Community Relations Commission

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes from the Meeting held on Thursday, October 10, 2019 Commissioner Carolyn Drblik called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2019 in the 3rd Floor Family Services Group Room at the Human Services Building, 999 Civic Center Drive. Persons in Attendance: Joe Kuffel – Commissioner Carolyn Drblik – Commissioner Keith Sokolowski - Commissioner Katie Schneider – Village of Niles, CRC Secretary Lavita Collins – Niles Family Services, Assistant Director Bob Tornabene - Niles Police Department, Bureau Chief Persons Absent: Vicky Duka - Commissioner Approval of Meeting Minutes Bob Tornabene motioned to approve the July 11, 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 No citizen complaints for fair housing. Police have many events coming up with the community, including:  Active Shooter Seminar open to the public at Niles Police Dept – Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m.  Cone with a Cop on Saturday, October 30 at McDonalds (Oakton/Waukegan).  December 1 - Shop with a Cop partner with Wal-mart and Family Services to assist 35 kids with holiday shopping. This is sponsored by the Touhy Avenue Walmart.  Cocoa with a Cop - Saturday, December 8 at Niles Police Dept. b. Telephone / Email Hotlines No complaints or inquiries were submitted or reported. c. Commissioners Carolyn Drblik had a couple of residents bring up concerns about smoking in apartment/condo buildings. Tornabene commented that January 1, 2020 with changes to cannabis legislation landlords are going to have to account for smoking tobacco and/or cannabis restrictions in lease and building agreements. Lavita suggested that we try and find information on State and local ordinances that we can add to our website to educate and direct people to resources to find out more. Commissioners discussed and agreed to try and provide more information and resources for residents to get answers to these questions. Adding links to the Village website for the Attorney General’s Office, and State of Illinois could help. Carolyn Drblik presented another resident issue regarding additions and housing explanations. Neighbors (particularly elderly residents) are concerned when a larger home is built and there are now drain issues and building concerns. Katie Schneider advised Carolyn and other ommissioners to direct residents to Community Development Department. There are inspectors and code requirements to prevent issues like this. A resident in the Shermer/Chesterfield townhomes was told by the Village that she was responsible for lawn maintenance on a piece of land that is adjacent to her lot. Tornabene advised that she should start with the Homeowners Association or the County to determine what is her responsibility and that of the association. Again, for more assistance she can reach out to Community Development. Old Business a. Holly Jolly Fest Katie Schneider asked Commissioners if they want to participate in the event again (November 30) with the Family Services department. If they are interested, please email Katie directly. She will provide more details. New Business There was no new business. Open Discussion and Public Comment Katie Schneider mentioned that there is still a Commissioner position vacant. They have to be a Niles resident. Anyone that is interested should send their resume to the Mayor’s Office. Keith Sokolowski wanted to start a discussion about organizing a Council of Faiths. Commissioner Drblik asked that we talk about at the January meeting. Next Meeting The next meeting is on Thursday, January 09, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Same location. Adjournment Joe Kuffel made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tornabene second the motion. All were in favor, meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by: Katie Schneider, Secretary