Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Committee Meeting Minutes Date: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 Place: City Hall, 2nd Floor Chambers 161 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201 I. Call to Order 6 p.m. II. Roll Call: Donna Brown, Amanda Hale, Miriam Brown Dorsey, James Johnson Jr., Amy Rich, Mary Bracey and Anne de Irala. Also present: Doria LaPorte, Sgt. Garcia, and Arlene Robinson III. Adoption of the Agenda – Motion placed by Miriam to adopt the agenda, Seconded by Anne, all approved IV. Citizen Comments (3-minute limit): n/a V. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes – Motion to accept previous minutes by Amanda, Seconded by Mary, all approved VI. Community Liaison Police Office Report - Sgt Garcia a. Grant for community violence grant for elementary schools – will know in August b. New hires, always looking – 52 allowed, 51 filled. (6 retirements: 3 Oct, 3 2027) c. Violent crime unit roll out – begins with one sergeant and two officers d. New chief – new vehicles post on FB when they come in Durango and Hybrid Explorer all black e. GVI summer series: July 8th MLK Center, Aug 19th at Loomis Park 12-1:30p f. Homeless – lots of complaints, not a crime to be homeless in Jack-son, police offering resources, but they refuse shelter, bus tickets, etc. g. Uptick in stolen cars – recommendation to lock doors and not leave them running with keys inside. VII. Committee Reports • Nominating Committee (Lead – James) – n/a • Project Development Committee (Lead – Amy) – n/a • Policy and Complaint Committee (Lead – Miriam) – n/a • Finance Report (Lead – Amy) – n/a stayed the same $6000, update will be provided at next meeting (July) Amy will not be present, but Doria can provide that report VIII. Old Business a. Strategic Plan Session i. Top 3 issues: DEI, Community Engagement and Outreach and Organizational Effectiveness ii. SWOT summary: read aloud by James iii. 2026-2027 Priority Action Plan with timeline reiterated iv. Mayor’s key recommendations addressed  b. Miriam addressed candidate meeting after primary – she will look into what NAACP is doing IX. New Business a. 100 Homes Project need to get started with Project Development committee b. Juneteenth set up and volunteers confirmed c. We unanimously voted to add a canopy to our SWAG items to purchase X. City Councilmember Liaison Comments a. AARP group did a presentation on criminal activity with the elderly and ATMs and Crypto Currency fraud - Presentation is in the city council meeting minutes b. Unanimously voted to approve a lot purchase agreement to Community First, Inc. at Cooper and Biddle for a grocery store located in Ward 2 – 1 block from Ward 1 c. 40 new homes in Ward 1 via the 100 homes project XI. Commissioner’s Comments a. de Irala has some professional development will further discuss XII. City Staff Liaison Comments – n/a XIII. Adjournment. Motion was placed by Amy to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Amanda, all approved, Chair adjourned meeting at 6:38p.m. Submitted by Amy Rich, HRC Secretary/Treasurer