HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/25/1999 - Human Relations Commission (2) \
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CITY OF McHENRY
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
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TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999
Meeting was called to order at 7:07 P.M. by chair Pat Buhrman. The following members were
present: Rev. Julie Babenko, Gail Wolfineyer, Jason Glaw, Jose Lagunas, Kari Horsch, Val
Hobson, Pat Buhrman,Linda Wolff, Werner Ellmann, and Gwen Doolan. Excused Absence
John Christensen.
Aaproval of Minutes
Hobson made motion to accept minutes as amended, seconded by Rev. Babenko. Motion
carried unanimously.
uote
A quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Buhrman
Circle of Hoae A.I.D.S. Ride
Rev. Babenko showed a video explaining the Minnesota to Chicago A.I.D.S. ride. The ride
will take place on July 16, 1999. Volunteers are needed to make posters, and cheer the riders
on.
`-- Census
Pam Althoff, McHenry City Clerk asked the commission for their help with the upcoming
Census 2000. Althoff stressed how important it is that everyone be counted. Census
information is absolutely confidential. Wolff made motion to form subcommittee seconded by
Hobson motion carried unanimously. Buhrman and Lagunas offered to set up sub committee
to work with census people.
Shadow of Hate
Buhrman showed the video "Shadow of Hate" provided free from the "Teaching Tolerance"
project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. The movie is available from City Hall for viewing.
� Hate Watch Recommended Book List
Doolan reported that all the books on the Hate Watch recommended book list were available
at the McHenry Public Library.
Countv Human Relations Council
Buhrman received letter from Chair of County Human Relations Council that stated they would
support all actions taken by the City Human Relations Commission. Ellmann stated that the
letter was incorrect. He reported that at the next meeting a correction would be made.
� Garden Quarter Apartments
Lagunas reported that he spoke with Carlos Acosta of the McHenry County Latina Coalition
regarding Garden Quarter Apartments. They will try to work on putting fogether a survey to be
used to find out problems experienced by residents.
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Harassment of Hispanic Residents
Lagunas reported that two Hispanic Residents complained to him that when they were out
� walking some people rode by in their cars and threw garbage at them. Discussion followed as
to what they should have done. Buhrman responded that even if they didn't have the licence
number they still should contact police, because we need to keep a record of these kinds of
incidents.
Bankinq Brochure
Horsch presented the completed banking brochure. A motion was made by Horsch seconded
by Lagunas to translate the brochure into Spanish and make 200 copies to distribute to
Hispanic Residents. Motion carried unanimously.
Pledqe Sub Committee Report
Rev. Babenko related the changes made to the "McHenry Pledge" Rev. Babenko, Glaw,
Wolfineyer, Buhrman, and Rev. Longhi met to discuss the revisions in the pledge. We
listened to the input of the public and changed the word intolerance, to discrimination. Rev.
Babenko explained that the pledge was completely voluntary. Buhrman explained that the
Birmingham Pledge was written in 1997 by a committee of Birmingham Citizens. Buhrman
spoke to committee member who gave permission to change the pledge to fit our needs.
Erase the Hate Rallv
May 16 Sunday 7:00 P.M. St. Thomas Church in Crystal Lake Erase the Hate Rally. Motion
was made by Ellmann to co-sponsor the Erase the Hate Rally seconded by Rev. Babenko
� motion carries unanimously.
Reaort on the Joint Meetinq of the Counties Human Relations Groups
The joint groups were going to take back to each of their groups whether or not they would
like to be a part of a county wide Rapid Response Team. Ellmann made a motion to appoint
someone from the McHenry Commission to be a part of this team, seconded by Horsch. Nine
Ayes, one nay. Motion carries. Ellmann volunteered to be our representative, Rev. Babenko
made the motion to appoint Ellmann, seconded by Horsch. Nine Ayes, one nay. Motion
carries. Hobson reported that the joint groups agreed to meet quarterly. The next meeting to
take place July 17 at 9:00 A.M. at the Woodstock City Hall.
. Public Participation
Joanne Neumann a Johnsburg resident spoke in opposition to the McHenry Pledge. Deanna
Gardener also spoke in opposition to the Pledge. Will not support any type of pledge. Anton
Rebel wanted a clarification about the pledge, he wanted to know if it affected him directly.
He was assured the pledge was completely voluntary.
Adioumment
Becker made motion to adjourn meeting at 9:10 P.M. seconded by Ellmann. Motion carried
unanimously.
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