Lake County Gazette

City of Highland Park Human Relations Advisory Group met Dec. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the group:

CALL TO ORDER: At 5:02 p.m. Chairman Gussin called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Members Present: Chairman Gussin, Vice-Chair Kakumba (arrived 5:31 PM), Members Pestine, Ruddie (arrived 5:13 PM), Steinberg, and Zahnle

Members Absent: Member Figueroa-Bast

Also Present: Council Liaison Knobel, Park District Liaison Grossberg, School Liaison Hirsh, Staff Liaison Laura Frey, and Volunteer Pool Liaison Stevens

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 October 23, 2019. A motion was made by Member Steinberg and seconded by Member Zahnle. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

Chairman Gussin welcomed everyone and asked for introductions around the table. Chairman Gussin noted the importance of attending the HRAG meeting in order to have a quorum, as well as the importance of responding to meeting RSVP requests.

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED

Staff Liaison Frey received a copy of a thank you note, which Larry Sassorossi received in appreciation of the MLK Dignity Bags.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

None

OLD BUSINESS

Martin Luther King Day of Service: Member Steinberg announce that she accepted the City’s Proclamation of the Martin Luther King Day of Service, on behalf of the HRAG, and she passed the document for everyone to view. Discussion on details of the MLK Day of Service event ensued. MLK Coordinator requested to be CCd on any pertinent communications so she can stay in the loop. Vendor Committee Chair Grossberg noted that we can host between 30 – 40 vendors, and that there are currently around 30 confirmed. He also mentioned that he is still seeking a group to manage the Dignity Bag table and reparation duties, and presented questions about the MLK table. Member Pestine suggested the opportunity to host a MLK hologram, which was of interest to the group for the future; he will look into details for a future year. Presentation Committee Chair Kakumba discussed the timeline of the presentation side and also announced her idea for an Oratorical Contest which is proposed to roll out at the 2020 MLK event. The concept was supported by the members of the HRAG and details are under consideration. Food Sales Committee Chair informed that pizzas will be purchased from Il Forno, which was very generous and everything else is under control. Volunteer Committee Chair noted she is currently accepting volunteers. She will be out of town for a portion of January, but her colleague will be answering calls and receiving emails. PR Liaison Frey noted that PR is on schedule, and t-shirts and sponsorships are being worked on.

NEW BUSINESS

Presentation by Chief Jogmen: Chief Lou Jogmen presented on the current climate of anti-Semitism and racial injustices, followed by a presentation on the City’s new Police Beat Coordinator program.

* The Old Business, MLK discussion was suspended in order for Chief Jogmen to present, then continued after his presentation.

Approval of 2020 Workplan: Staff Liaison Frey announced that drafting Highland Park’s Statement on Hate and Intolerance was included in the 2020 Workplan as requested by City Council. Additional ideas for initiatives would be in consideration for the 2021 Workplan. Chairman Gussin requested a motion to approve the 2020 Workplan. A motion was made by Member Ruddie and seconded by Member Steinberg. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

Approval of the 2020 Resolution for Meetings: Charmain Gussin noted the great importance that HRAG members attend meetings on time and for entirety of meeting. She reminded that the 2020 meeting scheduled was created with input from the members of the HRAG, and noted that the 5:30 PM meeting time was a compromise of the two time slots offered. Chairman Gussin requested a motion to approve the 2020 Resolution for Meetings. A motion was made by Member Ruddie and seconded by Member Steinberg. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL LIAISON

Staff Liaison Frey reported on behalf of Council Liaison Knobel: The Highland Park Community Foundation Awards night was a great success; grant allocation details are available on their website.

COMMENTS FROM TOWNSHIP LIAISON

None

COMMENTS FROM PARK DISTRICT LIAISON

Park District Liaison Grossberg announced that PDHP in considering the installation of Paddle Courts – updates will be announced as they develop.

COMMENTS FROM SCHOOL LIAISONS

None

COMMENTS FROM STUDENT LIAISON

None

COMMENTS FROM THE STAFF LIAISON

Staff Liaison Frey thanked Chairman Gussin for her assistance in preparing for the evening’s meeting.

COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS

None

ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Gussin requested a motion to adjourn. Member Ruddie made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by member Steinberg. The motion passed with a unanimous voice vote. Chairman Gussin adjourned the meeting at 6:39 PM.

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