Aldermen seek updated minority participation figures after commission failed to meet in 2025

Aldermen asked Monday for updated figures on minority and resident participation on city contracts after staff said the Community Relations Commission had not held a full meeting in 2025 and had carried over past participation percentages.

Alderman Williams asked when the commission last met; a staff member in the community relations office replied the commission last met in 2024 and that an attempted January meeting this year failed for lack of a quorum and that minutes from three 2024 meetings were still outstanding. "That would be last year. The chairman of the commission has yet to call a meeting this year," the staff member said.

Alderman Williams said the commission normally reviews and recommends minority and women-owned business participation percentages annually and asked for a current total. The staff member said the department generally carries forward percentages when the commission has not met and agreed to provide the council with the current overall participation figures.

Alderman Gregory asked who chairs the commission; staff identified Tina Montgomery as the chair and said it is the chair’s responsibility to call commission meetings and send agendas to the city representative for posting in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Council members requested that staff supply the most recent participation totals and outstanding meeting minutes to the council.

Ending — City staff agreed to gather and circulate the requested participation figures and outstanding minutes to aldermen. Councilors said they want the commission to resume meeting and to deliver an updated recommendation on minority participation on city contracts.