Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/2005 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Community Center, Village Hall Thursday, February 10th, 2005 7:00 p.m. The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, February 10, 2005 in the Village Hall of Mount Prospect, Illinois, 50 South Emerson Street. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Brennan called the meeting to order at 7: 00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Parikh Commissioner Tolbert Commissioner Muench (arrived 7:30 p.m.) Commissioner Schultz Also in attendance: Deputy Chief of Police Mike Semkiu Lisa Angell, Staff Liaison Police Chief Richard Eddington (arrived 8:00 p.m.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES The January 6, 2005 meeting minutes were unanimously approved as written. INTRODUCTION [To enhance communication and facilitate mutual efforts to promote and support a diverse community a member of the Police Administrative staff will attend the Commission's monthly meetings.] Chairman Brennan welcomed Deputy Police Chief Mike Semkiu to the meeting and invited him to talk about the role of the Police Department on diversity issues, i.e.; goals/objectives, programs and resources, etc. Deputy Chief Semkiu provided an overview of the proactive measures the Police Department has taken to facilitate a positive and effective relationship with the Hispanic Community. . Community Service Officer (CSO) - weekly on-site support at the Alexian Brothers Health Care Center on Algonquin Road. . Spanish phone line. . Active recruitment of minority applicants - college job fairs . Deputy Chief Semkiu stated the CSO assigned to work with the Hispanic Community had recently relocated to Texas but a new recruit fluent in Spanish would soon be joining the department. Commissioner Schultz added, Police Chief Eddington frequently attends the Spanish mass at St. Cecilia Church and interacts with parishioners. The Commission voiced their support for the resources and training the Police Department has and continues to expend in this area. Deputy Chief Semkiu thanked the Commission for their comments and stated he looked forward to learning more about the Commission's goals and activities. NEW BUSINESS . Village of Wilmette The staff liaison informed the Commission of her conversation with Mr. Jason Bielawski, Assistant to the Wilmette Village Manager. The Village of Wilmette has a Commission similar to Mount Prospect's Community Relations Commission, and the Mayors of the respective communities suggested the two groups meet. Chairman Brennan and Commissioner Parikh indicated they were aware of the suggestion, so with little need for discussion, the Commission asked the staff liaison to contact Mr. Bielawski to discuss inviting the Wilmette Commission to their March 10th meeting. . Mount Prospect Public Library Chairman Brennan stated Marilyn Genther, Executive Director had expressed an interest in working with the Commission in other diversity related areas. However, she was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Chairman Brennan will contact her about attending a future meeting. OLD BUSINESS . Hearing Procedural Manual - Role Playing Chairman Brennan drafted a "sample" discrimination complaint letter and addressed it to Commissioner Schultz. After Commissioner Schultz read the letter to the other Commissioners, Chairman Brennan asked what procedure the Commission should establish in response to "complaint letters." After clarification of the policy and procedures outlined in the Village Code, the Commission agreed "discrimination complaint" letters sent to the Commission or individual members will be forwarded to the staff liaison. The staff liaison will send the complainant a letter under the Commission's signature, acknowledging receipt of his/her correspondence. In addition, a complaint form with the policy/procedure for filing a complaint will be sent with the Commission's acknowledgement letter. The staff liaison was asked to draft a response letter for review by the Commission. . Cultural Events Guide Commissioner Parikh reminded the members of the February 25th public officials meeting. He will be sharing the goals/objectives of the Cultural Events Guide at the event. Commissioner Parikh feels the meeting is another great opportunity to coordinate efforts with other organizations in promoting diversity in the community. Commissioner Parikh is still attempting to set up meetings with representatives from the Lions Club and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Parikh will work with the staff liaison on proclamations that recognize various groups, cultures, etc., similar to the calendar of events used by the federal government. OTHER . Commissioner Tolbert provided a brief summary of the February 9, 2005 Suburban Book of the Year Committee. Although the Committee's discussion focused on next year's book selection, final selection was not done. It is anticipated the selections will be announced at the March 9, 2005 meeting, 2:00 p.m. at Paddock Publications. Commissioner Tolbert also attended the January Family Issues Committee Meeting. Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year was a popular topic of discussion. He commented, the Commissioner Tolbert noted the number of agencies/organizations that are part of this Committee, and how effective this networking has been in identifying and serving the needs of the community. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 10,2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the new Village Hall, 50 South Emerson. There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell Staff Liaison 847.870.5640 langell@mountprospect.org C:\Documents and Settings\kdewis\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK2\february2005meetingminutes.doc