Community Relations Commission

Approved Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission Northbrook, Illinois June 6, 2013 The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Civic Room at the Northbrook Public Library by Chair Ray Wehr. Members present: Dale Duda, Scott Gertz, Bruce Doughty, Sue Huang, Dr. Rochelle Singer, Elliot Bruckman, Ron Mantegna, Nancy Stoddard, and Susan Weil. Also present: Guests Wileen Hsing, Sandra Velazquez, and David Whitlock; former Commission member Robert Lozaro; Liaison Kendal Maltas; and Recording Secretary Christine Martin. Welcome Chair Ray Wehr welcomed the group, including guests. Hear from the Audience Former Commission member Bob Lozaro said he was attending to accompany Susan Weil. Both are from St. Norbert’s parish. Wileen Hsing said she was attending to report on the Taste of Asia event, which she co-chaired. Sandra Velazquez said she was a relatively new resident of Northbrook and was attending the meeting as an observer. Guest David Whitlock also attended as an observer. Approval of: a. May 2013 CRC Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Member Doughty and seconded by Member Singer to approve the minutes of the May 2013 CRC meeting with the following corrections. The motion passed by voice vote. The corrections:  On page 1, Member Mantegna’s last name is misspelled.  On page 1, Member Doughty should be listed as not attending and excused.  On page 3, under the section on Flamingo Friday/WTN (Welcome to Northbrook) Planning, the minutes should reflect that Member Duda made the report regarding this event. b. May 16, 2013 Youth Forum Subcommittee Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5  A motion was made by Member Doughty, and seconded by Member Singer, to approve the minutes of the May 16 Youth Forum Subcommittee Meeting with the following corrections. The motion passed by voice vote. The corrections:  On page 2, the second bullet point needs to be corrected.  On page 3, the fourth bullet point from the bottom should read “the kid”  On page 3, the third bullet point from the bottom should read “to be normal”  On the last page, the fourth bullet point should read “to get” c. May 29, 2013 Youth Forum Subcommittee Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Member Doughty and seconded by Member Singer to approve the minutes of the May 29 Youth Forum Subcommittee Meeting with the following corrections. The motion passed by voice vote. The corrections:  In the Introduction, on the third line, the minutes should read “the public”  On page 4, one should find the phrase “Northbrook cares” Asian Heritage Celebration Review Member Huang reported that an estimated 1,100 people attended the Taste of Asia event on May 5. Media coverage was good. Last year attendance was approximately 500 people. Some of the programs lasted too long, in which case vendors started to pack up before the performances were finished. If the event grows, more funding will be needed. Perhaps vendors’ fees could be collected or corporate sponsorships secured. A second stage may be advisable. A larger event would require more volunteers, not just more funding. Thank you to Kendal for sending out thank you notes to performers and vendors. Former commissioner Lozaro suggested that if the event expands to occupy the entire North Suburban YMCA, then perhaps attendees should be issued “passports” that encourage them to visit every room. Otherwise, they will miss some of the activities. Member Mantegna suggested that holding some of the event outside would add visibility and could avoid having to secure a second stage. Flamingo Friday/WTN (Welcome to Northbrook) Planning Member Duda reported that the Flamingo Friday Kickoff Party held on May 17 was successful. Approximately 150 people attended. Twenty (20) flamingos were distributed to Northbrook residents who will use them for neighborhood parties. People who did not receive a Flamingo were put on a waiting list. Local parties are successful. Page 2 of 5 For example, one involved 24 people from ten homes. However, some of the individuals who attended the Flamingo Friday Kickoff Party were not newcomers to the village. The Commission discussed the possibility of moving the event indoors and making it a village fair or expo in addition to a “welcome to Northbrook” event. The Merchants Association and other groups could be involved. The event could be an expo at which many groups or organizations secure a booth or table. Residents, whether newcomers or not, would be welcome to attend to learn more about programs and services available in the area. Member Singer said that the village used to hold a Welcome to Northbrook event separately from the Flamingo Friday Kickoff Party until the events were combined a few years ago. Does the Commission want to separate them again? Glenview hosts a similar expo or “village fair” and it attracts as many as 700 people per year. The village could get the names of newcomers by