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HRC Minutes 2008 10-15-08 APPROVED City of Yorkville Human Resources Commission Minutes Wednesday October 15, 2008 Kendall County Food Pantry Conference Room Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Robin Frisch, Chairman Committee Members Present: Robin Frisch, Chairman Dana Jones Scott Gengler Cecelia Sanders Joan Knutson Rose Spears, City Council Liaison Bart Olson, City Staff Liaison Sgt. Barry Groesch Mayor Valerie Burd, Ex Officio Member Minutes for Correction/Approval The minutes from September 17, 2008 were corrected as follows: Spelling of the name of Tom Lecuyer was corrected. Rose Spears thought the commission had voted on an issue concerning the water bills, but this matter was tabled until the next meeting. Tour The commission members were taken on a tour of the new food pantry facility by Maria Spaeth. Holiday Under the Stars Robin Frisch showed us a flyer that Glory had created for Holiday Under the Stars. Robin Frisch had also created a sign-up sheet for the members of the commission for our work schedule the night of the event. This was passed around so the members could sign up for a time slot. Glory had filled out an application for our booth. Mayor's Report: Mayor Valerie Burd brought up the city sponsorship policy, and suggested that there were some glitches concerning city code. The park district and the HRC were both advising city council on the same matters and that was causing some confusion. Bart Olson had some information from a 2006 resolution stating that the HRC be given authority to approve sponsorships. Bart stated that Resolution 2006-27 authorizes the HRC to approve sponsorships,which contradicts 2-6-3 of the municipal code. The HRC recommends sponsorships to the city council,which then approves or denies the sponsorship. The HRC is expressly forbidden the expenditure of municipal funds. Other changes recommended: Change the wording from disabled persons to persons with disabilities (or special needs). Also delete"What benefits will the City receive for sponsoring your project/event?" and "What marketing/promotional opportunities will this project/event create, and in what venues?" There was a discussion concerning not for profit organizations and for profit organizations such as Gold Star Dance Academy and whether allowing funding for Gold Star dancers would violate the not for profit status. Mayor Burd will take this up with the city attorney. Robin asked for a vote for the recommended changes that Bart will make on the sponsorship request form. This was passed. We later voted to approve the request for funding for the Gold Star Dancers, pending the decision by the city attorney. Mayor Burd then brought up a fimd raising idea that she had discussed with Mayor Leclerc of Oswego. This would be a personal event sponsored by the mayors of Yorkville, Oswego, and possibly Plano to benefit a charity to be decided later. She had suggested a casino night. Barry Groesch suggested a"policeman's ball"type event. Cecelia Sanders suggested that Mayor Burd establish a Mayor's Foundation through the Community Foundation of Fox Valley. The contact person for this organization is Sharon Stredde. This will be brought up at the next meeting. Mayor Burd then discussed a foreclosure seminar that she had initiated earlier in the year. She suggested continuing this leadership with a follow-up seminar to discuss new information and help now available through the Federal government, and that the HRC could sponsor this effort if they so desire. These could be recorded and CDs provided. Rose Spears mentioned the foreclosure act recently passed, and Bart Olson will make copies and e-mail them to the members of the HRC. Mayor Burd suggested that after the election, state representatives and our congressman be invited to another seminar so people will be clear on what is available and who to contact for advice and assistance. Another serious problem concerning foreclosures involves the maintenance of vacant properties. The banks own the foreclosed houses, but some are failing to mow the lawns and maintain the buildings. Some cases of vandalism have occurred. We discussed possible solutions to this problem such as volunteers to mow the lawns, but Sgt. Groesch said this would be a liability problem. Mayor Burd announced that Thomas Zerante had resigned from the commission and asked if anyone knew of someone who would be willing to fill his position. Any interested party should come to city hall and fill out an application. Committee Reports: The Honor Flight group has asked for sponsorship funds. After a brief discussion the HRC approved this request. We then discussed street naming and how to honor the people chosen to receive a street sign. Mayor Burd suggested a dinner to which all honorees would be invited. This will be discussed at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.