Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, September 23, 2024 6:30pm Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D & E (2nd Floor) In Attendance: Commissioners: Sheryl Bloom Basile, Alex Chaparro (interim chair), Sheila Crumrine (vice-chair), David Donegan, Carl Johnson, Jonathan Lavin, Joseph Meyers, Swarupa Pahan, Jeremy Segall, Karen Sherman, Valeriya Slutskaya, Margaret van Steenderen, Skokie Staff Liaison: Amanda Sabri Not in Attendance: Anthony Agee (E), Deborah Arnold (E), Marcos Levy, Maria Monastero Bueno (E), James Specker (E), Trustee Khem Khoeun (E) I. Call to Order: 6:40 PM II. Introductions and Updates A. Amanda Sabri read a statement from Maria Monastero Bueno informing the commission of her temporary leave of absence and the appointment of Alex Chaparro as Interim Chair. New members Margaret van Steenderen, Pastor Carl Johnson, and Valeriya Slutskaya introduced themselves and current members also provided introductions. Amanda Sabri informed the commission that Deborah Arnold has resigned from the commission due to moving Mt. Prospect. B. Alex Chaparro reminded commissioners that there are several open seats available on the commission and recommended that members encourage other community members to become involved with either the Human Relations Commission or other commissions that may also have openings. III. Approval of Agenda A. Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Sheryl Bloom Basile. All were in favor and the motion carried. IV. Approval of Minutes of May 20, 2024 Meeting A. David Donegan motioned to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Jon Lavin. All were in favor and the motion carried. V. Public Comments A. No public comments given. VI. Committee Reports A. Equity and Diversity Committee 1. Black History Month and Juneteenth: David Donegan and Sheila Crumrine reported on meetings they held with staff at Oakton College. These staff included Ella Whitehead, Assistant Director of Enrollment and Equity Outreach, Janeen Jackson, Equity Coordinator for BLACK Student Success, and Gabriel Chacon, Coordinator of Student Life and Campus Inclusion for Latinx Students. During this conversation and subsequent communications, they explored partnerships for programming with Oakton College directly, as well as joint partnerships with Oakton College and Niles West Highschool, Niles North Highschool, and the ELL Parent Center. Oakton College staff indicated that much of their current programming takes place on their Des Plaines campus but they are open to possible programming on the Skokie campus in the future. David Donegan also brought forth the idea of the commission facilitating a new iteration of Skokie Cares with a more targeted focus. 2. Early Intervention Hate/Bias Incidence: Amanda Sabri informed members that Police Chief Jesse Barnes has arranged for a training for commissioners and staff related to Hate Crimes and Hate Bias incidents. Donita Farr, Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Law Enforcement Training Bureau will provide this training during the next regularly scheduled Human Relations Commission meeting on October 28 from 6:30 – 7:30pm. 3. Unite Against Racism w/ YWCA: Sheila Crumrine gave an overview of our previous involvement with the YWCA’s Unite Against Racism events and the YWCA’s recent decision to move away from a demonstration event and move towards initiatives that focus on action. Sheila has a meeting scheduled with Heather Sweeney, YWCA’s Equity Institute Learning Manager, on November 7th, to explore the relationship with YWCA and how the commission can be involved. Amanda Sabri will also attend this meeting and one additional commissioner is welcome to attend as well. 4. Skokie Festival of Cultures: Karen Sherman confirmed that she will continue to be on the Festival of Cultures committee. When the committee resumes she will inquire about the possibility of the commission having its own stamp in the festival passport booklet. Sheryl Bloom Basile reported that she and Sheila Crumrine met with Nancy Kim Phillips, Director of Community Engagement at Skokie Public Library, to discuss possible partnerships between the library and our commission. One idea that was discussed was a community gathering, possibly including round table discussions, that could take place prior to Festival of Cultures and could be an opportunity for residents to share their cultural stories. Sheryl and Sheila will continue to discuss this idea with Nancy Kim Phillips. 5. Skokie Pride: Sheila Crumrine reports that she will contact the Skokie Park District to secure our table registration as date comes closer. 6. SEED Training: No updates. B. Neighbor Engagement Committee 1. Block Party Forum: Alex Chaparro provided an overview what the Block Party Forum is and why it is important. He also provided an overview of the planning process including the need for securing a room reservation. Alex is looking for another individual within the commission to partner with him to learn the process of how to host the Block Party Forum and  eventually take over this initiative in the future. The current plan is to conduct the forum in March 2025. 2. Block Parties: Amanda Sabri reported that currently, 69 residents have been approved for Block Party Permits and 21 of those residents have indicated that they plan to apply for the Block Party of the Year Award. 3. Know your Neighbor: Karen Sherman states she plans to have an update for the commission at our October meeting. 4. 4th of July Parade: Sheila Crumrine reported that there is a possibility she may be able to borrow a vintage car for the commission to use in the parade next year. Swarupa Pahan confirmed that the use of a vehicle can be indicated on the parade registration form. It is unknown at this time what regulations exist related having a vehicle in the parade. Alex Chaparro recommended purchasing additional items to give away during the parade and also having a stock of items available with commissioners or friends and family at a designated half- way point along the parade so not all items need to be carried. C. Housing Committee 1. Housing Subcommittee: Alex Chaparro thanked Jon Lavin for his work on the temporary Housing Subcommittee and announced that he has accepted the appointment of being the representative for the Human Relations Commission on the permanent Housing Subcommittee of the Plan Commission. This will be a four-year term of service. Jon Lavin provided an overview of the work of the previous subcommittee and will continue to provide updates to the commission as meetings begin on the committee. The committee will study housing in the Village and periodically report recommendations to the Plan Commission and the Board of Trustees. 2. Fair Housing Ordinance: No updates. VII. Budget Discussion A. Amanda Sabri provided an overview of the commission’s budget. Commissioners discussed what amount of money should be spent on give-away items at events and ways to streamline purchases. Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve $1500 in FY25 for giveaways and event expenses. The motion was seconded by Joseph Meyers. All were in favor and the motion carried. VIII. Other Items of Business A. Village Seal Redesign: Amanda Sabri provided an update that the Village Seal Committee has continued to meet with Mary Fedorowski of Overbite Studios and Marne Smiley of Bumper Lanes. Preliminary designs will be presented to Board of Trustees at the 10/21/24 board meeting. At this meeting a short presentation will be given on why the seal is being changed, the evolution of the committee process and an explanation of the elements of the seal design. It’s hoped that a final seal will go before the board for approval in December.  B. Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: Alex Chaparro informed the commission that members James Specker and Anthony Agee are at the Skokie Police Use of Force Meeting tonight. C. Discussion of Human Relations Commission Mission and Talking Points – To be discussed at the next meeting. D. Future Meeting Schedule: The following meeting schedule was agreed upon: 1. October 28, 2024: Regularly scheduled meeting 2. December 9, 2024: Alternate date a) Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve date. Motion seconded by Valeriya Slutskaya. All were in favor and the motion carried. 3. January 27, 2025: Regularly scheduled meeting 4. February 24, 2025: Regularly scheduled meeting 5. March 24, 2025: Regularly scheduled meeting 6. April 28, 2025: Regularly scheduled meeting 7. May 19, 2025: Alternate date a) Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve date. Motion seconded by Carl Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried. 8. June 23, 2025: Regularly scheduled meeting IX. Adjourn: 8:00 PM