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Adhoc 50th Anniversary Planning Committee Minutes 2007 01-08-07 APPROVED Page 1 of 4 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE COMMUNITY AD HOC 50TH ANNIVERSARY BRISTOL STATION & YORKVILLE UNITING PLANNING COMMITTEE City Conference Room Monday,January 8, 2007, 7pm Present: City Staff Mayor Art Prochaska Glory Spies, Community Relations Director Officer Bang Groesch,Yorkville Police Department Tim Evans, Yorkville Park District Others Present Kathy Farren,Kendall County Record Elden Madden Stacey Gros Jill Harker Bobbi Burgstone, Chamber of Commerce Cecelia Sanders, Sunnymere of Aurora 1. INTRODUCTION The meeting was called to order at 7pm by Mayor Prochaska and all those present introduced themselves. The purpose of the meeting was to gather ideas for celebrating the 5e anniversary of Yorkville and Bristol uniting into one City. It was noted by the Mayor that The Human Resource Commission had already discussed this event and it was decided that a separate committee should be formed to plan this celebration. The Mayor then turned the floor over to Glory Spies. 2. DISCUSSION OF DATE Ms. Spies said April 4, 1957 is the official date for the joining of the two cities. Mayor Prochaska noted that the original name that he was aware of was the United City of the Village of Yorkville. Mr. Madden added that it was first known as the United City of the Village of Yorkville with Burroughs of Bristol and Yorkville. At that time an attempt was made to shorten the name,however,two towns had never merged before and the proper procedure was unknown. Page 2 of 4 Kickoff April 4`h is the date Ms. Spies suggested for the kickoff of the celebration with a possible commemoration of Mr. Madden and others involved at that time. Some ideas suggested were: a key to the City, honor those persons at a City Council meeting and/or present a plaque. Mr. Madden noted that he and two others of the original Council members are still living. Ms. Spies said many of the original community leaders have streets named after them as a result of the historical street naming program,however,there are no official historical brown signs to mark that significance. Jill Harker, Ellsworth Windett's (first Mayor) granddaughter by marriage, concurred that the brown signs would be a good idea. She further stated that such a sign would be appropriate at the entrance of the subdivision named in his honor. June Kathy Farren said that when Riverfront Days was switched to Hometown Days,more events were to be held at Riverfront Park. One of the ideas was to hold an art festival. This year it is to be held at Town Square on June 22-23. An extra Music Under the Stars was suggested for the Riverfront Park and it was noted that the cost is $700-$1000. Money for some of these activities can hopefully be included in the next City budget. In addition, Ms. Spies suggested that some service clubs like the Optimists or Rotarians might sponsor some events. Ms. Farren offered the Record's help and Ms. Sanders suggested that banks could be contacted for support,both financially and employee service. July 4`h Mayor Prochaska suggested a walk from Town Square Park to Riverfront Park, after the firemen' activities. He said he would like to see the Rt. 47 bridge closed one lane at a time to allow people to cross safely and added that Oswego does this for one of their parades. Ms. Sanders suggested posting signs in advance to notify drivers of this closure and Officer Groesch felt this could be accommodated. The Mayor also suggested an ice cream social under the pavilion at Riverfront Park and a float in the parade. The Fox Valley Community Band wishes to perform in this area and they were not able to be scheduled into the Music Under the Stars, according to Tim Evans. He said perhaps they could be included in a special celebration on a Wednesday or Thursday night. The Mayor also noted that the Yorkville Big Band wanted to be included in the Music Under the Stars. It was clarified that Tim had already contacted the American Legion Big Band (same band). Additional Music Under the Stars events were suggested. Ms. Spies said the Optimist Club proposed a talent show for teens and they are willing to tie it in with a band as part of the celebration. Page 3 of 4 The April kickoff date was again discussed. In view of the approaching elections, landfill hearings and the length of Council agendas, Monday, April 91h was chosen for honoring past City officials at City Hall. Family members will be invited if the former officials are no longer living. Ms. Farren also proposed honoring all the Mayors. The Mayor recapped the events decided upon: 1. Possible April 9`h kickoff 2. Big band in June 3. A "walk" on July 4ch 4. Float for parade 5. Involve Class of"57" with float? A time capsule was discussed and Mr. Madden thought there was none at the time of the merger. Ms. Sanders suggested a special edition of the Record. May is volunteer appreciation month and the Mayor suggested recognizing accomplishments resulting from 50 years of volunteerism. A photo of all current volunteers was also mentioned. Some of the volunteer projects noted were Beecher Center, field house at school, park monuments August/September Hometown Days will be held in these months and Officer Groesch proposed a time capsule be buried at that time. Ms. Farren recalled a similar event at the County building for the bicentennial. Envelopes were given to people and family information could be placed in the envelope for burial. It was thought a burial vault was used and a committee member suggested the local funeral home might donate one. A burial location was also discussed. Ms. Harker added that schools could have students contribute to the capsule. 1. DISCUSSION OF LOGO Ms. Spies showed samples of logos created by her intern. She will put the selected logo on the website to generate interest. Wording suggested for the logo was: "Yorkville and Bristol April 4,1957" and underneath"United City of Yorkville". A picture or sketch of the old bridge could also be incorporated. There was also a brief discussion of the date Yorkville was organized and it was thought to be around 1834-1836. Committee Selection,Etc. 1. April commemoration: research the families that should be involved, also honor Mayors and City officials past and present. Ms. Harker will research Mayors, Clerks and Treasurers and Ms. Farren will research Aldermen. A letter will be drafted to invite the officials to attend. The Mayor showed a plaque that included the names of former City officials Page 4 of 4 2. Volunteer day: set for May 12th, Ms. Sanders will write articles for City newsletter and Record seeking volunteers from the past. Certificates will be given 3. Tim Evans to work on date for June big band 4. July 4th—it was decided to draft a city-wide letter to form a parade float committee 5. August/September, Hometown Days: will include the burial of time capsule. A possible burial location is Beecher Center since it is not known if there might be one at Town Square already. Mayor Prochaska and Ms. Gross will coordinate. Tim Evans will be liaison. 6. Ms. Spies will order the brown historic signs for founding fathers 7. Officer Groesch will do the research for former police chiefs so they can be honored also Mayor Prochaska also suggested a book that former City officials/employees could sign and note their former position. A general letter could be drafted that invites them to sign the book that could be kept at City Hall. Mailing lists and drafts of proposed letters should be completed by the next meeting. Ms. Farren will try to determine if there is a time capsule buried at Town Square. 8. SET NEXT MEETING DATE Monday, January 22nd at 7pm was selected as the next meeting date. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm. Minutes by Marlys Young