Community Relations Commission

CITY OF WHEATON COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes - Wednesday, April 20, 2016 I. Call to Order: by Chairman Ronnie Gilles at 7:10 p.m. II. Roll Call: Commission Members Present: Commission Members Absent: Ronnie Gilles Gavin Engel None Bill Balis Bobby McNeily Bill Gilbertson Dan Loftus Tony Lyons Vickie Miller Erik Miller Renee Webb III. Citizens to be heard: We had students from Mr. Tim McEvilly’s Wheaton North HS Government Class visit our meeting, Mia Ruggien, Andrew Lauber, George Magnani and Nathan S. Each of the Event Chair- persons gave an overview of their various functions and encouraged the students to participate in them. IV. Approval of the minutes: from March 2, 2016. Tony moved, Bobby seconded and the motion for ap- proval carried. V. Continuing Business: A. Military Projects – Bill Gilbertson. Bill informed the Commission that there had been a change of Command in the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Unit. LTC Peter Moon had replaced LTC Sanchez. The ceremony had taken place at their camp in Kuwait. We had received an email message from LTC Moon indicating that he was looking forward to working with us. No official word has been received on when the unit will return to Ft. Riley but we will still be planning a welcome home event when they do return. B. Cultural Diversity – Dan Loftus. Dan indicated that he and Betsy Adamowski had finalized the date for The Wheaton World Tour Event for Saturday, August 20, 2016. This date would have no conflict with NFL and High School football like last year. The theme of the event would move away from performance entertainment to games, a pet parade and contests at the various service organization booths that would be set up in Adams Park. The visitors would be challenged at each booth and be able to win prizes. The Event would be featured in the City of Wheaton and Library Newsletters, banners would be updated and displayed, new posters would be created and a Chat with the Mayor would create publicity for the Event. C. Make a Difference Day – Bill Gilbertson. There has been no further planning for this event but we will continue to be looking for specific activities to involve individuals and groups in on that day. D. Serve Illinois/Cities of Service – Renee Webb. The budget crisis in Springfield has generally put this function on hold. Chairman Webb indicated that she would like to relinquish her position to another Commissioner who can eventually get this project moving forward. E. Good Citizens – Vickie Miller. We received nominations for 15 individual citizens and one group for Citizen of the Year Awards. After a thorough review and much discussion by the Commissioners we selected 10 recipients for this award. The Awards will be presented on Monday, May 16, at the City Council meeting following a catered reception at 6:00 PM in the Gamon Room for the winners. F. Treasurer’s Report – Bill Balis. Bill B and Ronnie met with Finance Director, Robert Lehnhardt, to clarify the handling of our funds collected from donations and the CRC budget. It was agreed the any un- used funds from our donations would be rolled over into the next fiscal year and the CRC budget would be increased from the current $3,000 to $4,000. From now on all expenses would be charged, first, against the CRC budget until it is consumed. Then expenses would be charged against our donation fund. Bill indi- cated at this time our current balance stood at $5,134.34. G. Media Coordinator – Bobby McNeily. Bobby indicated he was moving forward with all of the publicity issues that were discussed for the Cultural Diversity Project. VI. New Business: None - !1 - VII. Commissioners Comments: No comments. VIII. Adjournment: Bobby moved and Vickie seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion passed. - !2 -