Community Relations Commission

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes from the Meeting held on Thursday, April 11, 2019 Chair Brian Sweeney was absent. Commissioner Carolyn Drblik called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2019 in the 3rd Floor Family Services Group Room at the Human Services Building, 999 Civic Center Drive. Persons in Attendance: Vicky Duka - Commissioner Bob Tornabene – Niles Police Dept. Keith Sokolowski - Commissioner Katie Schneider – Secretary CRC Carolyn Drblik - Commissioner Joe Kuffel - Commissioner Kathy O’Grady – Director of Family Services John Jekot - Trustee Persons Absent: Brian Sweeney - Commission Chair Approval of Meeting Minutes Bob Tornabene motioned to approve the January 10, 2019 meeting minutes as presented, Joe Kuffel second the motion, all were in favor, none opposed. Minutes approved. Reported Citizen Comments/Complaints a. Police and Other Village Departments The Police Department continues to host community events: Cook with a Cop on June 8th, Cop on a Top (Dunkin Donuts) on May 17th to raise money for Special Olympics others will be on the village calendar. The Police Department will be hosting Active Shooter Training for businesses. They have 50 people signed up for the first one and will continue to host as long as there is interest. Tornabene distributed a Beat Map of Niles that divides Niles into 7 beats. Each one has 4 officers that are responsible for responding to concerns in that beat: neighbor disputes, vandalism, drugs, illegal activity, and overall quality of life issues (overgrown grass, garbage, rodents, etc.). b. Telephone/Email Hotlines No reports, complaints or inquiries were submitted or reported. c. Commissioners Carolyn Drblik received a complaint from a resident, whose neighbor forced their way into her house and took pictures of dirt and roaches, and then reported to the Village. An inspector came out. Carolyn was going to get more information from the resident. Tornabene stated that if a neighbor forced their way into someone else’s home, the police should be called. Another resident had a complaint regarding her lawn that was ruined by Nicor Gas about a year ago when they had work in the area. The resident was looking for reimbursement and had no response from the Village. The resident could not provide information as to who she spoke with or what department from the Village. Commissioner Drblik will contact the resident to get more information and connect her to the correct village representative who can assist. Carolyn Drblik asked if a Bed and Breakfast or Air B&B is allowed in Niles. Tornabene responded that there is not currently a local ordinance; however it is something that the Village will look at as some municipalities have started to try and regulate those services. Old Business Katie will send out information on summer events and block parties that Commissioners can attend. New Business Katie let Commissioners know that Tony Hollenback has resigned as Family Services Director and is moving to California. Commissioners discussed and agreed to create a postcard that informs residents that CRC is available for any housing issues and other service issues. The CRC would assist in connecting residents to the correct person at the Village who can assist. The promotional postcard should include the hotline and email information. These should be used to distribute at events. Open Discussion and Public Comment A student from Maine South was present observing the meeting for her government class. She introduced herself. Commissioner Kuffel asked Tornabene if the Village is addressing the pedestrian safety issue with multi deaths from people crossing the streets. Tornabene responded that various departments have been meeting and discussing the incidents to see where safety can be improved. Tornabene did note that almost all could be preventable if people were not crossing the roadway with oncoming cars. Next Meeting The next meeting is on Thursday, July 11, 2019 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, Vicky Duka second the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Minutes Submitted by: Katie Schneider, Secretary of the Community Relations Commission