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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Article 19 ("Community Relations Commission") Of The Oak Park Village Code Regarding The Community Relations Commission's Establishment; Composition and Duties and Functions
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Introduction
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The proposed Ordinance amends the Village Code provisions regarding the Community Relations Commission to reflect a modern vision for the Commission that aligns with the Village Board's vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and complements the work performed by Community Relations staff and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
Since late 2024, staff have held a series of workshops with the Community Relations Commission (CRC) Chairperson, President Scaman, CRC Board liaison, Trustee Enyia, and Clerk Waters to update Sections 2-19-1 "Establishment; Composition" and 2-19-2 ("Duties and Functions") of the Village Code, as they relate to the Community Relations Commission. The purpose of these workshops was to create role clarity, update duties and functions in line with current needs of the community, and inform the commissioner recruitment process. Since 2020, commission membership has fluctuated, at least in part due to a lack of alignment between commission expectations, staff expectations, Board expectations and the enabling Village Code language that outlines the commission's duties. These workshops aided all stakeholders by not only creating intentional and mutually agreed upon ordinance revisions, subject to the Board's approval, but by identifying and clarifying CRC commissioner responsibilities in relation to Community Relations and DEI staff responsibilities.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
There is no budget impact associated with...
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