Human Relations Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2022-01-24

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