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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2008 CRC minutes " MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Community Center, Village Hall Thursday, March 6, 2008 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. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Tolbert Commissioner Fuller Commissioner Ortiz Commissioner Muench Absent: Vice Chairman Parikh Also in Attendance: Michael Semkiu, Deputy Chief of Police III. 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 programs, 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 activities. 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. Page 1 of 2 Minutes Page 2 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, l1I1~~ Michael Semkiu Deputy Police Chief