HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/24/1998 - Human Relations Commission CITY OF McHENRY
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ME�TING
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1998
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The Regular Meeting of the McHenry Human Relations Commission was called to order
at 7:35 P.M. by Chairperson Pat Buhrman on Tuesday, January 27, 1998 in the
Council Chambers of the Municipal Center. The following members were present:
Julie Babenko, Susan Becker, Pat Buhrman, Pat Chaney, Liz Ellmann, Werner Ellmann,
Michele Schrader, Linda Wolff, Val Hobson, Kari Horsch, Jim Laursen, and Sue
Crisanti. Absent: Mayor Steven Cuda, Gwen Doolan, and John Christensen.
Approval of Minutes
Wolff made a motion, seconded by Hobson, to approve the December 16, 1997
meeting minutes. All ayes. Motion carried.
Lenqth of Terms for All Members
Buhrman distributed papers with either 2 years or 4 years written on them. Each
member chose a piece of paper which will determine their length of service on the City
Human Relations Commission. They follow:
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TWO YEARS FOUR YEARS
Becker Babenko
Crisanti Buhrman
Ellmann, Werner Chaney
Horsch Ellmann, Liz
Laursen Hobson
Wolff Schrader
Revision and Discussion of Proposed Bv-Laws
This agenda item was tabled until the Commission receives additional information from
the City Attorney.
Agenda Revision
W. Ellmann asked that we include on each agenda a stated time period for public
input.
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McHenry Human Relations Commission Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 2
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Reading List and Video List
Buhrman gave each Commissioner a folder with a reading and video list from the
Teaching Tolerance Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center. _ W. Ellmann
suggested that while this list was okay, there were lots of other books written by
people who actually lived through the Civil Rights Movement. He suggested that we
all view the movie, "Rosewood". W. Ellmann also thought we should have two
meetings a month, one to view a movie, and the other to conduct business. He feels
we should do this to educate ourselves and exchange ideas. Babenko offered videos
to which she has access; her concern was that they we�e faith based. Much
discussion followed. There were no motions made.
Committees and Committee Assignments
Buhrman asked each Commissioner to come to the next meeting with a project or
action plan relating to Human Relations, from that our 1998 action plan can be
formed. We can all decide which plans are the most important. Hobson suggested
we bring in speakers who have actually lived through discrimination and can relate
their experiences to us. Schrader said she knows some students in her Spanish class
who can speak to the discrimination that occurs in McHenry.
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Anv and All Other Business Which Mav Properly Come Before the Commission
Several members went to different community businesses and banks to ascertain their
check cashing policies regarding Latinos. Horsch brought a typed report from 4
separate banks. I will include this. Horsch reported that McHenry Savings Bank had
the best deal for cashing checks. They have a pamphlet that explains their policy.
It is not written in Spanish. Discussion followed as to what action to take. We will
decide at our next meeting how we will proceed with this matter.
W. Ellmann distributed a copy of the Northwest Herald Editorial from Sunday,
December 28, 1997 regarding the McHenry City Human Relations Commission.
Laursen requested information on how we can be included in the City of McHenry
Web Page.
Buhrman asked if any action were taken on an anti-discrimination ordinance. No
action has been taken.
Buhrman presented the McHenry County Human Relations Council Video. The
Commission viewed the 8-minute video.
Buhrman invited all the Commissioners to attend a workshop conducted by the County
� Human Relations Council called, "Honoring our Common Differences: Creating
Inclusive Organizations and Communities:, to take place March 13-14, 1998.
McHenry Human Relations Commission Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 3
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Buhrman requested that we start each meeting with a thought or quote that would set
the tone of the meeting. Everyone agreed that would be a good idea.
Adiournment
Laursen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M., seconded by Becker. All
ayes. Motion carried,
Respectfully Submitted,
Patricia Walin Buhrman, Chairperson
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