identifying individuals when they sign up for water service. Former member Lozaro suggested “piggybacking” the event onto another existing event, such as the Whale of a Sale event held at St. Norbert’s. Member Duda said that planning to hold a bigger event outdoors when the weather may not be nice (even in mid-May) makes the event much more difficult to plan. Others who have experience planning the event should be consulted before any decisions are made. Village Forum Update Chair Wehr said that the subcommittee devoted to working on a village forum to address problems faced by troubled adolescents (the Youth Forum Subcommittee) has met twice. The meetings were well attended. Chair Wehr said that the consensus at the meetings was that the village should hold an event regarding “youth in crisis”, but that one event will not be sufficient. Rather, there must be a continuing effort to help. Those involved must include parents, teachers, and frontline counselors who work with youth. Four groups must be addressed: high school students, middle school students, parents, and teachers, including youth ministers at houses of worship. The focus must be on prevention, intervention (e.g., helping a depressed child), and response. Chair Wehr said that a summit will be held on Wednesday, June 19, at which service providers will explain to members of the subcommittee what services they provide. Representatives from school districts and religious leaders are also invited. The meeting may serve to identify gaps in services offered. Member Singer said that after the summit the phrase “Northbrook cares” may be incorporated into banners, brochures, and the like to reassure youth and families that resources are available. Chair Wehr said that the goal will be to reach youth and families wherever possible. Member Bruckman suggested that the goal is to connect service providers with youth Page 3 of 5 and that it may be advisable to separate parents and youth for educational purposes if and when the village hosts a larger forum for or about troubled youth. Update to Community Resource Guide Chair Wehr said that it’s time to update the Community Resource Guide, last published several years ago. The previous edition was published in paper only, although a .pdf of it is available on the village’s website. The updated edition will also be available in paper to accommodate those who lack a computer and also for public safety personnel who must make the guide available immediately in emergency situations. Each commissioner will be asked to take a section of the book and make phone calls to update it as needed. Commission Review – “Preview” Chair Wehr said that—at the August meeting—Commission members will be asked to evaluate the commission’s work. They will be asked to think about what should be improved, added, or dropped. Commission members may wish to start to think about this now. News from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship No report. News from Schools Proms and graduations are complete at local schools. Glenbrook South High School is converting to a block schedule, during which students classes are held 90 minutes every other day instead of attending a class every day for 50 minutes or so. The new schedule is more like college. Glenbrook North has had a block schedule for several years. St. Norbert’s school will have a new principal as of July 1. Glenbrook North High School recently held an awards ceremony. Approximately $250,000 in scholarships was awarded to students. One of the scholarships was the Collin Wehr Memorial Award, which was awarded to Paul Bodanis and Montana Paley. Old Business a. Recognition of Past Members – June 25, 2013 Board Meeting Former commission members Bob Lozaro and James Hyun will be honored for their service on the commission at the June 25, 2013, Village Board meeting. Page 4 of 5 New Business a. Meeting Dates Member Doughty moved that the July 4, 2013, meeting be cancelled. Member Huang seconded the motion. The motion passed on a voice vote. Eyes and Ears on the Street Chair Wehr reported that a representative of the Park District will be invited to the September meeting of the Commission. By Village code, the Park District is to send a representative to the commission. Member Mantegna reported that renovations of the Northbrook Public Library will begin in February 2014. Member Weil reported that the St. Norbert Block Party will be held June 8. Member Duda reported that the Farmers Market opens in downtown Northbrook on June 19. It will be held in the parking lot of the former Walgreen’s store at the corner of Cherry and Meadow (Meadow Plaza). Member Stoddard reported that St. Giles Episcopal Church is holding a “Road Rally” on June 15. Next meeting: August 1, 2013 Adjournment Member Singer moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Member Doughty seconded the motion. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, Christine Martin Recording Secretary Page 5 of 5