City of Highland Park Human Relations Commission met Oct. 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
CALL TO ORDER: At 6:02 p.m. Chairman Gussin called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Chairman Gussin, Member Figueroa-Bast, Pestine, Ruddie, Steinberg, and Zahnle
Members Absent: Vice Chair Kakumba and Member Valdez
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Laura Frey
Also Present: Council Liaison Knobel, Township Liaison Brown, Park District Liaison Grossberg, and Student Liaisons Insof and Drake.
Chairman Gussin declared a quorum was present.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES
Chairman Gussin requested a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting on February 6, 2019. A motion was made by Member Pestine and seconded by Member Steinberg. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
Chairman Gussin welcomed everyone, old and new, to the Human Relations Advisory Group and noted we are looking forward to an active year on the HRAG. Chairman Gussin announced the passing of longtime HRC member, chairman, and 2019 Highland Park Humanitarian Award recipient, Janet Bernstein. She asked for a moment of silence in Janet’s honor.
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED
None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
OLD BUSINESS
Highland Park Awards Night: Chairman Gussin commented that this event produces one of the best nights in Highland Park, promoting pride in our City’s talented and giving residents. She wishes we could increase attendance at this special event.
Humanitarian: Chairman Gussin reviewed the process of how the previous Humanitarians had been selected and how the 2019 process differed. Chairman Gussin shared that she thought this year’s process went well and provided a great opportunity for everyone to share feedback. Councilman Knobel indicated that she though the process went well and noted that City Council deliberated with respect and consideration of feedback from the HRAG. Discussion comments included: the anonymity was helpful, the Advisory Group probably would have come to the same conclusion, and this is a more objective process allowing everyone to participate. Liaison Frey reminded everyone that this was the first year that the Art and the Environmental Awards recognition was included in this event to and asked for feedback on that. Discussion comments included the desire to increase the attendance numbers, the desire to have more High School recipients, and the need for better promotion of the nominations and event prior the awards ceremony.
NEW BUSINESS
Possible Ideas for 2020 HRAG initiatives: Chairman Gussin noted that since the responsibilities of the HRAG have diminished, it is a good time to consider new initiatives, and she opened the floor for the group to share ideas.
Liaison Grossberg brought back the idea of creating a civics contest which might take the form of a writing, poetry, or photo essay contest with a specific topic (Kindness, Disability Inclusion, etc.). This might be a way to involve more community members, and winners could be posted around town and possibility be included in the HP Awards Ceremony. Member Pestine suggested that this could be tied to the One Book, One City program.
Member Zahnle suggested Courageous Conversations, which is a round table discussion that addresses issues such as racism and anti-Semitism. It could take on a variety of formats, including an open forum to break down barriers that is led by trained leaders/facilitators. Member Zahnle will be trained as a facilitator and the group is seeking others in the community to also become trained.
Member Pestine brought up the racist poster that was found in Highland Park on the Green Bay Trail, and suggested that we consider protocol on how to handle these types of situations. Discussion continued and Member Ruddie suggested that the HRAG create a philosophical document followed by creating a manifest with modules on how to deal with various types of issues. Member Pestine also let the group know that the City has Beat Cops, who are designated to local neighborhoods and who can assist with neighborhood issues. Member Pestine suggested the possibility of the training HRAG members or community members at large to mediate issues. Liaison Frey noted that HRC had previously mediated neighbor issues, however more recently, the City’s municipality membership includes professional mediation which could be promoted as a website.
Chairman Gussin discussed the Spread Goodness campaign, whose mission it is to spread goodness by doing an act of kindness, posting that act on their website, and then passing a Spread Goodness card to someone else, and asking them to also do a good deed. Liaison Frey noted there are a variety of other similar types of campaigns that could also be reviewed and vetted for consideration.
Liaison Knobel noted that any new initiatives that the HRAG is interested in pursuing should be taken to City Council for approval. Additionally, any initiatives requiring financial consideration would need to be included in the City budget process, and therefore would be in consideration for the 2021 Worlplan.
Liaison Frey requested that everyone percolate the ideas presented and consider additional ideas, which can be revisited at an upcoming meeting and discussed for a future Workplan.
Special Meeting: The HRAG requested to add a special meeting to discuss MLK details. A special meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 5 PM.
Martin Luther King Day of Service: Liaison Grossberg asked everyone to consider how they can help member Steinberg, the new event coordinator, to be successful. He thanked everyone who has committed to chairing a committee.
Event Coordinator: Steinberg
Vendors: Grossberg
Presentations: Kakumba
Logistics: Zahnle
Food Sales: Gussin
Bin Donated: Figueroa-Bast
MLK Table: Pestine & Student Liaisons
Volunteers: Stevens
Table Top Signs: Grossberg / Levy
PR / T-Shirts: Frey
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISON
Liaison Knobel shared that the Highland Park Community Foundation has determined distribution of the City’s $50,000 in grant monies, as well as other grant funds. There were 15 total applicants. $25,000 went to fund new organizations; most organizations that were previously funded by HRC and CAC received similar grants to what they had been given in the past. A total of $525,000 was allocated to 50 programs and services. The HPCF will present to City Council on December 9th, 2019.
COMMENTS FROM TOWNSHIP LIAISON
Liaison Brown noted that open enrollment for health insurance begins November 1, and the Township has a group of volunteers who can assist with that process. Lake Country is also offering Mental Health First Aid Training.
COMMENTS FROM PARK DISTRICT LIAISON
Liaison Grossberg announced that Friday is Trick-or-Treating at West Ridge. Also that the Park District Foundation is doing great things. They received a recent donation to fund a golf scholarship to an area youth. They now have an avenue to serve Highwood residents, through a separate fund, which can assist Highland Park Students, even if they don’t live in Highland Park. Additionally, new Foundation members are being sought.
COMMENTS FROM SCHOOL LIAISONS
None
COMMENTS FROM STUDENT LIAISON
None
COMMENTS FROM THE STAFF LIAISON
Liaison Frey reminded the group to review the City’s updated Sexual Harassment policy, which was previously emailed. She also invited all community members to participate in one of three roundtable feedback sessions regarding Highland Park Fire services.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Member Steinberg noted that as a follow up to February’s meeting, the Deerfield Township provides a disability grant. She would like it to remain in the notes, as she would like us to duplicate what is being done there. It was suggested that the Highland Park Community Foundation would be a great place to look to for funding. Liaison Knobel noted that the HPCF offers funding for multiple disability related groups. Liaison Brown also noted that the Township does have similar funding that could be used for disability needs, even though it isn’t specifically designated for disability funding.
Chairman Gussin noted that the City has produced a HP150 booklet, which will be available for sale at City Hall. She also commented on the HP150 sculpture installed at the fork in the road at Laurel and Deerfield. Liaison Knobel announced that the unveiling and artist’s meet-and-greet, would take place on October 29th; everyone is invited to attend.
Member Zahnle announced that Curts Café has finally opened in Highland Park and is busy perfecting operations prior to bringing in students. Their official grand opening is October 29th. Additionally, the space is available to the community for meetings and more.
Member Pestine invited anyone to join his family for Thanksgiving dinner to give thanks together.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Gussin requested a motion to adjourn. Member Pestine made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by member Figueroa-Bast. Chairman Gussin adjourned the meeting at 8:03 PM.
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