Community Relations Commission

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda — 23 items

1. I. CALL TO ORDER
2. A. Roll Call
3. 2 Chairwoman Pro tem Kaull called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.
4. B. Acceptance of the Journal
5. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on August 13, 2026 26-01115 Approved
6. 4 Commissioner William Martin Arrived at 5:32 PM.
7. C. Communications
8. 1. Mayor’s “Open Door” meeting hours with Commissioners are set for September 25, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12 PM 26-01116
9. II. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
10. III. INFORMATION ONLY
11. A. Code Enforcement Process Presentation - Tomiko Ballard, Assistant City Attorney 26-01114
12. IV. NEW BUSINESS
13. 10 There were no registered Public Speakers.
14. A. Strategic Planning Meeting Discussion - Michaela Harris 1. Location 2. Topics
15. B. Request for Referrals to fill vacant Commissioner Seats - Michaela Harris
16. V. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
17. VI. ADJOURNMENT Approved
18. 15 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.
19. 15 The Commission agreed to hold the Strategic Planning Meeting on October 8, 2026 at Fire Station 3, Community Room, 888 Marchesano Drive, Rockford.
20. 17 Michaela Harris, Contract and Grant Compliance Officer, asked the Commissioners for any recommendations they may have to refer to the mayor to fill the two vacant seats currently on the Commission. Any resident of Rockford who is interested can send their resume to Mayor Neal for consideration.
21. 18 PAGE BREAK
22. 20 Commissioner Shanklin reported the key takeaway she identified from the Commissioner’s meeting with Alderwoman Hoffman was the need for safe, accessible after-school facilities located directly within local neighborhoods the youth live to reduce major transportation barriers. Commissioner Martin stated that multiple faith-based and community organizations currently provide after-school care across various wards. The primary challenge is a lack of centralized communication mapping these resources, so aldermen and residents know where local programs are located. Rockford Public School District 205 and Zum Transportation currently transport students across the city to these locations from the schools. Most of these providers are supported by the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), a state-funded per-child subsidy for low-income students that covers care and meals. Michaela Harris added that students who are exempt from bus transportation to school are eligible to use the aftercare transportation to the approved aftercare programs.
23. 22 Chairwoman Pro tem Kaull asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Commissioner Martin moved to Adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Garwick. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote (Commissioners Bravo, Crudup, and Johnson were absent). The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM.

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