City of Alton Community Relations Commission met May 03.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
A regular meeting of the Community Relations Commission was called to order at 5:30 pm on May 3,
2017, at Scott Bibb Center, 1004 E. 5th Street, Alton, Illinois.
Members Present: Greg Caffey, Peter Hough, Al Womack, Ellar Duff, Chief Simmons, and Marquato
Rattler
Members Absent: Mark Cappel
Citizens Present: Megan Williams, Joshua Young
Approval of Minutes
The minutes were amended to reflect the absence of Peter Hough at the April 5th meeting. Judge Ellar
Duff moved to approve the previous minutes of April 5, 2017 as amended. Chief Simmons seconded the
motion. No further discussion. Motion carried.
Ayes: Caffey, Hough, Womack, Duff, Simmons, Rattler
Nays:
Absent: Cappel
Nomination and Approval of Secretary
Greg Caffey was nominated to serve as the commission secretary. Judge Duff moved to approve the
nomination. Al Womack seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion carried.
Ayes: Hough, Womack, Duff, Simmons, Rattler
Nays:
Abstain: Caffey
Absent: Cappel
Reviewing and Adopting Calls to Action
I. Implicit Bias Training, Racial Equity Projects:
A. There currently aren’t any commission related initiatives regarding this objective.
II. Building Trust between the Community and Police:
A. Chief Simmons noted that APD is working with resident Joshua Young on a Fists Up,
Guns Down boxing/martial arts program to address conflict resolution and reduce armed violence. Judge
Duff expressed concern regarding the long-term health risks of combat sports and such programs. After
considerable debate, the subject was tabled.
B. Chairman Hough will continue to coordinate with Chief Simmons and Kim Clark, City
Council Liaison, to schedule Chief Isom’s presentation to the Alton City Council. Chairman Hough will
also discuss the process for proceeding with the Community Policing Plan and seeking additional support
for commission activities.
C. Chief Simmons and Al Womack touted the success of the pizza party sponsored by the
APD which was recently held at the Boys & Girls Club. The positive interactions with the area youth
were duly noted.
III. Connecting with Community Organizations
A. The commission will continue to extend invitations to civic groups to address the address
the commission and maintain community engagement.
New/Other Business
There are currently four (4) vacancies on the commission. It is the consensus of the current members to
seek to fill these vacancies through an application process. This request will be conveyed to the
administration for further consideration.
Comments from the Public
Joshua Young requested that the commission consider advocating for higher wages for Alton residents
employed through staffing agencies at Gateway Commerce Center. Judge Duff noted this request is
outside the scope/mission of the commission. Mr. Young also announced a headstone ceremony
sponsored by Alton Dunbar Lodge 97 on Sunday, May 7th.
There being no further business to discuss, Al Womack moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Rattler
seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion carried.
Ayes: Caffey, Hough, Womack, Duff, Simmons, Rattler
Nays:
Absent: Cappel
https://www.cityofaltonil.com/minutes/10/2017-05-03%20Minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up