McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission met June 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Cultural and Social Awareness Commission was called to order at 4:18 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 (arrived at 4:59pm), Jose Rivera, Joe Starzynski, Crystal Squires and Chairperson Juanita Vega.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Curtis Price

STAFF PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: None

STAFF ATTENDING REMOTELY: Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison Deb Schober and City Manager Office Assistant Betsy Cosgray

OTHERS ATTENDING REMOTELY: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

No minutes to approve.

4. DISCUSSION ITEMS

a. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Project

A discussion ensued concerning the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Flyers/posters. D. Schober shared the design for the flyers/posters with the Commission for comments, which included the suggested changes made by Commissioner Squires. She noted they would work with the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, City Website and Community Sign for marketing. Facebook and downtown community boards were also suggested. J. Starzynski asked if anything was printed for the Pride Fest the following Sunday. Discussion ensued regarding what to print and how it would be delivered to the public. It was decided that 500 flyers including a QR code to direct the public to the website for more information and posters would also be printed to be distributed to businesses around town.

b. Diversity Program Updates

1. July 11, 2021 – Latin American Culture - Jose Rivera gave a brief description of the event including music, food and dance from Mexico, Columbia and Argentina to share the differences in each. J. Rivera stated he would not be able to be at the event as he has an engagement out of town. He also noted there would be visitors from Zacatecas coming into town in July.

2. August 8, 2021 – Shelter & Food Disparity –This event needed an Organizer. It was decided that J. Kendall would take the lead if C. Price would take the November event on alone. Commissioner Price would be contacted.

3. September 12, 2021 – Religions – Commissioner Krandel had no update.

4. October 10, 2021 – LGBTQIA+ – Commissioner Squires stated they would be going over basic lingo, terminology and gender identity. She wondered if the flyer needed to have a disclaimer regarding adult content. It was agreed that a comment on the individual event flyers would be considered, but may not be appropriate. D. Schober updated the Commission on an incident at the Woodstock Water Works regarding a transgender child. The Commission felt the employee acted responsibly and appropriately.

5. November 14, 2021 – Understanding Race – J. Kendall stated he and C. Price have put together a basic structure for the event. This event will now be handled by C. Price based on J. Kendall handling the August 8, 2021 event.

6. December 12, 2021 – World Holidays – This event needed an Organizer. It was decided to discuss more at the next meeting.

Other Discussion Items

D. Schober requested the names of the Commissioners who wanted name tags and/or business cards. All Commissioners in attendance requested name tags, but only one Commissioner requested business cards. Commissioner Squires requested both a name tag and business cards.

Next Meeting

Discussion ensued regarding whether the next meeting, July 12, would be in person or continued on Zoom. On a request from the Commission, D. Schober stated she would look into if they could continue on Zoom.

ADJOURN

Motion by J. Starzynski, second by C. Squires, to adjourn this meeting of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to a Special Meeting on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 4:15 PM. Ayes: J. Kendall, J. Krandel, J. Rivera, J. Starzynski, C. Squires and Chairperson J. Vega. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: C. Price. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:33 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/cultural_amp_social_awareness_commission/meeting/44432/f_-_csa_6-7-21_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes_not_accepted_by_commission_yet.pdf