HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/2003 CRC minutes MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building
Thursday, November 6, 2003
7:00 p.m.
The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held
Thursday, November 6, 2003 in the 2nd flOOr conference room of the Public Safety Building, 112 East
Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect, Illinois.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Brennan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present
Commissioner Parikh
Commissioner Tolbert
Lisa Angell, Staff Liaison
Absent:
Commissioner Muench
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the October 2, 2003 meeting minutes was moved and seconded. The minutes were
unanimously approved as written.
OLD BUSINESS
· November23, 2003 Thanksgiving Celebration
The Commission received a copy of the flyer promoting the Community-wide Thanksgiving Service in
their November meeting packets. Although the Commission is not listed on the flyer as one of the
sponsors of the event, Chairman Brennan stated the Commission was a sponsor. Chairman Brennan
said the Celebration will include a video with students from School District #26 speaking in different
languages. Chairman Brennan will notify Access to Care that the organization has been selected as the
recipient of the special offering collected at the event and extend an invitation to the agency attend the
service.
NEW BUSINESS
· Chairman Brennan stated Reverend Kirk Reed from Trinity United MethodiSt ChurCh had contacted
him about a program for training people on how to organize community action. This may be a good
follow-up to the Racism and Diversity Forum, Chairman Brennan will pass on further details about
, the program as they become available.
Several months ago Commissioner Parikh suggested the Commission develop a network with other
municipal Community/Human Relations Commissions. Although there was support for his
suggestion, no action was taken at that time. However, the Commission would still like to establish a
relationship with other commissions/committees the Commission asked the staff liaison to make
appropriate contacts/inquiries. The staff liaison stated she would initiate contact with the Northwest
Municipal Conference as the organization would be a good resource for identifying communities with
existing Community/Human Relations Commissions.
It was also suggested that the Commission develop a "calendar" of sorts to increase awareness and
understanding of the various cultures in the community. Utilizing existing communication systems
the "calendar" would provide information about significant dates/days or events of th evarious
cultures/religions.
he staff liaison stated she would also contact the Public Information Officer, Maura El Metennani to
explore the best method(s) for communicating this information. She will also invite Ms. El Metennai to
a Commission to discuss other opportunities such as a Community Day.
REPORTS (Commission/staff)
Racism and Diversity Forum
Chairman Brennan summarized the format and discussions of the last Forum meeting held October
20, 2003. During the meeting participants were asked to write down their thoughts on a "common"
sheet of paper. [The easel size papers had specific questions relating to the Forum and were hung
along the wall for participants to write on.] Chairman Brennan has organized and transcribed some
of the responses and asked if the staff liaison would be able to complete this project so a mailing to
the participants could be done by November 14, 2003.
It was also mentioned that the issue of affordable housing and neighborhood integration prompted a
discussion about housing in Mount Prospect. [Several participants' comments suggested affordable
housing was a significant factor in developing a diverse community].
Family Issues Committee
The Committee met October 21,2003 but neither Commissioner Tolbert or the staff liaison were able
to attend. (see enclosed minutes)
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor
conference room of the Public Safety Building.. There being no further business a motion to adjourn
was moved and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:3 0 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Angell
Staff Liaison
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