Community Relations Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS November 1, 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: Dale Duda, Scott Gertz, Linda Goldsher, Sue Huang, Jim Hyun, Kamyar Jabbari, Chris Kosla, Ron Mantegna, Rochelle Singer, Nancy Stoddard, and Chair Wehr. Excused Members: Bruce Doughty and Robert Lozaro. Also Present: Liaison Kendal Maltas and Recording Secretary LeeAnn Artstein. Welcome Chair Wehr welcomed everyone to the meeting. Greetings to Kendal Chair Wehr along with the CRC members exchanged greetings with Kendal. Chair Wehr recalled the first time he met Kendal at a Village meeting. He spoke of some special responsibilities that she has held with the Village over the years. Approval of October 16, 2012 Trivia Challenge Minutes Member Singer made a motion to approve the minutes prepared by Member Lozaro. It was seconded by Member Gertz. On voice vote, the motion passed. Approval of the October 4, 2012 CRC Meeting Minutes Member Gertz made a motion to approve the minutes. It was seconded by Member Singer. On voice vote, the motion passed. Trivia Night Review Member Lozaro was not present at tonight’s meeting. In his absence, a summary dated Oct. 16, 2012, which included the member’s feedback, was provided for review. Member Singer reported that the October 13th Trivia Night event was a success. The first time event had 70 people in attendance, and everyone had a good time. It was noted that the participants ranged in age from teenagers to senior citizens. The first place prize went to CRC member Nancy Stoddard and her table. The CRC members thanked NSYMCA Executive Dir. Howard Schultz and his staff for all their help to make the event a success. A discussion of the summary notes followed. Items discussed included: date and time, location, vendors, attendance, budget, publicity, trivia questions, mc’s and judges. Members who attended the event all agreed it was a lot of fun and it should be considered again for next year. After further discussion, it was felt there is a need to increase the range of publicity. All CRC events should coordinate publicity with Village Communications Mgr. Cheryl Fayne-dePersio. Our events will benefit from using her media contacts and various contact lists. It was also felt that the CRC should review and develop a clear understanding of what the CRC standards are concerning various relationships, such as with sponsors, partners, and hosts, for all future CRC events. Chair Wehr thanked everyone for all their hard work to make this new event happen. Senior Services/CRC Village to Village sub-committee resolution Member Mantegna reported on the Oct. 25 joint meeting of the SSC and CRC regarding the Village to Village sub-committee’s senior survey report. The CRC did not have a quorum. The SSC did convene and voted to confirm their position that they remain the clearing house for senior issues. The SSC will continue to work on programs and resources available for senior citizens as described in the first and second bullet in their resolution. The SSC’s resolution included a third bullet that the CRC reviewed and discussed. The resolution stated:  “That the Senior Services Commission identify the needs of seniors in the Northbrook community and identify potential ways to meet those needs  That a better way of communicating the resources currently available to seniors, wherever they are, be utilized  To not ignore the needs of the community that might be identified for elements of the community other than seniors, and that those be communicated to the Community Relations Commission.” The CRC members had a discussion regarding the wording of the resolution. Bullets one and two pertain to the SSC and what the SSC will be doing for the senior citizens. The CRC does not have an issue with Bullets one and two. The CRC discussed Bullet three that pertains to broader population issues that could come up for non-seniors, and they discussed whether that responsibility should go to the CRC. A motion was made by Member Goldsher and seconded by Member Mantegna, to amend the language of Bullet three, to strike “Community Relations Commission” and to insert “appropriate commission” for the resolution to read as follows:  “To not ignore the needs of the community that might be identified for elements of the community other than seniors, and that those be communicated to the appropriate commission.” The CRC has completed what it needed to do with the senior survey. With no further discussion, on voice vote, the motion passed. A motion was made by Member Goldsher and seconded by Member Mantegna, to approve the motion to amend the language of the resolution. Bullets one and two