Community Relations Commission

Community Relations Commission Meeting Summary April 13, 2017 Persons in attendance: Jenny Lee Carolyn Drblik Dan Ryan Jason Trunco – (left at 6:15 P.M.) Trustee John C. Jekot Tony Hollenback – Director of Family Services Cammy Fortuna – Secretary Brian Sweeney – Resident / Guest Persons absent: Dennis McEnerney – Chief of Police Steve Vinezeano – Village Manager Jenny Lee called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Family Services Group Room at the Human Services Building, 999 Civic Center Drive. There being enough voting members present, the following meeting summaries were approved. July 14, 2016 – Jason Trunco motioned to approve the July 14, 2016 meeting summary, seconded by Carolyn Drblik. October 13, 2016 - Jason Trunco motioned to approve the July 14, 2016 meeting summary, seconded by Carolyn Drblik. January 12, 2017 - Jason Trunco motioned to approve the July 14, 2016 meeting summary, seconded by Carolyn Drblik. Reported Citizen Comments / Complaints Those present reported that no complaints were received. Old Business Dan Ryan commented on a neighbor that is disabled and somewhat elderly that had to leave her home. He wondered if Niles has any type of program to assist in this type of situation. Tony Hollenback noted that the Village has a program called HEROES that was for senior citizens and is now being expanded to other residents in need. The Family Services Department is working towards prevention and early intervention. Commissioner Lee noted that she and  Community Relations Commission April 13, 2017 Commissioner Drblik, along with Family Services Director Tony Hollenback visited Axley Place in Glenview, Illinois for a tour of the new facility several months back. Axley Place is an affordable housing project in Glenview serving persons with disabilities and seniors. Commissioner Lee found this visit to be very informative. The Village is interested in an affordable housing project. The decision would need to be made as to who would be eligible to live in the building and would this building be open to Niles residents only. Land to build the affordable housing needs to be located. Grants from the State and Federal levels would need to be sought. Currently there is one affordable housing unit located in Niles, the Huntington, which is run by the Cook County Housing Authority. The waiting period is approximately 10 years. Commissioner Jenny Lee and Tony Hollenback worked with various immigrant rights advocacy groups to put together a workshop. The Know Your Rights Workshop was held on March 11, 2017 at Gemini Junior High School. Topics included immigrant rights, restrictions while travelling and ICE Raids. Time was also provided for questions and answers. The work shop was informative and well attended. Interaction with law enforcement officials is key to a better understanding. In future workshops the Community Relations Commission can be more involved. The Community Relations Commission would like to get involved with the Public Arts and Culture Council. Open Discussion Resident / guest - Brian Sweeney who was introduced to the Community Relations Commission by Commissioner Jason Trunco, introduced himself to the group. Brian would like to be involved in the Community Relations Commission and in the community. The Commission would like to have a presence at the 4th of July parade and at block parties. Annual appointments to the committee will be made by the Mayor; Commissioner Lee has been serving as the interim chair. It was suggested to change the meeting time for the Commission from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The time change will be an agenda item for the next meeting. Public Comment No members of the public were present to make public comment. Next Meeting The next meeting is Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Adjournment The discussion concluded at 7:01 p.m. 2  Community Relations Commission April 13, 2017 2016-2017 Community Relations Commission Commissioners Ex-Officio Members Carolyn Drblik Trustee John C. Jekot Joe Kuffel Village Manager Steven C. Vinezeano Jenny Lee Human Services Director Tony Hollenback Daniel P. Ryan Sr. Chief of Police Dennis McEnerney Jason Trunco Secretary Cammy Fortuna 3