HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 9 -16Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, September 6, 2016, 6:30 p.m.
Present: Chair Bill Williamson, Commissioner Denise Habun, Commissioner Winfried
Cooper, Commissioner Elisa Lara, Vice Chair Rich Jacobs, Commissioner Aloun
Khotisene, Deputy Chief Bill Wolf
1. Call To Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm.
2. Person(s) Recognized
Ina Dews was recognized by the Chair. Ms. Dews shared complaints regarding
the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. Ms. Dews recommended returning to
having a speaker at the Sunday program. Ms. Dews commented on the low
number of African Americans on the MLK celebration committee. Chair
Williamson and MLK Committee Chair Habun stated that the MLK celebration
committee welcomed all to participate. Ms. Dews recommended that the
committee ask for donations from local businesses. Chair Williamson thanked
Ms. Dews for her comments.
3. Approval of June 7, 2016 Minutes
Commissioner Habun made a motion to approve the June minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Jacobs. Minutes approved.
4. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen went through the Intake Forms. Commissioner Jacobs noted
that the Kane County Bar Association provides a day of free legal advice once a
month.
Staff Liaison Cohen went through the contract awards. Commissioner Habun
made a motion that the Commission change the process by which they review
bids to reviewing bidder EEO information at the front end. Commissioner Habun
proposed that a member of the HRC attend bid openings and review documents
at that time. Commissioner Cooper seconded. Motion carried.
5. Old Business
• Diversity Committee Update (standing item)
a. Daily Herald article re: Diversity and Inclusion Plan
Commissioner Habun stated she was disappointed in the tenor of the
Daily Herald article and in the words attributed to City Manager Kozal.
Commissioner Habun stated we have worked on a process that “walks
the talk” and the article indicates we have no intent to follow it. The
public perception will be “business as usual.”
Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that there are 2 different issues; the
city council’s appointment of City Manager Kozal and City Manager
Kozal’s appointment of an assistant city manager. The HRC should ask
where City Manager Kozal stands in regard to the diversity plan. . Chair
Williamson will invite City Manager Kozal to a Human Relations
Commission meeting to discuss this topic as well as the HRC’s role in bid
review. Chair Williamson asked HRC members to come up with robust
questions for the city manager.
• Budget Update (as necessary)
Staff Liaison Cohen reported that all outstanding payments have been made.
• Unity Peace Walk
Commissioner Habun reported that the Unity Peace Walk was a great
success. There was a large turnout and it was a respectful event.
6. New Business
• U-46 Transgender Student/Bathroom
Chair Williamson proposed that transgender rights could be a topic for a
future Community Conversation. Commissioner Jacobs agreed.
Commissioner Habun informed the commission that the School Board
meeting addressing this issue is Monday, September 12 at 7:00 pm and
commissioners should attend if possible.
7. Adjournment
There being no further business, Commissioner Lara made a motion to adjourn,
seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison