Community Relations Commission

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes from the Meeting held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 Commissioner Carolyn Drblik called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in the 3rd Floor Family Services Group Room at the Human Services Building, 999 Civic Center Drive. Chair Brian Sweeney was absent. Katie Schneider called the role. Persons in Attendance: Joe Kuffel - Commissioner Tony Scipione – Sergeant, Niles Police Dept. Carolyn Drblik - Commissioner Katie Schneider – Secretary CRC Keith Sokolowski - Commissioner John Jekot - Trustee Tony Hollenback – Director of Family Services Persons Absent: Brian Sweeney - Commission Chair Vicky Duka - Commissioner Approval of Meeting Minutes Joe Kuffel motioned to approve the September 13, 2018 meeting minutes as presented, Keith Sokolowski second the motion, all were in favor, none opposed. Minutes approved. Reported Citizen Comments/Complaints a. Police and Other Village Departments Tony Scipione reported that there were no housing or citizen related complaints made to the Niles Police Department. Tony gave an updated report from the Police Department for the months of August and September. The police department participated in a SCRAM presentation at the senior center, several block parties and two car shows. There were two Coffee with a Cop events and a Safety Days at Sears. They were also present at the St. John Brebeuf Bike Rodeo and Notre Dame Walkathon. October is Crime Prevention Month and Tony reiterated the If You See Something, Say Something campaign. Since it will now get darker earlier be on the lookout for small burglaries like porch or car thefts. John Jekot asked if there were guidelines or restrictions for Halloween Trick or Treating this year. Tony replied that there is not an ordinance or mandate in Niles on times for trick or treating. The police department does offer recommended times. They would encourage kids and teenagers to be out trick or treating and not doing something else that may be mischievous or unsafe. b. Telephone/Email Hotlines No reports, complaints or inquiries were submitted or reported to the Commission. c. Commissioners No reports, complaints or inquiries were submitted or reported to any Commissioners. Old Business Keith Sokolowski did not have a housing complaint but did have a traffic complaint from a resident regarding the intersection of Ballard and Milwaukee Avenue. There is concern for driver safety specifically the right and left turn lane. The resident stated that they have multiple times almost been in an accident. Carolyn stated that the Community Relations Commission created a spreadsheet to document these types of concerns or inquiries. Katie Schneider shared a printed version of it. The CRC agreed that Katie Schneider will monitor the document and make sure that the appropriate department be notified and that the assigned CRC member stay involved to ensure that the inquiry is being addressed. They also agreed that the resolution may not always be favorable but the role of the CRC is to make sure that the resident’s concerns be heard and addressed. CRC members would follow up with the residents as a courtesy. For housing related issues, the CRC does have a responsibility to get involved and to ensure that issues of discrimination are being addressed. Carolyn Drblik was concerned because most of the traffic issues that have been brought up (most of them for speeding) have already been brought to the Village and/or Police Department and there was no apparent resolution. Tony Scipione addressed the comment and explained the procedures of the police department when multiple speeding complaints have been made. A report would be made regarding any research or studies that were done and their determinations. The CRC members agreed that in those incidents the role of CRC members is to communicate information to the resident. So for instance, if the complaint is for speeding on Monroe Street and a police traffic study was done and determinations made in the past, that information or report should be given to the resident. Katie Schneider reiterated that the CRC is not solving residents problems (traffic, skunks or otherwise). We are just making sure that the concerned resident is connected to the correct department or contact and that status updates are being made. Katie will also research the best way to keep track of these inquiries before we implement a procedure moving forward. Tony Hollenback joined the meeting late on account of a resident issue. He invited CRC members to join Family Services at the Niles Park District Harvest Hustle 5K on October 20, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Carolyn shared an email from Brian Sweeney (who was unable to make the meeting) and his interest in promoting the CRC on Facebook. The commissioners discussed social media and determined that we want to promote the role of the Community Relations Commission and create awareness that we are here to address housing discrimination and our resource for residents. Keith volunteered to administer the Facebook page if it was created. New Business Family Services will also have a table at the Holly Jolly event on November 24, CRC members were asked to volunteer and talk with residents. Tony also told the CRC members that the Police Department will be partnering with Walmart and Family Services for Shop with a Cop again this year. Walmart donates $2,500 in gift cards, kids from families financially struggling are paired with Niles police officers and shop for their friends and family. Open Discussion and Public Comment There was no public comment. Next Meeting The next meeting is on Thursday, January 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Family Services Group Room at the Human Services Building, 999 Civic Center Drive. Adjournment Joe Kuffel made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Keith Sokolowski second the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Minutes Submitted by: Katie Schneider, Secretary of the Community Relations Commission