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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2003 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION 2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building Thursday, January 9, 2003 7:00 p.m. The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held Thursday, December 5, 2002 in the second floor conference room of the Public Safety Building, 112 East Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, Illinois. CALL TO ORDER Chairman John Brennan called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman John Brennan Commissioner Muench Commissioner Judi Muniz Commissioner Pankaj Parikh Commissioner Anthony Tolbert Village Staff: Poice Chief Richard Eddington Staff Liaison Lisa Angell NEW BUSINESS (In consideration of Police Chief Eddington's schedule New Business preceded Approval of Minutes.) Community Overview Police Chief Eddington provided an overview of the community and how the Police Department is incorporating educational and technical programs to enhance the communication between Department staff and the Village's diverse population. Chief Eddington also provided a handout on Gangs in the Village. The Commission members had several questions regarding gang activity and how/what the Police Department is doing to address the gang presence. In his response Chief Eddington talked about the comprehensive approach taken by the Village to address the problems associated with gangs. He also explained the concept and benefits of Neighborhood Resoume Centers. Although the Police organize the Centers, there is a strong representation of community service providers to assist residents in making a positive transition to their new environment; housing, banking, social security, education, transportation, employment, etc. Although a site and funding for a Neighborhood Resoume Center in the Village has yet to be determined, the Commission indicated their strong support of such a program. The information presented by Chief Eddington prompted many questions as well as suggestions from the Commission. In closing the Chief informed the members of the Police Department's commitment to working with the Commission. He also indicated he would like to review the procedural manual for processing complaints before it is actually needed. Chairman Brennan responded that he and Commissioner Parikh were working on the manual and there would be an opportunity for the Chief to review the guidelines before it is adopted. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the December 5, 2002 meeting minutes was moved and seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved as written. Motion carried. REPORTS Commissioner Tolbert reported on his attendance at the December 17, 2002 Family Issues Committee meeting. · Legal Aid - legal assistance will be available two (2) afternoons a week at the Mount Prospect Human Services Building. Human Services staff advocated for this service for a long time; Mount Prospect was the only community in this area selected. Bi-lingual (Spanish) attorneys will be available to assist individuals with non- criminal legal issues. · John Jay School - 2002 Lincoln Award for Excellence recipient [performance excellence in an organization] · Human Services Food Pantry - the Village's Human Services Department provided food and other items for 150 families during the holiday season. Commissioner Tolbert cemmented on the volume of food donated to this program. · Advocacy Training - program to train individuals to act as an advocate for residents with housing concerns member of the Family Issues Committee attended the first graduation ceremony and spoke very positive about having a local advocate. Commissioner Tolbert indicated he will continue to attend the Family Issues Committee Meetings. Following Commissioner Tolbert's comments the Commission resumed their discussion of the information presented by Chief Eddington. it was suggested that the Commission act now in addressing these issues. Although there was a consensus that the Commission's role should be proactive the members had varying opinions as to the most effective approach. Chairman Brennan recognized and commended the members desire to take immediate steps to remedy community concems but encouraged them to consider the significant and long-term benefits of a comprehensive approach: (1) continue their educational process, (2) generate community input/make assessments, (3) enhance existing programs and (4) recommend/implement new initiatives. The Commission will continue to meet with staff and learn more about existing community programs/service. The Village's Human Services Director, Nancy Morgan and Hispanic Social Worker, Nina Persino will be invited to speak at the February 6th meeting. Marisa Warneke, Vii]age Planner and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrator will be asked to address the Commission at the March 6th meeting. Chairman Brennan requested the Commission receive a copy of the most current census report. [Information will be included in the February meeting packet.] OLD BUSINESS · Discrimination Hearing Process [Procedural Guidelines] Chairman Brennan reported that he and Commissioner Parikh continue to work on the guidelines. He anticipates completion to be mid to late May. The staff liaison reported that the Village attorney is finalizing the complaint form. ADJOURNMENT The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 6th, 2003, 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell Staff Liaison X:\USERS\LANOELL\comrnunityrelationscommission2002\december5meedngminutes.doc