HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2004 CRC minutes
MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Community Center, Village Hall
Thursday, December 2, 2004
7:00 p.m.
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect met Thursday, December 2, 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: 00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioner Parikh
Commissioner Muench
Commissioner Schultz
Commissioner Tolbert
Also in attendance:
George Wagner, Village Attorney
Lisa Angell, Staff Liaison
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the October 7, 2004 meeting minutes was moved and seconded.
unanimously approved as written.
The minutes were
NEW BUSINESS
As defined under Chapter 5, Article VII of the Village Code one of the functions of the Community Relations
Commission is to receive, hear and investigate, "non-criminal complaints or charges or practices of discrimination or
acts of prejudice or intolerance against any persons or group because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national
origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability by a village official and to make recommendations for the
resolution of such matter."
Mr. George Wagner of Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, LTD., drafted the procedural manual to guide the Commission in
conducting the hearings, and was in attendance to provide an overview of the written procedures and respond to
questions/comments from the Commissioners.
The Commission members asked for and received clarification on various items including:
1) Can the complaints be anonymous?
No, per the Village code a hearing cannot be held for an anonymous complaint. However, the Commission
can forward the complaint, with an option to respond, to the department head and employee.
2) Does the procedure manual include a provision to accommodate individuals with special needs?
No, it does not. It was recommended that information regarding special accommodations be added
to the complaint form.
3) Is the Commission allowed to go into closed session during the hearing?
Yes, the Commission can vote to go into closed session but cannot take any action during that time.
Are complaints involving police personnel heard before the Community Relations Commission or
the Police and Fire Board?
Police officers appear before the Police and Fire Board. Mr. Wagner then displayed the laminated Fact
Sheet and complaint form the Police Department uses to investigate complaints made against the Police
personnel, "Citizen's Allegation of Employee Misconduct Report" form.
Commissioner Tolbert asked if he and other members of the Commission could attend a Police and Fire Board
hearing. Mr. Wagner indicated Commission members could do so, and he would forward this request to the Village
Manager.
The Commission members thanked Mr. Wagner for his presentation, and indicated they would continue their review
of the procedures at the January 2005. Mr. Wagner stated he would be happy to respond to any further questions
their discussion may generate.
OLD BUSINESS
Cultural Events Guide
Commissioner Parikh opened the discussion on cultural events by suggesting the Commission identify three (3)
or four (4) projects for the year. The projects would focus on cultural awareness and be coordinated with other
community organizations. Commissioner Parikh stated he would be attending the quarterly meeting of local
public officials in February 2005. At that time he will have an opportunity to share the Commission's proposal on
cultural events/activities such as, proclamations, banners, and an international taste of Mount Prospect at the 4th
of July festival.
Commissioner Parikh invited the other members to attend the December 11, 2004 Coffee with Council with him.
He stated the community meeting was another opportunity to explain and promote the cultural events concept.
Commissioner Parikh also mentioned the Martin Luther King, Jr. dinner is scheduled for January 13, 2005.
When available the staff liaison will forward details about the dinner to the Commission members.
The Commission will continue discussion of proposed projects at the January meeting.
Chairman Brennan and Commissioner Muench provided an overview of the November 21, 2004
Thanksgiving Service. Although attendance was small the service was very nice. Chairman Brennan stated
two (2) members of the Turkish Ministry attended, and participated in the readings.
OTHER
Chairman Brennan gave a brief update on the Suburban Mosiac Book of the Year.
He stated the program would continue next year, book selections will be made in March 2005.
Chairman Brennan asked the staff liaison to draft a 2005 proposed meeting schedule for the January meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the
new Village Hall, 50 South Emerson. Commissioner Muench stated she would not be at the January meeting.
There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Angell
Staff Liaison
847.870.5640
langell@mountprospect.org
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