Community Relations Commission

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 7:00 to 8:30 pm Gamon Room, Wheaton City Hall In-Person or Virtual Attendance) I. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 7:07 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 In Person: Meg Beasley, Kathy Bushong, Scott Chedister, Andrea Clayton, Yvette Diericx, Mike Hodel, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, Shauna Thorson Calling in: Andrew McGady, (Unable to connect with Internet for Zoom) IV. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of minutes from February 5, 2025 meeting. Yvette motioned to approve minutes as presented; Shauna seconded. Minutes approved. V. Old Business a. Black History Month, partner program with Wheaton Public Library recap - Laura i. Over 100 people attended the event ii. In addition to performance, musicians discussed Chicago and Southern influences of the blues iii. Very interactive program b. Women’s History Month update - partner program, Andrea i. 22 pieces of art that were placed at 17 places of business ii. Increased art submissions by 30% iii. Art is set up and map is live through March 31 c. Good Citizens Awards, commission program, committee (Andrew, Scott, Kathy, and Shauna) i. Update on committee work ii. Flyers, letters, and comms 1. Letters going out, flyers printed, and comms announcements out 2. Selection meeting on April 28 at 7 pm (Conely Room) 3. Top 3 nominees to be selected in each category 4. Reminder phone calls or emails needed to drive nominations COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 5, 2025 VI.New Business a. Sister Cities (Karlskoga, Sweden and Wheaton Aston, England) - Shauna i. Wheaton/Aston 1. Shauna will be walking through Wheaton Aston later this year 2. It is the 30th anniversary of the Sister City relationship. 3. History: Ken Harris of Wheaton Aston noticed that his Bible was printed in Wheaton IL. The two Wheatons exchange calendars. a. Mayor Gresk has visited the area. b. Laura met a man from the area during Festival of Cultures 4. Shauna and Erica will reach out to the Mayor and see if the city has anything such as a letter she could take (Cards from Wheaton) 5. Talked about renewing a letter writing activity with school children. September Event - Define purpose of event ii. September Festival of Cultures or other event 1. Memorial Park is available for a Saturday, September 20 event. 2. Immediate goal: find someone to take charge and develop structure for program. a. Provide an outline at the April commission meeting. b. Laura, Kathy, Shauna, Erica, and Andrew will lead the effort 3. Blend the intention of a city/community feel while honoring purpose and elevating the story of Wheaton. b. Treasurer/Review reimbursement process - Erica and Mike i. Reimbursements now go to Mike. However, if receipts are submitted directly to Andrea Rosedale, please share with Mike. ii. Budget to ensure we stay within plan. c. Statement of economic interest is due by May 31. County has instituted a fee if the responses are late. VII. Public Comment VIII. Adjournment a. Meeting adjourned at 8 pm by consensus Erica Nelson May 8, 2025 Chairperson, WCRC 2