HRC Minutes 2008 08-20-08 APPROVED
City of Yorkville Human Resources Commission Minutes
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
City Council Conference Room
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Robin Frisch, Chairman
Committee Members Present:
Mayor Valerie Burd, Ex Officio Member
Bart Olson, City Staff Liaison
Rose Spears, City Council Liaison
Robin Frisch, Chairman
Sgt. Barry Groesch
Barb McClish
Dana Jones
Scott Gengler
Joan Knutson
Guests:
Alder-woman Robyn Sutcliff
Maria Spaeth, Kendall County Food Pantry
Diane Hardekopf, Kendall County Food Pantry
Linny Hartzel, Trinity Church Member
Minutes for Correction/Approval:
The minutes of the July 16, 2008 meeting were approved as presented,
Mavor's Report:
® Mayor Burd discussed the role of the HRC in regard to approval of waiver of park
rental fees which should be the responsibility of the Park Board. The HRC is to
recommend, rather than approve. Bart will compare copies of the proposed
changes to the sponsorship policy to the most recently approved policy from
March 2006. This item will return to HRC next month.
a There was also discussion concerning the sponsorship form. There was a later
version created after the version that was put into our packets. Bart will distribute
the updated form at the next HRC meeting. At the request of Mayor Burd, this
agenda item will return to HRC next month.
New Business:
Guests: Guests Maria Spaeth, Diane Hardekopf, Linny Hartzel, and Robyn Sutcliff
were introduced.
Food Pantry
The committee was given a report of the visit to the Food Pantry on Thursday,
August 14.
Maria thanked the committee for their interest and input concerning the
problems facing the Kendall County Food Pantry She mentioned that the
facility currently being used is inadequate, and that the Food Pantry is hoping
to find ways to serve the community better. The number of families being
served has risen dramatically in recent months.,
Barry Groesch discussed the needs that the Food Pantry is facing such as a
semi truck dock, heated facility, larger facility, bathrooms, and adequate
parking He has found such a space in the industrial park in the south end of
town, located at 1204 Deer Street The donor, who wishes to remain
anonymous, will give the Food Pantry a three year lease at no charge. I-Ie
suggested that perhaps local churches can help with monthly operating costs.
Maria expressed her delight with this offer, and it was determined that the new
facility will be ready for occupation before winter.
Rose suggested that there be no publicity until the contract is signed
A discussion of funding for the Food Pantry followed, and Maria explained
how the pantry gets left over food from .Jewel, Costco, Sam's, and
Dominick's. Mayor Burd said that a statement will be put on the bottom of
Yorkville residents' water,bill asking for a S1 donation for the Food Pantry.
A general discussion followed concerning getting information to the public
about where to receive aid. Some current information is incorrect, and needs
to be updated. Robin mentioned that it is good to have this information
consolidated, Rose stated that hard copies must be made available since not
all people have access to a computer.
There was discussion about the city creating some sort of hotline to all of the
resources available to residents. Mayor Burd reminded us that the city only
manages city business, and some of the organizations in the brochure serve
the entire county.
Maria explained that the Food Pantry is privately managed and serves the
entire county. She told us that most of her donations come from Yorkville
and Oswego, and Mayor Burd offered to contact mayors of other villages in
the county to encourage more donations Barry offered to show Maria and
others the new building on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:30 am.
Holidav Under the Stars:
Mayor Burd mentioned that Holiday Under the Stars was much bigger last
year than was expected. Glory Spies is now looking for donations,
Robin asked about our participation. Should we have a booth selling
something? Scott asked about getting donations of baked goods. Robyn S.
mentioned that Trinity Church sold baked goods last year. Barry discussed
health department regulations concerning the sale of food.
Rose suggested that we have school children make posters advertising the
event. Mayor Burd reminded us that the staff is already very busy, and if we
plan something, we will have to carry it out Robyn S. offered to see Dr,
Engler,for approval if we decide to do something with the schools. Limhy
Hartzel suggested asking the Trinity Church Sunday School to make the
posters. Glory Spies is going to be invited to the next HRC meeting so we can
discuss Holiday Under the Stars ideas with her.
A general discussion followed concerning a booklet with Kendall County
resources being developed, possibly with a charge of S1, so people will not
,just take one and throw it away. Barry works with an organization that
publishes this kind of resource book and he will get more information for us.
Bart mentioned that the website for the HRC is underway. Scott offered to be
the liaison for the website.
Old Business
A general discussion followed concerning the Volunteer booklet. Robin told us
that this booklet will be in new resident packets, and the information will be on
the website. Rose asked about some information concerning the Aurora pet center
since it is not in Kendall County. There was also a question about the clarity of
the Veteran's Assistance Commission. It is not clear what volunteers are required
to do. She stated that CASA does require training, and the booklet should be
amended to reflect this. Barry asked about including the Scouts. It was also
brought up that Provena now has a local address which should be included.
Barb McClish will go over the booklet and call the organizations and check for
corrections. She will then relay this information to Glory. Barb will be the liaison
for this project.
Robin gave an update on her phone call to a Yorkville resident who had a housing
issue. The resident was given additional resources to contact,
Collection Box
We were given a report that a collection box at city hall had provided lots of
school supplies for the Food Pantry. Barb mentioned that the new facility will
help Maria to collect these items and have space to assemble school supply bags.
Mayor Burd said that many give to the Food Pantry in December at Christmas but
summer finds shortages. She suggested that we collect for the pantry at the 4°i of
July festivities.
Adjournment
Scott motioned for adjournment, Dana seconded, motion passed.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Joan Knutson, HRC member,