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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/07/2012 CRC MinutesMINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Community Center, Village Hall Thursday, June 7, 2012 I. CALL TO ORDER The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, June 7, 2012, at 7:07 p.m. at Mount Prospect Village Hall located at 50 South Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, Illinois. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Tolbert Commissioner Ortiz Commissioner Rose Commissioner Schmalzer Absent: Commissioner Parikh Also in Attendance: Mayor Irvana Wilks Deputy Chief John Wagner III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Rose and seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to approve the minutes of the April 5, 2012, meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote. IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Mayor Irvana Wilks Mayor Irvana Wilks attended the meeting to thank the commissioners for serving the Village. Mayor Wilks also discussed her recent attendance at the Youth Commission meeting and expressed her concern of their ability to continue to assist other commissions, as membership is currently light. Members of the Youth Commission are attempting to recruit other volunteers. Pam Schmalzer Mrs. Schmalzer informed the commission she was there to support her husband, Ken Schmalzer, with the food drive initiative and she also volunteered to help with the food drive. V. OLD BUSINESS Food Drive Mayor Wilks explained to the commissioners the miscommunication regarding the starting of the food drive and advised them that the Village does not have staff available to coordinate the taking in of food after normal business hours. Human Services has a food pantry but only accepts donations during normal business hours. Commissioner Schmalzer asked to have the food drive publicized on the Village website and reported that he talked to Dawn at the Chamber and they are willing to announce the food drive at their scheduled events. Commissioner Schmalzer wondered if the Youth Commission members could assist with the food drive. Mayor Wilks explained the Youth Commission is not available to help and reminded the commission that Village staff is not available outside business hours, which was the problem this past weekend when they attempted to collect food. Mayor Wilks advised the commission they are not autonomous and events must be approved by submitting a detailed plan to the Village. The plan must include how they plan to collect, hold and then deliver the food to Human Services during normal business hours without obligating staff time. The plan should be submitted to the Village liaison member, Deputy Chief Wagner, who will forward it to the Village Manager for consideration and provide the commission with further direction from the Village at their next meeting. Commissioner Schmalzer said that much of the plan was in place and if they waited until the next meeting, many opportunities would be lost. Mayor Wilks stated they need to get the plan together and make an appointment with CRC Minutes 6/7/12 Page 1 of 2 Village Manager Michael Janonis as soon as possible. Commissioner Schmalzer will contact Mr. Janonis to schedule an appointment no later than the following Monday. He will also request a newer recycling bin to collect food to hold until it can be delivered to the Village. Commission Schmalzer said the commission is looking for more of an identity and this was the impetus for the food and music drive. Chairman Tolbert thanked the Mayor for the explanation and stated the commission never did anything like this before, but has a strong desire to assist the Village. Discuss Musical Instrument Donation Project Commissioner Rose stated she has a better understanding of the process and will advise the music group in the city what caused the instrument collection to not occur. Commissioner Rose will also research possible ways to assist the group in the future, as they always participate in our 4 th of July Parade. She will also seek prior approval before making any commitments or obligating the Village. Commissioner Rose knows the Prospect High School Band will be getting new band uniforms. She will ask if Prospect High School staff will contact the city band for possible uniform donations as soon as school is back in session in August. 4 th of July The commission agreed to participate in the 4 th of July Parade this year. Commissioner Rose has a convertible available to ride in and Chairman Tolbert will pick up the signs from Public Works. Commissioner Schmalzer will also be riding in the parade and pending approval of the food collection initiative, he may set up a collection that day. VI. NEW BUSINESS Mission Statement Chairman Tolbert asked the members of the commission to closely review the Mission Statement and bring any questions to the next meeting for discussion. Commissioner Schmalzer stated the group was looking for an identity, which is why the food drive and music drive were brought up. He was also enthused by Section 5.703, Functions of the Commission, A & B where it discusses cooperation between various commissions and volunteers. Mayor Wilks reviewed the reason the commission was originally created by Mayor Farley. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Deputy Chief Wagner provided the commissioners with a copy of the memorandum regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which included the timeline for the applications. Chairman Tolbert stated they should get the applications about three (3) weeks prior to the next meeting. This should give the commissioners enough time to review the applications. Commissioner Rose requested past grant recipients' information included so they could make an informed decision. Chairman Tolbert stated there is a low turnout from applicants due to the complexity of complying with rules. VII. CORRESPONDENCE Deputy Chief Wagner handed out flyers for the Mount Prospect Community Workshop, which is being conducted on June 12, 2012. Mayor Wilks encouraged the commission members to attend the event. Mayor Wilks thanked the commissioners for their service and future participation. The Chairman and commissioners thanked the Mayor for clarification on the process for new projects. The next meeting will be held on August 2, 2012. Commissioner Rose said she may not be available for the meeting. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. after a motion was made by Commissioner Schmalzer and seconded by Commissioner Rose. The motion was approved unanimously. Respectfully u rnitted, , John Wa , ner Deputy Chief of Police CRC Minutes 6/7/12 Page 2 of 2