remain the same. Bullet three would be amended to read:  “To not ignore the needs of the community that might be identified for elements of the community other than seniors, and that those be communicated to the appropriate commission.” With no further discussion, on voice vote, the motion passed. Chair Wehr stated that the passed resolution will go back to the SSC. Chair Wehr will work with Chair Wax of the SSC to present the village to village subcommittee and Commission findings to the Village Board. Liaison Maltas indicated she will contact SSC Liaison Kiraly to discuss what was brought up tonight and modify Bullet three. Chair Wehr thanked Members Lozaro and Mantegna for all their hard work on this joint project with the SSC. NCRC Award Planning Member Singer reported that she has her committee—Members Gertz, Goldsher, Hyun, Kosla and Stoddard. All the award information will be submitted to Cheryl Fayne-dePersio by December 3 for the January Village newsletter. The application will be available in January. In February and March the applications are reviewed, and a winner will be chosen. On April 23, there will be a reception and a proclamation will be presented to the winner by the Board of Trustees at the Board Meeting. Black History Month Planning 2 Member Singer reported she had a subcommittee meeting with Members Duda and Mantegna. The BHM event will be held on Tues., Feb. 12, 7-8:30 pm, at the Northbrook Public Library. Tentative plans are to have a discussion panel similar to the one done by the Asian Heritage event. A tentative title for it is “The Black Experience in the North Suburbs of Chicago.” It is anticipated there will be five to six black panelists who live in the north suburbs. A broad spectrum of individuals varying in age, position, etc., have been contacted to participate on the panel. There are already some commitments. A meeting will be set up to meet with the panelists to receive input and determine how to structure it. Once everything is in place, publicity will be started. The event is for the general population. It is important to get people from all different backgrounds to attend for a learning experience. There will be flyers and posters. Cheryl Fayne de-Persio will be contacted to help with publicity. A possible psa could be done with some of the panelists. Liaison Maltas will give a heads up to the liaisons on other Village commissions so they can invite members to attend and support our event. News from Clergy Luncheon Member Goldsher reported that the clergy luncheon will be held on Wed., Dec. 5, 11:30 am – 1 pm at the Village Hall. CRC members are invited to attend. Liaison Maltas will obtain the requested topic information from the clergy for the guest speakers: Village President Sandy Frum, Director of Development & Planning Tom Poupard, and Director of Counseling Nancy Vaccaro. New from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship Member Goldsher will not be able to attend the November 7 clergy association meeting. Member Jabbari will attend the meeting in her place and will have a report for our next meeting. a. Thanksgiving Gathering The Interfaith Clergy Thanksgiving Gathering will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters, on Wed., Nov., 21, at 7 pm. News from Schools  Congratulations and some sadness to GBN football team who lost in the first round of the playoffs-- a tiring yet emotional end to a good season  Congratulations to GBN boys soccer who were in the playoffs  Good luck to the GBN cross country team still in competition  Dist. 31 basketball clinic, Sat., Nov. 3, PTC fundraiser co-chaired by Member Hyun. 50 kids signed up. Lots of sponsors. Old Business There was no old business to report. New Business Gary Moriello is again doing Operation Santa Claus at the Goethe Elementary School in Chicago. If you can participate, contact Member Singer or Liaison Maltas for details. The wish list books can be dropped off at the Village Hall. Eyes & Ears on the Street Halloween Trick or Treaters had good weather and were out in large numbers in most neighborhoods. 47th Annual Village Family Dinner – November 7th 3 Chair Wehr reminded everyone to attend the Village Dinner on Wed., Nov. 7, 6 pm, at the Village Hall. The GBN Jazz Combo and GBN quintet will be performing. Liaison Maltas indicated the Village is still taking RSVP’s, and the menu looks delicious. Next Meeting – December 6, 2012 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, 2012. Adjournment At 8:16 p.m., Member Hyun made a motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Member Singer. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, /s/LeeAnn Artstein Recording Secretary 4