Community Relations Commission

Community Relations Commission Meeting Wednesday, July 7, 2021 7:00 – 8:30 pm Virtual Meeting I. Call to Order 7:15 pm. II. Welcome everyone. III. Roll Call – Present: Colleen Attwell, Erica Nelson, Larniecia Smith, Jennifer Sever, Rachel Bautista, Laura Peccarelli, Kay Frederick, Saleha Jawaid, Meg Beasley and Tony Asta. Absent: Katie Sivak and Krista Selvey. o Public Attendees: Dilli Phuyal IV. Approval of Minutes – Tony made a motion to approve June 2021 minutes with discussed changes. Erica seconded the motion. All members approved the motion. V. Old Business o Committee Updates –  PRIDE Month Recap (Rachel) – 8 posts were shared across City channels. Cross- promotion with Wheaton Public Library, CUSD, Chamber of Commerce. Lots of positive conversation and a peaceful protest at City Hall.  Wheaton Plaza del Zocalo Recap (Erica/Laura) – Erica and Laura attended to serve at pet parade judges. Due to bad weather, only one dog in parade. They were able to network with other event attendees.  Festival of Cultures (Tony) – Plans are moving forward for Festival on Sept 12th at Memorial Park. Funkadesi and an Irish band have been secured as well Aztec dancers. Katie secured $3,000 in sponsorship from First Trust Portfolios. We anticipate support from Fine & Cultural Arts, DWA, Chamber of Commerce and will ask Ivy as well. We are also seeking a grant for a community art project. Tony and Erica are working on logistics – photographer, bingo cards, cultural groups, marketplace, etc.  Make a Difference Day/Wheaton 365 (Larniecia) – Larniecia has reached out to Wheaton Forestry Division to discuss Rake-Up events in Adams Park, Lincoln Marsh and the sensory park. Also working on yard signs. Meg is helping with wording for the annual proclamation.  Veteran acknowledgement and support (Erica) – Field of Honor was held over Fourth of July holiday at Seven Gable Park. 2000 flags. Our commission sponsored a flag. Erica will continue to rethink strategy regarding veterans. Local organizations seem self-sufficient, so we may just promote their initiatives. VI. New Business – o Meeting structure – Once the governor’s order expires, the City will not offer virtual meetings. August meeting will probably be in person at City Hall.  COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES May 5, 2020 o New program - Rachel is looking into a potential new partnership with Dupage NAACP and Wheaton history. More to come on this in coming months. o Public Comment – Dilli Phuyal from Dupage Mini Mart in Wheaton. Interested in getting involved in Festival of Cultures. Tony will introduce to Vickie at Chamber of Commerce. VII. Adjournment – 8:24 pm. Tony motioned to adjourn, Colleen seconded the motion. All members approved the motion. VIII. Next meeting: Wednesday, August 4, 2021. 2