Community Relations Commission

Regular Meeting

Glen Ellyn, IL · May 8, 2025

Minutes

Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Community Relations Regular Meeting Commission May 8, 2025 7:00PM Glen Ellyn MCivic Center Board or Community Relations Date: May 8, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:07 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:32 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Sania Irwin Chairperson Present Mir Ali Commissioner Present Molly McGinnis Knapke Commissioner Present Amanda Musacchio Commissioner Present Nancy McKee Commissioner Present Maariya Quadri Commissioner Absent Alisha Badie Student Commissioner Present - Late arrival at 7:17 Also Present: Grant Paplauskas Communications Coordinator Dawn Bussey Executive Director -Glen Ellyn Public Library Public Present: Jim Percic Glen Ellyn Citizens for Race Amity A. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - The May 8, 2025 regular meeting of the Community Relations Commission was called to order by Chairperson Irwin at 7:07 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2025 AND MARCH 13, 2025 MEETINGS – Commissioner McGinnis made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 6, 2025, and March 13, 2025 meetings. Commissioner McKee seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Community Relations 2 May 8, 2025 C. COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS 1. Library – Director Bussey shared that the Downtown Alliance Scavenger Hunt is underway and will feature an origami theme. There will be 20 unique origami pieces placed throughout the community, with opportunities to win prizes. The library will also take part in the upcoming community events—on June 9, during the Ice Cream Social, a Hokusai image will be displayed on the side of the building, and the Friends of the Library will host their book sale that evening. Summer Reading is ramping up, and this year the library is partnering with WDSRA. Bussey encouraged everyone to sign up. Additionally, Bussey addressed a growing concern at the library: staff has recently encountered an increase in disrespectful behavior from some patrons, driven by a sense of entitlement. The library is actively working to address the issue and is considering bringing in Dominique Bolden, who previously led a "Belonging in a Thriving Community" training, to help staff and improve the environment, organized by CRC. 2. Village Board – No report 3. Staff Report – Staff Liaison Paplauskas reported that the Village recently passed the grocery tax, which will go into effect next year. In addition, a new bicycle ordinance was approved, impacting bikes, e-bikes, and scooters—particularly in the downtown area. The ordinance aims to enhance public safety in high-traffic pedestrian zones. On the cultural front, the Village will be celebrating Japanese culture in partnership with the Hokusai exhibit at the College of DuPage. The celebration will include themed activities, public murals, and participation from local businesses, including Japanese- inspired window paintings. Paplauskas encouraged everyone to visit the Hokusai exhibit at COD and take part in the cultural festivities. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – None E. COMMISSION ACTION DISCUSSION 1. Operating Principals - Chairperson Irwin reminded the commission of its operating principles, emphasizing the importance of respecting one another’s time. She asked members to notify the group in advance if they are unable to attend meetings, noting that maintaining a quorum and starting meetings on time are essential for the commission’s effectiveness. 2. Illinois Citizens for Race Amity: Presentation by Jim Percic - Chairperson Irwin introduced Jim Percic from Illinois Citizens for Race Amity. Jim thanked the commission for the opportunity to speak and provided an overview of the organization. He explained that Illinois Citizens for Race Amity is a five-year-old organization working Community Relations 3 May 8, 2025 on a statewide level to promote unity and build inclusive communities. Their mission is to bring people together across racial, cultural, and gender lines to foster friendship, meaningful dialogue, and mutual understanding. Jim noted that the organization is affiliated with the National Center for Race Amity, which has designated June 8 as Race Amity Day—a day meant to create space for people from different backgrounds to come together in friendship and solidarity. He emphasized that the root of many social issues is a lack of communication, and events like these help break down barriers and misconceptions. He shared that Race Amity events have been very successful, with attendance ranging from 35 to 75 people. For example, the Naperville group started with 45 participants and has since grown to over 100. A key part of the initiative includes encouraging local governing bodies to issue proclamations in support of Race Amity Day. Jim shared that the DuPage County Board, the State of Illinois, and several area municipalities are issuing such proclamations this year. Jim invited the commission and the community to support these efforts by publicizing the event and participating. This year, the Lombard event will feature a potluck dinner and a speaker, taking place on Saturday, June 7, as part of a weekend of activities. He distributed flyers with more details and offered a template proclamation for the Village, which can be customized. The CRC reviewed the sample proclamation and noted that some edits would be needed. Commissioner McKee commented that the proclamation aligns well with the CRC's mission and purpose. The Commission unanimously agreed to recommend that the Village Board issue a proclamation recognizing Race Amity Day. Commissioner Badie motioned to recommend the proclamation to the Village Board, and Commissioner McGinnis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Did You Know …. Series: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Chairperson Irwin provided an updated version of the write- up, which now includes additional resources. Commissioner Musacchio motioned to approve the revised write-up, and Commissioner McGinnis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Irwin noted that June is a busy month for days of significance. Commissioner McGinnis volunteered to draft the Did You Know write-up for National Immigration Month. The Juneteenth and Pride write-ups will be repurposed from last year, with minor updates as needed. 4. Belonging In A Thriving Community: Session 1 (Belonging & Connections) on 3-21-2025, Session 2 (Cultural Competence) on 5-7-2025, Session 3 is currently in the planning stages and is scheduled to take place this fall. Due to ongoing renovations at the library, an alternative location will need to be selected for the event. Community Relations 4 May 8, 2025 5. Engaging Community: CRC Work and Impact - Intro Presentation to Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce on 6-10-2025, 9:00am. Commissioner Nancy McKee will represent the CRC and will present the DEI Resource Guide and the CRC’s accomplishments. 6. Community Relations Commission description for Village website. Irwin noted that all other Village commissions include brief descriptions on their webpages. To align with this, she proposed the following descriptor for the CRC’s website: “Engages the community, so that all individuals are able to fully participate in every aspect of Village life.” 7. Proposal: Rotating Presentation by Liaisons (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn Park District, Glen Ellyn School Districts (87, 41, 89), Glen Ellyn Police Department, Village of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn Village Board) – Irwin suggested that CRC liaisons give an annual presentation highlighting their board or commission’s accomplishments to help inform the CRC’s future initiatives. Commissioner Ali recommended that the CRC not only invite liaisons to share updates, but also provide an overview of the CRC’s own work in return. He volunteered to draft an outreach letter to initiate communication with the respective boards and liaisons. F. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE Commissioner McKee moved and Commissioner Ali seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Next meeting – June 5, 2025 Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Grant Paplauskas, Staff Liaison

