Community Relations Commission
Regular MeetingNorthbrook, IL · October 1, 2015
Minutes
1 DRAFT
2 Minutes of a Meeting of the
3 Community Relations Commission
4 Northbrook, IL
5 Thursday, October 1, 2015
6
7 Present: Vice Chair Bruce Doughty, Commissioners Elliot Bruckmann, Safa
8 Hamed, Jason Han, Chris Kosla, Sharon Latek, & Dr. Rochelle Singer
9
10 Representatives: Mary Hansen, Alice Lonoff, Ron Mantegna, John Martin, & Nancy
11 Stoddard
12
13 Absent: Chairman Ray Wehr
14
15 Others: Staff Liaison, Erik Jensen & Recording Secretary, Gale Cerabona
16
17 Call to Order
18 Vice Chair Doughty called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Civic Room at Northbrook
19 Public Library.
20
21 Approval of September 3, 2015, Regular Meeting Minutes
22 Revisions to the September 3rd minutes were noted as follows:
23 Line 8 remove Commissioner Latek’s name
24 Line 13 add Commissioner Latek’s name
25 Line 64 replace he with “Staff Liaison Jensen”
26 Line 71 replace garnering resident input with “calling for participation of different
27 minority ethnic groups in Northbrook to help plan and execute an event”
28 Line 77 add “and others” after Heritage
29 Line 91 add “for Northbrook” after nights
30 “ “ replace will be meeting to view movies, have discussions, etc. with “are
31 facilitating a discussion at the “White Privilege” program”
32 Line 94 replace contact the with “form a”
33 Line 110 replace suggesting with “suggested”
34 Line 121 replace suggested with “asked about”
35 Line 130 move “teams” after sports
36 Line 135 add “or Houses of Worship” at end of sentence
37 Line 143 correct the spelling of Bethel to “Beth El”
38
39 Commissioner Kosla moved, seconded by Commissioner Bruckmann, to approve the regular
40 meeting minutes of September 3, 2015 as amended.
41
42 Village Update
43 Staff Liaison Jensen advised that the Annual Family Dinner is on Thursday, November 5th from
44 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Village Hall. It was noted this conflicts with the next CRC meeting so that will be
45 tabled until later in tonight’s agenda.
46
47 Staff Liaison Jensen is requesting some Commissioners’ addresses; he will follow up directly.
48
49
50
Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
October 1, 2015
51 Commission Planning Discussion Finalization
52 Commissioner Singer reminded the group that a Cultural Event will be planned for the spring (as
53 a combination of recognitions for multiple groups the Commission has held events for in the
54 past as well as other ethnicities). She noted this was a final decision. Other comments include:
55 Commissioner Stoddard stated she remembered the discussion was to expand the
56 existing Black History Month and Asian Heritage events with additional ethnicities to be
57 broader in scope.
58 Commissioner Latek stated “Diversity Matters” would be the right direction.
59
60 The CRC decided on one expanded, larger event (rather than two events).
61 Commissioner Singer stated the working title “Celebrating Diversity” is broad and could be
62 political, etc. She noted that this should be narrower.
63 Commissioner Han stated, due to the growing Eastern European population in Northbrook,
64 another title for the event could be sought.
65 Commissioner Singer advised there is a distinction between race and geographic areas. Some
66 event title suggestions may include the following terms:
67 Minority cultural population
68 Culture
69 Diversity
70
71 Commissioner Latek asked if the point of the CRC is to embrace everyone and, if so, stated a
72 broader title seems appropriate. Representative Mantegna stated to cover everything would be
73 impossible. He stated the word Diversity is broad (5-6 terms could be included within). He
74 agrees a broader term is more appropriate rather than a narrow one. Representative Hansen
75 concurred. Representative Lonoff concurred based on CRC’s mission statement. Commissioner
76 Kosla concurred however he wonders if this event may be too big. Commissioner Bruckmann
77 agreed.
78
79 Vice Chair Doughty stated he likes the term “Cultural Celebration” (which could encompass 5-
80 100 groups). He noted it could include an ethnicity or a religion and believes this term is:
81 Positive
82 Inclusive
83 Broad
84
85 Vice Chair Doughty reminded that people define themselves in many ways (for example an
86 individual could define him or herself as being French, a Catholic, etc.).
