Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met Jan. 8

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

Meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm.

II. Welcome

The Community Relations Commission's purpose is to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations in a diverse inclusive community. The Community Relations Commission is also to promote increased participation in all aspects of community life and a sense of shared community among all residents.

III. Roll Call

In person: Meg Beasley, Andrea Clayton, Yvette Diericx, Andrew McGady, Erica Nelson, Laura Peccarelli, and David Sohmer

Zoom: Kathy Bushong

Absent: Scott Chedister, Mike Hodel, and Shauna Thorson

IV. Approval of Minutes

a. Approval of minutes from December 4, 2024 meeting and December 12, 2024 special meeting. Laura motioned to approve December 4 minutes and Dave seconded. For Dec 12, Laura motioned to accept minutes with a grammatical change, Yvette seconded. Both sets of minutes were approved.

V. Old Business

a. Review summary of the Festival of Cultures workshop meeting. Discuss ideas for a new event title and next steps.

VI.New Business

a. Black History Month

i. Charlie Brown and Harry Binford Chicago and Delta Blues program with WPL on February 16, 7 pm in person and virtual

b. Women’s History Month

i. We Are Women Art Exhibit - partner program Downtown Wheaton Association and DuPage Art League

1. Artwork created by local artists and displayed in local businesses that are woman owned or managed.

a. DAL and WCRC each identified artists

b. Also included high school artists

ii. Profiles of local not-for-profit leaders

1. Meg will develop a letter and spreadsheet of local not-for-profits

iii. WPL programs

1. March 12, 7 pm in person and virtual - Berthe Palmer

2. March 26, 7 pm in person and virtual - Women Astronomers

a. Erica will do introduction on 2/16

b. Meg will do introduction on 3/12 and 3/26

c. Good Citizens Awards

i. Name a chair and team

1. Laura will work on yard signs

2. Kathy, Shauna, Scott, and Andrew will receive and review applications

3. Andrea will order food

4. Yvette will take care of paper goods, water, etc.

5. Dave and Mike will oversee set-up and coordinate greeters:

6. Erica will order the awards for May 19th presentation

7. Erica will serve as the overall point person

ii. Set date for solicitation of nominations, February 28

iii. Reviewed event. Documents will be updated and shared with members

d. Upcoming February 5 meeting: Jamie Mayfield from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce will give a presentation, updating the commission on the Chamber’s mission, events, and work in our community

e. Commission openings - we have two openings. Erica will reach out to both the mayor and city clerk to see if any applications have been submitted

VII. Public Comment

VIII. Adjournment Adjourned by consensus at 8:15 pm

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01082025-2715