Agenda

Packet

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Community Relations Commission Thursday, May 8, 2025 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Room 301 Meeting Procedures Statement Visitors are most welcome to attend all public meetings and can find copies of the Agenda online at www.glenellyn.org prior to the meeting. Any individual with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should contact the Village of Glen Ellyn ADA Coordinator, 630-469-5000, at least five (5) business days in advance of the next scheduled meeting. A. Call to Order B. Roll Call C. Review of Minutes 1) March 13, 2025 Community Relations Commission Minutes 2) February 6, 2025 Community Relations Commission Minutes D. Liaison Reports E. Audience Participation F. Commission Action Discussion 1) • Reminder: Operating Principles. • Illinois Citizens for Race Amity: Presentation by Jim Percic. • Did You Know …. Series: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. • Belonging In A Thriving Community: Session 1 (Belonging & Connections) on 3-21-2025, Session 2 (Cultural Competence) on 5-7-2025, Session 3 in planning. • Engaging Community: CRC Work and Impact - Intro Presentation to Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce on 6-10-2025, 9:00am. o Commissioner Nancy McKee will represent CRC. • Community Relations Commission description for Village website (https://www.glenellyn.org/267/Boards-Commissions): o "Engages the community and Village institutions, so all are able to fully participate in all aspects of Village life.” • Proposal: Rotating Presentation by Liaisons (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn Park District, Glen Ellyn School Districts (87, 41, 89), Glen Ellyn Police Department, Village of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn Village Board). G. Adjourn - Next Meeting June 5, 2025 Village of Glen Ellyn Page 1 of 9 Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Community Relations Special Meeting Commission March 13, 2025 7:00PM Glen EllynMCivic Center Board or Community Relations Date: March 13, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:07 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Sania Irwin Chairperson Absent Mir Ali Commissioner Absent Molly McGinnis Knapke Commissioner Present Amanda Musacchio Commissioner Present Nancy McKee Commissioner Present Maariya Quadri Commissioner Present Alisha Badie Student Commissioner Present Also Present: Donna Jean Simon Trustee Grant Paplauskas Communications Coordinator Public Present: A. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - The March 13, 2025 special meeting of the Community Relations Commission was called to order by Chairperson Pro-Tem McKee at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM February 6, 2025 Meeting - Deferred to next month when a quorum is present Page 2 of 9 Community 2 Relations March 13, 2025 C. COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS 1. Government Partners – No report 2. Police Department – No report 3. Village Board – Trustee Simon shared several updates: The village is one of 30 municipalities in Illinois awarded funds to conduct a survey and report on ADA compliance. This ADA Transition Plan will assess every sidewalk and street in the village to identify potential issues and ensure compliance during future street work. Every municipality is required to have an ADA Transition Plan in place by 2028, identifying any deficiencies. Beginning next week, areas south of Roosevelt Road will be photographed and evaluated as part of this process. CMAP is leading the initiative, and Grant Paplauskas serves as the village's compliance officer. Approval has been granted for Full Circle Communities to develop affordable housing on Taft Avenue. The Village Board has approved the Event Park, with the Park District now responsible for implementing Phase 1. A workshop was held last Monday to discuss the use of mobility devices, such as e- bikes and scooters, in the downtown area. The Village Board is still evaluating the issue. There was also discussion about conducting a resident survey to gather input and guide future decisions. Currently, all wheeled devices are prohibited on sidewalks in downtown Glen Ellyn. 