HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/05/2004 CRC minutes
MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
2ND Floor Conference Room, Public Safety Building
Thursday, February 5, 2004
7:00 p.m.
The meeting of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) of the Village of Mount Prospect was held
Thursday, February 5, 2004 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: 05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present
Commissioner Parikh
Commissioner Schultz
Commissioner Tolbert
Absent:
Commissioner Muench
Staff
Lisa Angell
INTRODUCTION
Chairman Brennan welcomed and introduced the newly appointed Community Relations Commissioner,
Ms. Rosario Schultz. Commissioner Schultz expressed her appreciation and commitment to the
Commission, and also shared information regarding her longtime involvement with programs supporting
the Hispanic community. Commissioner Schultz was particularly relentless in her efforts to establish the
local Hispanic Ministry which now serves as model for other communities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the January 8, 2004 meeting minutes was moved and seconded. The minutes were
unanimously approved as written.
OLD BUSINESS
. Prayer Guidelines for Public Officials
Prior to the meeting the Commission had an opportunity to review the draft of the Prayer Guidelines
for Public Officials crafted by Chairman Brennan. Following a brief discussion and agreement to
make a few minor revisions, the Commission unanimously approved the Prayer Guidelines for Public
Officials. Chairman Brennan requested the staff liaison forward the guidelines to the Village
Manager for distribution to the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees. The staff liaison stated she
would do so.
.
Next Steps Toward Open and Inclusive Communities
Approximately 40 individuals attended the January 28th, meeting facilitated by Brian White, Director
of Community Relations, Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities. Chairman
Brennan gave a brief overview of the evening which focused on Affordable Housing. Mr. Joe
Hanafee, Mount Prospect resident, volunteered to follow-up with participants to determine interest in
forming a committee to address the issue of affordable housing.
In addition, there was an interest among several female participants to form a group to discuss
women's issues.
The staff liaison stated that she had been contacted by Mr. Mike Jacobs, Community Development
Deputy Director to discuss the Community Development Block Grant Five (5) Year Budget. A new
5 year budget plan needs to be developed and implemented in 2005. Mr. Jacobs requested the
Commission be involved in this process. Affordable housing issues could be included in the 5 year
budget plan.
Chairman Brennan asked the staff liaison to invite Community Development staff to the March
Commission meeting. Chairman Brennan will extend an invitation to Mr. Hanafee to attend as well.
.
Northwest Suburban Reading Program
Chairman Brennan, also serving as the Chairman of the Steering Committee for this program,
reported on the February 4, 2004 meeting held at the Daily Herald. Seventeen "enthusiastic"
individuals representing various agencies were in attendance; [Libraries - Arlington Heights, Des
Plaines, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg District a nd Wheeling District; Schools -
District 2 6, District 59, Community Township 214 and Harper College; Hoffman Estates - Cultural
Committee and the Daily Herald].
Program Name
The Northwest Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year
Objective
To prompt people, adults/teens/children, to read a book(s) on racism and social justice;
pathway to discussion and enlightenment on racial profiling and cultural diversity/
awareness.
Funding
Although there has been no formal solicitation for financial support, two (2) local
organizations indicated they would provide some financial support; Mount Prospect Noon
Rotary Club and Mount Prospect Council of Churches.
Stru ctu re/Com m u n ication
The was a general discussion on program format as well as how the program should be
promoted. Several suggestions were made, including;
Different book selections for adults and children.
Libraries make the book selections.
Utilize established groups to promote the program and discussion groups
The next meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2004.
NEW BUSINESS
. Commissioner Parikh reported that after several attempts he was able to have a phone conversation
with a representative from the Hoffman Estates Cultural Diversity Committee, Mr. Fred Kesbo. Mr.
Kesbo is very interested in working other municipal groups on diversity issues. [Chairman Brennan
stated Mr. Kesbo was at the February 4th suburban reading program meeting.]
REPORTS (Commission/staff)
. Family Issues Committee
Chairman Brennan asked Commissioner Tolbert to talk about the reading program at the next Family
Issues Meeting.
OTHER
. Chairman Brennan inquired about training for the Commission on Discrimination Hearing procedures.
After the training Chairman Brennan and Commissioner Parikh will proceed with the development of a
manual.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 4,2004 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 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Lisa Angell
Staff Liaison
x:\U S E RS\LANG ELL \commun i tyrelationscommission2004 \febmeetingmin utes. doc