City of Joliet Diversity & Community Relations Committee met May 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilman Cesar Guerrero, Councilman Joe Clement and Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by
Councilman Joe Clement, to approve Diversity & Community Relations Committee minutes from April 18, 2023. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Guerrero, Councilman Clement and Councilwoman Ibarra
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
None.
ILLINOIS BROADBAND LAB
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Mr. Robert McBeath, Visiting Coordinator for Broadband, University of Illinois System, appeared virtually before the Committee with a presentation about broadband infrastructure and digital equity grants.
Chairman Guerrero asked if there will be any challenges that he might be anticipating as far as the infrastructure build out. Mr. McBeath responded.
DEI PRESENTATION REVIEW; ANDREA DETELLIS-JORDAN
Ms. Andrea Detellis-Jordan, gave a presentation on DEI/Diversity, Equality/Equity and Inclusion.
Chairman Guerrero spoke about performative DEI. He would like the Committee to think about how they can have measurable results.
Councilwoman Ibarra asked if cities similar to Joliet's size have DEI officers. Ms. Detellis-Jordan responded.
Councilwoman Ibarra asked if getting a DEI officer was something they were interested in how would they go about that. Mr. Chris Regis, Deputy Corporation Counsel, responded.
SPANISH TRANSLATION
Mr. Chris Sternal, Director of IT, informed the Committee that it is currently out to RFQ for a remodel of the Council Chambers. There have already been 5 vendors out checking on the technology in the Council Chambers which is currently a little over 10 years old. There was an addendum to add an additional item to the scope which would be a language translation system in the Council Chambers. It will hopefully go before the City Council at the 1st meeting in July to approve whatever the selected vendor will be.
CDBG REVIEW
Ms. Kristi McNichol, Community Development, reviewed the CDBG process with the Committee.
Councilman Clement asked if there is any money that can be set aside for sidewalks as well as families that struggle to pay water bills etc. Ms. McNichol responded.
Councilwoman Ibarra also spoke about the water bills.
NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR
RECOMMENDATION
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
Mr. Doug Kasper, Chairman of Non-Violent City Project, inquired about the proclamation that he would like the Mayor to sign to get Joliet to be proclaimed as a non-violent city. Chairman Guerrero responded.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, seconded by Councilman Joe Clement, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Councilman Guerrero, Councilman Clement and Councilwoman Ibarra
https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2023/5/1895_M_Diversity___Community_Relations_Committee_23-05-22_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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