Human Relations Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB Human Relations Commission August 6, 2019 The Human Relations Committee (HRC) held a regular meeting on August 6, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall. Chair Larry Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Joe Gastiger, Norden Gilbert, and Lisa King. Members absent at roll call were: Robert Williams, David Barrow, and Tyrus Wright. Tyrus Wright joined the meeting at 6:45 P.M. The following City staff members were present: Mayor Jerry Smith, Alderman Scott McAdams, Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal, and Management Intern Adam Grubbs. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS The agenda was approved. Motion by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Gastiger. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the June 4, 2019, meeting were approved. Motion by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. King. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Jacob Maas of the DeKalb Tenants Association was present. Mr. Maas indicated his support for the Landlord-Tenant Proclamation. E. OLD BUSINESS 1. AGN Updates Chair Apperson updated the Commission about the DeKalb Park District’s plan to invest $800,000 into Welsh Park. They have committed $400,000 at this time and are looking for State grants for the remainder. The Chair indicated a letter of support is needed for these grants and asked if the HRC should write a letter. Mr. Gilbert moved to have Chair Apperson send the Park District a letter of support. Seconded by Mr. Gastiger. Motion carried by unanimous consent. 2. Landlord/Tenant Proclamation Chair Apperson passed around a draft version of the Landlord/Tenant Proclamation. Discussion ensued about the topic. Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated calling out a specific landlord does not seem appropriate and should be looked at from a holistic Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2019 Page 2 of 2 standpoint. Chair Apperson concurred and said this is a way to renew efforts to provide good properties to tenants in DeKalb. Mr. Maas indicated his support and that the DeKalb Tenant Association is very supportive of this proclamation. They hope it gets a lot of airtime to make this a known issue. Mr. Gilbert moved to approve the proclamation with changes, Mr. Gastiger seconded. Motion carried by a unanimous vote. F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Relocation of City Hall and Future Location of Commission Meetings Mayor Smith and Management Analyst Blumenthal both indicated that the move to the Nehring Building was going forward. The expected time frame is hopefully by the end of the year. Chair Apperson submitted the question of where Commission meetings will be taking place. Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated there are a few options on where the Commission could meet such as the Public Library and the Community Room at the Police Department. Mr. Gilbert indicated meeting at the Police Department might deter some of the populations this commission protects. Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated an update can be given next month when more details are available. F. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Motion by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. King. _____________________________________________ Adam Grubbs, Management Intern Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on: September 3, 2019