West Cook News

Village of River Forest Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group met Jan. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 P.M. Upon roll call, the following persons were:

Present: Austin, Baird, Bonner, Brandhorst, Credi, Duba-Clancy, Iverson, Johnson, Johnson, Johnston, Keskitalo, Khaledan, Kirk, Murphy, Navarro, Nicholas, Oates, Oliver, Peavy, Petrov, Rogers, Shea, Simon, Szerszenowicz-Olweny, Weissenberger, Yoon

Absent: Addy, Arauz, Bachner, Burkett, DeSorbo-Quinn, Economos, Foster, Graham, Grant, Hartshorn, Herrman, Humbert, Kang, Kreisman, Macaulay, McAdams, Papirnik, Riley, Schumacher

Also Present: Lisa Scheiner, Assistant Village Administrator, Elijah Bebora, Management Analyst/Deputy Village Clerk

II. DECEMBER 7, 2021 MEETING MINUTES

A MOTION was made by Nicholas and SECONDED by Credi to approve the December 7, 2021 minutes of the DEI Advisory Group as amended. On voice vote, motion passed.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

Member Weissenberger objected to Chair Bachner’s statement at the December 13, 2021 Village Board of Trustees Meeting regarding the progress the DEI Advisory Group is making regarding an RFP for a consultant. Chair Johnson clarified what he through was the intent of Trustee Bachner’s statement. Member Weissenberger asked that Chair Bachner clarify it and restated his concerns that the Village Board of Trustees doesn’t know where the Advisory Group is in relation to this matter. Chair Johnson offered to clarify this matter with the Village Board of Trustees.

Brian Murphy, Village Administrator, introduced himself. Chair Johnson thanked Assistant Village Administrator Scheiner for her efforts.

Chair Johnson congratulated the DEI Advisory Group on receiving the Villager of the Year award from the Wednesday Journal. Member Credi encouraged the Advisory Group to move forward in achieving its goals to be deserving of the award.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

DEI Education: Chair Johnson said the Chairs are working to bring in a speaker at an upcoming meeting to discuss the Village of Flossmoor’s DEI initiative. Chair Johnson encouraged members of the Advisory Group to email the Chairpersons regarding educational topics they would like covered.

Continued Discussion and Direction Regarding Execution of DEI Goals and Responsibilities: The DEI Advisory Group members continued their discussion regarding the goals and responsibilities of the group and the creation of subcommittees that would explore each category. A summary of the main points of discussion for each category is attached.

V. NEW BUSINESS

None.

VI. CONFIRMATION OF MEETING DATES

The next meetings of the DEI Advisory Group are scheduled on February 7 and 15, 2022, at 7 P.M. There was a discussion regarding revisions to the meeting schedule in February, March and November as the proposed 2022 schedule included meetings on the fourth Tuesday of those months instead of the third Tuesday.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Member Rogers and SECONDED by Member Credi to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 P.M. On voice vote, the motion passed.

https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/DEI_AG_Minutes_01.18.22_-_FINAL.pdf