Normal Human Relations Commission
Meeting
August 21, 2007
Normal City Hall
1 Call to Order:
Vice Chairperson Tim Harshbarger called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.
A Present: Chairperson Evelyn Young, Vice-Chairperson Tim Harshbarger, Commissioner Laurie Bergner, Commissioner Terry Brown and Commissioner Michael Pullin, Commissioner Kevin Martin
B Absent: Commissioner Ramesh Chaudhari
C Others Present: Staff: Jennifer Hanna - Human Resources Generalist,
2 Approval of Minutes from May 15, 2007 Meeting
Commissioners Tim Harshbarger and Kevin Martin moved and seconded to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2007 meeting. With no further discussion the minutes were approved by a unanimous voice vote.
3 Complaint Review
Staff informed the commission that there is three outstanding complaints on file.
| Complaint # | Category | Type | status |
| 07PA1YTD1 | sexual orientation | public accommodation | Held a successful conciliation meeting bringing before commission in new business |
| 07PA2YTD2 | race & arrest record | public accommodation | Tried to hold conciliation mtg. Complainant is unable to attend until October 07. Set meeting for October 9, 2007 |
| 07E1YTD3 | familial status and sex/sex harassment | employment | Staff setting up conciliation meeting |
4 New Business
- Donation Request from McLean County History Museum
Jeff Woodard from the McLean County History Museum spoke before the commission requesting a $500 donation to help offset costs of the visit for James W Loewen. Mr. Loewen will be giving 3 presentations, “Illinois’ Sundown Towns”, “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Teaching Lincoln and Emancipation” and a formal presentation about his book: “Lies My Teacher Told Me.” “Illinois Sundown Towns” will be presented at the museum. The other 2 presentations will be at ISU. The funds are needed to help with visuals and giveaway materials for his presentation. Mr. Woodard informed the commission that the donation will be noted in the press release. They are hoping to tie this into the African American exhibit about the 1840’s. Commissioner Michael Pullin stated that the historical society is very committed to race relations and education. Chairperson Young stated that this is also an opportunity for the commission to get their name out in the public eye. Commissioner Laurie Bergner moved to give a $500 sponsorship to the McLean County History Museum for the James L Loewen presentation “Illinois’ Sundown Towns”. Vice-Chairperson Tim Harshbarger seconded the motion. With no further discussion the motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote. - Dismissal of Complaint 07PA1YTD1
Staff requested that this agenda item be tabled. The respondent has not complied with the conciliation agreement as of this date. Commissioner Michael Pullin moved to table the dismissal of complaint 07PA1YTD1 due to non compliance of the conciliation agreement by the respondent criteria of the current award. Chairperson Young asked Commissioner Laurie Bergner to be present at the joint meeting as well as the commissioner who represents the Town on the MLK Awards committee, Ramesh Chaudhari. The chairperson of the Awards committee will call the meeting. They both stated that they would attend. Chairperson Young also stated that she would be present as well.
5 Old Business
Expansion of Adult Award for the Dr. King Luncheon
Chairperson Evelyn Young stated that both Commissioner Laurie
Bergner and herself met with Bloomington Commissioners to
discuss the adult award. Chairperson Young stated that
Bloomington does not think that expanding the adult award is
necessary at this time. They stated that if Normal wants to
expand the award that the Town of Normal can do that on their
own. It was stated that Normal should draft a letter to
Bloomington stating that we are following the suggestion and
changing the adult award for Normal to include professional
people. Staff suggested that Chairperson Young speak with Mayor
Koos first before any letter is sent to Bloomington.
Commissioner Terry Brown moved to expand the current language
for the adult award to include professional criteria. This will
be contingent upon the conversation by Chairperson Evelyn Young
with Mayor Koos before the current nomination form will be
changed. Commissioner Michael Pullin seconded the motion. With
no further discussion the motion was approved by a unanimous
voice vote.
6 Concerns
Chairperson Young stated that only Terry Brown and herself represented the Town at the Culture Festival in August. She stated that other commissioners need to help at these events. If in the future there are only 2 commissioners manning the booth then she believes canceling the booth is better for the commission.
Staff person Jennifer Hanna informed the commission that the sign for the Rosa Parks Commons is up and the dedication can be done anytime. She was informed to invite the council, the current Dr Award recipients and Bloomington Human Relations Commissioners.
6 Adjournment
Commissioner Michael Pullin moved to adjourn the August 21, 2007 meeting of the Normal Human Relations Commission at 6:25 PM. Commissioner Laurie Bergner seconded the motion. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully submitted
Jennifer Hanna
Human Resources Generalist