4. Staff Report – No report D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – None E. COMMISSION ACTION DISCUSSION 1. Film Screening of Sharma with COD – Commissioner McGinnis provided an update on the upcoming film screening in collaboration with the College of DuPage (COD). The cost to partner is $531, which will help cover the expense of the movie license. To promote the event, the CRC will work closely with COD and create flyers to generate awareness. McGinnis also plans to reach out to the social studies and science departments at local high schools to encourage student participation. An evening showing is being requested, with potential dates set for April 15 and April 24. Additionally, the Environmental Commission will be invited to participate in the event. Commissioner McGinnis motioned to approve a budget of $550 or less to secure the movie license for the screening of Sharma in partnership with COD. Commissioner Page 3 of 9 Community 3 Relations March 13, 2025 Quadri seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with all members in favor. 2. Belonging in a Thriving Community, Education Series – The program is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Public Library. Registration will close on March 6, and lunch will be provided for attendees. F. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE Commissioner McGinnis moved and Commissioner Quadri seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Next meetings – April 3, 2025 (Commissioner McKee Chairperson Pro-Tem), Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Grant Paplauskas, Staff Liaison Page 4 of 9 Village of Glen Ellyn Minutes Village of Glen Ellyn Community Relations Regular Meeting Commission February 6, 2025 7:00PM Glen Ellyn MCivic Center Board or Community Relations Date: February 6, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:19 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Sania Irwin Chairperson Present Mir Ali Commissioner Present Molly McGinnis Knapke Commissioner Absent Amanda Musacchio Commissioner Present Nancy McKee Commissioner Present Maariya Quadri Commissioner Present Alisha Badie Student Commissioner Present Also Present: Kelley Kalinich Trustee Grant Paplauskas Communications Coordinator Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Public Present: A. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL - The February 6, 2025 regular meeting of the Community Relations Commission was called to order by Chairperson Irwin at 7:00 PM at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM January 22, 2025 MEETING APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM January 22, 2025 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING as amended MOTION BY: Commissioner McKee SECONDED BY: Commissioner Badie RESULT: Unanimous Page 5 of 9 Community Relations 2 January 22, 2025 C. COMMISSION LIAISON REPORTS 1. Government Partners – No report 2. Police Department – No report 3. Village Board – Trustee Kalinich shared several updates, beginning with the Full Circle development project. The developer will be presenting at tonight’s public Plan Commission meeting regarding the proposed affordable housing project at the former hotel site on Roosevelt Road. The first step is securing approval from the Plan Commission, after which the project will go before the Village Board in late February or early March. She also provided an update on the Train Station project, stating that the Village has secured several federal grants to help fund the initiative. The team is currently verifying the availability of these funds and moving forward with engineering and planning. Regarding Micro Mobility Devices—including bikes, scooters, and e-bikes—Kalinich noted that discussions are ongoing. The Board recently held a workshop to review the use of these devices on sidewalks, as current ordinances prohibit their use, though enforcement has been inconsistent. Safety concerns from the community have been raised, prompting research into how other municipalities handle similar issues. The potential for e-bikes to be permitted on streets is also under consideration. 4. Staff Report – Staff Liaison Paplauskas shared several updates, including the launch of the ADA Transition Plan study. The first public meeting will take place this month, and the study will assess streets and sidewalks throughout Glen Ellyn to ensure ADA compliance. This initiative is being funded by a grant from CMAP. Additionally, College of DuPage will host the Hokusai and Ukiyo-e – The Floating World Exhibit, an art installation at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC). As part of this cultural initiative, two murals will be created—one in downtown Glen Ellyn and another at Paris Baguette. The exhibit and murals will be accompanied by various cultural and educational events throughout the village. The installation and celebration will take place from May through September. