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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/01/2004 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION 2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building Thursday, April 1, 2004 7:00 p.m. The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held Thursday, April 1, 2004 in the 2nd floor conference room of Village Hall, 100 South Emerson, Mount Prospect, Illinois. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Brennan called the meeting to order at 7: 05 p.m. ROLL CALL Present Commissioner Schultz Commissioner Tolbert Commissioner Parikh Absent: Commissioner Muench Also in attendance: Mayor Gerald L. Farley Joe Hanafee resident Lisa Angell staff liaison APPROVAL OF MINUTES Following the discussion of the question regarding the use of CDBG housing funds, page 2, paragraph 10, 2nd question, a motion to approve the March 4, 2004 meeting minutes was approved and seconded. The minutes were approved as written. OLD BUSINESS . Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) [At the March 4, 2004 meeting Ms. Marisa Warneke, Community Development Neighborhood Planner, provided an overview of housing programs in the Village's current CDBG 5 year consolidated plan. At that time Ms. Warneke also indicated her willingness to explore with the Commission the possibility of incorporating their affordable housing objectives in the Village's 2005 CDBG 5 year consolidated plan.] Since the March 4, 2004 meeting additional discussions regarding affordable housing in Mount Prospect, and what role the Commission should have in promoting affordable housing in the Village have taken place. Commissioner Schultz summarized her meeting with Mr. Hanafee which was a review of the current CDBG budget. Commissioner Schultz stated she also contacted Ms. Warneke for additional information on the HUD programs and affordable housing guidelines. However, due to the massive amount of documentation, and further clarifi- cation on what documents would facilitate their research on affordable housing, Commissioner Schultz and Mr. Hanafee had not met with Ms. Warneke. Ms. Warneke also indicated Chairman Brennan and Mayor Farley would be meeting first to discuss the Commission's activities including its interest in promoting affordable housing opportunities in Mount Prospect. Chairman Brennan stated he and Mayor Farley did meet to discuss the Commission's various activities including affordable housing. Chairman Brennan then invited the Mayor to share his thoughts on what role the Commission could have in promoting affordable housing in the Village. The Mayor expressed his support of the Commission's interest in affordable housing programs and complimented the Commission on their proactive efforts to promote diversity such as the Racism Forum and the Mosaic Suburban Book of the Year. He believes these types of programs are constructive for building diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. Mayor Farley reaffirmed the Boards support in working in a constructive manner with the Commission. Mayor Farley closed his comments by stating community leaders have maintained a long-standing commitment to keep housing in Mount Prospect affordable; the Village currently exceeds HUD guidelines for affordable housing. Next, Chairman Brennan asked the members what role they would like to see the Commission take, on the issue of affordable housing. Commissioner Schultz stated she would like to research how other communities have addressed affordable housing, and what contributed to their success. Commissioner Tolbert asked what was considered affordable housing in Mount Prospect, and what criteria is used to establish a benchmark for affordable housing? In response to Commissioner Tolbert's question it was noted that one of the criteria used by HUD is the percent of household income spent on housing costs; less than or equal to 30% of annual household income. Chairman Brennan reviewed the comments from the Racism Forum which have helped the Commission identify issues to consider; diversity and affordable housing. He also reviewed the various CDBG funding programs, and wondered if the Commission would support proactive measures to facilitate awareness of the available funds to minority populations. Commissioner Parikh suggested the Commission review its intended purpose first, and then prioritize and focus on the goals/objectives expressed at the Forum that are within the realm of the Commission's charge. Chairman Brennan asked the Mayor to talk about what the intent of the Village Board was when creating the Community Relations Commission. The Mayor responded that the Village of Mount Prospect is a proactive rather than a reactive community. The Mayor and Village Board believed the Commission would be a positive force in this practice, and enhance the Village's efforts to be more inclusive. Although the members agreed it was important to define the Commission's general purpose, many of the questions/comments centered on the Commission's level of involvement