Park Ridge Mayor's Advisory Board met Sept. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. Call to order
Chairman Mazzuca called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chairman Mazzuca, Ald. Moran, Wilkening and Melidosian were present. Deputy Clerk Peterson recorded the minutes.
II. Approval of Minutes
June 18 and 25, and August 6 and 13, 2018 Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Moran. Motion carried; voice vote.
III. Interviews
Deputy Clerk Peterson reviewed the Board and Commission applicants that were to be interviewed and the number of open positions. The only decision that should happen at this meeting is for the student Youth Commissioners.
6:00 p.m. Tim Milburn – Community Health Commission (re-appt.)
Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.
Mr. Milburn is reapplying for the Community Health Commission. He believes he has contributed to the commission, has seen result, and described it as a fun and interesting experience. There is more the commission can do. His passion is sustainability and he would like to continue offering his expertise and see his contributions grow.
The Commission has spent time finding itself. They have identified focus areas and projects that are related.
It has been constructive and productive. He spoke about the commission presenting a speakers series on a variety of health related topics that the group is working on to present in the future. Ald. Moran questioned Mr. Milburn about the topics being proposed and whether these were chosen to promote members individual businesses. Mr. Milburn indicated his goal to be on the commission was to make Park Ridge a better place, sharing his knowledge with the community. No sales promotions are offered. The commission had a member focused on veterans who has left; it is an interest and topic on the commission list. He would like to spend more time on sustainability. The Commission did get the City Council on board with the Greenest Region Compact and is now working on SolSmart. The commission should be doing more with sustainability; he believes it could be a stand- alone commission.
6:10 p.m. Donald Bensing – Community Health Commission + (new)
Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve.
Mr. Bensing applied for several different Boards. He has served on a variety of other governmental boards and committees. He has a very diverse background. He has a double major; business and social work. He started working in child welfare. He has enjoyed working with two groups; the youth and the elderly. He considered retiring in 1995 but was persuaded by the Dean at Loyola to take on a job at the Illinois College of Optometry working with pediatric and rehab for the visually impaired. Soon after, the Dean saw his expertise and hires him onto the faculty and he was made the assistant professor of Social Work. He retired in April 2015. He moved to Park Ridge in January of 2004. He is also very active and volunteers for other organizations (Condo Homeowners Association, Lutheran General). He also served as a part-time Deputy Sheriff for 10 years and Coast Guard for 6 years. He is in Park Ridge 12 months a year. He has plenty of time to dedicate as a volunteer.
The Board took a brief recess waiting for Dr. Paschos to arrive.
6:25 p.m. Steve Paschos – Community Health Commission (re-appt.)
Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the applicant and explained the interview process. The applicant was given 2-3 minutes to explain why they should be selected to serve. Dr. Paschos has enjoyed serving on the Board and has learned a lot from its other members. He feels great that the Commission is getting active in the Community especially with the Health Fair held in June. They plan to host it again next year. The Commission is working on a speaker series that would focus on a variety of issues including opioids and Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The group had chosen him to take lead role based on his profession as a Psychiatrist and Internist. The Commission conducted a Survey Monkey which generated many responses with mental health concerns which they will address as part of the speaker series and with communications to the school districts.
The topic of addressing health issues with grade and high school students was discussed. He is conducting research to see what works and what doesn’t. He also wants to reach out to other schools to see how they are addressing the issues. They spoke about the pressures of kids and parents getting stressed out. He recognized the link on the Park Ridge Police website. Other City sites must make finding information easier.
6:40 p.m. Mary Frances Sheffert; Shealyn O’Sullivan; Patrick Shaunessy; and Charlotte Geier Youth Services Commission - (re-appts.)
Chairman Mazzuca welcomed the students and explained the interview process. The applicants were each identified and took turns to explain why they should be selected to serve. Shealyn explained a conflict with the schedule due to an internship that will last through December. All of the kids enjoyed volunteering with the other kids on the Commission. They all agreed it is great working with other high school students, getting involved, planning events, and taking on leadership roles.
Ald. Melidosian and Ald. Moran stressed the importance of meeting attendance. Chairman Mazzuca thanked the kids for their continued involvement.
IV. Deliberations
Approve to recommend the re-appointment of Mary Frances Sheffertm, Shealyn O’Sullivan, Patrick Shaunessy, and Charlotte Geier to the Youth Services Commission.
Moved by Chairman Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Wilkening.
Motion carried; voice vote.
Deputy Clerk Peterson inquired whether adults who are re-appointed require background checks. Chairman Mazzuca requested her to check on the cost and then speak to the City Manager to let him make the decision and report back.
V. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
https://parkridge.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=parkridge_462742724b4772dbbe81e2c9badac51a.pdf&view=1
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