Community Relations Commission

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda — 22 items

1. I. CALL TO ORDER
2. A. Roll Call ▶ jump to 15:14
3. 2 Chairman Eric Brown called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
4. B. Acceptance of Journal ▶ jump to 15:11
5. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on January 17, 2026 26-00283 Approved ▶ jump to 15:52
6. 2. Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on February 12, 2026 26-00284 ▶ jump to 16:22
7. C. Communications
8. 1. Welcome New Commissioners Zsa Zsa Johnson and Shimere Shanklin 26-00352 No Action Taken
9. 7 PAGE BREAK
10. 2. Mayor's "Open Door" meeting hours with Commissioners are set for March 27, 2026 from 10:30 AM - 12 PM 26-00353
11. II. PUBLIC SPEAKERS ▶ jump to 18:58
12. 1. Steve Delap, a representative from Eliminate Racism 815, thanked the committee for its insightful work. He stated that he supported a recommendation made at City Council that the Commission hear public comments regarding the Flock cameras. He invited the Commissioners to a two-day presentation by David Couper, a former Police Chief of Madison Wisconsin, at the Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center on March 25th and 26th. ▶ jump to 19:01
13. 2. Steven McMaster questioned the Mayor’s and City Council’s passing a contentious measure on Flock AI surveillance cameras without referring it to the Community Relations Commission for public feedback. He supported the referral.
14. III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. A. Community Relations Commission Ordinance Revision - Draft Language Discussion ▶ jump to 27:22
16. B. Action Plan Review ▶ jump to 37:30
17. IV. COMMISSIONER REPORTS ▶ jump to 43:24
18. V. ADJOURNMENT ▶ jump to 78:13
19. 16 The Commission discussed proposed revisions to the Community Relations Commission ordinance to include requiring a member aged 18 to 24, establishing youth mentorship programs, and shifting to quarterly reports to ensure the City Council is regularly informed. The commission also aims to more clearly define its advisory role to resolve confusion regarding its authority during city debates.
20. 17 THE CITY OF ROCKFORD INTENDS TO COMPLY WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER, PERSONAL P.A. SYSTEM, OR OTHER SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NEEDED, PLEASE CALL THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AT (779) 348-7391 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE, SO WE CAN BE PREPARED TO ASSIST YOU.
21. 18 The Commission is updating its Action Plan with a focus on affordable housing, workforce development, and new youth engagement strategies. To support these goals, the Commission plans to invite speakers, gather input from its newest members, and formalize an introduction to the City Council via the Mayor to ensure their advisory role is effective.
22. 21 Chairman Brown asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Commissioner Norma moved to Adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Kaull. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. (Commissioners Scott Garwick and William Martin were absent). The meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.