Community Relations Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Community Relations Committee Trustee Dan Whittington - Chairperson Trustee Bill Ware - Alternate Chairperson, Pamela Bedard, Lisa Biegalski, Ahmed Ali, Michael Ledonne, Sharon Vish, Barb Ware, Gladys Piper and Jenny Swensen Staff Liaison - Bridget Doyle Monday, January 13, 2014 7:00 PM Trustees Conference Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Trustee Dan Whittington at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lisa Biegalski. 2.0 Roll Call Present 8 - Trustee Dan Whittington, Pamela Bedard, Lisa Biegalski, Ahmed Ali, Michael Ledonne, Sharon Vish, Barbara Ware, and Gladys Piper Absent 1 - Jenny Swensen Also present: Communications Coordinator Bridget Doyle. 3.0 Public Participation None. 4.0 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Michael Ledonne, seconded by Gladys Piper, to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2013, meeting. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. 5.0 Old Business A. Seniors B. Social Services Village of Lombard Page 1 Community Relations Committee Minutes January 13, 2014 C. Youth 130530 Youth Firefighter Program Request to discuss the Youth Firefighter Program. Bridget Doyle presented the Community Relations Committee with communication and new information from Fire Chief Paul DiRienzo about the Youth Firefighter Program. The group generally agreed with the Chief’s outline for the program but had the following questions: - How many students will be in the first class? - What is the time frame? - Would the Fire Department consider hosting a similar class for adults in the future? The Committee also wanted to make sure Lombard residents were given precedence to be chosen for the class. It was suggested that all high schools serving Lombard be contacted about the program so no student was deprived the opportunity to apply or participate. Bridget said she would report back at the next meeting with dates for the program and any new information. D. Intergovernmental Relations E. Diversity 6.0 New Business A. Seniors B. Social Services C. Youth 130274 Youth Leadership Program Request to discuss the Youth Leadership Program. The committee discussed the potential for a Lombard Youth Leadership Program to be run through the Village. Going through school counselors was a suggestion for reaching students to participate. The program would be a leadership-focused program featuring speakers on administration and management in the public service sector. The committee suggested the following guidelines for the program to be laid out in four, two-hour sessions: 1) Session on Village Administration 2) Session on Village Operations 3) Session on Village Government 4) Attend Village Board meeting and receive certificate Village of Lombard Page 2 Community Relations Committee Minutes January 13, 2014 The committee thought a class of no more than 10 students would be the best starting point. The class would run from 4 to 6 p.m., except for the night of the Village Board meeting, which would be at 7:30 p.m. There would be food or a refreshment at each class and the class would be interactive to keep students’ attention . Bridget said she would begin contacting Village Staff and leaders at the local high schools to get dates ironed out. D. Intergovernmental Relations 130276 Downtown Open Mike Night Request to discuss having an Open Mike night in the Downtown. Chairperson Whittington said the idea for an Open Mic Night was still on the table and the best thing to do would be to find a student volunteer to run this program. The committee agreed to put Open Mic Night on the backburner until the Youth Firefighter Program and Leadership Programs were ironed out. E. Diversity 7.0 Other Business District 44 Art Show Bridget said she would begin working with District 44 on the upcoming art show. The press release will go out in early February, she said. Welcome Home for Veterans Chairperson Whittington said he would like to get the local VFW, American Legion and other groups involved in a formal welcome home for returning veterans of war. He said he would contact local groups and the Village could promote the program on its website. They could also possibly put together a “Welcome Home Basket” for returning vets. People interested in organizing a Welcome Home event would email communications@villageoflombard.org. Chairperson Whittington said he would report back on progress at the next meeting. 8.0 Information Only 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Michael Ledonne, seconded by Barbara Ware, to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. The motion passed by an unanimous vote. Village of Lombard Page 3