North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Community Relations Commission met Oct. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Present: Co-Chair Elliot Bruckman, Co-Chair Sarah Kroeschell, Subcommittee

Member Nancy Stoddard.

Others: Mary Hansen, CRC Representative; and Erik Jensen, Staff Liaison.

Welcome:

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the General Government Conference Room at Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane).

Hear from the Audience:

There was no audience.

Debrief and Review of the 2018 Welcome to Northbrook/Flamingo Friday Event:

Co-Chair Bruckman briefly overviewed the event and stated the goal of tonight’s meeting was to review the event and discuss potential changes.

Co-Chair Bruckman stated that the layout and table placement for the 2018 event were good and that pre-assignment of tables had worked out well. The group held a brief discussion and agreed to continue pre-assignment of tables for groups.

Co-Chair Bruckman stated that while there was plenty of space outside, the event was beginning to become large enough that moving inside during inclement weather would be difficult.

A brief discussion occurred on different venues. Ultimately, the group agreed to continue holding it at Village Hall.

Co-Chair Bruckman asked if all groups who had RSVP’d had participated.

Member Stoddard overviewed the groups who participated.

Co-Chair Kroeschell asked how the date for the event is selected.

Co-Chair Bruckman clarified.

Co-Chair Kroeschell asked if the start time was flexible.

The group held a brief conversation on start times and ultimately agreed to keep the same times. After another brief conversation, the group agreed to hold the 2019 event on Friday, May 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Community Relations Commission Welcome to Northbrook/Flamingo Fridays Subcommittee

Co-Chair Bruckman noted that he appreciated Co-Chair Kroeschell’s arranging for the Glenbrook North Jazz Combo to perform.

Co-Chair Kroeschell stated she would reach out to them again for next year’s event.

Co-Chair Kroeschell asked if there was ever any follow-up done with those who take flamingoes to check in and see how it was going.

Liaison Jensen stated there was not.

Co-Chair Kroeschell asked if we could collect contact information to use.

Liaison Jensen stated it could be done, but the Subcommittee would need to clarify what it wanted to use the information for.

Co-Chair Bruckman stated that, given how large the event is now, it made sense to also discuss compiling a manual on how to run the event.

Ms. Hansen stated that former Subcommittee Chair, Dale Duda, had compiled some information.

Co-Chair Bruckman stated he would speak with Liaison Jensen about how to proceed.

Co-Chair Bruckman noted that the Library was exploring the One Community, One Book program and had asked previously about possibly working with the Community Relations Commission to do a kick-off event.

Liaison Jensen stated he would speak to Tracy Gossage at the Library about current plans.

Co-Chair Bruckman stated he would like to see more youth involvement in the event.

Liaison Jensen stated he had a number of scout contacts from the Earth and Arbor Day event that he could reach out to early next year.

Co-Chair Bruckman asked if the group had any other suggestions for the event.

Co-Chair Kroeschell stated she would to see if a canned food drive could be coordinated. Ms. Hansen stated she thought that would be a beneficial addition to the event.

Co-Chair Kroeschell suggested giving organizational participants an idea of what they can do at the event as new participants often do not know how to maximize their presence.

Liaison Jensen stated something similar was done for the Earth and Arbor Day event, and he could use that same template going forward.

Ms. Hansen exited the meeting at 6:46 p.m.

Member Stoddard suggested modifying the welcome postcards to say the event will be held rain or shine.

Minutes of a Meeting of the Community Relations Commission Welcome to Northbrook/Flamingo Fridays Subcommittee

Liaison Jensen stated that could be easily done.

Set Next Meeting Date

After a brief discussion, the group agreed to hold the next meeting on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 6 p.m.

Adjournment

Co-Chair Kroeschell moved, seconded by Member Stoddard, to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote, all aye.

The meeting closed at 6:56 p.m.

http://il-northbrook.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10182018-1485