Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, February 26, 2024 6:30pm Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D & E (2nd Floor) In Attendance: Commissioners: Anthony Agee, Sheryl Bloom Basile, Sheila Crumrine (vice-chair), David Donegan, Jonathan Lavin, Marcos Levy, Joseph Meyers, Maria Monastero Bueno (chair), Swarupa Pahan, Karen Sherman, James Specker, Trustee Khem Khoeun; Skokie Staff Liaison: Amanda Sabri Not in Attendance: Deborah Arnold (E), Alex Chaparro (E), Krishna Goyal (E), Jeremy Segal (E), Mayha Syed (E) I. Call to Order: 6:40 pm II. Approval of Agenda A. Swarupa Pahan motioned to approve the agenda, motion seconded by Sheila Crumrine. III. Approval of Minutes of January 22, 2024 A. Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve the minutes as written, motion seconded by Sheryl Bloom Basile. IV. Committee Reports A. Neighbor Engagement Committee 1. Block Party Forum: Maria Monastero Bueno reminded the commission that the forum will take place on 3/4/24 at 6:30 pm. All commissioners were encouraged to attend and were asked to also invite others as well. 2. Know your Neighbor: Karen Sherman reported on research she has done regarding Flamingo Fridays that have been put on in the Village of Northbrook from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Flamingo Fridays are casual social lawn gatherings hosted by neighbors. Several ideas were discussed for alternatives to lawn flamingos, including a character sign from Aw Yeah Comics. Karen Sherman will reach out to Aw Yeah Comics to discuss their willingness to allow the commission to use their character for this program. 3. 4th of July Parade: Swarupa Pahan reported that registration for the parade is now open. It was agreed that she will proceed with registering the commission in the parade. All commissioners are encouraged to participate as well as their family members. 1 B. Housing Committee Updates 1. Housing Subcommittee: Jon Lavin reported that the two public meetings held in January were well attended and many public comments were submitted. He will provide these comments to be distributed to the commission. At the next meeting they will be developing a draft of a revised strategic plan of the housing section. He highlighted that the plan will not only focus on affordable housing but also include ensuring that housing in Skokie continues to meet the needs of its residents in a broader sense. Trustee Khem Khoeun also provided an update on Inclusionary Housing and stated it may be discussed again at the March 4 Board of Trustees meeting. 2. Fair Housing Ordinance: No updates. C. Equity and Diversity Committee Updates 1. Early Intervention Hate/Bias Incidence: Amanda Sabri provided an update that additional conversations are planned with staff to determine the best path to move this initiative forward and bring clarity to the role the commission will play. 2. Black History Month: No updates. 3. Unite Against Racism w/ YWCA: Sheila Crumrine reported that she spoke with Heather Sweeney at the YWCA. They have decided to change the format of their annual event due to several factors. This year they will be having one event in Evanston and will not be having pledge events in other communities. Their focus will be to have a panel and community discussion on how to deconstruct racism in our communities. Sheila has requested to have a member of the commission on the panel, which the YWCA is open to and will discuss at their next planning meeting and follow-up with Sheila. 4. Skokie Festival of Cultures: Amanda Sabri gave an update that Krishna Goyal reached out to Pamela Zeid regarding our ability to have a table at the festival. The registration fee for the Community Resource Fair section of the festival is $175 for two days. The fair is May 18-19, 11am-6pm. Commissioners agreed there are enough people available to staff the table for both days and firm commitments can be determined at the next meeting. James Specker motioned to approve the payment of $175 for table registration, motion seconded by Karen Sherman. Amanda Sabri will submit the registration paperwork. 5. Skokie Juneteenth: Sheila Crumrine reported that she and Amanda Sabri met with staff from the Skokie Library and Skokie Heritage Museum regarding the library’s fair housing digital archive to plan a program that will be held during the week of Juneteenth. The tentative plan for the program is to have a display of the library’s archive, a panel discussion and small group discussions. David Donegan has agreed to assist with discussion facilitation and Alex Chaparro has agreed to be a part of the panel in presenting information on real estate practices in the past and present. 2  6. Skokie Pride: A discussion was held regarding what should be purchased to hand out at the Skokie Pride event and the Skokie Festival of Cultures. Sheila Crumrine motioned to approve up to $500 for the purchase of items, such as flags, pinwheels and stickers, motion seconded by Joseph Meyers. A sticker with a QR code was also discussed. James Specker will do research on printing stickers that could go on water bottles. 7. SEED Training: David Donegan encouraged commissioners to provide any feedback or questions to him before June 5 as he will likely have a debrief after the last SEED class in June. V. Other Items of Business A. Village Seal Redesign: Maria Monastero Bueno provided an update that the committee has narrowed the decision of who will be hired to design the Village Seal down to two artists/firms. The next step is to have follow-up interviews with each of them in March. B. Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: James Specker reported that they have officially convened their review of the 2022 Use of Force data and they have their final recommendations that will be going to the Board of Trustees. He clarified that the board reviews Use of Force data that rises to the level of complaint or injury. He provided information on data that they reviewed, recommendations being made and considerations they take into account when making recommendations. They will be convening again in September or October to begin looking at 2023 data. C. Boards & Commissions Appreciation Reception: March 13, 2024 VI. Adjourn: 7:55 pm 3