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Human Resources Commission Minutes 2009 01-21-09 Page 1 of APPROVED 2/18/09 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE Human Resources Commission Committee Meeting City Conference Room Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:30pm Call to Order: Chairman Scott Gengler called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Establish a Quorum: Quroum Established Present: Scott Gengler Joan Knutson Cecelia Sanders Barb McClish Bart Olson, City Staff Liaison Barry Groesch Introduction of Guests: Mr. David Mogle, Director of Parks and Recreation Citizen Comments: None Approval of Minutes: November 19, 2008 The minutes were approved as read on a motion by Cele Sanders and second by Barb McClish. Approved unanimously. Mayor's Report: None Staff Reports: None Committee Reports: None New Business: 1. Childcare Resources— Discussion Parks and Recreation Director Dave Mogle gave an overview of this topic. The Parks and Recreation Department has several pre-school age programs. The most popular one meets multiple days a week in the mornings and afternoons and is 2 hours long. There are 86 children who attend this program and they have along waiting list. They have a north and south side location. Another program for 2 year olds is "Ready Set Go". He also named other creative programs they have. Mr. Mogle said the Parks Department attempts to keep the rates reasonable. There are scholarships available and the applicants must meet certain criteria based on paperwork they must complete. The funding also depends on the applicant's income. Page 2 of 4 Disabled children are served by Fox Valley Special Recreation Association in Aurora and part of the scholarship money helps these children. A few years ago the scholarship money was not able to be used for the special needs program until United Way stepped forward. They now supplement the City scholarships. Mr. Mogle added that not all the funds are used each year. In 2008, United Way contributed about $6,000 and there are some limitations for the usage. Mr. Olson said the Mayor has asked that the Commission explore situations where both parents are working due to the economy and must leave children at home alone. He also contacted Cheryl Johnson of the Kendall County Health Department in regard to this subject. Barb McClish mentioned the Loving Arms Daycare Center and she said it is non- denominational even though it is run by Cross Lutheran Church. She said Loving Arms does receive state funding and parents can receive assistance for children up to age 12. It was noted that the YMCA also has a pre-school and after-school program. Mr. Mogle said the demand for this type of service is huge. Ms. Knutson said the committee should publicize the information discussed regarding scholarships and other funding and Mr. Gengler suggested placing this information on- line. This item will be brought back next month for further discussion. 2. Brainstorming and the Economy Joan suggested providing assistance to help people find ways to avoid foreclosures. It was noted that the City put on a foreclosure seminar in the past that was attended by 25 people. Videos of that seminar are available on-line or at the City Hall. It was suggested to have a follow-up seminar and invite bankers, attorneys and health/human services to provide updated information. Bart noted there is also a foreclosure hotline. A program called "Community Bridges" affiliated with Cross Lutheran and funded through United Way, was mentioned by Barb. They provide assistance with rent and utilities. Bart will inform the Mayor that the committee supports these projects and wishes to help provide informational assistance. More information will be gathered and this topic will move forward to the next meeting for further discussion. 3. Historical Street Naming Policy and Article The committee briefly discussed an article in a small news magazine called "Community" available in newsstands. It is unknown who publishes this literature. Joan will find out where the magazine originates and see if the library can obtain copies. They also discussed photos and street-naming information that Bart assembled. He brought 2 examples of different styles of the historic signs, one brown and one green. Discussion included size of the lettering, readability and how many lines are Page 3 of 4 allowed on the signs. It was agreed the full name should be on the brown historic sign. Joan made a motion to approve installing the brown signs already purchased. Cele seconded the motion. Motion approved on a voice vote and motion carried. An additional motion was made by Cele for a$1500 budget request to purchase more signs in the coming year to allow for the full name. Joan seconded and the motion was approved on a voice vote. If a revised budget is approved this fiscal year, Bart said 7 signs could be purchased at a cost of$525 each including installation. If the Administration Committee approves this revised budget on February 12a', it could go to City Council on the 20. Signs could then be ordered. Barb suggested a possible ceremony for installation of these signs. Bart said March 24a' was the suggested ceremony date for signs that had not been part of the 50a' year anniversary celebration. He said a recommendation could be made to City Council for this ceremony. Barry suggested it should be held only after the corrected(full name) signs were available. Old Business: 1. Food Pantry Board—Update Barb gave an update on the Food Pantry and said she had met with the Director, Maria. Maria has a board of 14 husbands/wives to help oversee and make the decisions for the Food Pantry. Last April they served 1200 people and now 2300 people are being served. Maria, an unpaid volunteer, explained the process to Barb and said that those being served are entered into the computer to help track them. Barb and Maria will meet quarterly. A box truck was recently given to the Food Pantry for food pickups. Various items are needed at different times such as toothbrushes, to be given away. Maria will be meeting the area Angel Food Program coordinator. This program is affordable food at low prices and is a nation-wide program. A week's worth of food here would cost approximately $30. On February 12a'the Food Pantry will be open from 2pm to 7pm due to the large number of people in need. Special needs people, the elderly and handicapped will be allowed from 2-3pm. Assistance will be offered to these patrons and volunteers are needed. Scott asked how information could be disseminated to inform the public of the need for donated items so that the donations continue. There is always a need for diapers and baby formula/food according to Barry. Page 4 of 4 Items for Next Meeting Agenda: Bart said he would not be present for the neat meeting, however, Mayor Burd will attend. Adjournment: Cele moved and Joan seconded the motion to adjourn. Adjourned at 7:26pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker