Community Relations Commission

1 Minutes of a Meeting of the 2 Community Relations Commission 3 Northbrook, IL 4 Thursday, April 2, 2015 5 6 Present: Chairman Ray Wehr, Commissioners Dale Duda, Linda Goldsher, Safa 7 Hamed, & Dr. Rochelle Singer 8 9 Representatives: Lou Gross, Alice Lonoff, Mary Hansen, & Nancy Stoddard 10 11 Absent: Commissioners Elliot Bruckmann, Bruce Doughty, & Chris Kosla 12 13 Guest: Irv Leavitt, Chicago Tribune & Bob Lozaro 14 15 Others: Staff Liaison Mike Strong & Recording Secretary Gale Cerabona 16 17 Call to Order & Welcome 18 Chairman Wehr called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Board Room at Village Hall. 19 20 Approval of March 5, 2015, Regular Meeting Minutes & Subcommittee Minutes 21 Commissioner Singer advised that the BHM event was $300 under budget. A motion was made 22 by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve the March 10, 2015, 23 BHM Subcommittee minutes as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. 24 25 Revisions for Inter-Faith Sunday Subcommittee minutes of March 12, 2015 were identified as 26 follows: 27  Lines 31-32 replace 75 cheese & 50 sausage with 10 extra-large cheese & 7 extra- 28 large sausage 29  Line 39 delete sentence “Bob Lozaro will get a large green one”. 30 31 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve 32 the March 12, 2015, Inter-Faith Sunday Subcommittee minutes as revised. Representative 33 Lonoff amended: 34  Line 43 after Sunday add “and will be installed by the Village” 35 36 Commissioner Singer & Representative Hansen accepted the amendment. On a voice vote, the 37 motion carried unanimously. 38 39 Revisions for Inter-Faith Sunday Subcommittee minutes of March 25, 2015 were identified as 40 follows: 41  Line 26 replace NB newsletter with Historian’s Corner 42  Line 27 instead of “the” freebies, alter to “a variety of” freebies 43  Lines 27-28 replace “there are sufficient for the contest” with “these are sufficient for 44 the trivia” 45 46 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve 47 the March 25, 2015, Inter-Faith Sunday Subcommittee minutes as amended. On a voice vote, 48 the motion carried unanimously. 49  Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission April 2, 2015 50 Revisions for Asian American Heritage Subcommittee minutes of March 16, 2015 were 51 identified as follows: 52  Line 30 replace form with from 53  Line 48 delete the word “in” 54 55 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve 56 the March 16, 2015, Asian American Heritage Subcommittee minutes as amended. On a voice 57 vote, the motion carried unanimously. 58 59 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve 60 the March 23, 2015, Asian American Heritage Subcommittee minutes as presented. On a voice 61 vote, the motion carried unanimously. 62 63 Revisions for March 5, 2015, Regular Meeting minutes were identified as follows: 64  Line 185 after Village, add “Presbyterian Church” 65 66 A motion was made by Commissioner Singer, seconded by Representative Hansen, to approve 67 the March 5, 2015, minutes as amended. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. 68 69 Hear From the Audience 70 Irv Leavitt with the Chicago Tribune introduced himself. Chairman Wehr welcomed Mr. Leavitt 71 and thanked him for all of the press. 72 73 Subcommittees and their necessity were discussed. 74 75 Village Staff Report 76 Staff Liaison Strong referred to the Illinois Open Meetings Act document. Representative Lonoff 77 asked if there were any changes. Staff Liaison Strong replied there are none. Representative 78 Lozaro & Chairman Wehr reminded everyone not to “reply all” when responding to emails. 79 80 Representative Lozaro asked if it is still a requirement to complete training & forward certificate. 81 Staff Liaison Strong stated this should be accomplished and advised the Village Clerk will reach 82 out to Commissioners who are being reappointed, etc. 83 84 Staff Liaison Strong referred to the poster location sheet that was distributed. He advised this 85 will assist with event planning, publicity, etc. Staff Liaison Strong asked that everyone advise 86 him of locations that should be added. 87 88 Representative Lozaro referred to the relevance of Subcommittees and suggested that 89 brainstorming as a Commission could be helpful. Staff Liaison Strong recommended obtaining 90 the respective Subcommittee’s input. Chairman Wehr asked Subcommittee Chairs to discuss 91 same and provide an update at the next CRC meeting (as this will be an agenda item). 92 93 Sister Cities Update 94 Commissioner Hamed advised that one of the volunteers dropped out. She noted that this could 95 be an issue until something happens. Commissioner Duda concurred and noted that progress 96 needs to happen. 97 98 Commissioner Singer asked where this Committee is with the action plan. Commissioner Duda 99 noted that Staff Liaison Strong developed one. Chairman Wehr stated that the Subcommittee 2  Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission April 2, 2015 100 should develop the direction and report back to the CRC if necessary. Representative Lozaro 101 suggested an outsider, perhaps Staff Liaison Strong, attend Subcommittee meetings. 102 Commissioner Singer suggested developing a plan. Commissioner Duda reminded that Sister 103 Cities International already has the plan. Commissioner Hamed stated she didn’t recall hearing 104 about Sister Cities in the last Subcommittee meeting – just processes. Chairman Wehr 105 reiterated having a fruitful Subcommittee meeting and update the CRC. 106 107 Representative Lozaro advised that Sam Klein, a Glenbrook North student, is interested in 108 participating. Commissioner Duda advised that another student, Brandon Bayzaee, is also 109 interested. 110 111 Asian Heritage Planning 112 Chairman Wehr reminded the event will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at the YMCA. He 113 advised that new acts are scheduled (Japanese drumming, etc.), and a smaller event is slated. 114 He noted that Chinese, Korean, & Russian cuisine will be offered. 115 116 Chairman Wehr advised a $1,500 budget must be approved (for Bollywood Fusion, Chinese Yo- 117 Yo Acrobat, Tae Kwon Do, etc.). 118 119 Chairman Wehr stated that audience seating will be in a semi-circle pattern. He noted the ABC 120 Room will accommodate children’s activities, and there will be a calligraphy activity, a 121 chopsticks demonstration, an origami session, sumi-e art, etc. 122 123 Representative Lonoff shared that this is impressive on short notice. 124 125 A motion was made by Chairman Wehr, seconded by Commissioner Duda, to approve a ceiling 126 budget of $1,500.00 for the Asian Heritage event. On a voice vote, motion carried unanimously. 127 128 Chairman Wehr thanked the Subcommittee and YMCA staff for their efforts. He noted that 129 publicity is forthcoming. 130 131 NCRC Award Update 132 Commissioner Goldsher advised there are 3 nominees – one was ineligible (as the nominee 133 was a CRC member). She noted that it was decided that a deceased applicant would be 134 acceptable. Commissioner Goldsher stated it was voted that no award be given as none of the 135 candidates were exemplary. She noted that as this is the second time this has happened, it 136 should be decided if an award should be given at all. 137 138 Commissioner Singer stated there is overlap with the Chamber, and there seems to be no new 139 blood so-to-speak. She recommended the NCRC Award be suspended. Commissioner Duda 140 concurred. 141 142 Representative Lozaro stated he doesn’t see any publicity. Commissioner Singer advised that 143 50 religious organizations receive notification as well as personal telephone calls. 144 145 Chairman Wehr reminded that prompting individuals to nominate someone has been the norm. 146 He shared that if this award is eliminated, the Commission/Subcommittee can direct efforts on 147 other things. 148 3  Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission April 2, 2015 149 A motion was made by Commissioner Goldsher, seconded by Representative Lonoff, to 150 suspend the NCRC Award. On a voice vote, motion carried unanimously. 151 Chairman Wehr concluded that the NCRC Award will be suspended. He praised Commissioner 152 Goldsher for her diligent efforts. 153 154 WTN/Flamingo Friday Planning 155 Commissioner Duda advised that Commissioner Bruckmann is making Welcome to Northbrook 156 happen, and Dairy Queen will provide Dilly Bars. 157 158 Representative Stoddard advised she has been contacting groups. She inquired as to the Chair 159 of the Garden Club; Commissioner Duda responded that she will assist. 160 161 Staff Liaison Strong stated he will send emails 3 weeks prior to event. Based on the weather, 162 tables will be placed in or outside. Staff Liaison Strong will secure a meeting room. 163 164 Representative Stoddard asked if the Resource Guide could be completed in time for the event. 165 Chairman Wehr advised the focus of the Resource Guide is not necessarily for new residents. 166 Commissioner Duda suggested the Chamber Guide be distributed at the event. It was noted 167 that Chamber staff will be invited to participate. 168 169 Representative Lozaro recommended that notification of the Resource Guide and its link be 170 shared with event attendees. Commissioner Duda stated she would develop a statement on the 171 CRC’s role. Staff Liaison Strong would add past timelines. Commissioner Duda will also include 172 the web site (of the Resource Guide). 173 174 Commissioner Duda stated she presumes Commissioner Bruckmann will contact Sunset Foods. 175 Staff Liaison Strong stated he will forward GIS information. 176 177 Commissioner Duda advised that $120 was spent on flamingos. She noted bottled water will be 178 purchased. 179 180 Commissioner Duda reminded the event is Friday, May 15 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at Village Hall. 181 182 Mr. Leavitt asked if newspapers are desired for the event. Commissioner Duda responded in the 183 affirmative and requested 30 newspapers. 184 185 News from Clergy Association & Houses of Worship 186 a. Interfaith Sunday Planning 187 188 Representative Lonoff advised that the planning is going well for the Interfaith 189 Sunday event on April 19, 2015. 