Sangamon Sun

The Illinois Human Rights Commission met Sept. 28 to begin the budget process for 2018.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the commission:

The Commission adjudicates charges of civil rights violations in employment, housing, public accommodations and financial credit filed with Department of Human Rights.

STATE OF ILLINOIS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Meeting of the Commission September 28, 2016 10:30 a.m.

James R. Thompson Center DHS - Murdock Room Suite 5-300 100 West Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois

And Lincoln Land Training Center 130 W. Mason Street Room 104 Springfield, Illinois

MINUTES

PRESENT:

Commissioners

In Chicago Chair Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias (via telephone)

Duke Alden Michael Bigger Robert A. Cantone Hamilton Chang (via telephone) Terry Cosgrove Nabi Fakroddin Amy Kurson Lauren Beth Gash Hermene Hartman Steve Kim Diane M. Viverito Patricia Bakalis Yadgir

In Springfield None

Absent None

Staff Rhandi Anderson

LaNade Bridges Michael Evans Donyelle L. Gray Bricia Herrera Evelio Mora Byron M. Wardlaw

Members of Public: None

NOTICE:

Public and closed meetings of the Illinois Human Rights Commission are audio recorded.

I. Call to Order

On September 28, 2016 at 10:35 a.m., Vice Chair Nabi Fakroddin called to order a meeting of the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq., it was determined that:

1) A quorum of the public body was physically present at the meeting. 2) Chair Bombela-Tobias and Commissioner Chang gave notice to the General Counsel and Secretary of the Public Body, Donyelle Gray that they would not be able to be physically present for the September 28, 2016 meeting and requested to participate via telephone. Motion to allow Chair Bombela-Tobias and Commissioner Chang to participate via telephone made by Commissioner Gash, seconded by Commissioner Cantone. Motion carried 11-0.

II. Consideration of Minutes

August 17, 2016

The Commission voted to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2016 as amended. Delete the word “former” in the Chair’s report, paragraph one, line one. Motion to approve the August 17, 2016 minutes as amended made by Commissioner Cantone and seconded by Commissioner Alden. Motion carried 13-0.

III. Chair’s Report

Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias, Chair

Chair Bombela-Tobias gave a report on the Executive Order regarding the consolidation of the administrative courts. The Chair reported that the Commission is still working with the Office of the Governor. Executive Director Chambers gave further detail during his report.

Chair Bombela-Tobias reported that in recognition of Hispanic heritage month, the Commission will host a luncheon. All Commissioners are invited to attend. Former HRC Chairman Manuel Barbosa will be the guest speaker at the luncheon.

IV. Staff Reports

A. N. Keith Chambers, Executive Director

Mr. Chambers reported that he and General Counsel Donyelle Gray are drafting recommendations regarding how the Commission might benefit from the administrative court consolidation.

Mr. Chambers reported that he met with Janice Glen, Executive Director of the Illinois Human Rights Department on August 19, 2016. Mr. Chambers reported that the meeting was very productive.

Mr. Chambers reported that gathering data for the Commission’s annual report has started.

Mr. Chambers reported that he and Dr. Ewa have begun the FY18 budget process.

B. Dr. Ewa I. Ewa, Chief Fiscal Officer

Dr. Ewa reported that the Commission is running out of money for FY16 and FY17. Currently the Commission has $16,000.00. This amount must last until December 30, 2016.

Dr. Ewa reported several vendors have been paid. However, money is still owed to Illinois Central Management Services.

Dr. Ewa reported that he is submitting a maintenance budget and a flat budget for 2.2 million dollars.

C. Michael J. Evans, Chief Administrative Law Judge

Chief Judge Evans gave his report for the month of August 2016 and reported no significant changes from the prior month.

D. Donyelle Gray, General Counsel

Ms. Gray announced that she will be attending National Bar Association Labor and Employment Section Annual Conference as a panelist. Ms. Gray will be addressing the topic: “Same-Sex Marriage, Religion and the Workplace: Accommodating Constitutionally Protected (and Potentially Competing) Rights.”

Ms. Gray distributed an article of the Journal Star, provided by Commissioner Bigger. The article concerns Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) of African Americans in Peoria, Illinois with the criminal justice system.

Ms. Gray gave a report of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) caseload for FY17. Ms. Gray reported that request for review numbers remained high; that the OGC issued out 2 remand orders; that she is implementing a process to issue out more Notices of No Exception each month, and that anticipates at least 2 en banc matters being scheduled by the end of 2016.

Finally Ms. Gray distributed recent labor law updates and OEIG newsletter for September.

V. New Business

Request for Review

The Office of the General Counsel’s staff provided an educational training and update on the Request for Review process for the Commissioners.

VI. Old Business

Proclamation regarding former Illinois Human Rights Commission Chairman Abner Mikva

The Commission voted to approve the draft of the proclamation for former Chairman Abner Mikva, who passed away July 4, 2016. Thanks was given to Commissioner Gash for drafting the proclamation. Motion to approve the proclamation draft made by Commissioner Hartman and seconded by Commissioner Yadgir. Motion carried 13-0. VII. Public Comment

None

VIII. Executive Session

Executive Session

Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11), the Commissioners voted to close a portion of the public meeting at 11:52 a.m. in order to discuss pending litigation affecting the body. Motion made by Vice Chair Nabi, seconded by Commissioner Cosgrove. Voice vote was taken, with all in favor of the motion.

1. Chair Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias--Yes 2. Duke Alden--Yes 3. Michael Bigger--Yes 4. Robert A. Cantone--Yes 5. Hamilton Chang--Yes 6. Terry Cosgrove--Yes 7. Nabi Fakroddin--Yes 8. Amy Kurson--Yes 9. Lauren Beth Gash--Yes 10. Hermene Hartman--Yes 11. Steve Kim--Yes 12. Diane M. Viverito--Yes 13. Patricia Bakalis Yadgir--Yes

Motion carried 13-0.

Open Meeting Resumed

At 12:09 p.m., the open meeting resumed. Motion made by Commissioner Bigger, and seconded by Commissioner Alden to return to open session.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Gash, seconded by Commissioner Yadgir. Motion carried 13-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Donyelle L. Gray General Counsel