on affordable housing issues. The staff liaison informed the members that Brian White with the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities will be at the next Family Issues Committee Meeting, April 20, 2004. Commissioner Schultz and Mr. Hanafee both indicated they would like to attend the meeting. The staff liaison provided the details regarding the date and time and suggested they contact Nancy Morgan to let her know they would be attending. Chairman Brennan suggested the Commission take time to review the Village Code governing the Community Relations Commission, the comments/suggestions from the Racism Forum, the CDBG priorities, and be prepared to discuss these items at the May Commission meeting. Chairman Brennan asked the staff liaison to mail these documents to the members in advance of the next meeting. . Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year Chairman Brennan stated the program continues to receive very positive support; Village Trustees, Mount Prospect Council of Churches, Sunrise Rotary, etc. Chairman Brennan also mentioned another program that was suggested at the last Suburban Mosaic Book committee meeting. A "movable feast" which would facilitate understanding of different cultures by having the family(s) of two different cultures share a meal in one of their homes or worship centers. Although the initial program would be designed for two cultures to meet, the ultimate goal would be to have several cultures participate in the same "feast." Chairman Brennan stated he has done a lot of work publicizing the program as has the Daily Herald. A letter about the program and selected books will go out to both public, and private schools under Chairman Brennan's signature. It is the Committee's intent to have everything in place so the program can start in June 2004. There are three reading categories: teen/adult, middle school and elementary. Teen/adult House on Manao Street Middle school The Bread Winner Elementary Everybody Cooks Rice (tentative) Hoping to get an author to talk about their book at one of the local libraries the participating libraries have pledged money for the author(s) fee. [It was mentioned that authors are typically drawn to bookstores rather than libraries to promote their books.] Chairman Brennan reported the Sunrise Rotary had donated $500 to the program for publicity. He asked Mayor Farley if funding would be available from the Village. The Mayor responded that funds would be available to the Commission. Additional comments/questions regarding the Mosaic Suburban Book of the Year. Chairman Brennan - flyer promoting the program should be finalized by late April he will get flyers to Mayor Farley for distribution at suburban Mayors' meeting selected books are available in paperback, audio, English and Spanish author of House on Manao Street is Cisneros Commissioner Tolbert- if the flyers are available he will see if they can be displayed on the literary table at the Rotary's District Conference. Commissioner Schultz- gave Chairman Brennan the Spanish translation of the flyer Commissioner Parikh - he would like to assist in publicizing the program. NEW BUSINESS No new business was scheduled for discussion. However, Commissioner Parikh did ask the members to consider another proactive measure to facilitate understanding and acceptance of our diverse population. Commissioner Parikh related to the members how he had successfully worked with the Mount Prospect library to recognize the Asian culture during its celebration period. Commissioner Parkih suggested the Commission develop a similar approach to enhance community awareness and greater insight into the many cultures that make this community. One suggestion was for the Village to do a proclamation honoring the culture(s) that has a special event or religious holy day(s) in a specific month. Chairman Brennan encouraged Commissioner Parikh to include this as a goal when the Commission discusses goals/objectives at the May meeting. REPORTS Family Issues - no report OTHER Chairman Brennan asked all those present to join him in congratulating Commissioner Parikh and his wife Hema on their 25th wedding anniversary, March 23rd. Chairman Brennan stated he would be out of town for the regularly scheduled May meeting and wondered if it could be rescheduled for May 13th. The Commission fully supported his request and the next Commission meeting was scheduled for May 13, 2004, 7:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of Village Hall, 100 South Emerson. Commissioner Schultz asked if she and Mr. Hanafee should continue to meet about affordable housing. Chairman Brennan indicated they should continue to meet, and the Mayor asked Commissioner Schultz to contact Marisa Warneke about the requested HUD documentation. The Mayor asked the staff liaison to let Ms. Warneke know Commissioner Schultz would be contacting her to set a time to meet and determine which documents would be beneficial to their research. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell Staff Liaison 847.870.5640