City of Jacksonville Commission on Disabilities and Human Relations met June 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
Present at the Meeting: Larry Whewell, Brenton Allen, Liliana Costa, Allen Bradish, Guy Crumley and Cyndy Benton.
Meeting Called to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Larry Whewell at 4:10 p.m.
Member Resignation:
Mr. Whewell announced that the Mayor’s Assistant had informed him that Charles Walker had called to inform the City that he was resigning from the Commission. After the announcement, the Commission held a short discussion about the JCDHR’s two racial minority members resigning and there being a need to replace them with citizens with similar heritage who live in the Jacksonville area.
Updated Article X of Jacksonville Municipal Code:
Mr. Whewell handed out copies of the recently revised Section 2-180 of Article X of the City’s Municipal Code. Article X’s Section 2-180 “Appointment and Term of Office: Ex-Officio Members” was revised in order to modify the definition of the “Designated City Representative’ who will serve as an ex-officio member of JCDHR.
New Member Orientation Packets:
Members were asked if they had any questions or changes they wanted made to the New Member Orientation Packets that they received at JCDHR’s May 2018 meeting. Members were reminded that each individual document contained in the new member orientation packets had previously received formal approval from the Commission. However, the Commission had not taken formal action on the complete packet and its use to orientate new Commission members. There were no questions or suggested changes from members present at the meeting. Guy Crumley made a motion to use the packet for JCDHR’s new member orientations, with Cyndy Benton seconding the motion and all members present voting in favor of using the resource packets to orientate new members appointed to JCDHR. The process of updating the resource packet as changes are made to the individual documents contained within the new member orientation packet was also discussed.
JCDHR Brochure:
It was suggested that members look at JCDHR’s brochures and compare it to the current Article X to ensure it is reflective of and in compliance with Article X of the City’s Municipal Code. Revision to the brochure are needed because Article X had a significant amount of content updated in 2015. Chair Whewell said he would place updating the brochure on the agenda for JCDHR’s next meeting.
May 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes:
Member’s received a copy of the May 2018 Meeting Minutes when they received the June 2018 meeting notice and agenda. Members were asked if they had any questions or concerns. Guy Crumley made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, with Brenton Allen seconding the motion and all members present voting in favor of accepting the May 3, 2018 Meeting Minutes.
July 2018 Meeting:
Chair Whewell pointed out that the July 2018 meeting of the JCHRD would fall on July 5th and reminded members that the Commission usually does not meet in July because of the 4th of July holiday falling in the same week as the Commission’s regular meeting date. Brenton Allen made a motion that JCDHR not meet in July 2018 and proposed instead to hold its next meeting in August 2018. Guy Crumley seconded the motion, with all members present voting in favor of holding its next meeting on August 2, 2018.
Human Relations Issues:
Liliana Costa told JCDHR members that she believes the Commission will continue to have difficulty hearing about Hispanic human relations issues due to the current political climate regarding immigration that the USA is currently experiencing. She said that she believes this will continue to be an issue for the Commission until political attitudes change in this country and fears from the Hispanic community are eased.
Miscellaneous:
Larry Whewell handed out a diabetes informational brochure and health quiz to members present at the meeting. The Diabetic resources were developed by the Lions of Illinois Foundation and distributed locally by the Lions Club of Jacksonville.
Meeting Adjourned:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. via a motion from Allen Bradish, which was seconded by Cyndy Benton. Members present at the meeting unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. Chair Whewell adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Recognition Ceremony:
After Liliana Costa informed JCDHR members at its May 2018 meeting that she was resigning from the Commission, JCDHR members voted to hold a short meeting in June in order to recognize Ms. Costa’s 30 years of service to the JCHR/ JCDHR. Liliana Costa was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation from the City along with a note from Mayor Ezard. Mr. Bradish served each member a delicious piece of homemade strawberry and rhubarb pie topped with ice cream provided by Cyndy Benton, which was served on paper products brought in by Larry Whewell. Ms. Costa thanked each member and told the Commission how meaningful her tenure on it has been to her and the positive aspects of JCDHR that she will continue to support.
http://www.jacksonvilleil.gov/city_government/boards_commissions_and_committees/docs/Boards%20Commissions%20Committees/Disabilities_&_HR_Minutes/2018/Jacksonville%20Commission%20on%20Disabilities%20and%20Human%20Relation.pdf
Alerts Sign-up