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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/24/2006 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Police and Fire Training Room Thursday, August 24,2006 7:00 p.m. fIDill&~'[J The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, August 24, 2006, in the Police and Fire Station located at 112 E. Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, Illinois. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Tolbert called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Tolbert Commissioner Fuller Commissioner Parikh Commissioner Hernandez Absent: Commissioner Muench Also in attendance: Clare Sloan, Neighborhood Planner INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Tolbert introduced the Commission and thanked the different agencies for attending the meeting. Village Staff forward the 2007 Community Development Block Grant funding applications to the Commission. NEW BUSINESS · Presentations from 2007 Funding Applicants Mark Parr from Children's Advocacy Center presented the agency's request for 2007 funding. The funds allow the organization to offer free services to a proposed 40 kids. Chairperson Tolbert inquired as to whether or not child abuse cases have increased. Mr. Parr stated that there is a 7% increase statewide, but Mount Prospect has seen a decrease. Rod McKenzie spoke on behalf of Hire Up Job Training. This program is an alternative for Boxwood youths to gangs and crime. The students must adhere to objectives set out in a contract. The program teaches proper interview behavior and how to dress for an interview. The job training allows youth to break out of the fast food jobs in order to secure better paying, higher skill positions. Upon seeing the success of the program, the youths' parents have expressed interest in participating in the program. Commissioner Hernandez suggested that everyone read Ruby Payne's "Framework for Understanding Poverty" because it is relevant to the issues that many organizations are facing. Clayground representative, Dianne Kovack, stated that the program has had an open door policy for children participating in the program. Ms. Kovack acknowledged that she submitted an application for funding, but she was withdrawing that request. In doing so, she asked that the funding be allocated to Greater Wheeling Area Youth Outreach in order for Clayground to reach youths from south and central Mount Prospect. Philip Herman, Greater Wheeling Area Youth Outreach (GW A YO), acknowledged Clay ground' s request and stated that the organizations have a natural partnership, not only because they share a building, but also because their educational forums promote art appreciation. The organization is requested funds for three programs: 1. Dream Makers: this is an after school program available to all Mount Prospect school districts. 71% of students met a goal and 42% made honor roll. Mr. Herman never intended the program to be an "honor roll" program, but the students have excelled. 33 of 34 students are pursuing a post secondary degree. 2. Summer Adventure North: The south side summer camp had 124 youths participated in the camp: 116 of those enrolled attended summer schooL 3. Summer Adventure South: 58 kids attended the camp even though Euclid School did not have a summer school session this year. Both summer camps feed students into the Dream Makers program. Victoria Bigelow with Access to Care stated that the organization is able to assist local residents with CDBG. Last year, 22 residents received care that would not have been insured for health care. The organization provides a link to primary physicians and charges $5 per visit, $5 per x- ray, $5 per specimen and all prescriptions are $5, $10, or $30. The most common ailment in youths is ear aches. Adults are usually treated for more chronic diseases: diabetes, heart disease, etc. Currently, there is a waiting list of over 200 people. In response to Commissioner Fuller's question, Ms. Bigelow stated that residents could apply at CEDA or at Village Hall. They remain in the program for at least a year. Ms. Bigelow stated that the numbers are increasing, but the organization may assist more adults now that kids are covered by the state under the /I All Kids" program. Julie Clason with SLSF /NWSRA presented the agency's request. The organization provides recreation for persons with disabilities and is trying to expand their inclusion program with one-on-one aids. Chairperson Tolbert asked if the park district could fund the request. Ms. Clason replied that there is funding received from the park districts, but the demand has grown for inclusion. Commissioner Parikh questioned the formula of state funding to which Ms. Clason replied that there is an assessment of tax dollars in the legislature. They never turn anyone way from the program. Joan Attenberg, Girl Scouts Illinois Crossroad Council, thanked the Commissioners for past funding. The council has been experiencing changes over the past years and they are about to merge again. Girl Scouts has a large presence in John Jay School and are trying to expand in Robert Frost and Euclid. Dr. Robert Walsh, Resources for Community Living, asked if the Girl Scouts was inclusive of all types of sexual orientation. Ms. Attenberg stated that the group is