DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Human Relations Commission met January 8. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:

The Human Relations Committee (HRC) held a regular meeting on January 8, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall.

Chair Larry Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.

A. ROLL CALL

      The following members of the HRC were present: Larry Apperson (Chair), Lisa King, Joe Gastiger Norden Gilbert. Members absent at roll call were: Maurice Bailey, David Barrow, Robert Williams.

Maurice Baily arrived at 6:55 p.m.

      The following City staff members were present: Interim Assistant City Manager Raymond Munch, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Management Intern Walker Steinke. Notes were taken by Raymond Munch.

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS

      The agenda was approved. Motion by Joe Gastiger, seconded by Norden Gilbert.

C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

      Two members of the public were present for the meeting. Steve Kapitan introduced himself as a candidate for Alderman of the 3rd Ward. Scott McAdams introduced himself as a candidate for Alderman of the 5th Ward. Kapitan and Ward offered general commentary and feedback on the City website during the City Website Redesign item under new business.

D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

      The minutes from the December 11, 2018 meeting were approved. Motion by Lisa King, seconded by Joe Gastiger.

E. OLD BUSINESS

      1. Cultural Diversity Training

             Lisa King shared information she received in regard to cooperation between City police and NIU police on cultural diversity training. King learned that there is currently some level of shared training that has occurred with the two departments. Larry Apperson indicated that he hopes to meet with Chief Lowery soon and will seek more detail on this topic. Apperson also stated that he hopes to meet with Dan Kenney soon to discuss projects related to the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan. Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes

F. NEW BUSINESS

      1. City Website Redesign

            Information Technology Director Marc Thorson presented information on the upcoming redesign of the City website. Thorson indicated that he has sought public feedback through several community forums, as well as many of the City’s boards, committees, and commissions. Thorson provided a brief overview of some of the website features and discussed what the scope of the redesign. To aid in the discussion, Thorson projected examples of government websites recently designed by the City’s service provider (Portland, Maine; Reilly County, Kansas; Elgin, Illinois; Oak Hill, Tennessee; Berea, Ohio). Discussion ensued on the likes and dislikes of the City’s current website design and which features of the example websites might prove to be improvements. Joe Gastiger spoke to the fact that the City website, and the homepage, in particular, lacks any sort of identity for DeKalb. Gastiger would like to see more images and a short narrative, both highlighting the diversity of DeKalb and its position as a welcoming community.

           Other members continued this discussion and there was a consensus that identity is a major issue for the website. Many of the example websites prominently display large, high-quality images of the community across the homepage. Members said these types of photos could be used to attract prospective students and their parents to NIU and the DeKalb community. Much of the discussion focused on homepage features, such as the news section, calendar, menus, icons/buttons, and search features.

F. Adjournment

      The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Motion by Gilbert, seconded by King.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03052019-1588