Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/10/2007 CRC minutes [ffJillm~rr MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Community Center, Village Hall Thursday, May 10, 2007 The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, May 10, 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 7:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Tolbert Commissioner Fuller Commissioner Muench Commissioner Hernandez Absent: Commissioner Parikh Also in Attendance: Michael Semkiu, Deputy Chief of Police III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez and seconded by Commissioner Muench to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2007, meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved by a voice vote. IV. OLD BUSINESS Suburban Mosaic Book Program Chairman Tolbert reported that an author of one of the Suburban Mosaic Book Program titles, a resident of Mount Prospect, will be at the library this fall. The date of the event has not been established. "Make a Difference Day" Update Chairman Tolbert spoke to the Lion's Club who agreed to collect instruments this year. The Chairman asked for input as to where the Commission could obtain a sign reading "Musical Instrument Donation Drop off Point." Deputy Chief Semkiu said he will contact Public Works regarding the sign. Ms. Fuller asked about additional drop off points. Ms. Hernandez will find out if the district will provide a contact at John Jay School. She also mentioned that the Mayor was approached regarding Ms. Alma Botana as a contact at the School District and as a possible replacement on the Commission to fill the position to be vacated by Ms. Hernandez. Ms. Hernandez said Ms. Botana will look into opportunities for the band to play. Forum on Race & Ethnic Diversity Chairman Tolbert solicited comments from the commission. Ms. Hernandez mentioned an Ethnic Fair being held in Elk Grove on Saturday from 1 :00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Park District. Different exhibits were set up around the perimeter of the room. In the center of the room was a stage where different expositions were held, such as dance. This event was sponsored in conjunction with the Character Counts Coalition. Chairman Tolbert asked Ms. Hernandez to provide contact information for Elk Grove. Ms. Muench suggested contacting the group that advertised and promoted the event. Ms. Hernandez suggested working on events with different organizations from our park district, library, churches and schools. There was a discussion about Festival of Cultures held in Skokie several years ago. Ms. Muench said that such an event has potential and will look into obtaining contact information. At this event, there was no charge for the 20-25 different groups to set up and perform. Mrs. Hernandez said this type of event would draw groups of people together. She also suggested looking for small gifts. The Chairman said the Commission has no funding, but could look to the Village for help. Deputy Chief Minutes Page 2 May 10, 2007 Semkiu suggested looking to the Police Department and/or Fire Department to assist in providing nominal gifts and some funding. Chairman Tolbert suggested next spring as a possible time for an event. V. NEW BUSINESS Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) The Chairman asked for discussion on the action plan and the dates received from Neighborhood Planner Clare Sloan. The Commission agreed on the following dates: August 9,2007: Discussion of Applications September 6,2007, Public Hearing, Interview Applicants, and Decisions September 18, 2007, Ms. Sloan will make recommendations to the Village Board A motion was made by Commissioner Muench and seconded by Commissioner Fuller to adopt Neighborhood Planner Clare Sloan's Action Plan. It was unanimously approved by a voice vote. The Chairman discussed the possibility of changing the meeting day. The next meeting will be June 14th · and the there will be no meeting in July. The Chairman announced that all members are invited to attend the May 15th Village Board Reception for the newly elected Trustees and a farewell to Trustee Skowron. Mission of the Community Relations Commission Ms. Hernandez mentioned that Alma Botana has assisted classes in creating mission statements. Ms. Fuller is in agreement, but thought we already had a mission statement via the bylaws. Chairman Tolbert said that the Commission is not addressing what the bylaws intended, which is to look at issues and problems where people were treated unfairly. Since the Commission's inception, there has only been . one such incident brought before the Commission. Ms. Muench indicated the importance of a clear , mission statement and the fact that a mission statement is only appropriate if they, the Commission, carry out the mission. In other words, "Walk the Talk." Chairman Tolbert gave a brief history of how the Commission was formed. Ms. Fuller provided the Village Ordinance which gives a mission statement and read the functions provided by the ordinance. Ms. Muench stated that we have not really enjoined the community to foster unity. The Chairman suggested that they review the ordinance. A copy of the Ordinance will be included in the next packet. Ms. Hernandez said she will contact the Mayor regarding Alma Botana and see if she is available to attend the next meeting. 4th of July Parade The Chairman asked if the any of the Commissioners would like to be in the parade. He will see if Public Works has a sign. Deputy Chief Semkiu will contact the parade organizer. VI. CORRESPONDENCE No Correspondence. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned after a motion was made by Commissioner Fuller and seconded by Commissioner Muench. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, -(Yl~J~ Michael Semkiu Deputy Police Chief