Human Resources Commission Minutes 2009 03-18-09
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APPROVED AS CORRECTED 4/15/2009
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
Human Resources Commission
Committee Meeting
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1 Floor Meeting Room, Yorkville Public Library
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 6:30pm
Call to Order:
Chairman Scott Gengler called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Establish a Quorum:
Quorum Established
Present:
Scott Gengler, Chairman
Joan Knutson
Cecelia Sanders
Deanna Cross
Edmont Iljazi
Sgt. Barry Groesch
City Officials Present:
Bart Olson, Assistant City Administrator, Interim Parks & Rec Director
Glory Spies, Community Relations Director
Others Present:
Pat Slocum
Introduction of Guests:
Scott introduced the new board members Deanna Cross and Edmont Iljazi. Deanna is the
Director of Community Impact with Fox Valley United Way and is a Yorkville resident.
She has a background in social services.
Edmont is a Yorkville resident and owns a business in Yorkville. His company and
family have prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for the Food Pantry. He said joining the
Commission would be a good way to become involved in the community.
Citizen Comments:
None
Approval of Minutes:
February 18, 2009
Cele moved to approve the minutes and Joan seconded the motion. Minutes approved on
a voice vote.
Mayor’s Report:
1. Foreclosure Seminar Update
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Glory Spies reported that the foreclosure seminar would be held April 18 at 1pm in the
Library meeting room. She has arranged most of the speakers including one from EAP.
The speaker from Representative Foster’s office will talk about meeting bills and the
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effect of unemployment. Glory also listed other speakers who will attend and said the
seminar will be taped as it was last year. Edmont asked if “short sales” would be
discussed also. A realtor will be present to explain that topic.
Ms. Spies will send out letters prior to the event, make some material available on the
website and issue press releases. Deanna suggested notifying the Kendall County Health
Department and “Community Benefits” a non-profit group from Cross Lutheran.
Staff Reports:
None
Committee Reports:
None
New Business:
1.Volunteer of the Year Award –Update/Discussion
The following ideas/highlights were discussed:
1.Glory said she had considered having this event in conjunction with Volunteer
Appreciation Day in May. In addition, she was not sure money for this event
would be appropriated in the budget.
2.Event could be held during a Council meeting and be conducted more formally,
but added she was open to changing this event. In the past, this event had cost
approximately $1200 at the Riverfront Park. The music could also be eliminated.
3.Joan said youths should be encouraged to be volunteers so they could be
recognized for contributions also. Groups could be recognized or awards could
be given in following categories: adult, teen, child. Schools could nominate
volunteers.
4.Deanna suggested a 1-hour event, detail the volunteerism and present a certificate
5.Scott will contact the principals of the Yorkville Schools for possible nominations
and he said teachers may also have ideas. He believes he could get more input
from the schools in the Fall
6.Presenting awards at the Kendall County Fair was mentioned by Edmont.
7.Glory said that last year letters were sent to the invitees and approximately 150-
160 people attended the ceremony. She said that letters are needed along with a
response from the volunteer, advising if they will be present. Ms. Spies said that
if the ceremony were held in the fall or winter, a higher attendance could be
expected.
8.In Aurora, the Mayor gives a speech and refreshments are served. Deanna will
gather more details.
9.Scott suggested holding event at Library so that weather would not be a factor
This item will be brought back under Old Business next month for further discussion.
2.Government Day – Update/Discussion
Scott had contacted the High School and left a message regarding volunteers for
Government Day. Glory suggested hosting the winners of the debate program.
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It was suggested by Bart Olson that this could be held in conjunction with elections in the
fall. A mock City Council meeting could be held after having “shadowed” City officials
for a day.
Edmont said that when he was a student he had taken part in a program that studied a
certain country. This was followed by a trip to the U.N, He suggested a local program
similar to this whereby high school or grade school students could study local
government and then do a model of it to government day.
Deanna said she thought Aurora students had to write a paper for Government Day. She
will find out additional details.
This item will be brought back under Old Business next month.
Old Business:
1.Food Pantry Update
Glory displayed an article about the Food Pantry from a new magazine “Invironments”.
Cele asked if anyone had considered nominating the Food Pantry for the Governor’s
Hometown Award and she said the Food Pantry had received the award on a couple
occasions. Glory and Cele will look for information to apply for this recognition.
Items for Next Meeting Agenda.
Cele asked if any street signs had been ordered for the historic street-naming program.
Bart said they have not been ordered yet and that the revised budget had just been
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approved on March 10. There is a short list of signs that can be ordered and a
presentation date must be determined. Public Works must also approve the design. This
will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Additional Business:
Glory and Scott have both contacted Susan from Rush Copley to speak about the services
available there. This will be moved to the next meeting for further discussion. There was
also brief discussion regarding the proposed emergency facility for the Yorkville site.
Mr. Iljazi asked about the need for funding for the Senior Center. Cele gave an
explanation of funding in the past and said that the Kendall County funding has been re-
directed to the Community Nutrition Network of Chicago. The Golden Diners then
decided to continue the Beecher Center program and fund it themselves. CNN tried to
also run their program at the Beecher Center but had low attendance because of the way
the funding had been handled.
The Beecher Center program is now funded through donations from the diners and a
large private donation. It was noted that $3,000 a month is needed to run the program
there. It was thought that township funds might also be available. Approximately 60-70
people attend the noon meals that are available 4 days a week. Cele will get an update
from Golden Diners and what the HRC committee can do to help.
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Deanna said the United Way accepts applications for funds once a year and that they fund
programs, rather than agencies. Certain criteria must be met and financial statements
must be provided.
This item will be moved to the next agenda for further discussion.
Additional Business:
Bart Olson said that he has been named Interim Parks and Recreation Director following
the resignation of the former Director. He will be the liaison for this committee.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned on a motion by Edmont with a
second by Cele. Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker