Community Relations Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Meeting Minutes Community Relations Committee Trustee Jessica Hammersmith - Chairperson Trustee Dan Militello - Alternate Chairperson, Pamela Bedard, Michael Ledonne, Sharon Vish, Gladys Piper, Kaveria Lezza, Megan McVane, Madison Smith, Tereasa Banks and Lindsey Khan Staff Liaison: Stephanie Calvillo Monday, March 9, 2026 6:00 PM Village Hall Manager's Conference Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jessie Hammersmith at 6:02 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith. 2.0 Roll Call Present 6 - Jessica Hammersmith, Pamela Bedard, Sharon Vish, Gladys Piper, Madison Smith, and Lindsey Khan Absent 4 - Kaveria Lezza, Megan McVane, Michael Ledonne, and Tereasa Banks Also present: Stephanie Calvillo, Communications Coordinator. Carl Goldsmith, Public Works Director 3.0 Public Participation 4.0 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Pam Bedard, seconded by Gladys Piper, to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2026 committee meeting. The motion passed by unanimous vote. 5.0 Unfinished Business 250357 Meeting Recording and Broadcasting Options Staff will provide an update on the trial use of a contracted service for recording Village Board and Plan Commission meetings and share information regarding a proposed service agreement. Village of Lombard Page 1 Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2026 Chairperson Hammersmith shared an update on the trial use of contracted services through SunCom for recording Village Board and Plan Commission meetings and provided information regarding the proposed service agreement. No questions or concerns were raised by the Committee. Staff will proceed with moving forward with the contract. 250358 Website Accessibility Requirements Overview Staff will provide an update on the Village's efforts to prepare for compliance with federal website accessibility requirements and the tools being evaluated to support accessibility improvements. Chairperson Hammersmith provided an update on federal website accessibility requirements and the tools available through CivicPlus to support compliance. A question was raised regarding whether the services would require a formal bidding process. Staff explained that the tools are available through the Village’s existing website platform and are intended to provide a seamless user experience. No concerns or objections were raised by the Committee. Staff will proceed with moving forward with the implementation of the identified accessibility tools. 6.0 New Business 260097 Public Improvement Projects Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith will present information on upcoming public improvement initiatives, including a gateway project, mural art and downtown plaza project. Public Works Director Goldsmith presented information on several upcoming and conceptual public improvement projects. Gateway Signage Project: Director Goldsmith shared that gateway signage concepts are in the early stages of development. The Village Board will review and approve final designs. Discussion included considerations for power sources, with electric service noted as a more reliable option. Public Mural Initiative: Information was provided regarding a proposed mural project. Staff shared that Muros, a consortium of mural artists, will be utilized to identify an artist that aligns with the Village’s vision and project goals. The project is anticipated to have an approximate budget of $50,000. Maintenance considerations were noted, and staff anticipates beginning outreach and concept development within the Village of Lombard Page 2 Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2026 next month. Concepts will be shared with the Committee for feedback. Committee members discussed potential location challenges, including visibility and accessibility. Staff noted that parking is available nearby and clarified that while private businesses may pursue mural projects independently, the Village would not provide funding for private murals. Additional mural opportunities may be considered in the future. Staff will continue moving the project forward. Volunteer Plaza / Downtown Gateway Features: Director Goldsmith presented design concepts for the volunteer plaza area. Committee members provided feedback on design options, with three members favoring Concept #2 and two members favoring Concept #1. Discussion included the potential to incorporate elements from both concepts, including freestanding lettering and enhanced lilac features. Staff will continue design development over the next couple of months, with plans to present a final concept to the Village Board for consideration in June. Construction is anticipated to begin following the Cruise Nights season. 7.0 Other Business 8.0 Information Only 260098 Coffee with the Village President Staff will share information about the next Coffee with the Village President community engagement event, tentatively scheduled for April 11. Staff shared information regarding the upcoming Coffee with the Village President event, scheduled for April 11. 260099 Public Works Citizens Academy Staff will share information about the upcoming Public Works Citizens Academy. The program is open to Lombard residents age 18 and older and includes hands-on activities, facility tours, and presentations from Public Works staff. The Academy will be held Monday evenings from April 20 thru May 11, with applications accepted through April 13 or until the class is full. Director Goldsmith shared information about the upcoming Public Works Citizens Academy, including program topics and participation Village of Lombard Page 3 Community Relations Committee Meeting Minutes March 9, 2026 details. Applications are currently being accepted. Committee Meeting Schedule Chairperson Hammersmith discussed a scheduling conflict due to her role as alternate representative to the Economic and Community Development committee. A proposal was made to move the Community Relations Committee meetings to the third Monday of the month. Committee members present expressed consensus in support of this change, with the next meeting scheduled for April 20th. 9.0 Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made by Pam Bedard, seconded by Gladys Piper, to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Village of Lombard Page 4