Community Relations Commission

City Hall, Second Floor

Agenda — 25 items

1. I. CALL TO ORDER
2. A. Roll Call
3. 2 Chairman Pro Tem Jurea Crudup called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
4. B. Acceptance of the Journal
5. 1. Journal of Proceedings for the Community Relations Commission meeting held on April 9, 2026 26-00588 Approved
6. C. Communications
7. II. PUBLIC SPEAKERS
8. III. INFORMATION ONLY
9. 7 There were no communications to be read into the record.
10. A. Rockford Fire Department Update - Chief, Rebecca Tyo 26-00589
11. B. Health & Human Services Department Update - Director, Anqunette Parham 26-00590
12. 9 There were no Public Speakers.
13. C. Discussion of Presentations
14. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. A. Housing Development Ordinances Update - Commissioners McDowell and Bravo 26-00591
16. B. Commissioner’s Questions for the Alderman Update 26-00592
17. V. NEW BUSINESS
18. 14 Commissioner Norma Borrero stated there was a lot of good information which she was not familiar with. Commissioner Zsa Zsa Johson inquired about how many open positions were available in the Fire Department.
19. VI. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
20. VII. ADJOURNMENT
21. 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.
22. 18 PAGE BREAK
23. 20 Chairman Pro Tem Crudup stated the commission had been receiving inquires regarding the data center. There was one email that the commission will address at the next meeting.
24. 22 Commissioner Garwick reported he attended a panel discussion of experts on the impact the data center will have on not only the environment, but on the people that live in the area as well. He suggested the city should consider a one-year moratorium on the data center to gather more information. Commissioner Mary Jude Pakiela reported that she spoke the Director of United Way about the 211 Program. She distributed some palm cards she received and stated that United Way is currently in the process of deciding how best to implement the system in Rockford. Once that has been decided United Way offered to have someone come speak with the commission on how the system works. Commissioner Zsa Zsa Johnson reported that on June 3rd from 11 AM to 4 PM there will be a job fair at the UW Center Sports Factory. There will be approximately 46 different agencies and employers including the Hard Rock Casino, various hotel facilities, Walgreens, and the City of Rockford. There is a recruitment opportunity for a CDL program that offers free courses and a weekly stipend while attending the school. Commissioner Johnson’s organization will be offering free items of clothing to prepare an individual to go into the workforce or into a education setting.
25. 24 Chairman Pro Tem Crudup asked for a Motion to Adjourn. Commissioner Garwick moved to Adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Borrero. MOTION PREVAILED with a unanimous voice vote. (Commissioners Eric Brown and William Martin were absent). The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.

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