Human Relations Commission

Commission on Human Relations Minutes December 6th, 2021 Skokie Police Station Attendance: Arnold Deborah, Barrios, Iris (HHS Liaison), Chaparro Alexander, Crumrine Sheila, Donegan David, Haq Anwar, Khoeun Khemarey (Trustee), Lavin Jonathan, Levy Marcos, McVane Jim, Mercer Louis, Monastero Bueno Maria (Chair), Pahan Swarupa, Reitman, Michelle, Sherman Karen L. Minutes Call to Order: Mayor George Van Dusen and secretary Vicky Varga came to the beginning of the December meeting to welcome back the Commissioners. Opened the meeting with thanking the Commissioners for their leadership within the community. Expressed gratitude towards everyone’s health for these upcoming holidays, welcomed the new Commissioners, and thanked the veteran Commissioners for continuing to come back during these changes. Village of Skokie had a board meeting the same night as Human Relations Commission. Mayor Van Dusen and Ms. Varga excused themselves to attend the Village Board Meeting back at Village Hall on Oakton St. Introductions: Chair Maria moved forward with roll call. There was a commissioner who had their first meeting after the COVID shut down: Sheila C. She had attending one meeting before COVID started. She has lived in Skokie for 23 years going on 24 years and appreciates how much Skokie has to offers. Review of minutes: Correction of last month’s minutes. SEED is a 9-month program not a year long program. On the subject of SEED, the Commissioners gave an overview of their SEED cohorts and how things are going. No personal details were given. Chair Maria encouraged members of the commission who have not attended or participated in SEED to sign up. Reviewed future meeting dates from minutes. Stated that meetings will be held at Skokie Police station unless noted otherwise. Approval for meeting minutes. Alex C. approved. David D. second. Minutes approved. Old Business: Update on Coming Together 2022 Different Abilities. Chair read out loud an email from a fellow commissioner. Gave information about co-sponsorship with the Douglas Center. Information was provided about the Douglas Center. Sponsorship would go towards the Abilities Lab. The Commissioners to vote on a $200 sponsorship. Suggestions were to bring a member from the Douglas Center to provide additional information on the organization and how the funds will be used. Enough members present to vote. Vote: 12 yays, 0 nays: unanimous. $200 sponsorship to go towards the Douglas Center. Members also brought up the Progress Center in the community and their services with people with different abilities. Additionally, commissioners to invite members from Northeastern Native American Affairs and Skokie resident to possibly come speak along with other organizations about starting a conversation about the Village logo. Trustee Khoeun discussed engaging the Native American community and brining them into the conversation along with the decision being at the board level. Further discussion about bringing members of the Mitchell Museum to the January meeting or future meetings. New Business Skokie Community Foundation event at Sketchbook Brewery on December 17th, 2021 hosted by Skokie resident Randy Roberts. Invites were passed out. Information about Village of Skokie Green sheets for important Skokie phone numbers for community members. Liaison to being to next in person meeting. Member asked about Skokie PD meeting and the use of force. Chair confirmed that meeting to review the use of force had already taken place and there were a few Human Relations Commissioners on the committee. Alex confirmed this. It was unsure who on the commissions had moved forward with the committee. Alex to check his emails and notes to confirm who was picked to be on the committee. Meeting dates:, 02/28, 03/28, 04/25, 05/23, 06/27 Adjournment Commissioner Karen asked to adjourn and second by Commissioner Krisha Respectfully submitted by Iris Barrios