Community Relations Commission

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 13, 2011 Present: Bill Terpinas – Chair Absent: Steven Tremaglio Anthony Cristiano Steven Gorski Jim Hynes – Ex Officio Bob Thomas Cathy Spadoni – Secretary Commissioner Terpinas called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Hynes made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2011 meeting; Commissioner Gorski seconded the motion. The motion carried. II. Complaints from the Police Department Commissioner Terpinas reported that he checked with Police Chief Strzelecki earlier that morning; there have been no ethnic-related complaints or disturbances. ***** Commissioner Terpinas observed that this commission checks only with the Police Department to see if there have been any complaints. We need to check with other departments, especially those that have an abundance of people in attendance, to see if they have received any complaints. Commissioner Cristiano suggested that we need to establish a central location, perhaps at the Senior Center, where people that live in Niles can lodge their complaints. Commissioner Terpinas continued that this committee has been hidden for quite a few years; we are not exposed to the public. We need to let people know that this commission exists. It was noted that while our meetings are posted on the Village of Niles website, our website contains no other mention of the Community Relations Commission and its purpose. Commissioner Hynes suggested that we post notices and posters throughout the Village to let people know where to go with a complaint. Our website should explain not just what we do but that we have the experience to handle these types of problems. If it is a criminal situation, people should call the police; for other issues, call us. Perhaps we can implement a sort of “hotline.” Hynes will speak to Village Manager George Van Geem or Assistant Village Manager Steve Vinezeano to discuss this situation. We hope to get something done by the next meeting. ***** III. Report from the Commissioners There were no reports from the commissioners. IV. Comments from Citizens There were no reports of comments from citizens. V. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. VI. Adjournment There being no official complaints or further business to come before the Community Relations Commission, Commissioner Hynes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Cristiano. The meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m. __________________________ Catherine Spadoni, Secretary Community Relations Commission