Community Relations Commission

CITY OF WHEATON COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION Minutes - Wednesday, August 3, 2016 I. Call to Order: by Chairman Vickie Miller at 7:05 p.m. II. Roll Call: Commission Members Present Commission Members Absent Gavin Engel Tony Lyons Ronnie Gillis Bobby McNeily Bill Gilbertson Renee Webb Dan Loftus Erik Miller Vickie Miller III. Citizens to be heard: Holly Wisner. Holly explained to us how she had contacted Councilman John Prendiville inquiring as to how the City of Wheaton was going to show their support for their police offic- ers. He contacted Mayor Gresk on the matter and he suggested that it be taken up by the Community Rela- tion Commission. So she was at this meeting to describe what she was doing about it and to get us in- volved. To start with she had placed a blue light bulb in her porch light and was encouraging her neighbors to do likewise. She had also investigated where one could purchase blue light bulbs at the lowest price. She also had been researching what some other nearby communities were doing to show their support. IV. Approval of the minutes: from June 1, 2016. Erik moved, Ronnie seconded and the motion for approval carried. V. Continuing Business: A. Military Projects -- Bill Gilbertson. Bill described the meeting that he and Gavin Engle had with LTC Pete Moon, the new Commander of our adopted military unit, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. He informed us that the unit was completely back from their extended deployment in Kuwait. Most of his troops had taken leave but would be going through extensive training when they returned. He presented us with an updated picture of the troops in their Campsite in Kuwait to hang in City Hall. He said the soldiers appreciate the various items we have provided them over the years and the Christmas Stocking we have provided their families. They also enjoy letters from the school children. We assured LTC Moon that we would continue these B. Cultural Diversity – Dan Loftus.. Dan indicated that everything was set for the Wheaton World Tour on August 20, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. at the Wheaton Public Library. Many of the CRC Commissioners will be available to support the event The event will include a pet parade and there will be games for chil- dren at each of the cultural sites. There would be prizes awarded to the participants. The banners have been updated and are on display at the City Hall, Cosley Zoo, French Market, Library, and Seven Gables Park. Posters have been placed all over downtown Wheaton and in the vicinity of Danada. C. Make a Difference Day – Ronnie Gilles.—Ronnie reported that Holly Wisner’s suggestion to support our city police inspired she and Renee to establish a new theme for Make A Difference Day. “Uniforms that Serve Us.” On MADD, October 22, they are planning on a social event to take place in an area like the Public Works parking lot or even in their warehouse depending on weather that would include the City of Wheaton Police Officers and Firemen and be open to the citizens of Wheaton for a chance to meet the on a personal level. Maybe even have fire engines and police cars on display. We would also take this oppor- tunity to collect stocking stuffer items for the families of our adopted troops. We would hand out blue light bulbs to the attendees and ask for their support. Refreshments would be served. D. Serve Illinois/Cities of Service – Tony Lyons. — No report  E. Good Citizens – Vickie Miller. — Vickie was very pleased wth our recent Good Citizens award ceremony. The catered reception and ceremony itself went on very smoothly. It has been suggested that we combine the National Honor Society winners with the Good Citizen awards next year. F. Treasurer’s Report—Erik Miller — Erik estimated that we would have about $9,000 to spend on our pro- jects during this fiscal year. He should have a more accurate report at the September meeting. G. Media Coordinator – Bobby McNeily.—No report VI. New Business: None VII. Commissioners Comments: None VIII. Adjournment: Ronnie moved, Gavin seconded, a motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Motion passed.