Human Relations Commission

Carbondale Human Relations Commission Minutes – May 1, 2023 Carbondale Civic Center - 5:00pm Commissioners Present: Anita Brown, Gerald Edwards, Roger Webb, Michelle Snyder, Stephanie Brown, Carmalita Cahill, Mary Hamilton, Sherrica Hunt, Carla Childs Commissioners (Excused): Roy Mazuchowski Commissioners (Unexcused): Guest Present: SIU-C Dept. of Public Safety Representative: None Study Circles Staff: Sarah Heyer Staff Present: Mayor Pro Tempore Carolin Harvey, Chief Stan Reno, Deputy Chief Matthew Dunning and Commission Liaison Courtney Beverly CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:00p.m. by Chair Stephanie Brown. MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Anita Brown and seconded by Commissioner Gerald Edwards to approve the minutes from the April 3, 2023 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Brown welcomed and introduced Sherrica Hunt as the new Commissioner to the Human Relations Commission. Local Carbondale graduations will be held in the month of May. Commissioner Cahill announced that school donations can be submitted to the Carbondale Warming Center on May 10th – 13th. Chair Brown announced that the Inclusive Playground Phase 2 equipment would be install later this month. Commissioner Hamilton announced that The Varsity Center in Carbondale will host Alice and Wonderland auditions for the month of May. Chair Brown announced that the Autism Society of Southern Illinois will be sponsoring a free basketball camp on June 9th-10th for children ages 10 – 16 located at Unity Point Community Consolidated School. OLD BUSINESS None to Report NEW BUSINESS The Commissioners discussed the Human Relations Commission Annual Retreat, which is schedule for September 11th. Sarah Heyer mentioned that The Big Event is scheduled for June 3rd located at Carbondale’s Attucks Park. Sarah Heyer mentioned that Study Circles would have a meeting on May 3rd. ISSUES None to Report Public Education/Presentation None to Report Public Forums/Events None to Report PUBLIC COMMENTS None to Report COMMISSION COMMENTS None to Report PROCESS ASSESSMENT Sparrow Coalition Report Commissioner Webb announced that the Sparrow Coalition meeting will be held on May 2, 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 May10th. Commissioner Hamilton mentioned that the Sparrow Coalition are accepting donations for Free Laundry Day. Non-Violent Carbondale Project Report None to Report Neighborhood Action Group Report None to Report 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 The Survivor Empowerment Center will be organizing a fundraiser for the month of June. Law Enforcement Deputy Chief Dunning mentioned that the month of April had one citizen complaint, which is an informal investigation. Deputy Chief Dunning recognized one recognition for the month of April. On October 12th the Carbondale Police Department responded to the local high school about an active shooter call. Deputy Chief Dunning mentioned there were no evidence of an active shooter and the call was a hoax. On April 18th the Carbondale Police Department responded to a suicidal distress call. The Police Officer on the scene deescalated the situation and helped the individual. Chair Brown mentioned an incident at Carbondale’s Rebound and mentioned that the Carbondale Police Department response was very good. Chief Reno announced that the Carbondale Police Department will be collaborating with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agency to plan a summer youth camp. The camp will be located at Touch of Nature and will focus on team building, self-esteem and basic life skills. Chief Reno announced that the Carbondale Police Department have hired four new Police Officers and they will be attending the Police Academy soon. Chief Reno and the Human Relations Commissioners discussed the newly install static license plate readers in Carbondale. Items for City Council None To Report ADJOURNMENT Next meeting – June 5, 2023. There being no further business, Chair Brown closed the meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned Recorded by Courtney Beverly