Community Relations Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Community Relations Committee Trustee Jessica Hammersmith - Chairperson Trustee Dan Militello - Alternate Chairperson, Pamela Bedard, Michael Ledonne, Sharon Vish, Gladys Piper, Kaveria Lezza, Megan McVane, Madison Smith, Tereasa Banks and Lindsey Khan Staff Liaison: Stephanie Calvillo Monday, January 12, 2026 6:00 PM Village Hall Community Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jessie Hammersmith at 6:02 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was let by Micheal Ledonne. 2.0 Roll Call Present 9 - Jessica Hammersmith, Pamela Bedard, Sharon Vish, Megan McVane, Gladys Piper, Michael Ledonne, Madison Smith, Tereasa Banks, and Lindsey Khan Absent 1 - Kaveria Lezza Also present: Stephanie Calvillo, Communications Coordinator. Kristen Tunney, Communications Coordinator for York Township. 3.0 Public Participation 4.0 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Mike Ledonne, seconded by Gladys Piper to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2025 committee meeting. The motion was passed by unanimous vote. 5.0 Unfinished Business 6.0 New Business 260026 York Township Informational Presentation York Township Supervisor Tim McMurray will provide an overview of programs and services offered by the Township, along with opportunities Village of Lombard Page 1 Community Relations Committee Minutes January 12, 2026 for residents to get involved through volunteerism. The York Township Communications Coordinator Kristen Tunney provided an informational presentation highlighting programs and services offered by the Township. Topics included volunteer opportunities, senior programs and services, recreational trips, free movie Tuesdays, and opportunities for youth involvement. It was noted that local scouting groups have previously participated in Township initiatives, and that an Eagle Scout is currently working on a project involving raised garden beds. 260027 2026 Operational Holiday and Observances Calendar Review To guide the Village's scheduling of official meetings, events, and public communications, Lombard maintains an official calendar of holidays and observances. The Community Relations Committee will conduct its annual review of the calendar to ensure it remains comprehensive and accurate, and to consider any proposed updates for the upcoming calendar year. Following committee approval, recognized holidays and observances will be posted on the Village website events calendar. The Committee discussed potential updates to the Operational Holiday and Observances Calendar. Discussion included modifying the Columbus Day designation to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day or a combined Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. The calendars of School District 44 and the State of Illinois were referenced during the discussion. Committee members also suggested adding Halloween and New Year’s Eve to the calendar. While neither is a Village holiday, it was noted that both dates may impact staffing levels and availability. Staff indicated these additions would be made for planning and awareness purposes. A motion was made by Michael Ledonne, seconded by Sharon Vish to modify the Columbus Day holiday designation to Columbus Day/Indegenous Peoples Day. Yes: Pam Bedard , Michael Ledonne, Sharon Vish, Gladys Piper, Megan McVane No: Madison Smith, Tereasa Banks, Lindsey Khan 260028 Village Holiday Light Decorations Chairperson Hammersmith will share information regarding recent requests related to Village holiday lighting and banners. Information shared will include background on the discontinuation of the banner program in 2019 and provide an opportunity for the Committee to Village of Lombard Page 2 Community Relations Committee Minutes January 12, 2026 consider feedback and discuss. Chairperson Hammersmith shared feedback received from a resident regarding the absence of holiday lights and decorations along Main Street. Background information was provided on the elimination of the Village’s holiday decoration program in 2019, which was done to reduce expenditures and refocus resources on core services. It was noted that the discontinuation of the program, including costs related to decorations, installation, removal, and maintenance, has resulted in savings of more than $100,000. Staff also shared that, in place of the former program, the Village has prioritized funding for downtown improvements and community support initiatives, including grants to local organizations hosting events in the downtown area. Investments in sidewalks, walkways, the downtown archway, and other infrastructure improvements were cited as part of ongoing beautification efforts. Committee discussion included the following ideas and questions: Whether holiday lighting could be supported through sponsorships, such as partnerships with ComEd or the Chamber of Commerce; The feasibility of an “adopt-a-light-pole” concept or other community-driven decorative programs; Whether similar programs in nearby communities, such as painted fire hydrants in Villa Park, could be explored; Whether the concern represents a broader community sentiment, noting that related questions have been received through Speak Out Lombard and posted on Facebook; Whether funding options could be explored through the Community Promotions Committee or other sources and reference to the Lilacia Park holiday light display as an example of an attraction that draws visitors. Staff indicated these ideas will be shared internally with appropriate departments for further review. 7.0 Other Business 8.0 Information Only Restaurant Week Staff shared that Lombard will host its first-ever Restaurant Week from Friday, January 23, through Sunday, February 1, 2026. The 10-day event will highlight Lombard’s diverse dining scene while supporting local restaurants. More than 45 restaurants, cafés, bakeries, breweries, and Village of Lombard Page 3 Community Relations Committee Minutes January 12, 2026 eateries are currently participating. Additional details will be shared through the Village website, social media channels, and the weekly e-newsletter. Winter Blood Drive Staff provided information on the Village’s Winter Blood Drive, scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the following locations: · Yorktown Center (lower level outside Von Maur): 8:00 a.m. to noon · York Township Center, 1502 S. Meyers Road (Auditorium): noon to 4:00 p.m. · First Church of Lombard Fellowship Hall, 220 S. Main Street: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As part of National Radon Action Month, Radonova, Inc. of Lombard will also be onsite beginning at 1:30 p.m. at First Church of Lombard to provide radon education and free radon test kits while supplies last. Coffee with the Village President Staff announced the launch of a new community engagement series titled “Coffee with the Village President.” The first session will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lombard Village Hall. The series supports the Village’s strategic plan goal of expanding community engagement and offers residents a casual opportunity to speak directly with Village President Anthony Puccio about Village initiatives and community topics. Additional Information Shared by Committee Members Member Madison Smith shared an update regarding a Lombard Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association fundraiser held at Triano’s Pizza to support the Shop with a Cop program, which benefited 11 children and their families. Appreciation was expressed to those who supported the fundraiser. Member Lindsey Khan asked a question regarding the potential use of electronic message boards in multiple languages and the translation of Village information to improve accessibility. 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Michael Ledonne, seconded by Madison Smith to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Village of Lombard Page 4