inclusive of all religions and any sexual orientation. When further questioned about the merger, Ms. Attenberg replied that it will make the fundraising and marketing of Girls Scouts easier. Donna Catalano, Search Developmental Center, presented the organization's request to replace the roof at one of their group homes in Mount Prospect. Search Developmental Center has three group homes in Mount Prospect, which house a total of 18 residents. Commissioner Fuller asked about the amount requested and Ms. Catalano stated that it would depend on the contractor's bids. Commissioner Hernandez inquired about the age of residents. Ms. Catalano stated that adults live in the homes and only move out if there is a medical condition that would require that they move to a nursing home. Commissioner Parikh mentioned that the organization should try to have the materials donated. Elsie Mills, NW CASA, presented the organization's request. The organization has a 24/7 hotline, crisis intervention (hospital and court advocacy), and prevention courses. Pieces of their clothesline project were displayed as their fundraising project. Ms. Mills told the commission that sexual assault seems to be increasing and they focus their efforts in prevention. Denis Ferguson, Alexian Center for Mental Health, presented their request to the commission by stating that residents with severe mental disabilities have been served with the CDBG funding. Alexian has a supportive housing option for residents in Arlington Heights. Mr. Ferguson explained that residents with severe mental illness and unable to live independently are committed to the state hospitaL Jere Teed, CEDA Northwest, presented requests for their Child Care Subsidy program and Emergency Housing program. Chairperson Tolbert inquired about CEDA Northwest's service area, to which Mr. Teed responded a 7 township area. In response to Commissioner Fuller's question, Mr. Teed stated that the child care centers invoice CEDA directly for funds. Dr. Robert Walsh, Resources for Community Living, stated their organization is accredited and considered to be a best practice model by the state. The organization offers a chance for independent living for adults with disabilities. Terri Charmer, WINGS, presented two proposals to the commission: one for services and one for an HV AC replacement. Although the Safe House is fairly new, volunteers were hired to perform much of the construction work after the state did not deliver over $800,000. The HV AC system is not large enough to serve the whole building. The Safe House is only at half its capacity due to the reduction in state funding. Commissioner Fuller inquired how people find WINGS. Ms. Channer stated that information is dispersed through Police Departments, municipalities, churches, libraries, and school social workers. Ms. Charmer confirmed that the programs continue to be a success in meeting women's and their children's needs. Helen Shumate, Journeys from PADS to HOPE, presented their request for 2007 funding. Last year, the organization transitioned 3 Mount Prospect residents out of homelessness, but there continues to be a need for their services. Journeys from PADS to HOPE is seeing more families enter into their homeless programs. In response to Chairperson Tolbert's question, Ms. Shumate stated that the numbers have not been declining at their PADS center, but numbers often depend on what other PADS sites are offering services. Commissioner Hernandez inquired if there was a minimum age for those assisted. Ms. Shumate stated that when a family is in the centers, the children must be accompanied by an adult. Any others must be 18 years or above. John Winke, Orchard Village, presented the 2007 CDBG funding request. The Mount Prospect group home has 5 residents, three of which require either a walker or wheelchair. The organization has completed 10 ramps with CDBG funds and stated the contractor did not meet the deadline for the ramp construction. Commissioner Parikh inquired about their funding for capital improvements. Mr. Winke stated the organization raises over $1 million each year through fundraising. They have also sought donations from local distributors and private corporations. The Commission had a general discussion about funding and stated that there was approximately $11,000 less than last year. Commissioner Parikh made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Fuller, to recommend to the Village Board the levels of funding as listed in the "Staff Recommendations" column with the following changes: 1. CEDA Child Care Subsidy Program be reduced by $500 2. Higher Up Job Training be increased by $1,000 3. The Mentor Program be reduced by $500 4. WINGS receive their full HV AC request of $7,000 The motion carried. Chairperson Tolbert stated that the recommendations will be forwarded to the Village Board at the September 19, 2006 meeting. Commissioner Parikh motioned that the September CRC meeting be canceled since the funding recommendations have been made. Commissioner Fuller seconded the motion. The motion carried. ADJOURNMENT The next meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2006. Commissioner Parikh moved and Commissioner Hernandez seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Clare Sloan Neighborhood Planner (847) 818-5313 csloan@mountprospect.org