Community Relations Commission

CITY OF WHEATON COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes - Wednesday, March 4, 2015 I. Call to Order: by Chairman Ronnie Gillis at 7:05 p.m. II. Roll Call: Commission Members Present: Commission Members Absent: Ronnie Gillis Dan Loftus Bill Balis Michelle Rollins Bill Gilbertson Tom Teune Bobby McNeily Desiray Young Vickie Miller Renee Webb III. Citizens to be heard: Becca, Carolyn, Laura and Riley from the Wheaton North High School Government Class were in attendance to observe our meeting. Ronnie Gilllis gave an overview to the students of the purpose of our Commission and the various activities that we conduct for the benefit of the Community. IV. Approval of the minutes: from February 4, 2015. Ronnie moved, Bill B seconded and the motion for approval carried. V. Continuing Business: A. Military Projects -- Ronnie Gillis. Ronnie briefed us on the recent visit of LTC Sanchez, the Commander of our adopted military unit. He was in Wheaton to meet with the Wheaton College ROTC unit and to visit the Cantigny War Museum and hoped to meet with us. A dinner was arranged for the evening and was attended by the available Commissioners Gilbertson, Rollins, Teune, Young and herself. Colonel Sanchez reiterated his appreciation for the Christmas stockings and gifts that we provided to the more needy families of his command. He also showed us a picture of all of the troops in his command lined up in formation wearing the new workout t-shirts that were provided by us. He then presented Commissioner Rollins with the stack of letters she had arranged for Wheaton school children to write to his soldiers. Attached to each was a written response from one of the troops. B. Cultural Diversity – Dan Loftus. In Dan’s absence Renee covered the discussion that Dan recently had with Betsy Adamowski from the Wheaton Public Library. Betsy suggested partnering on a September event around the International Day of Peace, Monday, September 21. Commissioners liked the following ideas: - recommend one book based on that theme for the city to announce before end of school year in order to engage students - we wouldn't commit to a week/month long event with the library but would lend our support and definitely lead a one day/weekend event associated with their idea - we like the September time frame because families are back from vacations and kids are back in school - need to check calendars of city, park district and county for potential conflicting events of any date we/library choose - Several ideas brainstormed: food trucks, music, partnering with Sister City commission - new commissioner Bobby suggested entertainment by high school madrigal choirs and other musical groups. He is willing to assist with the event as he is a professional singer/actor and began his career in Glenbard South H.S. - Next steps...decide date and type of event with Betsy/Library. Initial advertising before schools close for summer. Announce book to be read (inform the high schools and city/website). Renee made a motion to increase the budget for this event by $1,000, Vickie seconded and the motion carried by a unanimous vote. Expenditures from this amount must be made by 4/30/15, end of fiscal year. -1-  C. Make a Difference Day – Bill Gilbertson. With funds still available from this year’s budget Bill suggested that we go ahead and purchase the 3 replacement banner stands that we agreed to in February. D. Serve Illinois/Cities of Service – Renee Webb. Renee reported the both Mayor Gresk and City Manager Don Rose wanted on the Cities of Service program and had submitted an application. Mayor Gresk had also appointed Executive Assistant, Lindsey Qualkenbush, to be our staff coordinator for the program. We began to discuss various program ideas. Over the next several months we will need develop a comprehensive project with specific goals and measurable results which will require a core of volunteers from the community to successfully implement the plan. Once the Commission finalizes the project we will need to make a presentation to the City Council for approval. Tom discovered a Cities of Service Playbook online and Bill volunteered to work with Lindsey to obtain printed copies for all of the Commissioners. E. Good Citizens – Vickie Miller. Vickie indicated that publicity regarding Good Citizen nominations, letters and forms had been sent out to schools and other organizations last month. During our April meeting we will vote on the nominations. The Commission agreed that minimum age for Senior nominations would remain at 65 and older. F. Treasurer’s Report -- Tom Teune.. Tom submitted a report of our expenditures through 2/28/15. It shows we have a balance of $1,777.73 remaining on our fiscal budget. G. Media Coordinator – Michelle Rollins. No report. VI. New Business: None VII. Commissioners Comments: New Commissioner, Bobby McNeily said, “I strongly feel that Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Robert Miller should be honored on COD's Homeland Security Building, not Dr. Robert Breuder. I believe that our Commission, along with the Wheaton City Council, should request that this be done. Perhaps we can discuss this further at our next meeting in April.” VIII. Adjournment: Vickie moved, Bobby seconded, a motion to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Motion passed. -2-