City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met April 12
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
In-Person or Virtual Attendance
I. Call to Order Rachel called the meeting to order at 7:05 Laura motioned; Ben seconded.
II. Welcome
III. Roll Call
In Person: Rachel Bautista, Meg Beasley, Scott Chedister, Mike Hodel, Saleha Jawaid, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, Ben Waterman, Angie Welker
Zoom: Brianna Henley
Absent: Sam Hardy, Marco Scola, and David Sohmer
IV. Approval of Minutes
Scott motioned that the minutes be approved; seconded by Erica; minutes approved as presented.
V. Old Business
a. March program recap
i. Women of Wheaton - Partner Program
1. 75 people attended the Bob Goldsborough program
2. Among those in attendance were City Manager Mike Dzugan, Councilwoman Erica Bray-Parker, and one of the women profiled, Glennette Tilley Turner
3. Video was posted to city’s Facebook page and the link was sent to the Wheaton City Council
ii. We Are Women Art Exhibit - Partner program
1. Month-long exhibit
2. 36 artists participated; 37 pieces of art were displayed in 23 downtown Wheaton businesses
a. Largest number of artists participating to date
b. First year that students were included.
c. Also added artists with special needs
3. Positive feedback from businesses and artists
a. Jazz station that covers some performances at Adelle’s interviewed businesses and artists for a segment
b. Artists were pleased and appreciate the exposure
c. Received cross-promotional support from partners
b. National Guard 300th Anniversary update - Partner Program-Discussion
i. Event to take place on July 1 from 10 am until 2 pm
ii. Need to define terms of sponsorship: cost: volunteers recruitment; and access to Adams Park
iii. Is Adams Park the best venue for the event: is it too small and too segmented for horses, re-enactment, and spectators?
VI. New Business
a. Good Citizens Awards
i. Vote on Final Selection
1. Five adult recipients and three students were selected
a. Committee will do last-phase vetting of the recipients
b. One person who had already received the award was eliminated
c. Group nominee was deemed ineligible as service includes paid employees
d. The city will send letters to:
i. recipients to notify them of their award
ii. individuals who nominated someone who did not receive an award
2. Erica motioned to approve five adults Scott Brady, Betty Johnston, Elizabeth Karnik, Rudy Keller, and Brad Kerr and three students Charlie Surber, Jacob Halter, and Dylan Och as recipients of the 2023 Good Citizens Awards, Laura seconded. The recipients were approved.
ii. May 15 Good Citizens Reception and Presentation
1. Reception will take place in the Gamon Room before the council meeting
2. Awards will be presented at the beginning of the meeting
a. Recipients will receive engraved award, certificate, a yard sign and possible discounts or gift certificates to local businesses
b. Angela is working with the DWA to provide food for the reception
b. Festival of Cultures Update and Action Steps
i. David secured a $5,000 primary partner sponsorship through First Trust
1. Saleha will research requirements for a city match and to allocate funding for running the event
2. Need to clarify sponsorship benefits
ii. Performers
1. Confirming performers
a. Midwest Soaring (native American/indigenous dance)
i. $500-600 honorarium
b. Salsa del Norte - Latin band - Up to six people - 45 minutes
i. Fees have increased since 2021.
c. Funk-a desi - is available for a 60 minute slot
i. $3,000 in 2021 - group has huge following and will boost attendance
d. Wheaton College Gospel Choir has been contacted
i. Now have a band
e. Murphy Roche - Irish Dance
f. Renacer Boliviano Dance Troupe
g. Sama Sama Project - Philippines band
2. Discussed the breadth of cultural experiences and various organizations that participate.
a. Difficult to define culture but for Festival of Cultures purposes, the commission goal is to provide a range of cultural experiences for residents. Cultural booths provide residents the opportunity to have conversations with people of other cultures; watch demonstrations; and learn about cultural traditions, games, art, foods, or history.
b. Activities and information is solely for educational purposes and this is conveyed in the correspondence inviting groups to participate
3. Group list and script for outreach and what activities are welcome will be updated by Erica.
a. Each commissioner will have a list of groups to contact
4. Erica will work on the high school art competition for the cover of the festival program.
5. Hope to bring in a higher number of groups for 2023.
a. In 2021, coming off the pandemic, 30 groups participated.
b. In 2019 47 participated.
6. The 2019 Food truck list is in the drive.
a. Need to narrow down list and check pricing and availability.
b. Confirm requirements of the Health department.
7. Look into closing off Karlskoga Road
8. Communications should start in early June with monthly publications and general announcements
c. Rachel announced that she and her family are moving to London for two years. She will have to resign from the commission and as the WCRC chair. The commissioners thanked her for her hard work in creating partnerships within the community and developing new programs and her leadership and organizational skills.
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Adjournment Motion was made to end the meeting at 8:52 pm by Laura; seconded by Mike.
https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04122023-2263
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