Adhoc 50th Anniversary Packet 2007 01-22-07 ie�� e�Tp
United City of Yorkville
800 Game Farm Road
EST 1636 Yorkville, Illinois 60560
� ��,� e` Telephone: 630-553-4350
°3= o Fax: 630-553 -7575
AGENDA
COMMUNITY AD-HOC 50'x' ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Monday, January 22, 2007
7:00 P.M.
City Conference Room
REVISED: 1/18/07
1 . Approval/Correction of Minutes : January 8, 2007
2. Introduction
3 . Discussion of Date
4. Discussion of Logo
5 . Event Planning
6. Additional Business
7 . Discussion of Meeting Dates
DRAFT
Page 1 of
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 Barry 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 501h 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
Kickoff
April 4"' 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"'
Mayor Prochaska suggested a walk from Town Square Park to Riverfront Park, after the
firemens' 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 9`h 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:
I . Possible April 91h kickoff
2. Big band in June
3 . A "walk" on July 4`h
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
Mayor's 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 12°i Ms. Sanders will write articles for City
newsletter and Record seeking volunteers fiom the past. Certificates will be
given
3 . Tim Evans to work on date for .Lune big band
4. .July 4°i —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.
G. 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