190 191 Staff Liaison Strong advised that the GIS team developed a handheld interactive 192 map/links of 10-15 churches (including wheelchair accessibility). This is available to 193 see who is participating. Staff Liaison Strong will eventually send the link to the CRC. 194 195 Representative Lonoff noted the beginning point is at St. Giles with singing, speakers 196 (Mayor Frum, Chairman Wehr, & Melissa Earley, President of the Clergy 197 Association), etc. She stated a nice gathering will occur at the end (with pizzas, etc.). 4  Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission April 2, 2015 198 It was noted that 10 churches are participating. Representative Lonoff suggested the 199 Mosque & Techny be invited first in the future, as this year both entities had date 200 conflicts. 201 Staff Liaison Strong asked Chairman Wehr for a letter for the passport. 202 203 Representative Lonoff advised a post meeting will be conducted. 204 205 Representative Lonoff advised that Melissa Earley suggested a Food Fair in the 206 future. 207 208 News from Schools 209 Representative Gross, District 28, reported: 210  Spring Break is on 211  PARCC testing went well 212  Looking into full-day kindergarten. Representative Lozaro noted other schools 213 (Montessori, etc.) are looking into same 214 215 Staff Liaison Strong reported the following via Commissioner Doughty from District 225: 216  3rd quarter is coming to an end 217  Students completed another Spartans Connect Day 218  3 students qualified for the National Speech Tournament 219  Debate Team won the State Championship 220  Hockey Team won the State Championship 221  Group Interpretation Team won its Sectional Tournament then placed 2nd in the State 222 Championship 223 224 Old Business 225 Representative Lonoff inquired about Northbrook Cares. Chairman Wehr advised this topic will 226 be on the next meeting’s agenda. 227 228 Commissioner Singer asked about Commissioner participation. Chairman Wehr advised that 3 229 unexcused absences will result in the individual being asked to resign. Staff Liaison Strong 230 stated he will review commissioner applications. 231 232 New Business 233 There was no New Business. 234 235 Eyes & Ears on the Street 236 Commissioner Duda advised the Garden Club, Northbrook Farmer’s Market, etc. is working on 237 an education project entitled Let’s Make Northbrook a Monarch Waystation. She noted that 238 Milkweed plants (the only plant that a Monarch caterpillar feeds on) will be distributed, and the 239 goal is for every parcel to have a Milkweed plant. Vouchers will be distributed and may be 240 redeemed. Commissioner Duda advised that IDOT and other towns will be planting Milkweed, 241 as it is in trouble/has been eradicated. This project inspires one to learn more and do more. 242 243 Commissioner Duda referenced these web sites: monarchwatch.org and savethemonarch.org. 244 She advised that schools are being contacted, and Park Districts will be ordering native plants. 245 Commissioner Duda stated this topic will be an agenda item at the Village Board Meeting on 246 April 14, 2015. 247 5  Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission April 2, 2015 248 Representative Lonoff advised that Northbrook Public Library could be a new meeting venue for 249 the CRC; Staff Liaison Strong will follow-up. 250 251 Commissioner Hamed advised the Booster Club’s new name is Roto (Reaching Out to Others). 252 She noted there are 10 members, and a facebook page is established. Commissioner Hamed 253 reported that the first project is donating 1,000 canned goods. The last day to donate is 254 April 30, 2015. The canned goods will be donated to 4 charities in the Oakton Community 255 College area. 256 257 Commissioner Hamed shared that she received an email (from Brian Jonathan) inquiring about 258 her being a tutor (with payment upfront). She learned that tutoring inquiries have become a 259 scam. Commissioner Hamed will forward this correspondence to Staff Liaison Strong. 260 261 Staff Liaison Strong advised that on April 25, 2015, the Village will host an Earth & Arbor event. 262 He inquired if the CRC would like to be an exhibitor this year or suggests this be considered for 263 next year. He advised that other Commissions are being represented. Staff Liaison Strong 264 asked that recycle items be submitted, and noted that LifeSource will be conducting a blood 265 drive. Commissioner Duda stated that Monarch vouchers will be distributed by the Garden club 266 at the Earth Day event. 267 268 Staff Liaison Strong advised that Cheryl at the Village is working on a PSA (for the Interfaith 269 event). 270 271 Next Meeting 272 The next meeting will be held on May 7, 2015 either at Village Hall or Northbrook Public Library. 273 274 Adjournment 275 A motion was made by Commissioner SInger, seconded by Representative Hansen, to adjourn 276 the meeting at 8:21 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. 277 278 Respectfully submitted, 279 280 Gale Cerabona 281 Recording Secretary 6