HomeMy WebLinkAbout9. MPSC Minutes 07/16/2015MOUNT PROSPECT SISTER CITIES COMMISSION
1st floor Village Hall Community Room
Minutes: July 16, 2015
Attendees: Evelyn Dorman, Janice and Skip Farley, Mayor Arlene Juracek, Judy McGinnis, Paula and Gary
Randant, Colleen Saccotelli, Mary Ann and John Sibrava, , Elizabeth Theiss, , Robert and Pat Usnik, Barbara
and Steve Van Arsdale, Irvana Wilks.
Not attending -Tricia Fusilero, Lorrie Huber, Diana and Rafi Sahakian, Paul Seils, Marianthi Thanopoulos,
Rachel Toeppen
Guests: none
L Meeting called to order: Chair pro -tem Gary Randant called the meeting to order at 6:02 p. in.
IL Approval Of The Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2015 was made by John
Sibrava and seconded by Paula Randant.
III. Citizens to be heard: None.
IV. Mayor's Comments - Mayor Arlene A. Juracek thanked Commissioners Gary and Paula Randant
Tricia Fusilero and Evelyn Dorman for marching alongside the Sister Cities float in the Mount
Prospect Fourth of July parade. She also thanked Gary Randant for serving as Chair in the absence of a
Chair. Bob Usnik has agreed to be appointed as Chariman. His appointment is up for approval. Once
approved, Usnik would be Chairman and Randant would continue to be Vice Chairman.
In addition, Mayor Juracek provided an update on the upcoming trip to Sevres, France this fall - seven
commissioners would be leaving Sept. 14. Activities haven't been determined yet, but the Mayor said
the group would like to spend time visiting the ailing former mayor of Sevres. The Mount Prospect
Sister Cities Commission plans on giving Sevres host families gifts of a porcelain dish with the Mount
Prospect keystone and a Christmas ornament of the Village Hall. Mount Prospect Historical Society
books and a framed canvas print of the French Market will be given as the official gift to the Village of
Sevres. The Mayor also commented on the possibility of applying an award for youth programs
sponsored by Sister Cities of Illinois due to the Commission's success with its Youth Exchange. The
deadline is Aug. 8, 2015 for this application, but the Mayor said the Commission could also wait another
year.
V. Chair's Comments - Gary Randant congratulated Bob Usnik on his appointment to Chairman.
VI. Treasurer's Report - Skip Farley reported that the cash balance as of June 30, 2015 was $16,478.64.
The report was approved by consensus on a motion by Bob Usnik and seconded by John Sibrava.
VII. Committee Reports
a. July 4 Parade - Gary Randant reported that the parade float was well received. This year, the
weather was sunny for the Fourth of July Parade. Pesche's supplied the flowers for the float and the
same driver drove the float the entire route. He urged other Commissioners to think about marching
alongside the float next summer.
b. French Family Festival — Mary Ann Sibrava reported that the event was successful. More than 150
people attended the annual event at the Mount Prospect Public Library. Language Stars was also a big
draw and the Library wants to continue with the organization next year. The Library Foundation covers
the cost.
c. September 13 French market — Barbara VanArsdale presented a site map indicating booths and
vendors for the upcoming event. She also asked for a decision for purchasing bags branded with either
the French Market or the Mount Prospect Sister Cities' logo. She suggested options depending on the
size of bag, which would be used for the French Market and subsequent events. Paula Randant moved
that large bags with the Mount Prospect Sister Cities logo be purchased. Judy McGinnis seconded
the motion, which passed unanimously. The Committee is considering purchasing 300 bags
estimated to cost around $1.50 apiece.
d. Communications — Rafi Sahakian was not in attendance. It was reported that funding has been
approved for a new Village website for 2016.
e. German Sister Cities Subcommittee — Skip Farley reported that there has not been more progress.
Mayor Arlene A. Juracek said that it was being handled through the Sister Cities International
Organization in tandem with the American consul in Hamburg, Germany.
VIII. Fall Events Schedule — Judy McGinnis reported that she met with Retro Bistro to plan another Cooking
Demonstration for a Sunday in the fall. Holding the event at 1 pm was suggested along with the possible
dates of Oct. 25 or Nov. 9. Last year's event cost attendees $30. A menu has yet to be determined.
A date and venue need to be decided for the Fall Wine Tasting event. Mayor Juracek said the owners at
Wild Bird Shack were receptive to hosting the event, but they would need a special license to do so.
Fellini Restaurant is also another possibility. Paula Randant said she would investigate further and
provide a date. At issue is room capacity.
Judy McGinnis asked about the date of the next meeting since many of the Commissioners would be in
France. Mayor Juracek said the next meeting should possibly be before the French Market. Steve Van
Arsdale moved that the meeting be held Sept. 3. It was approved unanimously after a motion by Bob
Usnik.
IX. Open Discussion — Barbara VanArsdale is seeking help for the French Market.
X. Adjournment — Skip Farley moved and Colleen Saccotelli seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 pm.
All approved.
Submitted by Evelyn Dorman, secretary