Peoria Standard

Peoria County Racial Justice and Equity - Information and Technology Subcommittee met Sept. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the subcommittee:

Members Present:

Shawn Johnson

X Theresa Koehler

X Dan McCloud – Co Chair

   Jessica McKean

   Sunny Pearson

X Jenny Replogle

X Lisa Marie Schultz, Co-Chair

   Jamiel Shelton

   Datikka Wright

Also present Zainulabidin Hashmi & Heather McMeekan

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 5:40 pm.

2. Approval of Minutes

There being no quorum, minutes were not approved.

3. Informational Items and Reports

Briefed on meeting with Mayor Ali on September 7th.

• Our recommendation to include free Wi-fi access throughout new proposed Waterfront Park was supported by Mayor. She has already asked that it be included in the budget and was told it will be. We realize there are issues of security that need to be addressed as well so we need to follow-up about how much this will cost and who’s responsible.

• I3 & City have submitted 1st grant to Connect Illinois for Wireless Broadband Infrastructure (buried cable) for 61605 ($12M.) Waiting for response. Will submit 2nd grant during second round of applications for 61603 for $8.5M, then 3rd grant for 61604 (within City limits) for $4M during third round of grant applications.

• The idea of a Digital Equity Coordinator or Office was not supported. (We will continue to recommend and see if we can find a BEAD or Connect Illinois grant to be used for this purpose for at least two – three years. The community and businesses will have questions about where to get answers. This could be both outreach and clearinghouse. )

• Currently Joe Dulin, Community Development Director is handling much of the BB issues for City. We need to reach out to him again for a meeting. Mayor said we can drop her name. Ask Tim & Mary if that doesn’t work.

• Rick Powers from Public Works is also involved in BB infrastructure decisions. Meet with him.

• Discussed options other than buried cable to enable the communities in most need to access wireless even before cable goes in. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA was one option.) Making strides in sightline improvement (Cleveland) even in locales with mature trees, etc. Fixed access points tied to accounts.

• Mayor Ali seems aligned with what we set out as our goals: to improve Broadband infrastructure and access, affordability of Broadband services and devices, and improved digital literacy programs available to everyone.

4. Discussion

• Discussed security issues. ZH – tie to ISP to protect data or be fined. Report on changes to speed or data protections to City/County annually. Broadband Width – need to assess how many users (with multiple devices in each home) will access and the frequency of use.

• HM – can access be tied to library card for people who transition housing frequently and may have SNAP or other government benefits? Can we write into contracts that a connection fee can only be charged once per calendar year?

• HM suggested all the asks we make be on the record. A “no” is only a starting point. Keep at it.

• LM – would we prefer to use “Statement of Human Rights regarding Digital Equity for Peoria” instead of internet access? It’s a multi-pronged issue and internet access doesn’t speak to the whole.

• Access to internet & digital equity are Human Rights.

• DM asked about how our Statement fits in with the original’s goals of the committee. Since the PCRJE is using Seattle’s Joint Commission as a template, they came up with the subcommittee structure and declarations of need for each one. Our statement of rights is a natural extension of assuring equity for everyone in Peoria, City & County. Seattle looked at access first then literacy.

• DM will go back and look at our external relationships. Make more concise. Create Google Drive for sharing.

• The Steering Committee wants statement by October 15th. Statement by which all plans can be measured against and can be used as the basis for all other subcommittees statements.

• What we need to look at: affordability, data & privacy issues, education, “Geek Squad” that would be local government funded aid instead of ISP or private company. What should each individual be entitled to? Bandwidth and access must be sufficient and affordable for basic needs such as telehealth, employment, education, banking/finance, social interactions, small business, government access.

• Once infrastructure is in place, costs shift to individuals. How is that addressed?

• What are protections and privileges people deserve? How is technology used against humans? How do we write in protections to our Statement?

• Strategic plan:

o Present case studies to go along with statement – i.e., Jenny Replogle’s church was asked to pay $17,000 in order to get I3 buried fiber on south side of War Memorial. Examine single mother looking after her own mother, traveling with kids between homes, needs access to telehealth, kids need access for school, mom needs access for work.

o Who in city/county is handling BEAD grant writing and determining where monies will go?

• Still believe we need a Digital Equity Office

• Ask Tim and Mary when Zain’s membership will be voted on.

5. Recommendations to the Steering Committee

6. New Business

Next Meeting October 12 at Lincoln Branch of Peoria Public Library & via Zoom

7. Adjournment

Adjourned meeting at 6:57 pm

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10122023-1512