Human Relations Commission

Carbondale Human Relations Commission Minutes – April 3, 2023 Carbondale Civic Center - 5:00pm Commissioners Present: Anita Brown, Gerald Edwards, Roy Mazuchowski, Roger Webb, Michelle Snyder, Stephanie Brown, Carmalita Cahill, Mary Hamilton Commissioners (Excused): Commissioners (Unexcused): Carla Childs Guest Present: Elius Reed SIU-C Dept. of Public Safety Representative: None Study Circles Staff: Sarah Heyer Staff Present: Deputy Chief Matthew Dunning, Deputy Chief Anthony Williams and Commission Liaison Courtney Beverly CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:04p.m. by Chair Stephanie Brown. MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Cahill and seconded by Commissioner Anita Brown to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2023 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Anita Brown announced the Carbondale Small Business Vendor Fair, the fair will be promoting and supporting empowering women and minority entrepreneurs. The fair is scheduled for April 15th and will be located at the Carbondale Civic Center. Chair Brown announced that the month of April is National Autism Acceptance Month. Chair Brown also mentioned that the proclamation for the change was received on March 31st. The 2023 Color Run is scheduled for April 15th and the 2023 Southern Illinois Autism Conference is scheduled for April 26th. Chair Brown announced that the Inclusive Playground Phase 2 equipment should arrive in late April or early May. Local Carbondale schools registration will be held on April 4th at Carbondale Rebound. Chair Brown welcomed and introduced new Commissioner Mary Hamilton to the Human Relations Commission. OLD BUSINESS Chair Brown discussed last month discussion on the Human Relations Commission attendance requirements for Commissioners. The Commission discussed changes and edits to the attendance policy in regards to Commissioners missing three unexcused absences in a row. Furthermore, the Commissioners decided to follow-up on the attendance policy during the Human Relations Commission Annual Retreat. NEW BUSINESS None to Report ISSUES None to Report Public Education/Presentation None to Report Public Forums/Events None to Report PUBLIC COMMENTS Elius Reed discussed and announced the local usage of Narcan Nasal Spray, April 4th local elections and Carbondale United being awarded a grant for gun violence prevention. Elius Reed mentioned that Mount Vernon Police Officers received an award for solving the gun violence in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The Commissioners and guests discussed local gun violence and mental health assistance. Elius Reed mentioned the status of the Carbondale’s Midnight Basketball Program. Chair Brown announced that local elections are April 4th. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Mazuchowski discussed the status of a tribute for former Commissioner Dr. Dora Weaver. Chair Brown mentioned inviting Dr. Weavers niece to the Human Relations Commission May 1st meeting. Commissioner Snyder mentioned the status of the Human Relations Commission proposed budget. Chair Brown mentioned that she would schedule a meeting with the City of Carbondale Mayor Office to discuss the Human Relations Commission proposed budget. Elius Reed discussed the previous residents of the Carbondale’s Georgetown Apartment and the relocation funds. Commissioner Cahill mentioned that the Governor Liaison Kristin Healy discussed African American Homelessness in Southern Illinois last week in Carbondale and Cairo. PROCESS ASSESSMENT Sparrow Coalition Report Commissioner Webb announced that the Sparrow Coalition meeting will be held on April 4, 2023 beginning at 9 a.m. through Zoom. If anyone is interested in attending the meeting, please contact Roger Webb at rowebb@hotmail.com or sparrowcarbondale@gmail.com. Free Laundry Day will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale on April 12th beginning at 10a.m. until 2p.m. The Carbondale Warming Center will host a Volunteer Day on April 8th from 10a.m. until 12p.m. and 1p.m. until 3p.m. The Feed My Sheep program will begin serving meals on April 7th at Carbondale’s Bethel A.M.E. Church. Non-Violent Carbondale Project Report None to Report Neighborhood Action Group Report Sarah Heyer announced that the next Neighborhood Action Group meeting would be held on April 5th beginning at 5p.m. Racial Justice Coalition None to Report Race Unity Group None to Report Carbondale United None to Report NAACP None to Report Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois None to Report The Survivor Empowerment Center None to Report Law Enforcement Deputy Chief Dunning mentioned that the month of March had one investigation of online complaint in regards to an excessive exhaust system and one informal investigation complaint in regards to rude unprofessionalism from a Police Officer. Deputy Chief Dunning recognized five recognitions for the month of March. On March 12th a Police Officer assisted an individual that was experiencing a medical emergency at the Carbondale Murdale Shopping Center. On March 19th a Police Officer assisted a domestic incident involving a family. Deputy Chief Dunning and Deputy Chief Williams and the Human Relations Commissioners discussed mental health incidents, Man-Tra-Con and Police Officers educational requirements. Elius Reed mentioned an incident during a previous local Halloween event that involved a resident to Deputy Chief Dunning and Deputy Chief Williams. Items for City Council None To Report ADJOURNMENT Next meeting – May 1, 2023. There being no further business, Chair Brown closed the meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned Recorded by Courtney Beverly