Community Relations Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS AUGUST 2, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m., in the Civic Room, at the Northbrook Public Library, by Chair Ray Wehr. Members Present: Elliot Bruckman, Bruce Doughty, Dale Duda, Scott Gertz, Linda Goldsher, Sue Huang, Jim Hyun, Kamyar Jabbari, Chris Kosla, Bob Lozaro, Ron Mantegna, Rochelle Singer, Nancy Stoddard, and Chair Wehr. Also Present: Resident Alissa Berman, Liaison Jason Batalden, and Recording Secretary LeeAnn Artstein. Welcome Chair Wehr welcomed everyone to the meeting. Approval of the June 7, 2012 CRC Meeting Minutes Member Lozaro moved, seconded by Member Doughty to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2012 meeting, with the following revision: Page 4, Eyes & Ears on the Street – 1st bullet, change “relocate on August 15” to “August 22”. On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. It was noted that there will be subcommittee minutes available for approval at next month’s meeting. Chair Wehr was pleased to announce and welcome Dale Duda as a new Commissioner to the CRC. She was appointed to fill the remainder of Sheila Bass’ term which ends in April, 2013. Senior Services/CRC Sub-Committee Update Member Lozaro reviewed the draft white paper “Summary of Findings of Senior Survey -2012” to the CRC prepared by the Ad Hoc Committee of the Community Relations and Senior Services Commissions. A copy of the Survey and a Summary of Responses were attached to it. The draft white paper summarized the findings of a recent survey of Northbrook residents 65 and over. There were 458 responses to the survey, a significant 6.7 percent. Of that response, 88 percent stated it was very important for them to continue living in their homes. The respondents listed what needs were important for them to continue to live in their homes. The survey grouped together the two highest priority areas (# 4 & 5) with items that listed home maintenance needs and assistance with social benefits for finding resources and receiving services for various needs. The draft white paper noted that no promises were made when the survey was initiated that any specific actions would be taken by the Village based on the survey results. It mentioned possible steps for moving forward which included the assignment of the project to a specific department, commission, or non- government entity; identify what services are currently provided in the area; find special rate contracts for various services; and provide the community with a summary of survey results. As a result of tonight’s discussion regarding suggestions for action and possible options, Member Mantegna requested an amendment to the draft white paper. The amendment would include a public forum to provide more input, and a blue ribbon panel to look over the input and offer recommendations. The Commissions would then review the recommendations and present options to President Frum and the Village Board. Chair Wehr requested the CRC members review the draft white paper and email him any input, modifications or changes to it within the next week. The SSC members will also be reviewing the draft white paper. The subcommittee will then make the changes to the white paper. Once both Commissions have finalized and approved it, it will be presented to President Frum and the Village Board. Member Singer stated for the record that the Committee did an outstanding job taking the survey and an excellent job in the way it has been presented. Thanks to Bob Lozaro, Ron Mantegna from the CRC, and to Chair Mort Wax , Marshall Gardner & Lona Louis from the SSC. Trivia Night Planning Update Member Lozaro reported that Trivia Night is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 13, 2012, at the North Suburban YMCA. The event’s main purpose is to have people get together to mingle and get to know one another. The event is sponsored by the CRC in partnership with the Y. The Trivia Night event is from 7- 10 pm. The event is free and is open to everyone in the Northbrook community including family and children, 14 yrs and older, houses of worship, and people who work in Northbrook. The event is limited to the first 300 people who sign up on the Village website. There will be 30 tables available. People can come as singles, couples, or in groups. The Y will be hosting an open house from 2-6 pm. The Y will obtain the food vendors. Food will be available for purchase. No alcohol will be served. The Y will offer pre- registration for babysitting. A $1,200 budget was requested for: $362.45 -- rental of 30 tables & 300 chairs (includes delivery & pick up) $250.00 -- 10 $25 gift certificates for 1st place table prizes $100.00 -- 10 $10 gift certificates for 2nd place table prizes $100.00 -- decorations $387.55 -- miscellaneous Member Doughty made a motion for a Trivia Night event budget of $1,200, which was seconded by Member Mantegna. On voice vote, the motion passed. Member Singer requested three volunteers to emcee the Trivia segments that run for 15 minutes. The emcees will ask the questions and keep track of the times and answers. Member Hyun volunteered to help. Member Goldsher will check with her family for volunteers. Member Lozaro requested Member Goldsher solicit the Clergy Association to help promote the Trivia event. Commission Review Discussion a. Mission Statement Chair Wehr read the CRC mission statement and then asked everyone if that is what the Commission does? A discussion followed regarding the “Constitutional rights” phrase and whether it is appropriate wording for the mission statement. Alissa Berman, a guest at the meeting, stated she thought it was a good mission statement. She felt the term constitutional was a little jarring because it did not seem to flow with the rest of the statement. Chair Wehr tabled the discussion until the September meeting. He asked Liaison Batalden to go back and find the meeting minutes that reflect when the current mission statement was changed and approved. b. Event Agenda Chair Wehr presented the proposed event agenda and requested that the chairs provide him with next year’s event dates as soon as possible so the dates can be included in the official Village calendar. The following feedback was provided for the following events: 2  Black History Month A new chair (commissioner) will be needed for the event as the long-time chair of the event, Sheila Bass, resigned from the Commission. Determine if a CRC commissioner chair the event Members Mantegna and Singer will meet to discuss details and report back at the September meeting Need to recruit volunteers from the community to help with the event Determine the budget for next year Determine direction to take to maintain the success of the event Determine if Black History Month will continue as a large event or find another way to recognize and celebrate. A straw poll was taken with the majority determining that BHM will be planned for 2013.” Asian Heritage Celebration Member Huang agreed to chair the event again. Member Hyun agreed to co-chair again. Provide a May, 2013 date Recruit volunteers from the community Welcome to Northbrook/Flamingo Friday Members Gertz & Duda agreed to chair the joint events again Provide a May, 2013 date. Interfaith Walk Member Goldsher agreed to chair again Clergy Association to provide a 2013 date NCRC Award Member Singer will again chair the award process Provide a 2013 date Select a committee which starts in December Trivia Challenge Member Lozaro will chair the event Member Singer will co-chair October 13, 2012 date Community Forum Tabled until the September meeting. c. Gap Analysis Tabled until the September meeting. d. Commissioner Roster Tabled until the September meeting. e. Other Topics to be discovered Member Lozaro stated that as a representative of St. Norbert, he felt he did not have the same responsibility as an appointed commissioner. As a result, he felt commissioners need to be present and 3 work as the chairs of the events. Member Singer felt that commissioners should chair or co-chair the events. Member Duda commented that with her prior experience with the Flamingo Friday event, she saw the need to have a commissioner lead an event. Others commented that when commissioners are appointed, they are aware they will need to participate and help with the events. It was noted that many representatives have the talent and enjoy chairing the events and that shouldn’t be taken away from them. Chair Wehr explained why the appointed CRC commissioners, as well as the representatives, are able to chair events and have equal voting privileges. Tabled until the September meeting. News from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship When the clergy reconvenes in September, Member Goldsher will have a report to give us. News from Schools There were no reports from the schools. Old Business There was no old business to report. New Business There was no new business to report. Eyes & Ears on the Street Light up Nbk Candlelight Vigil, Aug. 14, 9:30 pm, at Nbk. Jr. Hi, to know you’re not alone. Northbrook Clergy Association is finalizing plans to do a healing service after school starts. Next Meeting – September 6, 2012 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 6, 2012. Adjournment At 8:45 p.m., Member Lozaro made a motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Member Hyun. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, /s/LeeAnn Artstein Recording Secretary 4