Technology Advancement and Transformation Commission (STAT)
Regular MeetingSkokie, IL · October 29, 2019
Minutes
Skokie Telecommunications and Technology (STAT) Commission
Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday October 29, 2019
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Skokie Village Hall
Conference Room B
Attendees: Sam Corcione, Fran Roehm, Alex Franz, Nick Wyatt, Avi Nutkis, Christopher Whitaker,
Scott Shamberg, Ken Grossman, James Paik, Ninos Youkhana, Jimmy Gonzalez, Randall Cling,
Vicky Varga, and Mayor George Van Dusen.
1. Welcome & Introductions
Meeting begins at 7 p.m. Sam welcomed everyone. Everyone introduced themselves to
guests Vicky Varga and Mayor George Van Dusen.
2. Approval and discussion of the September 24, 2019 Meeting Minutes.
Motion from James and seconded by Ken. All approved.
3. Discussion Programming
2019 Programming
Post Discussion: “A Program on Cyber Security”
Sam told the group that there were 52 people in attendance and that the event
went well. The presentation at the event lasted 45 minutes with 30 minutes of
questions. Also, he explained that the feedback was only positive and that there
is interest in another next year. Nick explained that the Consumer Affairs
Commission hosted an event the night before and that there were many
attendees who also attended the STAT event. Avi inquired about combining with
the Consumer Affairs Commission in the future.
Post Discussion: “Congressional App Challenge Code-a-thon”
Ninos, attendee at the event, explained that 13-14 people participated in the
event and that it could be something that the STAT Commission promotes in the
future. This event showcases applications that students create. Christopher
explained that it is an annual event and that if in 2020 an event space is needed,
and the Skokie Public Library renovations are complete, it would be an excellent
space to use to have the event and promote the library. Christopher told the
group that July would be a good time to begin reaching out. Sam told the group
that the Tech Park might also be a good location. Mayor George Van Dusen
explained Ignite Gaming Lounge could also be a possible location.
2020 Programming
February CUB Saver Event (Sam/Staff)
Sam explained that the event is ready to take place and that a press release is
complete that includes participants to bring hard copies of their bills. He further
explained that it will take place on February 11, 2020 and that the State will be in
attendance again.
Village Science Fair Award Program
Sam told the group that the Mayor is scheduled to give out the award again and
that the date of the event is March 7, 2020. Jimmy told the group that it might be
a good idea to contact the school Science Director or teachers of the student
who won to let them know their student is receiving the award.
A ComEd utility program as to what is available for Business (Scott/Ninos)
Sam explained that it has been approved by the Chamber. Scott said that
ComEd has asked that the event be sometime in April and that he will re-
connect with them beginning early next year. Fran told the group of her success
with the energy assessment program for residents and how they replace
lightbulbs with energy efficient ones and offer incentives to get smart appliances.
A program on automation and its impacts (Scott/James)
Scott explained that this event should be pushed back to 2020. Avi told the group
that the new Amazon warehouse in Skokie would be a good contact as they
widely use automation and offer warehouse tours. Sam said that these tours
could be a possible STAT field trip. Avi explained that he has contacts at Best Buy
if Scott needs them.
Tracking technologies for patients with Alzheimers and other medical conditions ,
and a program on elder care work with the Public Safety Commission and the
Health Department (Ninos and Avi)
Sam told the group that the event will likely be summer 2020. Nick said that the
Health Department has a contact and it is just a matter of contacting that
person. Ninos volunteered to reach out to the contact so that the event can take
place in May or June. The group created the event name, “Home Medical
Technology.”
Ninos could have his company bring their outreach programming. (Ninos/Sam)
Ninos explained that he is focusing on the social impact his company could
make by coming to Skokie and that he is building a network inside his company
to make the event happen.
A program on cyber security- (Avi/Sam)
Avi explained that the event will be done again at least once in 2020 and that
STAT will work with the Consumer Affairs Commission. He said the first Thursday in
May is international Change Your Password Day, so it would be a timely date to
have the event.
Drone Technology
Sam told the group that a drone race is likely unfeasible in 2020. Avi explained his
idea of hosting a Village drone demonstration where drones from fire, police, and
public works are live streamed to a projector where attendees are present. Nick
informed everyone that the Village drone project is rapidly advancing. Jimmy
furthered his idea of utilizing drones for photography at Village events.
CUB Event with Brian McDanial
Sam detailed that the event will be in July 2020. Avi explained the Life Line
Program which offers discounted cell phone bills and how it might be something
to include. Fran stated that she is waiting on Brian to give her the list but will likely
meet with Chris to discuss.
AARP Tablet Training (Fran/Christopher)
Avi proposed doing this around the holiday season when users are generally
purchasing or receiving tablets. Sam explained that if AARP continues to not
respond, another organization may be the answer. Avi told the group that there
are multiple organizations in the area that work with seniors and that they might
have contacts.
Census Event
Christopher furthered what was discussed at the last meeting and said he is going
to meet with Steve Marciani, Planning Supervisor for the Village of Skokie and
lead on the Village census. Ninos offered to help by using his multi-lingual abilities.
4th of July Parade
The group discussed the idea of handing out a web cam cover with the STAT logo on it in
as an advertisement during the parade.
4. Possible TED Talk in future T= Technology (STAT) E=Education (School District) D=Design
(Other Commission) Sponsors, Rules at TED website. Starting to create a sub-commission.
Ninos to lead.
Sam explained they have not gotten the chance to gather as a sub-commission. The sub-
commission is compromised of Scott, Christopher, Sam, and Ninos.
5. New business
Sam said he will begin to create a packet of events and materials. Alex explained that
he has been trained on editing the Village website and that the group can begin to
send him their ideas for what they want the webpage to look like.
