HRC Minutes 2008 09-17-08 APPROVED
United City of Yorkville Human Resources Commission — Minutes I I /Iq/08
Wednesday September 17, 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:
Robin Frisch, Chairman
Dana Jones
Scott Gengler
Barb McClish
Cecelia Sanders
Joan Knutson
Rose Spears, City Council Liaison
Bart Olson, City Staff Liaison
Sgt. Barry Groesch
Minutes for Correction/Approval!
The minutes of the August 20, 2008 meeting were corrected as follows: Remove
Public Library from heading.
Dana Jones asked if the staff had received many calls on flooding problems. Bart
Olson responded that water damage appeared to be limited in the city.
Old Business
Holiday Under the Stars
Since Glory was not able to be present we reviewed her letter concerning Holiday
Under the Stars. She proposed that the HRC staff a booth collecting hats, mittens,
scarves, and socks which will then be donated to the Kendall County Food Pantry. Robin
moved and Scott seconded the plan to staff such a booth. Robin will check with Glory to
see what we should do, and suggested that we work in shifts.
Rose suggested that we contact local not for profits to provide cider, etc. for sale,
thus freeing the city from having the expense of providing these items. Churches, etc.
could then have the profit from the sale of various food and beverages. Barry asked
about an open fire at the park,mentioning that a bonfire to cook kettlecom would be a
nice addition. Bart will find out what the policy is about an open fire. Rose will take it
up with the council. Dana asked about time to get publicity out, and Rose said that Glory
will get information out to organizations. Robin stated that this would be a win-win
situation because food and beverages would be provided,the city won't have to do it, and
not for profits will make some money.
Dana asked about Gold Star Dance Academy having a booth for the students to
make money for nationals. We discussed what would be for profit(businesses) or not for
profit, if the children would benefit, but not the actual business. Bart said it would be up
to us to decide who could participate and sell things. Since it is only a 4 hour event, it is
limited. It was pointed out that Glory has already set up community organizations to sell
food at the event so the HRC will only staff the booth to collect mittens, etc. and not get
involved with selling any food.
HRC Web Pave
Bart showed us the new HRC web site developed by Scott and Bart. Robin
thanked them for doing this work which is very nice. Bart said to let Scott or him know
if we want any additions or changes made. Glory and Bart have access to the website and
can make any changes. Robin asked about getting permission to use photos. Barry
suggested adding names so people would know who is participating. Rose suggested
putting in brief background information about the people.
Food Panes
We discussed the new facility for the Kendall County Food Pantry. Barry told us
about the new refrigerator which is 3 times the size of the old one. It can be used as a
refrigerator or a freezer. The estimate for utilities is between$600 and$700 per month
which county churches will pay. Painting has been done, and shelving received from the
Unified Supply auction is in. Another person who was bidding against Maria didn't
realize that, and offered to donate more shelves. It will cost$2000 to have everything put
in. There is also an open refrigerator about 50 feet long like the ones displaying meat in
the grocery stores. Martin plumbing installed a new toilet. Home Depot gave some
paneling. The area for displaying clothing is large. The heavy rains damaged the office
area, and some ceiling tiles will have to be replaced. The roof will be taken care of
Some rusty pipes were cleaned and painted by Tom McClure(?)Fred Davis of Four
Seasons Landscaping will do some work with help. Barry and Rich Hart will rip out the
old bushes. Fred is making sketches of the landscaping plans. The flag pole will have to
be moved. The driveway has been sealed. Signs were donated by Action Graphics.
Rose suggested we advertise to get helpers like those who helped build the new parks.
Barry suggested that those who have to do community service will do some of the work,
and they will be supervised. Parking will be a problem and we discussed some
possibilities. Barry is working on getting some carts.Dana mentioned that ComEd will
contribute and equal amount if an employee makes a contribution.Rose complimented
Barry on the work he has done. He mentioned that the Farm Bureau was upset about the
negative comments concerning their facility, so Maria will do a press release thanking
them for the years that they donated space. It was suggested that we hold our next
meeting at the Kendall County Food Pantry's new facility.
