Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met March 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order Rachel called the meeting to order at 7:03 Laura seconded

II. Welcome New commission members: Sam Hardy and Brianna Henley

III. Roll Call

In Person: Rachel Bautista, Meg Beasley, Scott Chedister, Mike Hodel, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, David Sohmer, and Ben Waterman

Zoom: Saleha Jawaid

Absent: Marco Scola and Angie Welker

Also in attendance: Bari Ericson from the Wheaton Public Library

IV. Approval of Minutes

Laura motioned that the minutes be approved; seconded by Mike; minutes approved as presented.

V. Old Business

a. February Programs

i. February Programs - Partner Program

ii. Recap Black History Month

1. African American Heroes & Sheroes virtual program featuring Linda Gorham

2. 75 in attendance

3. Program was recorded and a link of program will be shared with City Council and commission as well as feedback from the program.

4. Erica announced the upcoming events during public comment at the Wheaton City Council meeting

b. March Programs - Partner Program

i. We Are Women Art exhibit update (DWA and DP Art League)

1. Exhibit features artwork from local women and student artists throughout storefronts of women-owned businesses

2. 30 pieces of art will be displayed in 24 businesses

a. 12 from art league, 5 from WNHS, 6 St Micheals, 7 from InKlude, and 4 from Clare Woods; and 2 other women artists from Wheaton

ii. Bob Goldsborough program update

1. March 21 at the Wheaton Public Library and League of Women Voters. Program is in person and will be recorded.

2. Goldsborough will feature notable women, both historical and contemporary, who have ties to Wheaton.

iii. Research cultural heritage awareness months and also include them on the website

1. Ben will compile a list of cultural awareness opportunities to promote

VI. New Business

a. Good Citizens Awards - Commission Program

i. Call for nominations February 28 - March 31

ii. Selection at Wednesday, April 12 WCRC meeting

iii. Date of Awards - Monday, May 15

iv. Communication Plan Update

v. The program has launched through Wheaton Weekly, social media, and other outlets.

vi. Letters to counselors and not-for-profit organizations will be sent out vii. Erica explained the selection process

1. Three criteria of nominees is to be in all communication

a. Must be a Resident of Wheaton

b. Must be honored for volunteer work - no compensation for service

c. May not hold or be running for a public office

2. Commission reviews all nominations

3. Commission fills out a survey (sub-committee can look at the 2021 survey in the shared drive)

4. Commission votes on final list of award recipients at April monthly meeting

viii. In order to have enough time to evaluate applications, there was a motion made by Scott to move the monthly meeting to April 12. David seconded.

Rachel will contact the city to move the WCRC meeting to April 12

ix. Other decisions will be finalized: yard signs; physical award; and food for the reception

b. National Guard Anniversary - July 1st Event (Potential Partnership)

i. The DuPage County Historical Society reached out to commission about coordinating an event to honor the 300-year anniversary of the National Guard. The 8th Calvary of soldiers (Wheaton) fired the first shot at Gettysburg . The plan is to hold a re-enactment of the battle in Adams Park.

1. The museum requested help in recruiting volunteers, getting permitting, and driving attendance

2. The Commission will consider the request for volunteers and will include information on the WCRC page.

a. David will work to help secure permitting for the event and will connect with the NG to confirm commission support

c. Meeting attendance reminder

i. City ordinance requires that commission and board members attend meetings; if a member misses three consecutive meetings or four meetings in a calendar year, that member may be dismissed.

d. Festival of Cultures - Commission Program

i. Sponsorships and levels and sponsor benefits

ii. Performer outreach

1. Erica has reached out to three performers from 2021

iii. Cultural group outreach all will be involved (5-6 groups) and all members will update as contact is made.

iv. Food truck ideas

v. Stage management - a month before coordinating equipment needs with Memorial Park (11 to 6) kick off at 1 pm. Several members have contacts to pursue for this role.

vi. Need an emcee for the event and will have members of community telling their stories between acts; and Erica will reach out to World Relief for ideas

VII. Public Comment

VIII. Adjournment Motion was made to end the meeting at 8:25 by Ben; seconded by David. 4/14/23

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03012023-2236