Community Relations Commission

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda — 31 items

1. I. CALL TO ORDER
2. A. Roll Call No Action Taken
3. 2 Chairman Eric Brown called the meeting to order at 5:37 PM.
4. B. Acceptance of the Journal
5. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on July 9, 2026 26-00983 No Action Taken
6. 4 Commissioner Johnson arrived at 5:56 PM.
7. C. Communications
8. 1. Memorandum from Thomas P. McNamara, Mayor regarding Appointment of Jurea Crudup as Chair of the Community Relations Commission 26-00978 No Action Taken
9. 2. Memorandum from Thomas P. McNamara, Mayor regarding the Resignation of Commissioner James McDowell 26-01013 No Action Taken
10. II. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
11. III. INFORMATION ONLY Approved
12. A. Food Insecurity Presentations
13. 1. Tamir Bell, Alderman City of Rockford 26-01006 No Action Taken
14. 11 There were no registered Public Speakers.
15. 2. Tabatha Endres-Cruz, Executive Director Rock River Valley Pantry 26-01007 No Action Taken
16. 3. Jackie de Batista, Executive Director Farmers Rising, and Montez Soliz, Mobile Grocery Store Coordinator Farmers Rising 26-01008 No Action Taken
17. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
18. A. Biannual Report - Approval 26-00979
19. B. Community Relations Commission Ordinance Revision - Update - Michaela Harris 26-00996 No Action Taken
20. C. Commissioner’s Meetings with Aldermen - Discussion 26-00980 Discussed
21. 17 PAGE BREAK
22. V. NEW BUSINESS
23. A. Strategic Planning Meeting - Discussion and Date Selection 26-00981 Approved
24. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
25. VII. ADJOURNMENT Approved
26. 22 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.
27. 25 Chairwoman Crudup again extended a thank you to Commissioner Brown for all the work he has done during his tenure with Commission from its inception including the changes that have occurred over the past year during his chairmanship.
28. 26 Commissioner Garwick reported that the Winnebago County Health Department's 10 person supportive housing team is nearing construction; zoning approval is the next phase. To prevent duplicate efforts, the Community Relations Commission will partner directly with the county project rather than running an independent working group. County leaders will consult Rockford City Staff to ensure zoning compliance and municipal alignment. Commissioner Pakiela and Garwick offered the Commission’s full support and collaboration to the Winnebago County Health Department team.
29. 27 Michaela Harris spoke about the development of a new Biannual Reporting Framework for the Commission. The framework will track progress on Commission initiatives and provide a formal process to close out completed projects. A template will be presented at the October 8, 2026, Strategic Planning Meeting.
30. 28 Commissioner Johnson informed the Commission that she shared a link to the Commission meetings on her social media. She invited the community to attend the meetings and asked for references for anyone between the ages of 18 and 24 who would like to join the Commission. The post received 5,000 views and had 120 responses. It was recommended that potential candidates should submit letters of interest with resumes, if possible, to Michaela Harris to be referred to Acting Mayor Neal for review. Residents wanting to address the Commission could register as speakers on the city website. Commissioner Johnson emphasized the need to publish Commission accomplishments, resources, and project updates online to reduce working "in silence" and keep the public better informed.
31. 30 Chairwoman Crudup asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Commissioner Garwick moved to Adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Kaull. (Commissioners William Martin, James McDowell, and Shimere Shanklin were absent). The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

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