Chambana Sun

City of Urbana Human Relations Commission Met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Bradford, Stacie Burnett, Rev. Florence Caplow, Megan McKissack, Peter Resnick, Frances Rigberg.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Julie Robinson Schaeffer

1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DECLARATION OF QUORUM

Chair Frances Rigberg called this meeting of the Urbana Human Relations Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. Roll was taken. A quorum was present.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chair Frances Rigberg called for a motion to approve the agenda. Peter Resnick moved to approve the agenda. Stacie Burnett seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a roll call vote.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 14, 2021

Rev. Florence Caplow made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 14, 2021 regular meeting. Megan McKissack seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a roll call vote.

4. INVITED PARTICIPATION

a. Fair Housing and Conviction Record – Presentation by Esther Patt of the C-U Tenants Union

Esther Patt gave presented information on the Fair Housing and Conviction Record in the City of Urbana. Ms. Patt addressed questions and comments from Commissioners.

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

∙ Sarah Nixon mentioned a public comment that was made in a City Council meeting recently referring to instance of discrimination at a business in Urbana. She mentioned that the Mayor stated in that meeting that no discrimination complaint had been filed against that specific business. Ms. Nixon encouraged the HRC to do more outreach and education so that members of the public so they know it is an option and that the HRC exists.

Ms. Nixon also asked questions and shared comments about housing rights in Urbana and suggested the HRC concentrate on educating tenants so they no their rights.

∙ Christopher Hansen expressed his thoughts on discrimination issues being described as needing education instead of enforcement. He also spoke about his disdain with the complaint process.

∙ Peter Resnick read a statement that was emailed to him prior to this meeting by Claudia Lennhoff, Executive Director Champaign County Health Care Consumers. That statement is attached to these minutes. Mr. Resnick asked commissioners for a sense of how they felt about Ms. Lennhoff’s comments on discrimination issues in housing and if they would be inclined to ask the mayor to act on these issues and if so he would craft a letter and bring it to the next meeting to vote on. Rev. Florence Caplow shared her concerns about the timeliness and was not comfortable with waiting another month to alert the Mayor to these issues. Carol Bradford also shared concerns about the timeliness issue. Mr. Resnick agreed to forward the comment that was submitted to the Mayor.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was none.

7. NEW BUSINESS

a. EEO Workforce Statistics

∙ Corrective Asphalt Materials, LLC

∙ Renovart Innovations, Inc.

The EEO Workforce Statistics applications were reviewed. Peter Resnick made a motion to approve Renovart Innovations for two years and Corrective Asphalt Materials for one year and ask them for more information. Additional discussion ensued. Mr. Resnick withdrew his motion and made a new motion to approve Renovart Innovations for two years. Rev. Florence Caplow seconded the motion.

The motion was approved by a roll call vote.

City staff will reach out to Corrective Asphalt Materials and ask them to submit additional information on their efforts to increase diversity in their workforce.

8. OFFICER’S REPORT

Elizabeth Hannan gave an update on the status of hiring a new Human Rights and Equity Officer. Ms. Hannan also reviewed contacts received regarding discrimination issues.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were none.

10. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Frances Rigberg declared the meeting to be adjourned at 6:43 p.m.

http://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/HRC_Meeting_5-12-2021_APPROVED%20MEETING%20MINUTES_0.pdf