcommittee meeting