In Champaign the City Council, and in this case the Human Relations Commission, meet at the City Building in the City Council Chambers (from google maps and city videos screen grab):
It's generally street parking at 75 cents an hour, so bring quarters or face the annoying meter website on your phone.
The City Council Chambers entrance is to the left as soon as you enter the Chester St. Entrance. Along the outside wall is a display with informational pamphlets including the protocols for public participation: "How to Address the Council." The door warns of the usual rules about no food or drink and to turn off your cell phones.
Once inside, the back table will typically have an agenda and any other materials for the audience. The projector screen for Power Point presentations is on the right side wall.
Today's meeting is a Human Relations Commission meeting: "The Human Relations Commission is responsible for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities in the City. It is responsible for the enforcement of the City’s Human Rights Ordinance and serves as the hearing board for complaints of violation of the Ordinance that cannot be conciliated by staff. The Commission also advises the City Council on human rights and equal opportunity issues."
Champaign Human Relations Commission Meeting: March 5th, 2018 at 5:30pm
The Meeting started promptly at 5:30pm. In attendance: Chair Young, Vice Chair Elmore, and Commissioners Bressner, Felty, and Greene, and two staff members. Absent were Commissioners C. Comer, W. Comer, Midden, and Secretary Turner.
Previous minutes were accepted and there was a report of one open discrimination case involving employment and no open cases involving policing.
There was an announcement that the Community Relations Office had buttons and other materials for March being women's history month available to the public. There was an additional announcement for the disABILITY Resource Expo on April 7th, 2018.
No Audience Participation.
Guest Speaker: Holly Wilper, President of the Champaign County League of Women Voters (LWVCC)
She covered some of the basic history of the League nationally and locally. She then discussed some of their projects such as mock elections for students with the assistance of the County Clerk and voting machines. Also candidate forums for candidates to address the issues and not each other. They already had forums for the primary (video available on their website and from the county Cheat Sheet) and will probably have forums for the general election in September or October.
She also talked about the Observer Corps project where members observe local government bodies and report back to the rest of the group about them, including how open and accessible they are. There was a court observer project that sounds like it is going through some leadership changes. They're updating a news literacy project from years ago and adapting it for the current "fake news" phenomenon to help people sort through the nonsense with a skeptical eye.
She described topical study groups on various political issues such as gun policies and immigration. She described pillars of their work being Human Resources (such as encouraging Human Relations Commissions), Natural Resources (environment and more), Local Government, and the Judicial System. The last two she described their efforts to make sure they're accessible, working for everyone, and working efficiently.
She made a point to note that the local League is for all of Champaign County, not just the City of Champaign. If groups want to work with the league they can bring their non-partisan efforts to their attention, help with study topics and share information. Individuals can volunteer. They encourage engagement with local government, respectful discourse, and above all: voting.
Q & A:
Q. Felty: asked if their was as comporable organization for men.
A. The LWV has male members too.
Q2. Asked if they were aware of the 5th and Hill environmental issues.
A. They're aware, but Barb Specter (?) is the person to talk to.
Q3/A: They talked about communicating further about a potential redlining issue with home loan access shunting people to Decatur or Rantoul by limiting access to loans in Champaign.
Q. Greene: noted her participation in the mock elections and a now newly registered voter. Asked about bringing registration to high schools.
A. Due to the strict registration age limits in Illinois it's messy. Apparently some states allow younger future voters to at least register for the future.
Q. Elmore: How is the Champaign HRC doing, given that they observe and try to improve such commissions.
A. She noted that it was good that it was active. Some HRCs exist to just check off a box so cities can say they have one and look like they're doing something. Some HRCs bicker as opposed to Champaign's which appears to believe in the mission.
Q2. Are their LWV City Council observers?
A. Yes, for both Champaign and Urbana. There are roughly 12-14 government bodies and they have observers in nearly all, but not all.
Q. Chair Young: Membership information and how to join?
A. She explained the dues. They have 89 dues paying members who not only participate but also have voting rights. They're trying to improve their diversity. A discussion ensued about recruitment and outreach opportunities to help with diversity.
Q. Felty again: brought up their recommendation (also a Racial Justice Task Force recommendation — Felty was on the task force) to end the housing discrimination exemption for convicted felons for 5 years in Champaign.
A. It could be part of the League's criminal justice portfolio. Asked for a write up with a description for their members. Could write letters to the editor and other actions. That is "right up our wheel house."
Guest Speaker thanked for her time.
Back to Agenda:
Committee Reports: there was going to be an update on a video by Comer (which?) but absent. There was nothing in old or new business and no further audience participation.
Comments: Greene noted Centennial High School was having an after school event open to the public on March 14th at 3:45pm at the school track on gun violence. There are going to be guest speakers on the issue.
Felty gave an update on the Mennonite screening of the "Racial Taboo" film that 150 local residents attended and split into 14 discussion groups afterward to consider. Next Sunday at 4:30pm there will be followup discussions also at the Mennonite church.
Adjourned at 6:04pm
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