City of Joliet Diversity and Community Relations Committee met Aug. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
a. Pursuant to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Guidelines recommend best practices that limit an in-person meeting to 50 people or less (Council Chambers allows for 18 members of the public) while adhering to social distancing guidelines. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting.
Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face- covering to cover their nose and mouth.
Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov.
1. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Chairwoman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilman Pat Mudron.
ABSENT: None.
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 12, 2020 DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING
Councilwoman Quillman stated at the last meeting they requested a copy of the ordinance for disabilities and communications to have someone sign at meetings. This was brought up by Pam Heavens.
Councilwoman Quillman suggested it will have to be revisited at the next meeting. Councilwoman Gavin said in the meantime she will reach out to them to see if they have a volunteer that could come and sign at meetings.
Motion to approve theminutes of the February 12, 2020 Diversity & Community Relations Committee Meeting was made by Councilman Pat Mudron.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Chairwoman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilman Pat Mudron.
NAYS: None.
3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page.
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda. Anyone speaking on an agenda item is entitled to speak for a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Diversity & Community Relations Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Diversity & Community Relations Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Cornell Darden was scheduled to speak however he did not attend the meeting.
4. Minority Business Development Program
Mr. Jackson said this item can go on the next agenda since Mr. Darden did not attend the meeting.
5. OLD/NEW BUSINESS—NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
None.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page.
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 Diversity & Community Relations Committee do not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Committee shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
Ms. Maria Gonzalez, Program Manager for Housing Assistance at Spanish Community Center, appeared before the Committee with an update about the housing assistance program as well as other programs.
Councilwoman Gavin requested the Spanish Community Center brochures be placed on the website. Mr. Keith Jorstad, Director of Neighborhood Services, will place them on the Neighborhood Services page of the city website.
Ms. Elizabeth Protich, Holsten Human Capital Development at Riverwalk Homes, gave the Committee an update on their various programs.
Mr. Garland Mays, representative of Forest Park Neighborhood, spoke to the Committee about diversity inclusion, the war on drugs as well as the City helping elderly people who are struggling to keep their houses together.
Councilwoman Quillman asked what exactly he wanted the monies for. Mr. Mays responded several areas the money could be put towards.
Councilman Mudron said the city has not received any money yet and said they could check with the Finance Department.
Councilwoman Gavin said there are 5 community service organizations who have come together. The R3 Cannabis Grant is out and the agencies of Holsten Riverwalk, Spanish Community Center, Forest Park Community Center, and others have gotten together and put their application in on July 20th.
Ms. Erica Holmes said there were 8 organizations that came together as a collective. She went into further detail about the groups that came together. She gave an update on issues for renters.
Mr. Keith Jorstad, Director of Neighborhood Services, gave the Committee an update on the Snow Removal Program for seniors. The Committee had concerns about seniors that do not have a computer to apply. Mr. Jorstad said they put a note in there that they can call and Staff will fill it out for them over the phone.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn was made by Councilman Pat Mudron.
Motion seconded by Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman.
Motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilwoman Bettye Gavin, Chairwoman, Councilwoman Jan Hallums Quillman, Councilman Pat Mudron.
NAYS: None.
https://joliet.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=joliet_fcfc3b06-3715-46d0-9002-44f88dbe7241.pdf&view=1
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