DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Human Relations Commission met Sept. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Chair Larry Apperson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

A.ROLL CALL

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

The following City staff members were present: Assistant City Manager Raymond Munch.

B.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS

Mr. Gilbert suggested adding discussion of the recent police use of force case that has been in the media. Mr. Gastiger noted that there is a community meeting at New Hope Baptist Church on 9/4/19 and suggested the HRC take up discussion in a subsequent meeting.

Mr. Apperson requested that an update on the 2020 Census be added to Old Business.

Motion to approve the amended agenda by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Gastiger. Motion approved by voice vote.

C.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes from the August 6, 2019, meeting was approved by voice vote. Motion by Mr. Gastiger, seconded by Mr. Gilbert.

D.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None.

E.OLD BUSINESS

1.Landlord/Tenant Proclamation

Chair Apperson presented the Landlord/Tenant Proclamation to the members of the HRC, which was presented by the Mayor at the 8/26/19 City Council Meeting. Mr. Gilbert complimented Mr. Apperson on his presentation to the City Council. Discussion ensued amongst the members regarding the various comments offered by the public at the meeting. Mr. Apperson said he has been pleased with the media coverage this issue has gotten and hopes that it continues to raise awareness of the issue.

Mr. Gilbert inquired about the status of enforcement efforts against Hunter Properties. Mr. Munch updated the members on the court process, indicating that we have reached the point of having to enforce judgments, which can be difficult. The City Attorney continues to work on the case.

Ms. King and Mr. Gastiger initiated a discussion on the licensing of rental properties. The questions were raised as to why properties cannot be required to obtain a license to operate rentals. Members agreed that this may have a greater impact than a simple registration process. Mr. Apperson asked if anyone would be willing to make a motion to recommend the City explore additional licensing and regulatory options for rental properties. Ms. King made that motion, seconded by Mr. Barrow. Motion passed by voice vote.

2.AGN Updates

Mr. Apperson had no updates at this time.

Mr. Gastiger indicated that he will be meeting with Derek Hiland, DeKalb County Community Development Director, to discuss sidewalks in the AGN area. Specifically, there is a need for sidewalk extensions that would bring people to the County health complex on Annie Glidden Rd.

Mr. Barrow informed the members of a recent tour he took with Dan Kenney and about 30 other individuals engaged in talk of the food hub project. The tour took participants to Chicago where they visited several food hub/incubator sites.

3.2020 Census

Mr. Apperson asked Mr. Munch for an update on efforts related to the 2020 Census. Mr. Munch indicated that the City is in the final steps of officially forming its Complete Count Commission. The CCC will engage community stakeholders with inroads to hard to count populations, such as renters, students, minorities, and the elderly to name a few. The City is also working on applications for grant funding that would assist the efforts of the CCC. Mr. Munch said the HRC would be invited to be a part of the CCC.

F. NEW BUSINESS

1.Municipal Code Chapter 10 – Landlord-Tenant Regulations

Mr. Apperson updated members on a conversation he had with the Mayor in which the Mayor and Mr. Apperson agreed that landlord-tenant issues should remain a topic of conversation for the HRC. It has been recommended that the HRC begin a review of Chapter 10 and determine if any additions/changes are needed. A paper copy of Chapter 10, including the Landlord-Tenant Handbook, was provided to members. Mr. Apperson asked members to review the material for future discussions.

G.Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Motion by Mr. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. King. Motion approved by voice vote.

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