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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/13/2004 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNiTY RELATIONS COMMISSION 2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building Thursday, May 13, 2004 7:00 porn. The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held Thursday, May 13, 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 Lisa Angell staff liaison APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the April 1, 2004 meeting minutes was moved and seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved as written. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 0 Community Relations Commission - Goals and Objectives At the April 1, 2004 Chairman Brennan asked the Commission members to be prepared to discuss and prioritize the Commission's goals. Since that meeting the Commission had the opportunity to review the Commission's Mission Statement as defined in Chapter V, Article VII of the Village Code, the Village's Five Year Consolidated Plan in accordance with HUD funding, and the summary of participant comments from the Racism Forum. Chairman Brennan opened the discussion by asking the members whether the Community Relations Commission should address affordable housing issues in the Village including efforts that would prevent residents from leaving the community because they can't afford to live in Mount Prospect. Commissioner Schultz asked about the specific obligations of the Commission. She then distributed a copy of a document she got off the internet regarding the Village donating its allocation of IRS tax~exempt bonding authority to a Chicago firm to build an affordable multifamily housing development in Elgin. The Commissioner then asked the Mayor about this program and the decision process to donate the funds. Mayor Farley responded that it was the Board's decision to donate the funds since no firm had approached the Village about using the funds for a project in the Village. By donating the funds to Stern Brothers the Village received $45,000, a 1 % fee paid by Stern Brothers. If the Village had not done something with the allocation it would have been automatically transferred to the state, with no fee paid to the Village. Mayor Far!ey then distributed a copy of the Commission's Mission Statement and Functions of the Commission. The Mayor stated that while these are the duties and responsibilities the Board envisioned when estabiishing the Commission, the Commission could with approval from the Board explore other areas. Although affordable housing isn't a function of the Commission, the Mayor suggested that if the Commission feels affordable housing should be explored than the Commission could present its case to the Board. The Mayor also clarified the specific regulatory duties to receive, hear and investigate citizen complaints against a Village official. He noted the duties do not include soliciting for such complaints. Both Chairman Brennan and Commissioner Parikh inquired about the status of the Procedural Manual. The staff liaison stated a manual had been drafted by the Village attomey. Village administration will review the document; she will check on when it would be available to the Commission. She added, once the Manual was finalized a training session for the Commission will be conducted. Commissioner Parikh commented that "acts of intolerance" can be very broad and will guidelines giving substance to "acts of intolerance" be developed? He noted that education efforts such as the Racism Forum can be very effective. Commissioner Parikh feels the Commission should work through their list of priorities; unless the Board thinks affordable housing is a priority. Commissioner Tolbert feels the affordable housing issue is out of the purview of the Commission. Commissioner Schultz stated that in her research it was very difficult to find communities with successful affordable housing programs. She thinks the gentrification that has dried up affordable housing in larger cities may be occurring in Mount Prospect, i.e., the increasing number of tear downs. Commissioner Schultz feels the Commission should explore the area of affordable housing, it is a social issue that impacts the community. Chairman Brennan agreed that "affordable housing" is an economic as well as social issue that the Commission should explore. Commissioner Parikh suggested one of the activities to consider would be establishing an event calendar that would celebrate and/or recognize Mount Prospect's diverse population. As an example, a display of the culture celebrating a special date/month could be put up in the Viilage Hall or Library. Local organizations may be willing to sponsor events. Chairman Brennan asked Commissioner Pariikh to bring a calendar that identifies "celebratory/religious" dates of the various cultures to the June meeting. Although she was not able to attend the meeting Commissioner Muench's written comments were distributed to the members. Discussion of the Commission's Goals and Objectives will be continued at the June 3, 2004 meeting. 0 Diversity Chairman Brennan distributed a memo from Reverend Kirk Reed to the Commission regarding the Cultural Diversity Task Force. The Cultural Diversity Task Force would like to work as a team with the Community Relations Commission in building a richly diverse community with mutual understanding, appreciation and trust. Chairman Brennan asked if the Commission would support the Task Force and participate in their Multicultural Feasts. The Task Force would Hke one of the Commissioners to participate in the first meal; Turkish, Caucasian, Hispanic and Indian couples, Although the Commission would like to know more about the goals of the Task Force the Commission agreed to support their first event. Chairman Brennan will notify the Task Force of the Commission's support at their June 9, 2004 meeting. Mayor Farley indicated he would also be in attendance. 0 4th of July Parade The staff liaison informed the Commission that the theme for this year's 4th of July parade is "Diversity". She asked if the Commission would like to participate; the Public Works Department could make the signage for one of the trucks. At least two of the Commissioners indicated they would be out of the area that week. With further discussion the Commission did think it would be a good opportunity to promote Diversity and let the community know about the Commission, a final commitment to participate was not given. A final decision on participation was deferred until the June meeting. REPORTS Family Issues - Commissioner Schultz gave a summary of the April 20, 2004 presentation by Brian White, Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities. Mr. White explained how his organization could assist the Village on housing issues; promoting affordable housing programs as well as pursuing discriminatory actions by property owners, etc. Mr. White stated the Village does have one of the better housing programs in the suburban area, and he often uses the Village as an example to other communities seeking to improve housing standards. Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year - Chairman Brennan stated the Lake Zurich Library will be participating in the program; 12 libraries are now involved in the program. With the expansive representation it is feasible that community outreach efforts could involve 200,000+ participants. Chairman Brennan informed the Commission that none of the local bookstores would offer a discount on the purchase of the selected books. Commissioner Tolbert indicated he may be able to assist next year with the purchase of the selected books through the publisher(s). OTHER Chairman Brennan received a call from a resident inquiring about mediation for a neighbor to neighbor dispute. Concerned with some of the comments made by the resident Chairman Brennan discussed the call with Police Chief Eddington. The ponce are aware of the situation, and have talked with the resident. Chairman Brennan did follow-up with the resident, however the Commission will not be involved at this time. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell Staff Liaison 847.870.5640