Carbondale Reporter

City of Carbondale Human Relations Commission met May 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Commissioners Present: Jerrold Hennrich, Dora Weaver, Joseph Brown, Karriem Shariati, Anita Brown, Roger Webb, Yahaira Heller, Stephanie Brown

Commissioners (Excused): Michelle Snyder

Commissioners (Unexcused): Carla Childs

Guest Present: Elius Reed

SIU-C Dept. of Public Safety Representative: None

Study Circles Staff: Sarah Heyer

Staff Present: Commission Liaison Courtney Beverly

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5:04p.m. by Chair Hennrich.

MINUTES

Motion was made by Commissioner Stephanie Brown and seconded by Commissioner Dora Weaver to approve the minutes from the February 4, 2019 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye.

Motion was made by Commissioner Roger Webb and seconded by Commissioner Joseph Brown to approve the minutes from the April 1, 2019 meeting. Motion carried. All Voted Aye.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commissioner Shariati enters the meeting at 5:05p.m.

Commissioner Weaver mentioned that she has spoken with Ginger Rye from the group Women for Change and was requesting donations for the local middle school graduation celebration at Super Splash Park.

Elius Reed announced that he received an email from Marilyn Tipton from the group Concerned Citizens regarding an Environmental Protection Agency meeting in regards to the Koppers site. The meeting will be held on June 12, 2019 located at the Carbondale Civic Center.

Commissioner Webb announced that on May 8, 2019 the Carbondale Public Library will host a Health and Service Fair with the SIU Social Work Department beginning at 3p.m. located at the Carbondale Public Library.

Commissioner Webb discussed the Carbondale Police Department policy in regards to shopping carts being taken from local businesses.

Commissioner Shariati discussed meeting with Student Representative Yahaira Heller in regards to discussing on LGBTQ Community Concerns and Commissioners Orientation process.

Chair Hennrich requested an updated Human Relations Commission contact list and appointment term dates.

OLD BUSINESS

None To Report

NEW BUSINESS

Student Representative Heller enters the meeting at 5:31p.m.

Commissioner Anita Brown discussed with the Human Relations Commission the concerns on affordable housing. The Human Relations Commission discussed the cost of living for individuals and families that reside in the Carbondale area. Further discussion led to the Commissioners to discuss how to get SIU students involved about their housing needs.

Commissioner Stephanie Brown suggested to change the housing title item to Fair, Affordable and Accessible Housing.

Commissioner Stephanie Brown mentioned that the Human Relations Commission should host a forum for students to obtain information regarding their rights as renters and appeals for home owners. Commissioner Joseph Brown mentioned inviting the staff of SIU Student Affairs and Building & Neighborhood Services Supervisor John Lenzini to a Human Relations Commission meeting to further discuss opportunities for SIU student orientations.

The Commissioners discussed different forms of accessible information in regards to housing, which included the Daily Egyptian, Carbondale Times, Carbondale Communique, and SIU D2L. Further discussion led to Commissioner Shariati to seek the assistance of the SIU Public Relations Student Society to help with housing accessibility.

Commissioner Shariati suggested to the Human Relations Commission that a subcommittee should be formed for the Fair and Affordable Housing item. The volunteers on the Subcommittee are would include Commissioners Heller, Commissioner Webb and Commissioner Shariati.

Motion was made by Commissioner Shariati and seconded by Commissioner Heller to approve the Housing Subcommittee. Motion carried. All Voted Aye.

Commissioner Webb addressed the Human Relation Commission on asking for support for the Southern Illinois Pride Parade. Commissioner Webb will prepare a statement of support and will present it for a vote on June 3, 2019 meeting.

Commissioner Heller addressed a verbal incident that occurred with an SIU student in a local business. Further discussion led to Chair Hennrich asking Commissioner Heller to gather more information regarding the incident and present it back to the Commission. Commissioner Anita Brown mentioned to the Human Relations Commission on the different types of trainings from the Carbondale Police Department in regards to the incident.

Chair Hennrich left the meeting at 6:14p.m.

Commissioner Anita Brown suggested that the Human Relations Commission are needing to implement an orientation for new Commissioners. Further discussion will be held on June 3, 2019 meeting.

Sarah Heyer discussed an email from City Clerk Jennifer Sorrell in regards to the City of Carbondale Boards Commissions and Committees.

ISSUES

None To Report

Public Education/HRC Website

None To Report

Public Forums/Events

None To Report

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Elius Reed addressed a July 13, 2012 Senate Bill that conducted a study on traffic stops. Further discussion led to laborers Union offering apprenticeships to local high school students.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioner Weaver mentioned the 10th Anniversary of the May 8, 2009 Derecho Storm.

Sarah Heyer announced that on May 8, 2019 at Evergreen Terrace Park the Carbondale Park District and Touch of Nature Environmental Center will have a program about the Derecho Storm beginning at 4p.m.

Commissioner Weaver announced that the Gaia House Interfaith Center has opened a center for homeless veterans and are seeking donations.

Commissioner Shariati mentioned the passing of Dr. Seymour Bryson and Mr. Harvey Welch.

Commissioner Stephanie Brown announced the Carbondale Community High School board meeting for May 16, 2019.

Sarah Heyer announced that the Sustainability Commission is creating a Sustainability Action Plan for the City of Carbondale.

Commissioner Stephanie Brown mentioned that the City of Cairo will be building new duplexes.

PROCESS ASSESSMENT

Sparrow Coalition Report

Commissioner Webb announced the Sparrow Coalition upcoming meeting which will begin at 9:00a.m. on May 9, 2019 located at First Christian Church of Carbondale.

Women For Change

None To Report

Neighborhood Action Group Report

Sarah Heyer announced that the Neighborhood Action Group will meet in October 2019. Updates on the meeting location and time will be announced at a later date.

Non-Violent Carbondale Project Report

Sarah Heyer announced the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Carbondale. The incoming President’s grant application will be creating a documentary on Non-Violent Carbondale Project.

Racial Justice Coalition

Sarah Heyer announced that the Racial Justice Coalition met on May 5, 2019.

Commissioner Shariati announced that he will attend the meetings for Racial Justice Coalition. Law Enforcement

None To Report

Items for City Council

None To Report

ADJOURNMENT

Next meeting – June 3, 2019. There being no further business, Commissioner Joseph Brown closed the meeting to adjourn.

Meeting adjourned

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