Consumer Affairs Commission

Consumer Affairs Commission Minutes March 9, 2022 In attendance: Davorka Kirinic, Pouriya Soltani, Jeffrey Schvimer, George Mathew, Ted Lavine,, Biju Krishnan, Joanne Haeberlin, Trustee Khoeun, Jennifer Engel Phone: Gary Merrill Excused: Anil Pillai, Sam Pratap Absent: Ruhul Chowdhury, Howard Meyer Meeting was called to order at 6:32 Intro topic. If you could, what would be your invention? Minutes were approved with two name spelling corrections. Farmers Market Jennifer brought some information on changes, additions and updates for the market. Jennifer has completed the certification for market managers including emergency evacuation plans. The market footprint is expanding. Vendor applications are still being accepted. Six new vendors have been accepted including a native plants vendor, a nut vendor, coffee truck, additional farmer (fruits, vegetables and meat). Maybe not renew Maggie’s Treats as dogs are not allowed at the market. Once a month there will be a food and clothing drive. Also, once a month a composter. Knife sharpener once a month. Ted questioned whether it would be appropriate to have a bike repair person. Jennifer to relocate Village tent to end of the market on Oakton. Several entertainers have been scheduled and they will be located in front of Village Hall. Discussion about a “commission tent” and possibly inviting other commissions. Especially on special days such as food or clothing drives, composting, etc. Joanne had checked with Nick about the tent and he informed us that it would come out of the CAC budget. Also, would need weights. Joanne will donate a tent. Davorka suggested that Joanne speak with Vicky Varga to ascertain which commissions are appropriate to invite. BOY nomination form It was decided to use a QR code going directly to the nomination form. Joanne to forward form to Ann Tennes. Trust Me Media Literacy Education Joanne reported that she has been in touch with Michael Spikes, Skokie Public Library (Richard Kong and Mariah Cherem), Representative Stoneback, Senator Laura Fine to coordinate a program for Skokie (individuals, schools, retirement homes, groups) to help with media literacy education. All are interested in helping. Broad strokes….a program possibly using the PBS Trust Me documentary, panel to answer questions and have this available for download or check out? at the library. Idea is to have a link at Village and Library website with current scams and links to check on information. Jeff to get some information together on this. Trustee Khem also mentioned Illinois Media Literacy Coalition might be of help. Michael and Mariah are scheduling a meeting for next week. Joanne talking with a children’s book author to see if he would like to “write a children’s book”. Pouriya mentioned the dark web and Discord. Discussion about using 2 stage verification for financial institutions. Miscellaneous Trustee Khem discussed some of the information behind the designation of Old Orchard Shopping Center as an Illinois Business District. This authorizes an additional 1% tax on most purchases to be used to maintain and upgrade the shopping center. Additional information available in this week’s on line newsletter. George brought up the fast rising gas prices. Particularly in view of the profits reported for the gasoline companies. Joanne mentioned the posting of state contact for pharmacy complaints. Are Skokie pharmacies complying? Deferred to next month. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 Joanne Haeberlin, Chair Next meeting: Wednesday, April 13 Sec 2-812-Duties It shall be the duty of the Consumer Affairs Commission to coordinate consumer affairs activities, carry on educational activities on consumer matters, supervise the preparation of consumer affairs reports and recommend to the Mayor and the Board of Trustees ordinances, rules and regulations and methods of enforcement in relation to consumer affairs .