Human Relations Commission

AGENDA Human Relations Commission Meeting October 5, 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 – September 7, 2021 D. Public Participation E. Old Business 1. Landlord-Tenant Review 2. Police-Community Relations: Citizen Police Review Board (Further Consideration) F. New Business G. Adjournment  Minutes City of DeKalb Human Relations Commission September 7, 2021 The Human Relations Committee (HRC) held a regular meeting on September 7, 2021 in the Second Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department. A. Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm. The following members of the HRC were present: Joe Gastiger (Chair), JJ Wett, Nadine Franklin, and John Walker. Other City officials/staff present: • Bill Nicklas, City Manager • Joshua Boldt, Assistant City Manager and Staff Liaison to the HRC B. Approval of Agenda – Additions/Deletions Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to approve the subject agenda. A motion was made by JJ Wett and seconded by John Walker. C. Approval of Minutes – August 3, 2021 Regular Meeting Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to approve the HRC minutes recorded on August 3, 2021. A motion to approve was made by JJ Wett and Seconded by John Walker. Minutes approved by 4-0 vote. D. Public Participation – a. Frankie Ochocho (spelling not exact) provided citizen feedback on the proposed Citizens Police Review Board (CPRB). Frankie expressed a desire for police resources to be reinvested into the community. Frankie praised City Manager Bill Nicklas and Chief David Byrd for their ongoing effort to modify the CPRB Ordinance. Frankie stated there should be a CPRB budget and the proposal lacks a mechanism to resolve board and management disagreement. Frankie concluded, in summary, with asking the HRC to recommend the best possible form of a CPRB serve the DeKalb community. I. Bill Nicklas was asked by Joe Gastiger to explain how the allocation of City resources has been shifted in the DeKalb Police Department. Bill Nicklas explained the Police Department has been short staffed  with Police Officers but positions supporting the Community Support Services Division have been filled to meet the desires of the community. E. Old Business 1. Update on Public Remote Access to Meetings Joe Gastiger asked Joshua Boldt for a status update of filming meetings and remote access to meetings. Joshua Boldt stated a camera will be available for the HRC and a livestream meeting can be available if desired. Joe Gastiger was in support of having a livestream meeting for better citizen access and feedback. 2. Police-Community Relations: Civilian Review Board Discussion City Manager Bill Nicklas provided a revised Citizen Review Board ordinance. City Manager Nicklas explained how complaints will be processed and reviewed by the CPRB. City Manager Nicklas also explained the deliberation of sustained discipline should be in a public setting which is represented in the updated proposal. City Manager Nicklas also explained the members of the CPRB will be required to go through required training to orient themselves to department policy and procedures. Joe Gastiger brought up time limits for citizen reporting. Joe Gastiger said a time limit is not identified in the proposal and there could be a large number of reports when the board starts. JJ Wett asked City Manager Nicklas what happens if the CPRB and Chief disagree on discipline. City Manager Nicklas said the Chief’s decision would move forward but the CPRB or other concerned citizens are welcome to voice their concerns with City Council to initiate a change in policy or procedure. John Walker said the CRPB cannot get caught up in everything the public wants. John Walker advised in summary the community must understand the challenges Police Officers have as well. John Walker stated he believed a CPRB not only helps the community but helps the Police Department. Conversation ensued. The HRC inferred support for City Manager Nicklas’ proposed CPRB ordinance. 3. Landlord-Tenant Review a. Tenant Legal Services - TABLED b. DeKalb Landlord Follow-Up Discussion – TABLED  G. New Business 1. Future Considerations a. Accessibility Issues and Safety for Residents with Disabilities City Manager Bill Nicklas introduced City Engineer Zach Gill to discuss accessibility and construction. Zach Gill provided a background on what his position does for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considerations with the City’s annual street maintenance program. Zach Gill discussed enhanced street curb cuts and how the City plans to utilize this new technique to accelerate enhanced citizen accessibility on City streets. Zach Gill discussed the projects on Dresser Rd and Fairvew Dr as examples on how the City is focusing on non-motorists. Conversation ensued on street quality and accessibility issues. Joe Gastiger asked Zach Gill how he assesses what intersections should feature signals that assist a person with visual impairment. Zach Gill explained these features are often State supported and are dependent on what is available with State assistance. Zach Gill mentioned Bluetooth and Wifi technology are allowing construction costs to be less prohibitive. John Walker also asked what determines what street work is done first. Zach Gill explained the list is developed and sanctioned by Council. The current list expires in 2023 and he will be revising a proposal for Council which considers weather, traffic, and roadway condition. City Manager Bill Nicklas and Zach Gill explained the State will be updating Lincoln Hwy from NIU Convocation Center to County Line Rd. Zach Gill asked for HRC’s feedback on what streets and sidewalks are in poor condition for future planning. b. Continued Suspension of Bus Fees after COVID Public Safety Measures JJ Wett asked about continued suspension of bus fees for citizens. City Manager Bill Nicklas explained the decision to suspend bus fares will continue through at least December 31, 2021 and the Council will re-evaluate fares. H. Adjournment Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to adjourn at 7:48 pm. A motion was made by JJ Wett and seconded John Walker. The motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. The next HRC meeting will be on October 5, 2021. Joshua Boldt, Assist. City Manager & HRC Liaison Minutes approved by the Human Relations Commission on ____________________ .