Human Relations Commission

MINUTES DeKalb Human Relations Commission March 3, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Norden Gilbert called the March 3, 2015 meeting of the DeKalb Human Relations Commission to order at 6:37 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Norden Gilbert, Ellingsworth Webb, Larry Apperson, Robert Williams, Joe Gastiger Absent: Cheryl Appleton, Lisa King Also Present: Linda Slabon, Presenter, Steve Kapitan, Citizen (arrived at 8:05 p.m.), Mary Jo Harms, Staff Liaison Effective March 3, 2015, Cheryl Appleton has resigned from the HRC. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No meeting was held on January 6, 2015. Meeting minutes for February 3, 2015 were not ready for approval. OLD BUSINESS: A. Report from Sub-Committee on HRC Conducting Community Group Meetings Chairman Gilbert has met with Gastiger and Webb. The Commission decided not to conduct community group meetings until the needs of the community are known. B. Discussion on Revision of Mission Statement None C. Update on Municipal Code Recommendations for Non-Discrimination Statement Webb spoke of recommending a central location on the website to post the statement. Apperson would like to submit as a group, information to the City of DeKalb as the City is asking for input as they start the revamping of the website. 1 A motion was made by Apperson and seconded by Webb to recommend the City of DeKalb include on the website a directory of social service agencies available to residents of DeKalb that include the agency’s service descriptions. Passed on a 6-0 vote. A motion was made by Gastiger and seconded by Apperson to make the whole website available in English and Spanish. Passed on a 6-0 vote. A motion was made by Apperson and seconded by Webb to recommend the City website contain a more visible statement of the non-discrimination policy. Passed on a 6-0 vote. D. Discussion and Review of Models for Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders Discussion was held regarding this issue with guest Reverend Linda Slabon as part of her presentation. E. Follow-Up on Service Animals Recommendations HRC to meet with City Attorney, Dean Frieders regarding more general language. Webb to give Dean a draft to put in writing to landlords. F. Community Member Recognition A motion was made by Gastiger and seconded by Webb to thank and recognize Cheryl Appleton for her service to the HRC. Passed on a 6-0 vote. NEW BUSINESS: A. Guest Speaker – Reverend Linda Slabon, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb (UUF) Reverend Slabon gave information on her background. Reverend Slabon provided information about book study groups being held at UUFD that will be discussing the book titled Privilege, Power and Difference. Currently, the book study groups are only being offered to UUFD members. She explained her idea to invite other churches to study groups and how it would work. The idea was discussed to possibly ask Kimberly Hart, M.S. Ed, NCC, PEL, LPC from Northern Illinois University to present a couple of workshops. Reverend Slabon stated to Commission Members she is open to suggestions for other ways/venues to offer these projects. Webb stated he felt this is a good, smaller way to pull information together. Gastiger passed out a flyer on incarcerated persons. Discussion ensued. Reverend Slabon has a brochure for referrals she will share with the HRC. 2 CITIZEN INPUT: Citizen Steve Kapitan mentioned Rodney Reed execution was stayed due to the Innocence Project. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Apperson and seconded by Gastiger to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. 3