Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission met Feb. 5

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order

Meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm.

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.

Community Presentation

Jamie Mayfield and husband James (HVAC Tech), President of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce

Programs at the Chamber include:

Good morning Wheaton, networking breakfasts from 7-9 am once a month

Business after hours program, companies get together from 5-7 pm monthly Luncheons for Business

Chat GPT, AI, Humor into Business, LinkedIn pages and how to get them involved

Committees for various business-related items

Roll Call

In Person: Kathy Bushong, Andrea Clayton, Yvette Diericx, Mike Hodel

Erica Nelson, Andrew McGady, and David Sohmer

Virtual via Zoom: Scott Chedister

Absent: Meg Beasley and Shauna Thorson

Approval of Minutes

Approval of minutes from January 8, 2025 meeting.

David motion to approve; Andrea seconded. Motion carried.

Old Business

Continue to address suggestions from the Festival of Cultures workshop meeting. Discuss ideas for a new event title and next steps.

Discussion tabled for March

Once event defined, invite the Chamber to host a table/display at event

a. Black History Month, partner program with Wheaton Public Library

i. Charlie Brown and Harry Binford Chicago and Delta Blues program with WPL onFebruary 16. Laura will attend and make announcement on behalf of the CRC.

ii. Web page is updated with all current events

1. Video link about the Underground Railroad in Wheaton and BlanchardHall at Wheaton College, WBEZ video

b. Women’s History Month, partner program with DuPage Art League, Downtown Wheaton Association, and Wheaton Public Library

i. We Are Women Art Exhibit, Andrea

1. 30 business for 18 artists for 2025

2. Partner with WNHS, WWSHS and STARS Family Services Art Studio

a. (Note: at WNHS there was so much interest that teachers may have to have students apply to be part of exhibit)

3. If you want to help:

a. Art pick up is last week of February and it will be placed at businesses on either Feb. 27 or 28 (Erica is available those days until 11:30 am)

b. Pick up at end of the event is on March 31 - Kathy Bushong

ii. This year the theme for the Women of Wheaton profiles is local not-for-profit leaders (Erica presented report)

1. 10 profiles of Women not-for-profits already in

2. Deadline is the 18th

iii. WPL partner programs

1. March 12 at 7pm, hybrid program featuring the life and contributions of Bertha Palmer

2. March 26 at 7 pm, hybrid program highlighting women astronomers

c. Good Citizens Awards, commission program

i. Update on committee work (Nomination review subcommittee: Timeline and activities will be emailed before the meeting)

ii. Need more students:

1. Andrea spoke with Alyssa at CUSD200, needs an electronic flyer to distribute via principal and student ambassadors.

2. Wheaton Family Magazine-Send electronic flyer to publisher.

iii. Time-Frame:

1. Erica sent e-mails to nominating review team

2. February 28: nominations announcement will go out and nominations will be open

3. April 2, Erica will have a summary spreadsheet, with redactions, which she will send to nominating subcommittee.

4. From April 3-10 commission conduct blind ranking

5. Special meeting for nomination discussions Monday April 28, 7pm-will be

a closed meeting. Award recipients will be finalized at this meeting.

6. Awards presentation will take place during May 19 City Council meeting

iv. Costs:

1. Budget-$2,100 total for 2025

2. Costs went up to $88/per award

3. Yard Signs -$259 total in 2024

New Business

d. Commission openings

i. Erica has not heard back from Mayor yet.

Public Comment

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm by consensus

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02052025-2741