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – None E. COMMISSION ACTION DISCUSSION 1. Community Belonging Training - Chairperson Irwin shared that she and Commissioner Ali met with trainer Dominique Baldin to discuss strategies for engaging businesses, village staff, and commissioners. As a result, they developed a training series titled "Belonging in a Thriving Community" (see attached handout). Page 6 of 9 Community Relations 3 January 22, 2025 Irwin outlined the training roadmap, which includes three sessions, each covering a distinct topic and potentially incorporating interactive activities to enhance engagement. The sessions will be held on weekdays during lunchtime, allowing village staff to participate. The Community Relations Commission reviewed and approved the approach, confirming that the event will be officially sponsored by the CRC. The training sessions will take place at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, with lunch provided by the CRC. The commission reviewed potential dates and selected March 19, April 23, and May 21. Next Steps:  Commissioner Quadri will create an Evite invitation to track RSVPs.  Quadri will also explore food options, including potential sponsorships from Glen Ellyn businesses.  Chairperson Irwin will coordinate securing a venue, with Grant Paplauskas assisting by connecting her with the appropriate village staff.  Chairperson Irwin and Commissioner Ali to confirm dates with trainer. Training Sessions Overview: Session 1 - Knowing Self, Knowing Others – Focuses on self-awareness and unconscious bias. Session 2 - Cultural Competence – Explores who makes up the community and shared commonalities. Session 3- Opportunities to Participate in Different Cultures – Encourages engagement with diverse cultural experiences. 2. Did You Know Write-up(s) - Chairperson Irwin thanked Commissioner Badie for compiling the film list for Black History Month. The CRC then reviewed the Black History Month write-up. Commissioner Quadri motioned to approve the write-up as presented, with Commissioner Badie seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Chairperson Irwin suggested highlighting community members alongside the "Did You Know" write-ups by featuring individuals who embody the spirit of the month being recognized. She proposed creating a community profile template to showcase these individuals. In addition to community members, the initiative could also spotlight students from both high schools and possibly the College of DuPage. Chairperson Irwin then asked if a commissioner would be interested in leading this effort. Commissioner Musacchio volunteered to take the lead, with Commissioner Badie assisting. Commissioner Quadri volunteered to write the "Did You Know" feature on Ramadan. 3. Dance/Cultural Event Partnership with COD in February - Commissioner Musacchio provided an update, stating that after following up with COD, a spring event will not take place. However, there is potential for consideration in the fall. Page 7 of 9 Community Relations 4 January 22, 2025 F. ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING DATE Commissioner Badie moved and Commissioner Ali seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. Next meetings – March 6, 2025. (Commissioner McKee Chairperson Pro-Tem), April 3, 2025 (Commissioner McKee Chairperson Pro-Tem), May 8, 2025 Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Grant Paplauskas, Staff Liaison Page 8 of 9 Community Relations Commission Did You Know … May 2025 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month “Congress in 1978 passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. It expanded the observance to a month (May) in 1992, timed to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May 7, 1843) and completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (the majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants).” Source: U.S. Census Bureau: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Learn more about the Model Minority Myth (stereotyping and its harmful impacts), Angel Island Immigration Station (contrasting the experience at Angel Island vs. Ellis Island), and a family’s story of enduring Japanese Internment, through the resource links below. Source: U.S. Census Bureau: Fun Facts About Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Additional Resources Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the U.S. – National Endowment for the Humanities. ➢ Learn more about Model Minority Myth and Angel Island Immigration Station. Centering Asian Artists in the American Story – National Gallery of Art. ➢ Learn more about a family’s story of enduring Japanese Internment. Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month – National Gallery of Art, The Library of Congress, Smithsonian, National Archives, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Park Service, National Endowment for the Humanities. Community Relations Commission Page 1 May 2025 Page 9 of 9