Community Relations Commission

OPURPOSE

The purpose of the Community Relations Commission shall be to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation and positive relations between and among all residents of the Village of Niles regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or ancestry to the end that a sense of shared community among residents is strengthened, the value of each individual is affirmed and the constitutional rights of all are realized. The commission shall promote adequate housing for all the community’s people, to create and/or maintain sound viable neighborhoods, to meet the needs for housing and to expand housing opportunities for all members of the community.  The Commission will also assist in the development of public information and related communication programs to enhance the quality of life for all village residents.

The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is committed to promoting fairness and tolerance in the Village of Niles and is a resource for you.  
Read the complaint procedures and use the online complaint form.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may file a complaint.  You do not have to reside in the Village of Niles to file a complaint, but the alleged discrimination must have occurred in Niles, Illinois.  The complaint must be submitted within 120 days of the incident. 

 Information you must provide in your complaint: 

• Your name, mailing address, and telephone number. 
• The correct name of each business or individual person the complaint is regarding (the “respondent”).  You may name more than one respondent. 
• The full and correct mailing address of each respondent.  The address must be sufficient to allow the Commission to “serve” the complaint by U.S. Mail. 
• A description of the conduct, policy, or practice which you claim is discriminatory.  This description must be sufficient to notify the Commission and the respondent of the timing, locations, and facts which set the scope of your complaint.  
• The date of each discriminatory action you are alleging.  The discrimination must have occurred within 120 days of the filing of the complaint 
• The type(s) of discrimination you claim as to each alleged discriminatory action, as well as your protected status regarding each such claim.  For example, if you are alleging national origin discrimination, you would state your national origin. 
• How you think this issue can be resolved. 

 After You File a Complaint: 

• Filing a complaint is not confirmation or agreement of the complaint.  
• A staff member of the Niles Family Services Department will reach out to the applicant for next steps. Next steps may include obtaining more information and supporting documentation.  Please allow 2 working days for a social worker to contact you.
• A staff member of the Niles Family Services Department will assist the applicant in navigating a process that works towards a solution. 
• Complaints that are completed according to the procedure above will be reviewed by the Community Relations Commission to insure successful resolution and community harmony.  

Click Here: Online Complaint Form

To Print a PDF Complaint Form and Send In: PDF Form Click Here

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Click here for the Community Relations Commission Fair Housing Guide.

Click here for Polish version.

Click here for Spanish version.

Click here for Niles Crime-Free Housing Program for Tenants, Landlords and Managers

Click here for monthly programs, workshops and resources from Open Communities non-profit organization

MEMBERS:

The commission shall be composed of nine members who shall be residents of the Village and who shall reflect, so far as possible, the various neighborhoods, ethnic and racial groups, and various business interests of the village, and whose training, interests, background and experience will aid the commission in its work. The Director of Family Services and the Chief of Police or their designated representatives shall serve the commission as ex officio members. One Village Trustee shall be appointed by the Village President with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees who shall also serve the commission as an ex officio member.

• Jovan Marinac, CHAIR
• Vicky Duka
• Jeffrey Kash
• Joe Kuffel
• Kathy Toy
• Larry Mayer
• Lin Bartucca
• Anela Hrnic
• Tony Dati
• John Jekot, Village Trustee (ex-offcio)
• Darren Brown, Director of Family Services (ex-officio)
• Luis C. Tigera, Chief of Police (ex-officio)

Interested in being a Member of the Community Relations Commission

Please read the CRC FULL ORDINANCE to understand details including membership, terms, procedures, functions and responsibilities. All interested individuals should complete an application and submit to Village Clerk Marlene Victorine. Applications will be submitted to the Mayor and Village Board for consideration when it is necessary to fill a vacancy. For Application: Click Here

MEETING DATES & LOCATION

Regular meetings of the commission shall be held at least one time during each calendar quarter, the dates and times of which shall be decided by the commission. The next meeting is on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm at Village Hall, 1000 Civic Center Drive. This meeting is open to the public. The meeting on September 13 was cancelled.

AGENDAS & MINUTES

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. All agendas are posted at Village Hall in accordance with the Open Meeting Act. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes