Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, February 24, 2025 Minutes Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D & E (2nd Floor) In Attendance: Commissioners: Anthony Agee, Sheryl Bloom Basile, Alex Chaparro, Sheila Crumrine (vice-chair), David Donegan, Jonathan Lavin, Maria Monastero Bueno (chair), Swarupa Pahan, Valeriya Slutskaya, James Specker, Margaret van Steenderen, Trustee Khem Khoeun, Skokie Staff Liaison: Amanda Sabri Not in Attendance: Gurjot Bilkhu (E), Carl Johnson (E), Marcos Levy, Jeremy Segall (E), Karen Sherman, Brad Sugar (E) I. Call to Order: 6:30PM II. Approval of Agenda A. Sheryl Bloom Basile motioned to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Swarupa Pahan. All were in favor and the motion carried. III. Fair Housing Presentation: A. Dominic Voz, Director of Fair Housing at Open Communities, gave a virtual presentation on fair housing regulations and the important work their organization does to assist those who have faced housing discrimination. Commissioner Margaret van Steenderen gave an interactive presentation about the history of fair housing in Skokie, a breakdown of our current fair housing ordinance, and the responsibilities of the Human Relations Commission, as set forth in the ordinance. IV. Public Comments A. No public comments given. V. Approval of Minutes of January 27, 2024 Meeting A. Alex Chaparro motioned to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Sheila Crumrine. All were in favor and the motion carried. VI. Committee Reports  A. Neighbor Engagement Committee 1. Block Party Forum: Alex Chaparro provided an update that the Block Party Forum has been scheduled for April 14 at 6:30pm. The event will take place at Skokie Public Library in the Business & Community Room. Officer Wilken will be invited to speak about the Block Captain Program and Go Green Skokie will be invited to promote composting at block parties. Commissioners are requested to arrive at 6pm to assist with set-up. Commissioners are also requested to attend the April 7, 7:30pm Village Board of Trustees meeting at which the Block Party of the Year Award winners will be recognized. B. Fair Housing Committee 1. Housing Subcommittee: No updates 2. Fair Housing Ordinance: Margaret van Steenderen provided an update that the sub- committee met on February 20 and decided they would like to create several posts for Village of Skokie social media channels that will promote fair housing knowledge during the month of April, which is Fair Housing Awareness month. The sub-committee will develop four posts and will bring them to the March 24 commission meeting to be reviewed by the full commission before they are submitted to the Village’s communications department for approval. 3. Commission members determined that it would be beneficial for all members to read and review the Fair Housing Ordinance, as well as provide feedback for potential improvements. Members will provide their feedback individually to James Specker by April 30. He will then combine the feedback in order for it to be discussed at the May 19 commission meeting. The ultimate intent will be to share the feedback and recommendations with Village staff. C. Equity and Diversity Committee 1. Unite Against Racism w/ YWCA: Sheila Crumrine provided an update that she spoke with Roger Moreano, Director of the YWCA’s Equity Institute, regarding any possible future collaboration. Roger is hoping to strengthen the organization’s efforts by continuing to include communities outside of Evanston in their work. A Unite Against Racism panel discussion is tentatively planned for April 30 and he would greatly appreciate promotion by the Village of Skokie on behalf of the Human Relations Commission. Sheryl Bloom Basile motioned to approve that the commission request promotion of this event through the Village’s communications department. The motion was seconded by David Donegan. All were in favor and the motion carried. Swarupa Pahan raised the concern that current events that are promoted only reach individuals who are against racism and do not reach individuals who engage in racism. 2. Festival of Cultures: Sheila Crumrine reported that the festival will take place on May 17 and 18. VII. Other Items of Business A. Village Seal Redesign: Maria Monastero Bueno informed the commission that the Village Seal Committee has decided on a finalized design for the seal. She provided an overview of the elements of the seal and the changes that have been made in the recent revisions. The  proposed seal will be brought before the Board of Trustees at the Village Board meeting on Monday, March 3. B. Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: James Specker reported that the review board will not be presenting their final report until newly elected government is in place in April. C. Protocol for Subcommittees of Village Boards & Commissions: Amanda Sabri reviewed recent guidance that was provided by the Village Manager’s office, reminding members that all sub- committee meetings need to follow open-meeting act regulations when four or more members are meeting. VIII. Adjourn: 9:00PM