Diversity & Community Relations Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:30 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 February 27, 2024 Page 1 of 1 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2024 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 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Minutes from TMP-7045 December 12, 2023 Attachments: 121223 A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to approve the Diversity & Community Relations Committee Minutes from December 12, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Councilman Clement, Councilman Guerrero and Councilwoman Ibarra CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS None. 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. DHS EMPLOYMENT & REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (PRESENTATION) Mr. Biswa Phuyal, Department of Human Services, Ms. Elizabeth Gonzales, Pace Bus, Mr. Andrew Pajak, Ms. Michelle Stiff, and Mr. John Hall-Workforce Center and Ms. Caroline Portlock, Workforce Investment Board, all appeared on behalf of the presentation to the Committee regarding DHS Employment & Rehabilitative Services and inclusion efforts in Will County. Each person gave background information about what their specific entity does. Councilwoman Ibarra asked if the City of Joliet has a DEI Officer. Ms. McNichol responded not at this time. There was further discussion about DEI Officers with Ms. Stiff and Mr. Phuyal. Councilman Clement asked if they can come and give a brief presentation to the full City Council in the future. Chairman Guerrero spoke about the City getting a DEI Officer. DISTRICT 86 UPDATE; MICHELLE STIFF Ms. Michelle Stiff gave the Committee an update on the District 86 vaping problems with a Powerpoint presentation. Page 1 of 2 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes - Final February 27, 2024 Councilwoman Ibarra asked if there has been any talk on the school board of having a town hall at each of the high schools to discuss the problem. Mr. Stiff responded. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION Councilwoman Ibarra asked about the process if they want to get a DEI Officer. Councilman Clement feels having them come and give a presentation to the full City Council would be the first step. Ms. McNichol said she can put the presentation on the March 18 and 19 City Council agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 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. ADJOURNMENT 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 will be held in an accessible location. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at 815-724-3780. Page 2 of 2