HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2007 CRC minutes
MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Community Center, Village Hall
Thursday, March 6, 2007
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, March 6,
2008, 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.
n. ROLL CALL
Present:
Chairman Tolbert
Commissioner Fuller
Commissioner Ortiz
Commissioner Muench
Absent:
Vice Chairman Parikh
Also in Attendance:
Michael Semkiu, Deputy Chief of Police
IU. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Muench and seconded by Commissioner Ortiz to approve the
minutes of the November 1,2007, meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved by a voice vote.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Suburban Mosaic Book Program
Chairman Tolbert reported the format will be changed for the program. The books will be selected by the
subcommittee at the March meeting. Mr. John Brennan will forward a list to the Commission as soon as it
is available.
"Make a Difference Day" Update
No report.
Forum on Race & Ethnic Diversity
There was a wide-ranging discussion regarding the November 2003 Forum on Race & Ethnic Diversity.
The Commission would like to create a new program tailored to our needs, which would draw people from
diverse communities to this event. Ms. Muench provided a list of questions from the 2003 Forum that
could be used by the vendor to formulate a program to meet our needs. Ms. Muench suggested initial
pTograms, further follow-up and the use of Village resources to assist. She feels with planning, a program
set in place can go beyond the forum with dialogue addressing diversity issues. Ms. Fuller indicated that
the initial forum was framework for either the Commission or Village to take further action. Ms. Ortiz
questioned the goal of the activities, who it is we are trying to reach and what comes next. Ms. Muench
stated the Interfaith Council is active in this area and discussed Des Plaines activities, which have been
successful. She would like to have the Interfaith Council attend a meeting for the spiritual aspect of this
issue. There was a discussion on Village Staff attending diversity training. The Chairman and Ms.
Muench would like to discuss this with the Mayor to determine her interest.
Ms. Fuller said we have to start from the 2003 Forum and look for a link to grow and go further. Ms.
Muench suggested asking the vendor/instructor where they go next. The Chairman said he is not sure if
this is a CRC responsibility. The Commission can open the doors for people to go forward and provide
resources, but the Commission does not have the funds for activitfes. The first step can be provided, but
it is up to the individual to take the next step. Ms. Muench feels change starts with a small group, Ms.
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: March 6, 2007
Ortiz feels the program is too broad, and Ms. Fuller wants to know more. It will be determined whether
Rita Starr, a vendor/instructor, should be at the next meeting to provide information regarding her
program.
V. NEW BUSINESS
The Mayor extended an invitation to the Commission to participate in Cinco de Mayo. The Chairman will
gather information regarding the celebration. When the information comes in, it will be forwarded to the
members.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE
No Correspondence.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned after a motion was made by Commissioner Ortiz and seconded by
Commissioner Muench. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
7rI~~
Michael Sernkiu
Deputy Police Chief