City of Jacksonville Commission on Disabilities and Human Relations met May 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
Present: Brenton Allen, Alan Bradish (Vice Chairman), Cyndy Benton, Liliana Costa, Joan Engelmann (Secretary), Guy Crumley, Mary Watts, Larry Whewell (Chairman)
Absent: Charles Walker
Guests: Ted Huber, Phil McCarty
1. Welcome And Call To Order 4:02 pm
• Introduction of Guests
• Guest speaker – Phil McCarty, Director of EMS
Phil McCarty gave an update on Text 911. Text 911 is now active in Morgan and Green Counties. It is expected to go live in Calhoun County by the end of May. Jersey County is making progress to incorporate Text 911, as well. Director McCarty reported that Illinois State Police are currently pursuing statewide funding for Text 911, which would benefit the local programs. McCarty stated that if someone calls and hangs up from a cell phone, they will be sent a text from dispatchers. Currently, the local system receives about 4 texts per month. Some are from citizens who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, while others are persons that do not feel free to speak openly during crisis situation. A few texts have been from observers to “let police know” of a possible need to respond.
During open discussion, Ted Huber thanked Mr. McCarty, JACIL, and JCDHR for their work on Text 911 as a follow-up to previous research and surveys presented by a group of citizens who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In response to questions from commissioners, Phil stated that the average age of those who have used Text 911 is unknown. He also stated that phone company mergers do not affect Text 911 as most phone companies use a 3rd party vendor to provide information, but are required by law to include location information for law enforcement. Companies are also required to provide an adequate number of cell towers based on number of users in a given area. There are 4 Illinois counties that do not yet have Enhanced 911 with location information.
Phil reminded commissioners of the Emergency Management App and the ability to enroll online to get text alerts.
There was discussion about Lifestar Ambulance being the only company still serving Jacksonville. In response to the two other companies discontinuing services, the Jacksonville Fire Department has upgraded staff to Paramedics. Medivac services are another option, but quite expensive unless citizens purchase insurance from a medivac company. The City will continue to compile data and monitor emergency transport situations.
• Secretary of State Flier (see attachment)
Larry Whewell distributed a flier created by the Illinois Secretary of State Office regarding registering emergency contacts. This information is accessed by only police after other attempts at obtaining information fail.
Both guests left the meeting 4:40 pm
2. Approval Of Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of April 12, 2018 with correction of “Mufford” spelling
Motion by: Brenton Allan
Seconded by: Mary Watts
Carried: Unanimous
3. Old Business
• Revise Section 2-180 of Article X
Larry Whewell distributed copies of Proposed Amendment Ord.2018-0-010 (see attached) City Attorney, Dan Beard, made suggested changes. Jacksonville City Council approved and passed the First Reading on April 23, 2018.
• Link of JCDHR Website
Larry Whewell announced that permission has been granted for any health or service agency website to add a link to The City of Jacksonville Website in order to have easier access to the Citizen Compliant Form on the JCDHR Page.
• New Member Packets
Packets were distributed by Cyndy Benton to all members. Please read through the packet for approval at the next meeting. Cyndy reminded that changes will have to be made to the packet after the revision of Article X passes.
• Update Brochure
Item tabled until next meeting
4. New Business
• CC on TV
Brenton Allen distributed a copy of a letter given to the Mayor from Jacksonville Illinois Association for the Deaf, JIAD, requesting an ordinance be passed requiring all businesses in Jacksonville be required to have closed captioning on all TVs open to the public at all times, even without a request. (see attachment) No action was requested by JCDHR at this time.
5. Human Relations Issues
None
6. Miscellaneous
• Statement of Economic Interest
Members were reminded to complete an annual statement to return to the City Clerk.
• Liliana Costa
Commissioner Costa announced that she would be leaving the Commission next month after 35 years of service. Cyndy pointed out that Liliana is the only remaining member of the original Human Relations Committee.
Motion: To modify the June 7, 2018 to 30 minutes to allow for a Farewell Party for Lilana.
Motion by: Cyndy Benton
Seconded by: Mary Watts
Carried: Unanimous
• Jacksonville Police Department Policy Review
At a previous meeting, a commissioner asked when policies were reviewed at the Jacksonville Police Department. Alan Bradish, Police Chaplain, researched and answered at today’s meeting that policies are not reviewed on a schedule. Rather, all policy review is fluid and constant to remain current with applicable law
7. Public Comment
None
8. Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn
Motion by: Mary Watts
Seconded by: Alan Bradish
Carried: Unanimous 5:04 pm
http://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Disabilities_&_HR_Minutes/2018/Minutes%205.3.18.pdf
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