City of Elgin Human Relations Commission met March 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Jacobs at 6:33 pm.
2. Person(s) Recognized
The commission acknowledged the presence of City Manager Rick Kozal.
3. Approval of February 7, 2017 Minutes
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Khotisene. Commissioner Habun stated she had some comments on the minutes. Commissioner Habun felt the minutes did not reflect the discussion conducted at the February meeting regarding the diversity and inclusion initiative. Commissioner Habun made a motion to postpone approval of the minutes until the next meeting. Commissioner Cooper seconded. Motion carried.
4. Monthly Reports
Staff Liaison Cohen went over the contract award report. Commissioner Habun asked why a company that indicates it has no women working there would be considered in compliance. Staff Liaison Cohen stated that companies often provide statistics for only those staff working on a city project. City Manager Kozal indicated staff would do an analysis on what the law surrounding the bid forms requires.
5. Old Business
• Diversity Committee Update
Update attached. Commissioner Habun stated she was asked by city employees participating in the initiative as to what assurances they would have that there would not be retribution if conversations around diversity and inclusion became heated. City Manager Kozal responded that employees would report any such behavior to the Human Resources or Legal departments.
Staff Liaison Cohen provided that the work the Diversity and Inclusion committee had done would continue: i.e., the three pronged approach of recruitment/retention; marketplace/procurement; and access to city services.
The recruitment and interviewing process developed by the recruitment subcommittee has been incorporated into the city’s standard procedures and will continue. The employee approval form created by the recruitment subcommittee is part of the hiring approval process. Minority and women owned businesses will be asked to self-identify as such.
A discussion ensued regarding the hiring of Denise Barreto of “Relationships Matter Now.” Staff Liaison Cohen indicated that Ms. Barreto is providing a proposal regarding a facilitative session with the city’s leadership team to assist in resetting and/or refreshing objectives for 2017 and beyond.
• Budget Update (as necessary)
No update.
• HRC Support for LANA
Commissioner Khotisene informed the Commission that the LANA event will be July 28 and 29, preferably at the Heritage Ballroom. The HRC is not being asked to sponsor the cost of the Heritage Ballroom rental but will be asked to support the event by some other means.
• Earth Day
Commissioner Habun reported that the Gail Borden Public Library is organizing an Earth Day event on April 22, 2017. The keynote speaker will be Larry Yazzie. Commissioner Habun made a motion that the HRC allocate funds in an amount not to exceed $500 for the keynote speaker’s fee. Commissioner Khotisene seconded. Motion carried.
• Hope Event for EPD
Commissioner Habun reported that she and Bob Whitt met with Chief Swoboda regarding this event honoring the EPD. The event will be a sit down lunch from 12:00 – 1:30 at the Heritage Ballroom on May 17th. Pastor Whitt is paying for the food himself. The event will include short speeches recognizing the positive impact the EPD has had in the community from social service providers, the faith community, EHN and other community based groups. A discussion ensued regarding whether the event should be open to the general public. Commissioner Habun will discuss this with Bob Whitt.
6. New Business
• Black Scholarship Dinner
The dinner is Saturday, April 29 at the Villa Olivia. Staff Liaison Cohen will contact Barbara Bonner regarding inviting the MLK scholarship winners and 2 family members to the event at the HRC’s cost. Also attending will be Rosemary Dyson, Commissioner Lara and Commissioner Habun.
Adjournment
Commissioner Lara made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
http://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5367
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