HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 9-17Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Present: Chair Elisa Lara, Commissioner Denise Habun, Commissioner Winfried Cooper,
Vice Chair Rich Jacobs, Commissioner Bill Williamson, Commissioner Aloun Khotisene,
Deputy Chief Bill Wolf
Absent: None
1. Call To Order – The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm.
2. Person(s) Recognized
Julian Vargas of Healthy Illinois
3. Approval of July 10, 2017 Minutes
Commissioner Habun made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Vice
Chair Jacobs. Minutes approved.
4. Monthly Reports
Commissioner Williamson will follow up with the city manager via email to
request clarification on the role the HRC plays in reviewing approved bidder
employee statistics. He will follow up in a week if necessary.
5. Old Business
• Diversity Committee Update (standing item)
Staff Liaison Cohen provided information on the culture and climate
survey and focus groups.
• Budget Update (as necessary)
The HRC has $4,476.37 remaining in the 2017 budget.
6. New Business
• Julian Vargas, Healthy Illinois
Julian introduced himself as a suburban community organizer from
Healthy Illinois, an organization that works to increase access to
healthcare for low income immigrant families. He is working on a
resource guide and would like to build a relationship with the HRC. A
discussion ensued regarding sources for information for Julian’s resource
guide. The guide will be available in two weeks or so.
• Bob Whitt, Sponsorship of “Unity through the Demonstration of Love”
Symposium
Bob Whitt met with Commissioner Williamson and Chair Lara regarding
an event that would show “what Elgin is doing that works.” Bob would
like the event to be held before Thanksgiving. The commissioners had
many questions regarding the event. The commissioners agreed that the
timeframe was too tight and February 2018 was preferable. Bob Whitt
will be invited by Commissioner Williamson to attend the next meeting to
explain his vision in greater detail.
• August 18 Rally
Commissioner Habun thanked everyone for being a part of the 8/18 rally
that was held in response to the events in Charlottesville. The event
surpassed expectations and had between 200 and 250 participants.
• Elgin Police Department Training Invitation
Deputy Chief Wolf explained that some members of the EPD received
training and certification in Procedural Justice training. A training session
and forum with command staff and the community will be held October
18, at 6:00 pm in the Heritage Ballroom, Centre. The HRC is invited to
attend.
• Holly Near Concert Sponsorship
Commissioner Habun reported that Reverend Denise Tracy asked if the
HRC would be a sponsor for a Holly Near concert. It is unknown at this
time what the requested sponsorship would consist of and how the event
would connect with the mission of the HRC.
Adjournment
Commissioner Williamson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by
Commissioner Habun. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned
at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison