City of Dekalb Human Relations Commission met Dec. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) held a regular meeting in the Second Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department.
A. Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm. The following members of the HRC were present: Joe Gastiger (Chair), Norden Gilbert, Andre Powell, and Lisa King.
Other City officials/staff present:
∙ Joshua Boldt, Assistant to the City Manager and Staff Liaison to the HRC
∙ Bill Nicklas, City Manager
∙ Scott Zak, Management Analyst
B. Approval of Agenda – Additions/Deletions
Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to approve the December 7 HRC agenda. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Norden Gilbert and seconded by Lisa King. The December 7th agenda was approved by 4-0 voice vote.
C. Approval of Minutes – October 5, 2021 Regular Meeting
Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to approve the HRC minutes recorded on October 5, 2021. A motion to approve the October 5th minutes was made by Norden Gilbert and seconded by Lisa King. The October 5th minutes were approved by 4-0 voice vote.
D. Approval of Minutes – November 2, 2021 Regular Meeting
Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to approve the HRC minutes recorded on November 2, 2021. A motion to approve the November 2nd minutes was made by Norden Gilbert and seconded by Lisa King. The November 2nd minutes were approved by 4-0 voice vote.
E. Public Participation – NONE
F. Old Business
1. Landlord-Tenant Review
a. 1-Hour Notification for Landlord Visits
Multiple invited guests were present on behalf of the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA): Glenn Roby, Mike Pittsley, and Will Heinisch.
Will Heinisch explained that DARA has been discussing the rule that a landlord must notify a tenant at least an hour in advance before entering a rental property (as specified in the City Code 10.14 (e)). Previously, the HRC suggested that this rule be emended to 24 hours.
Will Heinisch stated the DARA members believed, in summary, the 1-hour notice rule was fair given the non-emergency specifications that follow in 10.14(e). Will Heinisch suggested to the HRC that the Chapter 10 language revision proposal could include the requirement that a tenant be present before a landlord could enter a rental property on such short notice.
Mike Pittsley advocated for keeping 1-hour notice as defined currently in the City Code. Glenn Roby echoed Mike Pittsley’s comments. Glenn Roby maintained that this access isn’t being abused by DARA members.
Earnell Brown was present to speak on behalf of the Sir Donald Foundation. Mr. Brown disagreed with the 1-hour rule. Lisa King explained that perhaps there was a way to modify the access rule for certain types of housing units. Will Heinisch suggested the solution may be to further specify conditions for entry in 10.14(e)(i-vi). Conversation ensued on access to rental units.
Bill Nicklas explained this rule used to be applied by a landlord who could remediate a tenant concern without contacting police. One example of this would be ending a common underage drinking event in an apartment. Bill Nicklas wished for a shared solution to the issue. Mike Pittsley disagreed with a 24-hour notice requirement and advocated for one day. Lisa King stated that the 1-hour notice rule was being abused by more than one landlord. Norden Gilbert suggested the notice requirement settle at 12 hours. Mike Pittsley brought forward some concerns about random HUD inspections which may require immediate entry into rental units. Norden Gilbert suggested the Commission move forward with a 12-hour notice requirement instead of waiting until the next HRC meeting to approve a proposal. Will Heinisch and Mike Pittsley were agreeable to the 12-hour notice requirement and conversation reached a consensus.
Norden Gilbert made a motion to amend 10.14(e)(1) language to require a 12-hour notice of intent to enter. This motion was seconded by Lisa King. The motion was approved by a 4-0 voice vote.
G. New Business
a. Sir Donald Foundation Introduction
Guest speaker Mr. Earnell Brown, Founder of Sir Donald Foundation, introduced himself. Mr. Brown discussed his personal background and what the organization is founded on. Mr. Brown presented the Foundation’s 6 Basic Decisions to Freedom:
1. The Decision that Prison or Jail is not where you want to spend your future.
2. The Decision that you will give back to society freely.
3. The Decision that no matter how people or society views you, you will live right and free for you.
4. That you will not commit any crime, no matter what.
5. That you will take on each day as it comes, one day at a time.
6. That you will actively assist others to make these decisions and achieve a stable crime free lifestyle.
Mr. Brown provided his contact information for the Human Relations Commission. Joe Gastiger and the Commission praised Mr. Brown for his continued work with returning citizens.
b. The HRC wished to convey its condolences to the family of Cheryl Appleton, who passed away on November 5, 2021. Ms Appleton had served on the Commission, with wisdom and insight, for many years. The Commission also wished to commend Joshua Boldt for his excellent service as Assistant City Manager, and as the HRC’s Staff Liaison. Commission members wished him well at his new position as City Manager of Maquoketa, Iowa.
H. Adjournment
Joe Gastiger asked for a motion to adjourn at 8:09 pm. A motion was made by Norden Gilbert and seconded Lisa King. The motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. The next HRC meeting will be on January 4, 2022
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12072021-2102
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