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Home My WebLink About04/03/2003 CRC minutes MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION 2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building Thursday, April 3, 2003 7:00 p.m. The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held Thursday, April 3, 2003 in the 2nd floor conference room of the Village Hall, 100 South Emerson Street, 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 Judi Muniz Commissioner Pankaj Parikh Commissioner Anthony Tolbert Arrived (7:15 p.m.) Commissioner Barbara Muench Presenters Susan Horan School District #214 David Cadllo School District #214 Citizens Michael Munao Northeastern University student Daisy Ramoz Northeastern University student Village Staff: Michael E. Janonis, Village Manager Lisa Angell, Staff Liaison APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the February 6, 2003 meeting minutes was moved and seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved as written. Due to lack of a quorum the regular March 6, 2003 meeting was canceled. However, Community Development staff made an informal presentation; no minutes were taken. OLD BUSINESS Racism and Sensitivity Workshop Chairman Brennan reported that he participated in the Racism and Sensitivity Workshop in Mundeiein the weekend of March 8, 2003. He stated approximately 50 individuals including committee members attended the event. He described it as a good workshop, very moving and worthwhile. Chairman Brennan indicated the workshop is an annual event so there would be other opportunities for interested Commission members to participate. Report to Mayor and Board of Trustees Chairman Brennan asked if there were any comments on the overview of the Commission's activities thus far that was submitted to the Mayor and Board of Trustees. There were no comments. NEW BUSINESS · Village Diversity Training Program [Chairman Brennan stated that he had met with Mayor Farley and Mr. Janonis to discuss development of a community based diversity program. With the support and approval of the Mayor and Village administration for program development Chairman Brennan invited representatives from School District #214 to talk about their highly successful diversity program.] Chairman Brennan introduced Ms. Horan and Mr. David Carillo from School District #214. Ms. Horan and Mr. Carillo are facilitators for the district's Diversity II program. Ms. Horan and Mr. Carillo provided a comprehensive overview of the program including how and why the program was implemented. o The program is in its third (3~) year o Participants are voluntary o Wide range of representation; program is open to administration/faculty/staff of school district #214 o Program defines diversity as, just being different o Objective - Treat People with Respect Designed to allow individuals to take a look at their own beliefs and biases in a safe environment. o Program sessions are loosely structured to allow participants, "open topic" discussions. The Commission members had several questions regarding the program including; o What is the rate of participation at the meetings? 80% o What is the dropout rate? Three (3) participants dropped out because of scheduling conflict o Why do people attend? They want to become better people and teachers. It was noted that discussions on diversity are not limited to race, culture, color, religion, etc. There have also been discussions on other topics such as different lifestyles and socio-economic differences, i.e., the haves and have-nots. Chairman Brennan then asked Mr. Carillo and Ms. Horan for suggestions on how the Commission might formulate a similar program. Mr. Carillo responded that it would be beneficial to know what the Commission would like to achieve with a community program. The Village Manager and Chairman Brennan shared their ideas on the initial process and objectives. o Initial formation may be an exploratory group- diverse representation o Series of three (3) meetings (1st series maybe to discuss road blocks such as language barriers) o Use feedback to structure program o Co-sponsor program with the School District's Community Education Program o Three (3) groups of participant; Village staff, commission members, community at large o September target date Although the general consensus was in support of a community based diversity program, the Commissioners had additional questions regarding the school district's program as well as the structuring of a Village program. Ms. Horan will mail copies of their manual, which outlines the Diversity II program to interested Commissioners. Chairman Brennan suggested a follow-up meeting be scheduled with Ms. Horan and Mr. Carilo for further discussion on what the Commission wants to accomplish. To develop a proposal for Ms. Horan and Mr. CarilIo Chairman Brennan will gather ideas from the Commission. Chairman Brennan will coordinate a meeting date and also contact Mike Stevens with the Community Education Program. OTHER BUSINESS o Northeastern College students Daisy Ramoz and Michael Munao introduced themselves. They were attending the meeting as part of their college coursework. Both students expressed how impressed they were that the Village had such a Commission and the proactive approach it took on diversity. The Commission members responded to the student's questions on how and why the Commission was established and its function. REPORTS o The staff liaison gave a brief summary of the March 18, 2003 Family Issues Committee meeting. (see attached minutes) o Chairman Brennan stated that his presentation which was essentially on, what do you think the Commission should do, to the Sun Rise Rotary Club was very well received. o Chairman Brennan stated he was going to be visiting the Health Clinic in Mount Prospect next week with Father Sonny. o Chairman Brennan reminded the Commissioners about the April 26, 2003 Welcome New Residents event. He stated the Commission will have a table with a banner, and encouraged the members to come if they could. ADJOURNMENT The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, May 1,2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room at Village Hall. There being no further business a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,, ~ Staff Liaison X:\USERS~LANGELL\communityrelationscommission2003\aprilmeetingminutes.doc amily Issues Subcommittee March 18, 2003 Attendance: Mary Otte, Rich Eddington, Philip Herman, Mary Smith, Linnea Pioro, Matt Skelly, Dave Larsen, Harriette Herrera, Maria Hernandez, Jim Uszler, Michael Davey, Ken Fritz, April Foley, Lisa Angell, Nina Persino, Susan Craven, Megan Farrell, and Nancy Morgan. Susan Craven of CARPLS gave a detailed overview of the at times chaotic Family Court System. Illinois rates 49th out of the 50 States as far as having a difficult system. It affects citizens and non- citizens alike. Nina Persino reported on the Hispanic Leaders Housing Class. Students have had perfect attendance. The Police Department currently holds classes for the Landlords. The Cook Leaders Committee is working on developing a regional list of landlords who have apartment building with multiple violations. The Chamber of Commerce announced their South Side Business Association meeting to be held at the Country Inn and Suites on 3/25 at 9:00 a.m. Next months meeting will be devoted to discussing the issues brainstormed during the October 2002 meeting. Nancy Morgan H:NLOUFamily Issues Minutes $/03