McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission met March 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order at 4:20 PM by Chairperson Juanita Vega. This meeting was held per the Governor’s Emergency Order due to COVID-19 with all members, Staff, and the public attending remotely.

A roll call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: None

COMMISSION MEMBERS ATTENDING REMOTELY: John Kendall, Jaci Krandel, Jose Rivera, Lorna Wolff, and Chairperson Juanita Vega.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Joe Starzynski

STAFF PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: None

STAFF ATTENDING REMOTELY: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley

OTHERS ATTENDING REMOTELY: Maggie Rivera joined the meeting remotely at approximately 5:45 PM.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes presented for approval.

4. DISCUSSION ITEMS

a. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Project – proposed presentation finalization for City Council Meeting April 6th including decision as to whether this is a presentation done for the City Council or a consent agenda item or both.

Chairperson Vega stated the purpose of this meeting is to review and update the proposal for the DEI project. She thanked Commissioner Wolff for her suggestions, stating she appreciated her comments. She noted Commissioner Wolff has submitted her resignation from the Commission, stating her input has been very valuable and the collaboration with her has been wonderful. Chairperson Vega expressed her hope that Commissioner Wolff will continue to serve until her replacement is appointed and that she will be available for the presentation of this proposal to the City Council. Commissioner Wolff thanked Chairperson Vega for her kind words, stating she will help as she can.

Chairperson Vega presented the revised presentation, which was discussed and reviewed by the Commission members.

Chairperson Vega noted the presentation states Woodstock is building a community based on respect of our multi-cultural values, principles, and traditions and that Woodstock should be an example to follow where people are celebrated without borders or differences and there are no labels. She stated she heard a phrase this weekend, “We are better together,” that moved her and that she would like to include in the presentation if possible. It was noted this may have been coined by another group or individual, and could be copyrighted or trademarked. It was decided to research this further.

Discussion of the Contents of the presentation was reviewed. Chairperson Vega noted “Borders” as indicated in “Celebration without Borders” does not necessarily mean borders of countries, but rather borders of all kinds. Commissioner Wolff opined some of the “Benefits” do not seem to align with some of the diversity topics she gleaned from the previous meeting. She stated the examples of BLM and Homelessness which do not really have food and/or music specific to them. Following a brief discussion, changes were made to this item.

Discussion ensued of the description of the events, including the title of the program and topics to be included among other things. Chairperson Vega noted Commissioner Wolff made some excellent suggestions, noting the topics have been changed to include different groups of what diversity can be, making this an even better proposal. She noted the project now is proposed to run from July 2021 through February 2022 on the second Sunday of each month, listing possible topics for each month, which will be opportunities to showcase diversity in Woodstock. She noted it is still intended to find leaders for each topic who will present to the community. It was agreed more details will be developed for the individual programs, noting some adaptation will be needed for some topics. Discussion included how this should be presented to the City Council, including how specific the presentation should be.

Discussion ensued of the challenges faced in the implementation of this project including COVID-19, Funding, Marketing, and securing enough leaders to host the Sundays. It was indicated that planning will be for gatherings of 50+, but that flexibility to adapt must be maintained. A brief discussion ensued of the possibility of obtaining sponsors for the various Sundays. Chairperson Vega discussed the importance of organizations and public institutions taking accountability for diversity and inclusion, including the City. Ms. Schober described the efforts made by the City to address the items noted by Chairperson Vega, including those that are her responsibility. Commissioner Wolff questioned how what is being discussed by Chairperson Vega for inclusion in the Project fits with the Program the Commission is trying to create. Commissioner Kendall suggested it would be better to make this the Commission’s next project with Commissioner Rivera expressing agreement.

Discussion then ensued of implementation of the project should approval be given by the City Council. It was agreed the Commission will meet monthly at a minimum and must set goals with progress reports and follow-up, and that different organizations must be engaged. A brief discussion followed of the language to be used when approaching the different organizations to try to secure their participation and/or leaders. For those Commissioners who have already spoken with individuals, it was suggested they be told the Commission is in the process of obtaining Council approval, and after this is secured, they will be contacted.

Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to make a presentation to the City Council on Tuesday, April 6th. Chairperson Vega asked that as many members of the Commission as possible attend.

Agenda Items B, C, D, and E

It was agreed these items will be placed on the next agenda.

5. Public Comments

Maggie Rivera asked members of the Commission to spread the word to members of the Latino community in Woodstock and to employers about the COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled to be held by the Illinois Migrant Council on Saturday, March 13th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Woodstock Opera House.

6. Other Discussion Items

It was noted the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:15 PM. A brief discussion ensued of future meetings, noting it may be necessary to hold meetings every other week if the DEI Project is approved by the City Council.

Ms. Schober reminded the Commission members to announce they are leaving the Zoom meetings if they find it necessary to do so to ensure the presence of a quorum. She also asked that members respond to her whether they will be attending the meetings.

ADJOURN

Motion by L. Wolff, second by J. Rivera, to adjourn this meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to the next meeting on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:15 PM. Ayes: J. Kendall, J. Krandel, J. Rivera, L. Wolff, and Chairperson Vega. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: J. Starzynski. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:54 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/cultural_amp_social_awareness_commission/meeting/44007/f_-_03-08-21_csa_minutes_-_part_1_of_1.pdf