City of Geneva Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force met Jan. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the task force:
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the City of Geneva Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce was called to order at 6:34pm at Geneva Fire Department on East Side Drive by Chair Nuzzo Erickson.
Roll Call
Gramlich, McMillen, Forst, Albert, Cervenka, Amaya, Nuzzo Ericksen and Bickhem. Also present Johnson.
Amendments to the Agenda
None
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the meeting held December 8, 2021 motion to approve. 1st Albert and Gramlich 2nd.
Discussion
McMillen provided the group an update on her meeting with Dr. Jamal Scott, VP of Strategy and Community Development at Waubonsee Community College. Possible speaker for our February meeting. Group encouraged to look up his work at Waubonsee and prepare questions for tentative visit.
Cervenka provided an update on the meetings she and Kelly had with Geneva High School’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club (SAGA). They have agreed to present at our February meeting. They plan to share stories, their plan in collaborating with DEI and a possible budget.
Nuzzo Ericksen presented a short interesting history on Geneva with information that was found both online and via the Geneva history museum.
The possibility of working with the Geneva History Museum in the future was discussed.
Albert shared that information that is diversity related should be shared throughout the year. Cervenka also added the idea of soliciting stories from members of the community. The stories that are given can also be read at city council meetings.
Forst will provide more information on the community garden once the contact person touches base with her.
Johnson confirmed GPD police chief to speak at our March Meeting. McMillen shared thoughts of possible questions to consider during this meeting. Questions include recent changes in policing in the surrounding areas, pre arrest diversion for minor infractions, disaggregation of data (police data) from Waubonsee and/or NIU criminal justice programs, the makeup of GPD etc. The possibility of moving our meeting to the East side Fire Department was also discussed. Most taskforce members were keen on this idea especially for the upcoming meetings.
Albert informed the group of precinct committee person openings in Geneva. Nuzzo Ericksen while open to the information recommended avoidance of political jargon in the DEI taskforce.
New Business/Public Comment
Community Member Chris Pakan commented the presentation of Geneva’s History was nice. She also would like to more collaboration between students and seniors in the community i.e. the importance of lived experiences of seniors being shared with students.
Community Member Gary VanBreda posed the question why is Geneva so different from the surrounding areas in terms of diversity? He also stated the need to clearly state what DEI wants to achieve, targets and how can it be measured.
Community Member Paula Merrington questioned the history of Geneva being known as a sundown town and redlining.
Community Member Martha Pashke also present and participated in public comment discussion.
Agenda for Next Meeting
GHS SAGA club to present in addition to Dr. Jamal Scott VP of Strategy and Community Development from Wabonsee Community College. Members encouraged to have questions for Dr. Scott.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.
https://www.geneva.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01262022-1895
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