6. Vote to cancel next 2 meetings because of Holidays. November 26, 2019 and December
31, 2019.
The motion was made by James and was seconded by Jimmy.
7. Next meeting January 28, 2020 in Conference Room D
8. Adjourn
The motion to adjourn was made by Ken at 8:57 p.m. and was seconded by Avi. All
approved.
Agenda
Skokie Telecommunications and Technology (STAT) Commission
Meeting Agenda
Date: Tuesday October 29, 2019
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Skokie Village Hall
Conference Room B
1. Welcome & Introductions
Special Guest
2. Approval and discussion of the September 24, 2019 Meeting Minutes.
3. Discussion Programming
2019 Programming
Post Discussion A program on cyber security- (Avi/Sam)
Post Discussion Congressional App Challenge code-a-thon with Congresswoman Jan
Schakowsky along with Congressman Brad Schneider and Congressman Raja
Krishnamoorthi (Ninos) Event was in Palatine can we host event in Skokie next year?
2020 Programming
February CUB Saver Event (Sam/Staff) Date is February 11, 2020, 6 PM - 8 PM in
association with the Consumer Affairs Commission
Village Science Fair Award Program (Jimmy/Sam) This will happen on March 4, 2020,
we will need 4 or 6 volunteers to judge, criteria is that it must have a technically
controlled element, and it must be a resident of Skokie, or attend a Skokie school.
Mayor on board for award presentation
A ComEd utility program as to what is available for Business (Scott/Ninos) the chamber
approved the ComEd program for businesses. We just need to reach out to our
contact to determine what month/date would work for them. They meet the third
Friday morning of each month From Howard “Yes, I got permission from the Program
Committee to proceed with the program as a part of our Network Now Initiative. It
meets on the third Friday morning of each month. Please reach out to your rep and
let me know which month would be best for them. This will showcase the program to
members of Skokie, Lincolnwood and Morton Grove Chambers”
a program on automation and its impacts (Scott/James) Scott explained that he has
made multiple phone calls regarding the event and that he should have more
information by next meeting
Tracking technologies for patients with Alzheimers and other medical conditions , and
a program on elder care work with the Public Safety Commission and the Health
Department (Ninos and Avi) Avi has not had the chance to speak with Ninos however
he explained that Google and Apple are soon to be announcing more compatibility
with health departments. Nick has reached out to the health Department and they
are interested
Ninos could have his company bring their outreach programming. –(Ninos/Sam) May
become an internal to commission event.
A program on cyber security- (Avi/Sam) Avi presented two need business ideas to the
group. The first was that if the cyber security event goes well, he wants to it again or
possibly twice in the upcoming year. The second was to have a cyber security event
that is targeted towards small and medium businesses. He said that the Chamber of
Commerce is interested and Fran noted that it might be something to have at
Breakfast and Learn Awaiting Avi to create bullet point sheet pending 2019 event
Drone Technology (Fine Arts, Public Arts, and a Drone Race) Sam gave ideas about
possibly having a drone race at the Tech Park or a park if netting is available. Jimmy
brought up the idea of partnering with the Fine Arts Commission to have a category in
their Skokie Through the Lens event be photos submitted by drone cameras. In order to
be eligible, coordinates of where the photo was taken would need to be presented
and the photo must be of Skokie. Nick explained that Skokie Through the Lens is early
in the year and brought to the groups attention that drones could be used to video art
in the community and can then be posted on the Skokie Fine Arts App. Jimmy offered
to lead the idea
CUB event with Brian McDanial (Fran/Sam) Fran noted that she had spoken to Brian
and that he is available to come summer 2020. Sam volunteered to help Fran on the
organization of the event but wants to first narrow it down before a date is set. Fran
and same to schedule meeting with Brian.
AARP Tablet Training (Fran/Christopher) Fran explained that she had called the AARP
national office multiple times and that to have the event a venue and trainer are
needed. Christopher volunteered to help Fran on the event. Sam noted that the AARP
was great because they recognize their demographics and target their marketing and
information accordingly.
Census Event (Christopher/____) . From Christopher “The Census is going to be
doing a demo on the Internet Self Response Survey on November 8th. This will give us
and any Complete Count Committee to get a sense of how the ISR system will work.
I’m still pushing to get an actual hand-on ‘kick the tires’ moment with the ISR system -
but at least this will give us perspective on how it’s supposed to work”.
4th of July Parade (needs 6 people walking handing out literature, one car, second
one $50.00
4. Possible TED Talk in future T= Technology (STAT) E=Education (School District) D=Design
(Other Commission) Sponsors , Rules at TED website. Starting to create a sub-commission.
Ninos to lead.
5. New business
6. Vote to cancel next 2 meetings because Holidays. November 26, 2019 and December 31,
2019
7. Depending on outcome of above Next Meeting January 28, 2020
8. Adjourn
2019 STAT Events
PUBLIC EVENTS
1. February- Winter CUB Saver Event
2. March- IJAS Science Fair
3. April- SOLAR, WIND, AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN YOUR HOME
4. May- Science Fair Award Ceremony
5. July- Summer CUB Saver Event
6. September- ComEd Energy Efficiency Program
7. October- Congressional App Challenge code-a-thon With Jan Schalkowski along with
Reps Schneider and Krishnamoorthi
8. October- Hacking, Identity Theft, and Ransomware, oh my!
INTERNAL LEARNING EVENTS
May- Jim Shaw Demonstrating and Reviewing how the IT department for Skokie works
August- George Sellas, a Building/Property Standards Inspector for the Village of Skokie, gave
an in depth presentation on how municipalities are utilizing drones in their building, police and
fire departments.