Human Relations Commission

AGENDA Human Relations Commission Meeting August 3, 2021 6:30 p.m. DeKalb Police Department 700 W. Lincoln Highway 2nd Floor Training Room DeKalb, Illinois 60115 A. Roll Call B. Approval of Agenda – Additions/Deletions C. Approval of Minutes – July 6, 2021 D. Public Participation E. Old Business 1. Police-Community Relations: Civilian Review Board Discussion 2. Welcome Packet for New Tenants / Revision F. New Business 1. Cooperation and Collaboration with the Belonging Community Partnership, Opportunity DeKalb, and the Center of It All 2. Frequency of Human Relations Commission Meetings G. Adjournment  Minutes City of DeKalb Human Relations Commission July 6, 2021 The Human Relations Committee (HRC) held a regular meeting on July 6, 2021 in the Second Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department. A. Roll Call The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), John Walker, Norden Gilbert, Nadine Franklin, Joe Gastiger, and Lisa King. Other City officials/staff present: • Cohen Barnes, Mayor • Bill Nicklas, City Manager • Joshua Boldt, Assistant City Manager and Staff Liaison to the HRC B. Approval of Agenda – Additions/Deletions Larry Apperson asked for the “New Business” section to include his official parting comments. Larry Apperson asked for a motion to approve the agenda to include the above comments under “New Business.” A motion was made by Joe Gastiger and Seconded by Lisa King to approve the agenda. The agenda was approved by a 6-0 vote. C. Approval of Minutes – June 1, 2021 Regular Meeting Larry Apperson asked for a motion to approve the HRC minutes recorded on June 1, 2021. A motion to approve was made by Norden Gilbert and Seconded by Joe Gastiger. Minutes approved by 6-0 vote. D. Public Participation – None. E. Old Business 1. Police-Community Relations City Manager Bill Nicklas provided a brief community relations update. Bill Nicklas advised the City was seeking to proclaim Juneteenth (June 19) as an official City Holiday. HRC voiced support for this statement. Norden Gilbert commented positively on how DeKalb recognized Pride month.  Larry Apperson asked for the HRC to be informed on what the City’s progress was in implementing the recommendations given by the HRC to City Council at the July 13, 2020 Council Meeting. For convenience, a link this information is provided. 2. Landlord-Tenant Review (Continued) a. Tenant Legal Services Larry Apperson suggested Norden Gilbert remain in active conversation with Paul Cain. b. DeKalb Landlord-Tenant Follow-up Discussion Larry Apperson stated Will Heinisch is working with DARA to go over the suggested language changes to Municipal Code Chapter 10. Larry Apperson suggested once the language changes are approved by DARA, they should be vetted at an HRC meeting before going to City Attorney review. Larry Apperson asked Josh Boldt to speak with the City Attorney about constructive advice and language changes. Lisa King asked Josh Boldt about the responsiveness of the City Attorney and Josh Boldt assured the HRC the City Attorney had a quick turnaround once they receive a City Manager Office request. HRC members discussed a potential welcome packet distribution for new tenants. Joe Gastiger provided an example of a welcome packet. Conversation ensued on which agencies should be on the list. Lisa King stated NIU produced “One-book”, which serves similar information to Joe Gastiger’s handout. Lisa King and Joe Gastiger talked about adding the DeKalb County Mental Health Board in the information packet. Mayor Cohen Barnes voiced support for an informational packet. Larry Apperson suggested Joe Gastiger replace him on the Small Group to go over potential language changes to the Chapter 10 municipal ordinance. 3. Tenant Assistance with Property Code Issues Larry Apperson asked John Walker for an update on the property code form presented at the prior meeting for a tenant to refer to if a tenant had a landlord issue needing resolution. John Walker stated the form has been well received. G. New Business Larry Apperson provided parting comments to the HRC. Mayor Cohen Barnes and HRC members provided a warm thank you to Larry Apperson. Mayor Barnes also announced he would appoint Joe Gastiger Chair of the HRC at City Council. H. Adjournment  Larry Apperson asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Norden Gilbert and seconded by Lisa King. The motion was approved by a 6-0 vote. The next HRC meeting will be on August 3, 2021. Joshua Boldt, Assist. City Manager & HRC Liaison Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on ____________________ .