City of Galesburg Community Relations Commission met Aug. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Community Relations Commission Members Attendees:
Chris King
Brittany Grimes
Carolinn McKillip
Kyle Kelley
Demarkius Medley
Brayden Bledsoe
Courtney Wallace
Jessica Donaldson
Christopher Lopez
Also Present: Jessica Pease
Meeting called to order on August 6, 2020 at 6:33pm by King.
Members Present: King, Donaldson, Grimes, McKillip, Wallace, Bledsoe, Lopez
McKillip moves to approve minutes from the July meeting, Grimes seconds.
King thanked the commission for their continued attendance at meetings. A letter has been sent to commissioners who have missed the past few minutes.
Commissioner Remarks:
● A request was submitted to the city regarding the proposed water shut off for Galesburg residents asking for more information.
● Monday August 10, 2020 there is a rally being held prior to the city council meeting at 5:30 regarding the water shut off.
● King asked Grimes for more information regarding the NAACP community picnic and if it will be occurring this year. The NAACP is scheduled to meet this month to develop a plan.
● Another attempt was made to contact the resident who planned to make a complaint. No response from the resident.
Commissioner Remarks
● McKillip plans to submit a statement for review from the Commission regarding landlords in the community and their stance on renting to diverse populations. King asks that the commission review and bring thoughts and comments to the next meeting.
● Grimes asked Donaldson if she was able to offer information and support around mental illness in communities of color. Donaldson offered that September has suicide prevention week, October has mental health awareness week, and May is Mental Health Awareness month if we wanted to link the event to a national cause. Donaldson is willing to offer support. King reported that West Central Illinois Out of the Darkness Walk is held every year. King asked the commission to consider who we need to partner with, what type of forum would be beneficial, and how the commission would like to proceed and be prepared to discuss at next month’s meeting.
● Donaldson asked if there were any events planned for Hispanic Heritage month that the commission wanted to participate in or support. Discussion from the commission around reaching out to community members who may be aware of events.
● Lopez asked about back to school community events that are scheduled. King mentioned the NAACP community picnic. Donaldson reminded everyone that Preschool screenings still need to take place when a child turns 3 to be able to access other developmental services even if a parent does not want to send their child to school or chooses to homeschool their child for preschool during COVID.
McKillip made a motion to adjourn at 7:15pm, Grimes seconded.
https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/08062020_Minutes.pdf
