HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/07/2004 CRC minutes
MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Community Center, Village Hall
Thursday, October 7, 2004
7:00 p.m.
The Community Relations Commission (CRG) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, October 7, 2004 in the
Village Hall of Mount Prospect, Illinois, 50 South Emerson Street.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Brennan called the meeting to order at 7: 05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioner Parikh
Commissioner Muench
Commissioner Schultz
Commissioner Tolbert
Absent:
Also in attendance:
Lisa Angell, Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes from the September 2, 2004 Public Hearing were unanimously approved as written. Minutes from the
September 9, 2004 Special Meeting were unanimously approved with the following correction:
ADJOURNMENT - first sentence
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2004 ... should read, The next regular meeting
was scheduled for Thursday, October 7, 2004.
OLD BUSINESS
Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] Program
The staff liaison reported the Village Board unanimously approved the Community Development Block Grant
Five Year Consolidated Plan as recommended by the Community Relations Commission. It was noted that the
Commission appreciates the value the Mayor and Village Board places in their recommendations.
.
Affordable Housing
After several months of on-going discussion regarding the Commission's role in Affordable Housing Issues the
Commissioner's concluded their role was limited to the functions defined under Article VII, Section 5.703:1 of the
Village Code.
However, several Commission members maintained that affordable housing is a concern of such magnitude the
Mayor and Village Board should appoint a special task force dedicated to affordable housing issues. The
Commission then formalized their position with the following recommendation:
The Community Relations Commission believes Affordable Housing is an important economic and
social concern that merits a Special Task Force to study and make long-term recommendations that will
allow individuals/ families of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to find affordable housing in Mount
Prospect. Therefore, the Commission respectfully requests the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees
appoint an Affordable Housing Task Force to serve as the recommending body to the Village Board on
affordable housing issues.
A motion to approve the recommendation was moved, seconded and unanimously approved.
Cultural Events
Commissioner Parikh shared his recent discussion with Mayor Farley and Village Manager Mike Janonis on
developing a Cultural Events Program to facilitate and promote goodwill and understanding among the people of
the community.
Commissioner Parikh stated both the Mayor and Village Manager expressed positive support of this approach to
enhance awareness and exposure to the various cultures and religions representing the Village's diverse
population.
In response to Commissioner Parikh's recommendation to promote cultural/religious awareness through a
community calendar/celebration guide, a motion to support Commissioner's Parikh's recommendation was
moved, seconded and unanimously approved.
Following approval of the recommendation, the Commission discussed how and who to contact to assist in
expanding and promoting the cultural events guide/activities. Commissioner Parikh will continue to coordinate
this project.
Chairman Brennan announced the Mount Prospect Council of Churches had officially changed its name to
the Mount Prospect InterFaith Council. Commissioner Muench then asked about the Council's Annual interfaith
Thanksgiving Feast. Chairman Brennan stated the Thanksgiving Feast would be held, November 21st, at
Community Presbyterian Church.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was presented for discussion.
OTHER
. Chairman Brennan gave a brief update on the Suburban Mosiac Book of the Year book discussions.
He noted two (2) of the authors of this year's book selections were scheduled to be at local libraries;
Norah Dooley, Everyone Cooks Rice, and Deborah Ellis, The Breadwinner.
The Commission congratulated Chairman Brennan on his recent award for promoting diversity in the NW
suburbs at the 2004 Diversity Walk.
. The staff liaison reminded the Commission members of the October 16th Welcome New Residents event at the
new Village Hall; Commission members who plan on attending will notify the liaison.
The Commission members were invited to participate in the 2004 Crop Walk.
Two (2) Commission members indicated they would not be available for the November meeting. After a brief
discussion the Commission agreed to cancel the November meeting. Presentation and discussion of the
Hearing Procedural Manual will be scheduled for the December 2, 2004 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the
new Village Hall, 50 South Emerson. 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
langell@mountprospect.org
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