Diversity & Community Relations Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Monday, September 11, 2023 3:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Diversity & Community Relations Committee Committee Members Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Chairperson Councilman Joe Clement Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 11, 2023 Page 1 of 1 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 11, 2023 Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Present Councilman Joe Clement, Councilman Cesar Guerrero and Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra APPROVAL OF MINUTES TMP-6361 Attachments: 061423 A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to approve the Diversity & Community Relations Committee Minutes-June 14, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. None. CDBG SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TMP-6362 Attachments: Substantial Amendment 2023 Ms. Kristi McNichol, Housing Finance Specialist, gave the Committee an update on the CDBG Substantial Amendment and what it will cover. Councilman Clement asked what is spent in a year on snow shoveling. Ms. McNichol responded and answered his other questions as well. Councilwoman Ibarra asked if the snow program comes with language equity for people that are Spanish speaking. Ms. McNichol responded. Ms. McNichol will do a presentation on this at the pre-council meeting on October 2, 2023. A motion was made by Councilman Joe Clement, seconded by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, to recommend for approval by the full City Council on October 3, 2023 the CDBG Substantial Amendment. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 1 of 3 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 11, 2023 Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra FLYING THE PRIDE FLAG FOR JOLIET PRIDE FEST SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 Councilwoman Ibarra has received requests to fly the pride flag for the Joliet Pride Fest on September 23, 2023. Councilman Clement feels this should go to the Land Use & Legislation to get an ordinance adopted regarding flags since there is currently no legislation regarding flags. Mr. Chris Regis, Deputy Corporation Counsel, said it was a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that they made a recommendation that municipalities adopt an ordinance regarding permissible use of city flag poles. He has an ordinance drafted but it's not ready yet. Councilwoman Ibarra said she was at Joliet Township for 2 years and they flew the flag and there was no litigation. Mr. Regis said most places said the specific flags that they would fly or they set up an application process and if an organization wanted their colors flown for a certain event, they would run that through a vetting process at the city. Mr. Regis said committees do not really have legislative authority but they can make recommendations to the legislative body. The Diversity & Community Relations Committee made a recommendation to have this agenda item brought to the Land Use & Legislative Committee meeting on September 14, 2023. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION There was a moment of silence for the September 11th attacks and to pray for the first responders. Chairman Guerrero said Michelle Stiff at the Joliet Township High School Board contacted him and mentioned the school is having a problem with students vaping. He invited her to meet with the Diversity & Community Relations Committee in the near future. PUBLIC COMMENT This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak. None. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 3 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final September 11, 2023 A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra This meeting is accessible to handicapped individuals. If you have a handicap and need assistance, please contact Christa Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 (815-724-3780). Page 3 of 3