87
88 Commissioner Singer asked if the word Diversity should be removed and the word Culture
89 added. The consensus is to embrace the word Culture. Commissioner Singer asked that
90 Commissioners provide their thoughts on words/ways in which to describe the event (so the
91 Subcommittee can promote same). Representative Mantegna stated there is no negative
92 connotation with the word “Cultural”.
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Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
October 1, 2015
93 Representative Stoddard asked about foods, etc. Commissioner Singer asked for more
94 descriptions/input so that all avenues are covered before the Subcommittee proceeds.
95
96 Representative Mantegna asked if this would be a single event or a month-long series of
97 events. Vice Chair Doughty suggested the Subcommittee consider same. Commissioner Singer
98 asked that all ideas be submitted to her.
99
100 Commissioner Singer advised the initial Subcommittee meeting is October 13th. Commissioner
101 Bruckmann asked who will be in attendance. Commissioner Singer stated she would be along
102 with Commissioners Han and Doughty, Representative Mantegna, Howard Schultz (Executive
103 Director of the YMCA), Joy and Jasmine (from the previous Subcommittee), and Janice Dantes.
104
105 1. Welcome to Northbrook
106
107 Commissioner Bruckmann will be the Chair, and he will meet with Representatives
108 Hansen and Stoddard. He anticipates the budget will remain the same. A date in May is
109 forthcoming. The location will be, presumably, at Village Hall.
110
111 2. Flamingo Friday
112
113 Representative Hansen will lead this event, and Commissioner Bruckmann and
114 Representative Stoddard will assist. Representative Lonoff offered to help and was
115 reminded that Dale Duda would assist.
116
117 Vice Chair Doughty reminded that a budget should be established.
118
119 Clergy Luncheon Planning
120 Commissioner Kosla stated he will obtain more information next week. He noted December 2nd
121 is the date of the event.
122
123 News from Schools
124 Commissioner Latek reporting the following from District 30:
125 10/7 National Walk to School Day (shoes will be donated to African groups)
126 10/19-23 Kids’ Care Canned Food Drive (in Glenview; donations to Food Pantry)
127 Last week/Oct Teachers will pay to wear jeans (donations to Breast Cancer)
128 October PTO events are connected to donations
129
130 Representative Martin reported on St. Norbert’s:
131 Crusader Team Challenge raised $30,000 in September
132 Early Childhood and 4th and 5th graders are very vibrant
133 10/29 Take your picture with the Stanley Cup (in St. Norbert’s gym) for a fee
134 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
135
136 Commissioner Doughty reported the following from District 225:
137 Budget was passed; capital improvements
138 Strategic Initiatives are taking place for the high schools with residents’ input
139 Fall Theater is this weekend
140 10/24 Homecoming (with a week of celebration)
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Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
October 1, 2015
141 10/27 Fall Band Concert
142 10/29 Choir Concert
143
144 News from Northbrook Clergy Association
145 There was nothing to report.
146
147 Old Business
148 There was nothing to report.
149
150 New Business
151 There was nothing to report.
152
153 Eyes & Ears on the Street
154 Representative Hansen advised that 44 people attended the “White Privilege” event sponsored
155 by fourth Northbrook religious organizations last night at the library and a brief synopsis was
156 given. She noted the next event will be on October 7th.
157
158 Commissioner Doughty advised October is Domestic Violence Month. A program entitled
159 “Victim No More” will take place on October 24th from 9 a.m.-12 noon at Our Lady of the Brook.
160
161 Commissioner Singer asked everyone to be aware at all ATMs as a Northbrook alert was sent
162 regarding robberies in the area.
163
164 Next Meeting
165 A revised date was discussed for November’s meeting. Vice Chair Doughty advised the next
166 meeting will be on November 12th at Northbrook Public Library.
167
168 A motion was made by Representative Lonoff, seconded by Commissioner Kosla, to move the
169 date for the next CRC meeting from November 5th to November 12th. On a voice vote, the
170 motion carried unanimously.
