Human Relations Commission

Human Relations Commission Monday, May 20, 2024 6:30pm Location: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street – Conference Room D & E (2nd Floor) In Attendance: Commissioners: Deborah Arnold, Sheryl Bloom Basile, Sheila Crumrine (vice-chair), David Donegan, Krishna Goyal, Jonathan Lavin, Marcos Levy, Joseph Meyers, Maria Monastero Bueno (chair), Swarupa Pahan, Jeremy Segall, James Specker, Skokie Staff Liaison: Amanda Sabri Not in Attendance: Anthony Agee (E), Alex Chaparro (E), Karen Sherman, Mayha Syed, Trustee Khem Khoeun (E) I. Call to Order 6:35pm II. Approval of Agenda A. Sheryl Bloom Basile motioned to approve the agenda, motion seconded by David Donegan. III. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2024 A. Deborah Arnold motioned to approve the minutes as written, motion seconded by Swarupa Pahan. IV. Committee Reports A. Neighbor Engagement Committee: Maria Monastero Bueno provided an update that Alex Chaparro has decided to step down from heading the Neighbor Engagement Committee. She thanked Alex for all of his work with the Block Party Forum and requested that any commissioners who are interested in leading this committee please make this known at our next meeting. 1. Block Parties, Block Party Forum: No updates on the Block Party Forum at this time. Amanda Sabri reported that several block party permit applications have been received so far. 2. Know your Neighbor: No updates. 3. 4th of July Parade: Swarupa Pahan reports that she will provide updates as she receives them from the 4th of July Parade Committee regarding our registration. Commission members discussed what should be handed out at the parade and it was decided that wristbands and candy would be handed out. Amanda Sabri will research wristband options and reach out to commission members by email for feedback. Commissioners also discussed the broader topic of how to convey to community members the mission of the Human Relations Commission through items that are handed out as well as through talking points at events. It was determined that this should be discussed further at the next meeting. 1  B. Housing Committee Updates 1. Housing Subcommittee: Jon Lavin reported that the next meeting was rescheduled for this week and they will likely adopt the current draft of the Housing Chapter. 2. Fair Housing Ordinance: No updates. C. Equity and Diversity Committee Updates 1. Early Intervention Hate/Bias Incidence: Amanda Sabri provided an update that Mike Charley, Director of Health & Human Services has written a draft policy that was shared with Michael Lorge, Corporation Council, Trustee Khoeun and Chief Jesse Barnes. They will be meeting on 5/22/24 to discuss the draft policy and next steps. 2. Black History Month: Sheila Crumrine reports that she plans to reach out to Oakton College in September to discuss cosponsoring an event. 3. Unite Against Racism w/ YWCA: No updates. 4. Skokie Festival of Cultures: Maria Monastero Bueno thanked all who attended and assisted at the event. Positive feedback was given on the wristbands and stickers that were handed out. It was discussed that at future festivals the commission could partner with the library to create a map or display where children and families can put their country sticker or indicate their country of origin or country they have visited. It was also discussed that the commission would like to request permission to be one of the entries in the festival passport that requires a stamp, as this would provide more visibility. 5. Skokie Juneteenth: Sheila Crumrine provided fliers for the Fair Housing Program that the commission is planning with the Skokie Public Library. Commission members also discussed feedback that was received regarding the event at the Skokie Festival of Cultures. David Donegan, who will be moderating the event, encouraged members to attend and hear the experiences of the first African American families who moved to Skokie. Alex Chaparro will be taking part in the panel discussion at the program to discuss real estate practices. 6. Skokie Pride: Sheila Crumrine reported that the Skokie Park District stated they will likely not be charging the commission for a table. The event will take place at Oakton Park. Amanda Sabri will send out a sign-up list via email. 7. SEED Training: David Donegan reports the last session will be taking place in June and he will email the application link to commission members when the new session opens. V. Other Items of Business A. Village Seal Redesign: Maria Monastero Bueno provided an update that the committee has selected and met with designer Marne Smiley of Bumper Lanes and will be meeting with her again next week. She will be presenting several new designs at that meeting after receiving feedback from committee members. B. Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: James Specker reported that the board is on hiatus for the summer and they will reconvene when new data is received. VI. Adjourn 7:40pm 2