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Village of Arlington Heights Committee-of-the-Whole met May 6

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

President Hayes called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Hayes; Trustees Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, LaBedz, Schwingbeck, Shirley, and Tinaglia 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None 

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Village Manager Randy Recklaus and Assistant Village  Manager Diana Mikula 

OTHERS PRESENT: Colin Smith, Corinne Drew, Gary Wood and Ellyn Zimmerman 

A. Interview of Colin Smith for appointment to the Youth Commission (youth member), term ending April 30, 2025. 

The Mayor introduced Colin Smith and stated he is a freshman at a local high school and that his older brother is currently a member of the Youth Commission and that his brother recommended that Colin apply. 

Colin said he applied as he is interested in learning how local government runs and he would like to help the community. 

Trustees thanked Colin for his willingness to serve and asked him what he hopes to accomplish on the commission. Colin stated that he would like to see more career speakers presented to the local youth so that they are exposed to many different career paths. 

Trustee Baldino moved to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Colin Smith for appointment to the Youth Commission (youth member) term ending April 30, 2025. Trustee Schwingbeck seconded the motion. 

The following voice vote was recorded: 

9 Ayes 0 Nays 

The motion passed.

The Mayor stated that he would like to take the three candidates for the Senior Citizen Commission all at the same time. The Mayor said there were 3 openings on the Senior Citizens Commission and he had 5 applications. The Mayor interviewed all 5 and all were very qualified. 

The Mayor introduced all three candidates and said he knows all will three will be a great addition to the commission. Mayor Hayes asked each candidate to state why they would like to serve and highlight any areas of focus. 

B. Interview of Corinne Drew for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission, term ending April 30, 2025. 

Corrine Drew stated she has been a resident for 9 years and already really feels attached to the community.  

Corrine lives in the downtown area of Arlington Heights and feels that she will be able to address issues that affect seniors in the downtown area. 

Trustee Bertucci moved to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Corrine Drew for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission term ending April 30, 2025. Trustee Tinaglia seconded the motion. 

The following voice vote was recorded: 

9 Ayes 0 Nays

The motion passed. 

C. Interview of Gary Wood for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission, term ending April 30, 2026. 

Gary has been a resident of Arlington Heights for 46 years. He has children and grandchildren that live in the community. Now that he is retired, he would like to give back to Arlington Heights. 

Gary has a few areas of interest specifically related to seniors. Senior scams are something he would like to see addressed as the seniors have worked hard and many have lost money  with the scams. Also, he would like to see the Senior Center focus on “younger” seniors instead of just “older” seniors. 

Trustee LaBedz stated that she has know Gary Wood for more than 25 years. She appreciated the suggestion on making the Senior Commission a more vibrant part of the community for seniors of all ages.  

Trustee LaBedz moved to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Gary Wood for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission term ending April 30, 2026. Trustee Tinaglia seconded the motion.

The following voice vote was recorded:

9 Ayes 0 Nays 

The motion passed. 

D. Interview of Ellyn Zimmerman for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission term ending April 30, 2027. 

As a long-time resident, Ellyn stated that she is in a position now where she has some time and would like to give back to her community. Although as a senior Ellyn is healthy, she has  elderly parents and husband who is handicapped and she feels she could offer insight into different issues in these areas. 

Ellyn stated that she would like to connect with local schools and youth as she feels the combination of youth and seniors could help combat some of the senior loneliness issues.  

Trustee Schwingbeck moved to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Ellyn Zimmerman for appointment to the Senior Citizens Commission term ending April 30, 2027. Trustee Dunnington seconded the motion. 

The following voice vote was recorded: 

9 Ayes 0 Nays

The motion passed. 

Discussion ensued regarding seniors and the knowledge and background that seniors have and how they can give back to the community. Trustees thanked all three for coming forward to serve. 

E. OTHER BUSINESS - None 

F. ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Baldino moved, seconded by Trustee LaBedz to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm.

https://arlingtonheights.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/DisplayAgendaPDF.ashx?MinutesMeetingID=1780