Community Relations Commission

UNAPPROVED DRAFT Community Relations Commission Meeting Minutes May 12, 2015 A meeting of the Community Relations Commission was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Community Conference Room, 850 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, Illinois. Ch. Foltz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Present were: Gil Antokal Kate Baddeley Chris Foltz, Chairman Bill Lundquist Matthew Miller Lori Zwart Absent was; Yuliya Bazavlluk Salome Berhanu Veronica Boyajian Martin Friedman Elizabeth Ury Mark Woolums Also Present: Detective Brad Schroeder, Deerfield Police Department Kent Street, Village Manager Jeri Cotton, Secretary 1. Document Approval Mr. Lundquist moved to approve the minutes from the March 10, 2015 Community Relations Commission. Mr. Friedman seconded the motion. Mr. Antokal made a correction. The motion passed unanimously, as amended, on a voice vote. 2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items There were no public comments on non-agenda items. Community Relations Commission May 12, 2015 Page 2 of 4 3. Police Department Report Detective Schroeder reported identity theft has increased ten cases to 18, primarily due to tax theft. There were two battery reports, two domestic trouble, two residential burglaries, three thefts over $500, retail theft, credit card fraud. In general, there are no crimes that have dramatically increased. Detective Schroeder indicated the department is working with DCFS on some cases. The department is promoting traffic safety and bicycle and motor cycle safety. Ch. Foltz questioned whether there are standardized reports. Detective Schroeder explained they use unified codes. The codes are open to interpretation and the crime can be reclassified to a different code. Some of the statistics do change. Detective Schroeder indicated the department performed alcohol compliance checks. 100% of the businesses were in compliance and did not sell alcohol to underage agents. 4. Family Services Overview Ch. Foltz explained the person from family services was unable to attend this meeting. Mr. Street indicated they provide social services and counseling to our area of the county. They are staffed with trained professionals, many of whom donate their time. Mr. Street explained people use them for counseling, health advice and other social services. He indicated Deerfield residents could meet at their Highland Park office. Mr. Street would like the executive director to come to a Community Relations Commission meeting. Mr. Street suggested the Commission can help educate the community about services like this or the lending closet at the Patty Turner Center. Ch. Foltz asked if there could be a portal for services. Mr. Street noted the Village will be updating their website next year. He noted the Commission would need to make a recommendation to the Board if they want to add a segment to the Village website. The Village would need to ensure there is enough staff bandwidth to facilitate the updates. Ms. Zwart believes it would be great to have information available on a web-based platform, but people will use it only when they have a need. It would be very nice to have, but on an as-needed basis. Mr. Antokal would like to see information about what is happening in Deerfield. Community Relations Commission May 12, 2015 Page 3 of 4 Ms. Zwart noted there are numerous subject matter experts that could assist the Village. She suggested speaking with the Village switchboard operator to determine the frequently asked questions. 5. Items from the Commission The commissioners discussed the school resource officer. Mr. Miller explained the school resource officer spoke in his health class. He felt it was nice to have someone with authority come in and discuss drinking and drugs. Ch. Foltz asked if the school has an explorer program. Mr. Miller explained Deerfield High School does not have that type of program. Ms. Baddeley believes the officer stays more in the background. Ms. Zwart explained the resource officer has worked with parents and students about issues they are having. Mr. Lundquist asked about the Jam for Justice at Deerfield High School. Ms. Zwart attended last year and said it was wonderful. Mr. Lundquist will be attending the program on Friday and will prepare a report for the next meeting. Mr. Antokal reported Barefoot in the Park was an outstanding show. The Deerfield Family Theatre will present Mary Poppins in November. The Fine Arts Festival will take place on May 30 and 31st. The preview party will be on Friday May 29, 2015 from 6 to 9 pm. The next Deerfield Community Blood Drive will take place on Sunday June 7, 2015. Mr. Antokal reported Deerfield High School was rated number 7 in the State. Mr. Antokal indicated the Deerfield High School prom will be this Saturday. He noted 98% of the seniors will be attending prom. The commissioners discussed the post prom party, which will take place right after prom. Mr. Street commended the park district and community for their support of the program. Mr. Miller distributed some Teen Connect flyers at the high school. He spoke with a few students that believe it is a good program. Ms. Baddeley noted she will not be at a Community Relations Commission meeting until September. Mr. Miller noted he will be going to summer school in Boston and would miss the July meeting. 6. Adjournment There being no further business or discussion, Mr. Antokal moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Friedman seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. Community Relations Commission May 12, 2015 Page 4 of 4 The next regular meeting of the Community Relations Commission will take place on Tuesday June 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jeri Cotton