HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/2007 CRC minutes
MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Community Center, Village Hall
Thursday, February 8, 2007
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday,
February 8, 2007, at Mount Prospect Village Hall located at 50 South Emerson Street, Mount
Prospect, Illinois
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Tolbert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present:
Chairman Tolbert
Commissioner Fuller
Commissioner Hernandez
Commissioner Parikh
Absent:
Commissioner Muench
Also in Attendance:
Michael Semkiu, Deputy Chief of Police
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Parikh and seconded by Commissioner Fuller to approve the
minutes of the December 14, 2006, meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved by a voice
vote.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Suburban Mosaic Book Program
Chairman Tolbert attended the meeting for the Suburban Mosaic Book Program, which is in its fourth
year. He advised that a new committee was appointed to look at the books for the fall 2007 program
and that a variety of books were distributed touching on different cultures The Chairman was not
aware of school district participation in the past. Commissioner Hernandez will pass along the
information to her school district.
"Make a Difference Day" Update
Chairman Tolbert received information that the participants are interested in collecting instruments
again this year. Mrs. Hernandez will check with her school district to find out who will handle the
distribution since she is resigning. Chairman Tolbert mentioned the idea that Holmes Jr. High would
perform again this year. Mrs. Hernandez agreed with this idea since bands are always looking for
opportunities to perform. They discussed coordinating the performance with another Village event;
such as Women's History Month, the Village Biannual Open House or Public Work's Open House.
The Chairman will contact the Mayor and Village Manager with this suggestion. They agreed the
events will add publicity to the program.
Forum on Race & Ethnic Diversity
Chairman Tolbert solicited comments from the commission. Mr. Parikh mentioned the Wilmette
program has significant funding for a variety of programs. He liked the idea of Villages trading off
various history months and celebrating together to pool funds. The main issue would be the distance
between Mount Prospect and Wilmette, if they were to share an open house. Mrs. Hernandez
suggested that schools can represent various cultures and it could be set up as an open house
forum. This has been done at Holmes Jr. High and Elk Grove is doing something similar. Mr. Parikh
mentioned tying the program in with the July 4th events Chairman Tolbert said the planning should
Minutes
Page 2
February 8, 2007
start now. Mr. Parikh will check with the Lion's Club. Mrs. Hernandez would like to see if the
grammar schools could send two or four children to participate Mr. Parikh will see if the library would
also like to participate. Chairman Tolbert will contact Vision's Program Director Nancy Morgan. The
Chairman mentioned attending a Wilmette Community Relations meeting.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Mission of the Community Relations Commission
Chairman Tolbert stated that the Village's ordinance does not address meeting dates. He suggested
quarterly meetings or meetings every other month (6 times per year).
~. CORRESPONDENCE
The Chairman read the Chief's resignation The commission discussed how they would honor the
Chief and his work with the commission and the community.
The Chairman asked if the members had received information on the Niagara Meetings Mrs Fuller
had recently attended a meeting.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. after a motion was made by Commissioner Parikh and
seconded by Commissioner Fuller. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
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Michael Semkiu
Deputy Police Chief