There was discussion regarding the$1 charge on the bottom of Yorkville
residents' water bill that currently is being donated to the Kendall County Food Pantry. It
was brought up that other organizations may wonder why they did not get chosen and
will also want to have their name put on the bottom of the water bill in order to receive
donations. Rose Spears said that she would bring this matter to the attention of the City
Council to see how they feel about this issue.
Volunteer Opportunities Brochure
Barb reported on the pamphlet which is about half completed. She wondered is
she should add environmental information such as where to dispose of electronics,
batteries, ink cartridges, etc. This was approved as a great idea.
New Business
Resources for Residents Who Have Their Water Shut Off
Robin has done some research into what other states do about helping people who
need assistance paying utilities. People can add$1 to their water bill for this, but it would
be difficult for people who pay electronically. We discussed Shop and Share days like
the Jewel has. Cecelia said maybe the Kendall County Record would print coupons.
Rose suggested that we distribute the coupons at Holiday Under the Stars. Cecelia will
check with banks to see if they will be willing to include the coupons in their statements.
Additional Business
Cecelia brought up the historical street naming. Some signs are up,but there has
been no official recognition of the people being honored. There is a complicated
procedure involving applications which are reviewed by the HRC. The city then takes the
form and checks with the county to see if the name can be used. The Post Office has to
OK the name also. The brown signs have to be ordered,but there was no money in the
budget. The HRC wants a dedication with the press, the honoree and families invited.
Glory is working on a story about this but she needs some information.
Minutes submitted by Joan Knutson
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION
Transcription of September 17, 2008 minutes.
Excerpt
Rose Spears: Okay. Is everybody comfortable with the billing?
Chairman Frisch: Okay. Should we make a motion to take the Food Pantry off of
there and ...
Barry Groesch: That wasn't our call. That was the Council's call, wasn't it? ... to
take off the Kendall Food Pantry.
Rose Spears: They didn't know it was there. It was never voted on. It just
appeared on the billing.
Barry Groesch: Wow. We do have a lot of power.
Rose Spears: (unclear—multiple speakers) have a lot of other organizations that
are worthy
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Rose Spears: Should we list other organizations or not put any on there? If you
list only one organization, I think you are opening up a can of worms.
(unclear— multiple speakers)
Scott Gengler: I think we should make a recommendation to the City Council.
Barry Groesch: It will be up to the (unclear) ...
Rose Spears: So your recommendation is to take organizations of the water bill?
Robin Frisch: Right.
Cecelia Sanders: Yes.
Barry Groesch: For the water bill.
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Dana Jones: Yes, and apologize to the City Council.
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Robin Frisch: Okay. Should we make a recommendation from the Commission
that a donation of$1.00 for people that can't pay their water bills?
Bart Olson: How do you decide who gets the ....
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Cecelia Sanders: There are people that can't pay; and there are people that
won't want to pay ...
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Barry Groesch: It would come through ...
Dana Jones: I mean, are we talking financial statements. What are we looking
at?
Bart Olson: The City could create a separate line item. (unclear) There is a
similar project in the County ... (unclear—multiple speakers)
Scott Gengler: The Kendall County Health Department has a fund that offers
people ...
Cecelia Sanders: Right.
Scott Gengler• with needs like that.
Barry Groesch: We would like to see it used for the water bills.
(unclear)
Commission discussed having it as a line item; not checking financial statements
of individuals that are unable to pay; etc.
Rose Spears: Direct the individuals to Penny at the Senior Service Providers ...
Barry Groesch: Yea. She knows what is going on.
Robin Frisch: How much money came it?
Bart Olson: Not sure at this time. I will check and bring back next month.
(unclear—multiple speakers)
Barry Groesch: Human Services ... let them do it.
Robin Frisch: Right. I think that is a good way to go.
Rose Spears: All right. Does everybody feel comfortable with where we are at
with the billing?
Dana Jones: Do we need to make a motion to take the Food Pantry off of there,
and ...
Barry Groesch: That wasn't our call, was it? That was the Council's call.
Rose Spears: They didn't vote on it. It just appeared