171
172 Adjournment
173 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Commissioner Kosla, to adjourn the
174 meeting at 7:50 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
175
176 Respectfully submitted,
177
178
179
180 Gale Cerabona
181 Recording Secretary
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Agenda
Meeting Notice
Village of Northbrook
Community Relations Commission
Northbrook Public Library Civic Room
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Northbrook, IL 60062
Agenda
1. Welcome!
2. Approval of September 2015 minutes and Sub-committee minutes (Note: be prepared to identify
clarifications/ modifications)
3. Village Update
4. Commission Planning Discussion Finalization
a. Welcome to Northbrook
b. Flamingo Friday
i. Chairs
ii. Budgets- Please bring your ideas to November meeting
5. Clergy Luncheon Planning
6. News from Schools
7. News from Northbrook Clergy Association
8. Old Business
9. New Business
10. Eyes and Ears on the Street
11. Next meeting – November 5, 2015
12. Adjournment
Thank you for hard work and support of our Commission’s goals.
Representatives: Please be considerate of other members’ time and notify Erik Jensen at (847) 664-4017 or
erik.jensen@northbrook.il.us, if you cannot attend this meeting. It is important to know if we have a quorum for
each meeting.
The Village of Northbrook is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order
to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of
this meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact Greg Van Dahm or Debbie Ford (847-664-4014 or 847-664-
4013, respectively) promptly to allow the Village of Northbrook to make reasonable accommodations for those
persons. Hearing impaired individuals may call the TDD number, 847-564-8645, for more information.
1 DRAFT
2 Minutes of a Meeting of the
3 Community Relations Commission
4 Northbrook, IL
5 Thursday, September 3, 2015
6
7 Present: Chairman Ray Wehr, Commissioners Bruce Doughty, Safa Hamed,
8 Jason Han, Chris Kosla, Sharon Latek, & Dr. Rochelle Singer
9
10 Representatives: Mary Hansen, Alice Lonoff, Ron Mantegna, John Martin, Nancy Stoddard,
11 & Susan Weil
12
13 Absent: Commissioner Elliot Bruckmann
14
15 Others: Staff Liaison, Erik Jensen & Recording Secretary, Gale Cerabona
16
17 Call to Order
18 Chairman Wehr called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Civic Room at the Northbrook
19 Public Library.
20
21 Welcome
22 Chairman Wehr welcomed everyone to the CRC’s new meeting place.
23
24 Representative Weil introduced John Martin who will replace her at St. Norbert’s. Mr. Martin
25 briefly shared his background, and the CRC gave him a round of applause. Representative Weil
26 stated it has been a lovely experience being and working with the CRC. Chairman Wehr
27 thanked Representative Weil and welcomed Representative Martin.
28
29 Approval of June 4 & August 6, 2015, Regular Meeting Minutes
30 Revisions to the June 4th minutes were noted as follows:
31 Line 36 should be noted as “Ray” rather than Ron
32 Line 175 last word should be “encouraging”
33 Line 185 last word should be “precedent”
34
35 Commissioner Singer moved, seconded by Commissioner Doughty, to approve the regular
36 meeting minutes of June 4, 2015 as amended.
37
38 Revisions to the August 6th minutes were noted as follows:
39 Line 76 replace plentiful with “was well attended”
40 Line 90 add……regarding diversity programs
41 Line 101 reword as…… Commissioner Bruckmann be the lead, and
42 Commissioner Duda offered her consultation services
43 Line 188 add……since the Y agreed to do it again
44 Eyes/Ears reword as……a day of service is being held on August 30 (remove MLK)
45
46 Commissioner Singer moved, seconded by Commissioner Doughty, to approve the regular
47 meeting minutes of August 6, 2015 as amended.
48
49
50
Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
September 3, 2015
51 Village Update
52 Staff Liaison Jensen distributed the “Be Informed” Guide and noted it is a good resource
53 (regarding general awareness and preparedness).
54
55 Representative Mantegna advised the Crime Map is excellent; Staff Liaison Jensen explained
56 same and noted it is also on the Village web site on the police page.
57
58 Commission Planning Discussion Finalization
59 Chairman Wehr reminded everyone of last month’s discussion; duties were assigned as follows:
60
61 1. Clergy Luncheon
62
63 Commissioner Kosla will be the Chair with no subcommittee. The event is typically the
64 first Wednesday in December. He reserved a room for December 12 and will inquire as
65 to topics; Chairman Wehr provided background on this event.
