Kevin McCarthy, Council Member | Town of Normal
Kevin McCarthy, Council Member | Town of Normal
Town of Normal Human Relations Commission met Sept. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE NORMAL HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Held at Normal City Hall, Uptown Station
11 Uptown Circle, Normal, IL
September 17, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Janessa Williams called the regular meeting of the Normal Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) to order at 5:22 p.m., September 17, 2024.
2. ROLL CALL
Mr. Smith called the roll with the following persons:
Present
Janessa Williams
Terry Brown
Mikayla Blum
Benjamin Ryburn
Brian Peterson
Absent
Srinivas Mikkilineni
Town of Normal Staff Liaison Jacob Smith was also present.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Peterson noted that in the August minutes, Section Six Unfinished Business, that he provided the update the group on commissioner bios, not Commissioner Williams.
Commissioner Ryburn moved to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2024, meeting with the correction noted above. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Blum and passed on a unanimous vote.
5. COMPLAINT UPDATE
Mr. Smith if staff had received formal complaint alleging discrimination on the topics of age and race. Smith also noted that as the respondent has been notified and are proceeding through standard review process. Smith noted he would provide more details as those became public.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Donation of Unspent Funds as discussed at the February 2024 Meeting of the HRC
Mr. Smith provided an update on the status of the funds, noting that MLK event funds had not yet been recouped, and that a status update would be provided once funds were received.
Commissioner Peterson elaborated that a donation was intended to be given as a part of the programming but may have been missed since the day of service events were altered due to weather.
Smith noted that as the Town has entered a new fiscal year, remedy may be difficult, but that he would bring a definitive answer to the October meeting to close this item.
Commissioner Bios
Mr. Smith noted that the bios had been prepared and would be on the website shortly this week. Smith thanked Commissioner Peterson for his assistance in organizing the materials and information for those bios and thanked the commission for their participation in getting those ready.
Discussion – Planning and Considerations for Next Year
Chairperson Williams inquired on the status of communication tools as previously discussed with Mr. Smith.
Smith noted that tools were now in place, and that individuals should contact him if any events or otherwise need to be communicated to the larger group.
Chairperson Williams asked that the commission keep these tools in mind when considering further engagements or events.
Discussion – Possible Joint Meeting of Bloomington and Normal Human Relations Commissions
Chairperson Williams inquired on the status of scheduling with Bloomington. Mr. Smith noted that conversations were underway, and that an update would be provided once available.
7. NEW BUSINESS
Discussion – Events and Engagements to Increase Visibility of the HRC and Encourage Community Engagement
Chairperson Williams introduced the topic, encouraging the group to begin thinking about events and community participation with more foresight, noting that an eighteen month foresight could allow for more efficient planning and involvement.
The group discussed a variety of events, opportunities, and options to get further involved. The group narrowed discussion to two primary areas of focus: events which the commission should be participating in or hosting, and events that the Town should be assisting with from a resource perspective.
Ultimately, the group agreed that holding an annual planning session would be beneficial to organize events and goals further.
Approval of the 2025 Human Relations Commission Meeting Calendar
Chairperson Williams introduced the item, noting that currently, the Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:15 PM except for the months of June, July and December.
Williams noted interest in adding an additional meeting in December to better allow for planning and discussion if needed in preparation for the annual MLK event in January.
Discussion ensued on the benefit of adding a tenth meeting in December as compared to the mechanics of holding a special meeting if needed. It was also discussed that earlier in December would be more beneficial to avoid holiday conflicts and to allow for planning time for the MLK Event.
Commissioner Brown moved that the Commission meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:15 PM, except for in December, when the Commission would meet on the second week.
January 21, 2025 February 18, 2024
March 18, 2025 April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025 August 19, 2025
September 16, 2025 October 21, 2025
November 18, 2025 December 9, 2025
Commissioner Peterson seconded the motion, and the motion was carried with a unanimous vote.
Annual Election of Officers for 2024/2025 Human Relations Commission
The annual election of officers began with the Chairperson position. Commissioner Ryburn nominated Chairperson Williams for the role, seconded by Commissioner Blum. Brief discussion ensued, followed by Chairperson Williams accepting the nomination.
Except for Chairperson Williams abstaining from the vote, all other members voted aye.
Nominations for Vice Chairperson began with Commissioner Brown nominating Commissioner Peterson for the position, seconded by Commissioner Blum. Brief conversation ensued, followed by Commissioner Peterson accepting the nomination.
Except for Commissioner Peterson abstaining from the vote, all other members voted aye.
8. Comments and Announcements
Upcoming events, including the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, NAACP Rally for Democracy, and Sugar Creek Arts Festival were noted.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Ryburn motioned to adjourn; Commissioner Blum seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5085
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