Human Relations Commission

Carbondale Human Relations Commission Minutes – August 7, 2023 Carbondale Civic Center - 5:00pm Commissioners Present: Anita Brown, Gerald Edwards, Roger Webb, Michelle Snyder, Stephanie Brown, Carmalita Cahill, Roy Mazuchowski Commissioners (Excused): Mary Hamilton, Carla Childs Commissioners (Unexcused): Sherrica Hunt Guest Present: Jen Lampkins, Jacob Bowers SIU-C Dept. of Public Safety Representative: None Study Circles Staff: Sarah Heyer Staff Present: Mayor Carolin Harvey, Councilmember Clare Killman, Deputy Chief Matthew Dunning, Chief Stan Reno and Commission Liaison Courtney Beverly CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:05p.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 July 10, 2023 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye. ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Anita Brown announced that The Little Resource Center is located inside the Rainbow Café LGBTQ Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Chair Brown mentioned that the Carbondale Family Literacy Program offers free home visit, healthcare providers and preparing kids to return to school. Commissioner Webb announced that the Carbondale Warming Center has closed their overnight shelter, due to federal funds being cut. Commissioner Webb mentioned that the Warming Center plans to reopen for the winter months. The Southern Illinois Trans Resource Fair will be scheduled for Friday August 11, 2023 located at the Rainbow Café LGBTQ Center in Carbondale, Illinois. The Carbondale Tool Library announced that their new residency would be at the new Rainbow Café LGBTQ Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Commissioner Mazuchowski announced that the Carbondale Towers would host a food drive from the Saint Louis Food Pantry on August 15th at 1p.m. for the residents of Carbondale Towers and 2p.m. for Carbondale residents. OLD BUSINESS Chair Brown mentioned the SIUC Move-In for SIU students and the follow up to Commissioner Hunt’s research on the Human Relations Commission having a table during the SIUC Welcome Back Week in August. NEW BUSINESS Chair Brown mentioned that the Report from Community Groups and Agencies updates will be discuss during the Human Relations Commission Retreat. ISSUES None to Report Public Education/Presentation Commissioner Webb introduced guest speaker Callie Buchanan, Mr. Buchanan is the Deflection Supervisor at the Little Egypt Alternative Pathways (LEAP), which is a Deflection Initiative. The “LEAP is a deflection initiative that strives to improve collaboration among community service providers, law enforcement, and the community by promoting acceptance, healing, hope, and increased opportunities for those in need”. The LEAP initiative also focuses on Increase awareness, Increase access, Simplify law enforcement’s process, Provide alternative engagement, and Humanize and continued engagement. On August 15th LEAP will host an informational meeting. Public Forums/Events None to Report PUBLIC COMMENTS Jen Lampkins discussed and updated the Commission on The Center for Empowerment and Justice Center. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chair Brown introduced the City of Carbondale Diversity Equity & Inclusion Coordinator Sharonda Cawthon. Mrs. Cawthon explained the creation of the LGBTQ+ Liaison for the City of Carbondale. The Liaison position would help promote the Human Relations Commission and connect the City of Carbondale to the LGBTQ+ Community. The Liaison position would also advocate, be present at meetings and events and will report to the Carbondale Police Department or the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Coordinator. Mrs. Cawthon also discussed the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Score Card. Carbondale, Illinois ranked 53 out of 100 points. Surrounding areas such as, Chicago, Champaign, Rockford, Springfield, Naperville, Aurora, Peoria and Joliet have scored between 77 and 100 points. In addition, the Commissioners asked several questions in regards to how the Liaison position would look like in other communities, Will the Liaison position be a one or two person position and could the Liaison position be part of a subcommittee? During the discussion, Commissioners and Councilmembers suggested if the Commission or Mrs. Cawthon could reach out to other communities for input on the Liaison position’s structure, goals and initiatives. Commissioner Anita Brown discussed updating the Human Relations Commission Flyer and requesting feedback from the Commissioners and Staff. Commissioner Snyder mentioned attending two previous City Council meetings, where they discussed DBE Guidelines for the City of Carbondale. Commissioner Snyder suggested if the Human Relations Commission could create a resource fair or open house for all City Boards and Commissions. PROCESS ASSESSMENT Sparrow Coalition Report Commissioner Webb announced that the Sparrow Coalition meeting will be held on August 8, 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. The 48th World Hunger Sale is scheduled for August 15th and 19th located at the Carbondale University Mall. Commissioner Webb also mentioned that the World Hunger Sale are looking for volunteers to help with donations. Non-Violent Carbondale Project Report None to Report Neighborhood Action Group Report Sarah Heyer mentioned that the Neighborhood Action Group discussed several agenda items that should be discussed during the Human Relations Commission Retreat. Which included, the City Council representation on the Human Relations Commission and a discussion about the Neighborhood Planner position. Racial Justice Coalition None to Report Race Unity Group None to Report Carbondale United None to Report NAACP Dr. Flowers announced that the Freedom Fund Banquet will be held on October 22nd at the Carbondale Civic Center beginning at 4p.m. Dr. Flowers mentioned the 60th Anniversary of March on Washington and asked if the Human Relations Commission could co-sponsor an event with the NAACP to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Commissioner Cahill presented the motion that the Human Relations Commission sponsor the 60th Anniversary March on Washington for the Carbondale NAACP. Chair Brown responded all of those in favor, All Voted Aye. Motion carried. Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois None to Report The Survivor Empowerment Center None to Report Law Enforcement Chief Reno mentioned that Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church held their Backpack Giveaway on August 5th and almost 2000 backpacks were given to students. Chief Reno announced that the Carbondale Police Department Body Worn Camera Program is up and running. The policies for the Body Worn Camera Program are located on the Carbondale Police Department website. Chief Reno announced that the Carbondale Police Department has hired an additional Mental Health Advocate employee. Chief Reno mentioned that the Carbondale Police Department are looking for individuals that are interested in becoming Carbondale Police Officers. If interested, please visit the Carbondale Police Department website. Commissioner Snyder enters the meeting at 5:25p.m. Deputy Chief Dunning mentioned that the month of July had four internal investigations, two informal complaints, one formal complaint and one administrative review. Deputy Chief Dunning recognized several Police Officers for a July12th obstructing traffic call and a July 28th traffic crash in Carbondale. Items for City Council None To Report ADJOURNMENT Next meeting – September 11, 2023. There being no further business, Chair Brown closed the meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned Recorded by Courtney Beverly