Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall I. Call to Order a. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm II. Welcome The Community Relations Commission's purpose is to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations in a diverse inclusive community. The Community Relations Commission is also to promote increased participation in all aspects of community life and a sense of shared community among all residents. III. Roll Call: a. In person: Kathy Bushong, Andrea Clayton, David Sohmer, Shauna Thorson, Yvette Diericx, Laura Peccarelli, Erica Nelson, Ben Waterman Absent: Scott Chedister, Meg Beasley, Mike Hodel IV. Welcome Community member: Michelle Watkins with Abundant Children and Family Services collecting items for 1500 kids for Christmas appeal, back to school 500 backpacks, food pantry, clothes closet. November presentation for coats. V. Community Presentation Wheaton Police Department, Chief of Police Princeton Youker Programs: - Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association helps the police serve the community for events - National Night Out - Roll Call neighborhood events - School Safety for the start of school - Active Threat Drills - mandated by law - ALICE - more in depth protocol for Run, Hide, Fight-For school system. “Alert, Lock down, Inform, Counter and evacuate” - D.A.R.E. program started up again after a 16-year hiatus. The program focuses on making good decisions, bullying, and internet behavior. - Peer Jury Model for minor offenses for children 17 and younger. Applies a restorative justice model. Examples are vape usage, stolen small goods. The Peer Jury determines “punishments.” - Narcan Program-saved over 100 people. Narcan is available from the Wheaton PD at no charge. Provided to caregivers to help those who are struggling. Narcan is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 4, 2024 New Mental Health Center -Mental Health Response, all officers are trained with 1.5 social workers in the department. Average response time of Wheaton Police Department: 4.43 response There were 61,455 calls for service in 2023, of those 10-12k were emergency calls. VI. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of minutes from September 4, 2024 with a correction to change “canvass” to “canvas”. David Sohmer made a motion to approve the minutes with the correction. Kathy Bushong seconded. Minutes approved as amended. VII. Old Business a. Recap of Wheaton Festival of Cultures (WCRC program) i. Google doc to be shared for additional comments/suggestions ii. Subcommittee will meet to review and present recommendations at the next CRC meeting Can we increase participation of residents? iii. Form a task force to see if changes are needed 1. Work with another commission for the event a. Cultural music festival was discussed 2. Why was attendance so low, despite the weather? a. Can we increase participation of residents? 3. Discussed ethnic culture versus religious culture. a. Shauna Thorson shared feedback about concern that religion/beliefs were presented. b. Erica Nelson pointed out that some of the organizations that participate in the Festival of Cultures naturally intersect ethnic experience with faith traditions. VIII. New Business a. Wheaton Gives Back (WCRC-led program with partners: Peoples Resource Center, Downtown Wheaton Association, and Wheaton Park District) -14 boxes dropped off by Yvette Diericx and Shauna Thorson i. Winter Coat and Gear drive, collection takes place from October 1–31 1. Nov 2 was names as a possible pick up date a. Volunteers, Dave Sohmer, Ben Waterman, Andrea Clayton ii. Stuff-a-Truck unloading is on Friday, October 25 b. Commission and Board budget deadline is October 15 – Erica Nelson sending draft to David Sohmer then will submit to Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk i. Review programs and proposed budget 1. Library partner programs for 2025: a. Partner programs budget is $1,000 i. Concert in February 1. Downtown Charlie Brown-Blues, storytelling 2. $240-$250 ii. Women’s History programs in March 1. Storytelling around Women, Jane Austin re- enactor 2. Princess of Wales story/her 3. The Women who Measured the Stars 2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES September 4, 2024 a. Bertha Honre’ Palmer (Palmer House Chicago) and her contributions to art and culture in Chicago. ii. Budget meeting with City council 10/28/24, Erica Nelson attending. Other commissioners are welcome to attend. c. New Commissioners - Erica is meeting with applicants to be approved on October 7th i. Meeting with Andrew McGady this week to discuss commission. d. CASA DuPage, works with Hispanic families in the court system, is having a “Day of the Dead” celebration with Gary Methodist Church in Wheaton on November 2nd. Has asked if we can help with advertising through the city. They want to create a connection with the community. and want help to inform those that work and live here about the event and organization. e. Poinsettias - tokens of appreciation and partnership to organizations and individuals who have made WCRC programs a success-next month-November. IX. Public Comment X. Adjournment a. Meeting adjourned by consensus at 8:50 pm. November 7, 2024 Chair Community Relations Commission Date 3