McLean County Times

Town of Normal Human Relations Commission met April 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Janessa Williams called the regular meeting of the Normal Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) to order at 5:20 p.m., April 16, 2024.

2. ROLL CALL

Mr. Sheahan called the roll with the following persons:

Present

Benjamin Ryburn

Terry Brown

Sarah DeNeve

Janessa Williams

Brian Peterson

Absent

Srinivas Mikkilineni

Jacob Smith, Town of Normal staff, is present.

Mikayla Blum, the new ISU SGA representative is present.

ISU student visitor Brian Battistoni is also present. Mr. Battistoni stated he was attending the meeting for a class project.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Commissioner Ryburn moved to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2024 meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown and passed on a unanimous vote.

5. COMPLAINT UPDATE

Mr. Sheahan stated there were no pending complaints.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Sheahan discussed proposed updates to Human Relations Ordinance and mentioned that Dave Bentlin from the Prairie Pride Coalition suggested the updated ordinance be brought to Town Council in June for pride month. Commissioner Ryburn stated that Town’s ordinance should include the protected classes in the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Chairperson Williams discussed the budget and expenses for the 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. events. Commissioner Peterson stated that the HRC should make a charitable donation with the unused funds. Commissioner Peterson remarked that Rev. Barber’s chair has been donated and put to good use. Chairperson Williams mentioned that the Town received the chair at no additional cost as part of Rev. Barber’s speaking fee.

Commissioner Peterson said he emailed a template biography to the Commission members to be used on the Town HRC website. The Commission members should email their biographies and photos to Commissioner Peterson.

7. NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner DeNeve mentioned that she is graduating in May. Commissioner DeNeve thanked everyone for her time and experience on the Commission. Commissioner DeNeve was thanked for her time volunteering with the HRC. Chairperson Williams welcomed the new Illinois State University Student Government Association VP representative Mikayla Blum to the Human Relations Commission.

8. Concerns and Announcements

Chairperson Williams reminded everyone to complete their statement of economic interest.

Commissioner Ryburn remarked that on April 26th and 27th the ACT-SO event is being held at Heartland Community College.

Chairperson Williams said the Bloomington Juneteenth event will be held on Saturday June 22nd at Miller Park.

Commissioner Peterson recommended that the Town and HRC support the Illinois State University National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) plaza.

Commissioner Peterson suggested the HRC participate in additional events during the year now that the MLK luncheon is complete.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Peterson motioned to adjourn; Commissioner DeNeve seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:23 pm.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4963