ELGIN HISPANIC NETWORK

Meeting Minutes

February 26, 2003

Host: City of Elgin

Location: The Centre

Introductions & Announcements

The SBC project needs input from the Hispanic community

SCORE wants to offer services in the Hispanic community

Dennis Hastert’s office provides assistance w/immigration problems. Also helps with Federal grants

Northeastern Illinois Plannning Commission

American Cancer Society teams needed for Relay for Life on June 13

Bill Jones suggested we may want to put together a Corporate walking team for the Fox Trot

Shelter Inc. works with Healthy children from birth-3 years. Needs help from the community

Reflejos Newspaper offers an opportunity for 501C3 agencies to publish information at no charge. Contanct Lena

Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission wants the Hispanic community’s feedback about the 30 year plan.

ECC-Women’s History month event March 11

Cheri M: explained the Neighborhood plan and grant program

Maricela announced the next Traffic class in Spanish

Gil mentioned the May 3^rd Cinco de mayo festival being organized by the Mexican Civic Society.

Judson College scholarships available for the Hispanic students.

Midwest Hispanic Health Coalition building a coalition to service Latino’s impacted by HIV in the area

Center for Neighborhood Technology is developing a project to provide a wireless network to serve low income households. They are starting with northeast Elgin. Next meeting is March 19.

Host Presentation:

Jerry from Development Departments explained the Code Administration, Planning & neighborhood Services and Economic development departs.

In the 1990’s the City of Elgin received a mandate from the community to reverse the downward trend of deterioriation in the housing. By 1999 this was accomplished through programs such as the annual rental inspection program and the inspections of overcrowding. Ovrecrwoding complaints are down considerably.

Femi Folarin explained that he just came from a budget meeting. The current #1 issue for the city is the budget. The city of Elgin is proud of the effort being made to increase quality of life for people living in this community.

Executive Committee Report

Results of surveys taken of members last year have been tabulated. Some members wanted more clarification of network projects. Some asked for time limits on meeting times , nametags at meetings, knowledge of where the next meeting was to be held.

In order to keep the time of meetings limited please do not make long announcements if you have a flyer or brochure to distribute.

Mary V: read the thank you letter from Libby Hoeft for the gift of the network.

Minutes from January 26, 2003 were approved.

Treasuerer’s report:

FY ends March 31^st. There is approx. $3400 in account after providing the 3 scholarships