66
67 2. Heritage Month
68
69 Chairman Wehr asked if Black History Month and Asian Heritage should continue.
70 Commissioner Singer stated she believes a celebration of Diversity (during a particular
71 month) should be celebrated. She suggested garnering resident input. Commissioner
72 Doughty suggested establishing a solid idea first; Commissioner Singer concurred and
73 stated criteria should be determined. Representative Mantegna suggested a
74 communique to the community.
75
76 Commissioner Singer suggested assigning 2 Co-Chairs and a Subcommittee. She
77 shared her vision (which would include Black History and Asian Heritage). The following
78 was established:
79
80 Co-Chairs: Commissioners Singer & Han
81 Subcommittee: Representative Mantegna & Commissioner Doughty
82
83 Chairman Wehr advised he was contacted by the Y. He suggested reaching out to the
84 Clergy Association.
85
86 An appropriate date/timeframe was discussed. Commissioner Singer recommends Staff
87 Liaison Jensen obtain other event information that may be taking place in March/April.
88
89 Representative Lonoff stated she would like to see a discussion about race. She noted
90 promoting understanding is a goal. Representative Lonoff advised that beginning
91 September 30th, on Wednesday nights, Houses of Worship will be meeting to view
92 movies, have discussions, etc.
93
94 Commissioner Singer stated she would contact the Subcommittee to establish a meeting
95 date.
96
97
98
99
100
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Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
September 3, 2015
101 3. InterFaith Sunday with Houses of Worship Event
102
103 Chairman Wehr noted this event will occur every 3 years. Discussion took place on
104 planning events on in-between years. Commissioner Kosla volunteered to obtain
105 speaker recommendations and topics.
106
107 Representative Lonoff stated she remembers discussing an event with/at locations in the
108 Village. Representative Weil suggested an Open House event like Chicago offers with
109 docents. Representative Mantegna reminded of the former Treasure Hunt and explained
110 same (where locations of significance were visited). Chairman Wehr suggesting posing
111 this to the Village leadership. Staff Liaison Jensen advised he will begin those
112 discussions. Commissioner Han recommended a Photo Hunt and explained same.
113
114 4. Welcome to Northbrook/Flamingo Fridays
115
116 To be determined
117
118 5. Other Events/Thoughts
119
120 Commissioner Hamed recommended having the Northbrook Public Library show movies
121 of different cultures, perhaps monthly. Commissioner Singer suggested Open Forums.
122 Representative Mantegna recommended multiple cultural events.
123
124 Chairman Wehr thanked everyone. Commissioner Doughty stated he likes the idea of
125 broadening the CRC’s scope.
126
127 News from Schools
128 Commissioner Doughty reported the following from District 225:
129 School is in session.
130 Sports and theatre teams are up and running.
131 A new principal is in place.
132
133 News from Northbrook Clergy Association
134 Commissioner Kosla reported the following from the last meeting:
135 Howard at the Y wants to partner with the CRC.
136 On 10/18, The Crop Walk will take place. 25% of revenue will remain local
137 Speakers talked about Affordable Housing, Immigration, Home Sharing, Open-
138 Communities (open-communities.org)
139 New Development -- Lifetime Fitness, Child Care Center, Luxury Apartments
140 On 10/11, Justice Summit takes place at Oakton Community College (topics include
141 safety, access to food, business, etc.)
142 On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, there will be a Thanksgiving Service at Temple
143 Bethel. The speaker is to be determined.
144
145 Old Business
146 There was nothing to report.
147
148 New Business
149 There was nothing to report.
150
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Minutes of a Meeting of the
Community Relations Commission
September 3, 2015
151 Eyes & Ears on the Street
152 Representative Lonoff noted:
153 4 Houses of Worship will be hosting movies and a discussion on Wednesdays beginning
154 September 30th for a 4-week period
155
156 Commissioner Singer noted that all lanes on Willow Road in Northfield are open.
157
158 Commissioner Doughty advised a presentation entitled “Victim No More” will take place on
159 October 24 from 9 a.m.-12 noon at Our Lady of the Brook.
160
161 Next Meeting
162 Chairman Wehr advised the next meeting is October 1st at the Northbrook Public Library.
163
164 Adjournment
165 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Commissioner Doughty, to adjourn
166 the meeting at 7:52 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
167
168 Respectfully submitted,
169
170
171
172 Gale Cerabona
173 Recording Secretary
4