On the agenda: Wilmette meeting — automated license plate (Sep 14)

1. 09-14-26 Human Relations Commission Agenda
Documents:
09-14-26 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA.PDF
1.I. Packet
Documents:
09-14-2026 HRC PACKET.PDF

1200 WILMETTE AVENUE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091-0040

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
of the
Human Relations Commission
Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
Committee Meeting Room, Village Hall
1200 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Ground Rules
3. Public Comment1
4. Recognition of Commissioner and Former Chair Ann Dronen
5. Approval of Minutes from the August 26, 2026 Meeting
6. Commissioner Report
a. Hispanic Heritage Month Event Update
b. Disability Employment Awareness Month Review and Consideration
c. Native American Heritage Month Review and Consideration
7. Staff Report
a. Museum and Library Discussions
8. New Business
9. Adjournment

Deena Givens, Chair

1 Members of the public that attend the above noticed meeting may address this public body during Public Comment.

Members of the
public that will not be attending the above noticed meeting may submit a comment in advance of the meeting by emailing their comment
to [email protected]. All emailed comments received two hours prior to the start of a meeting will be provided, unredacted,
to the public body. Emails received at any time within two hours of the beginning of the meeting until its adjournment will be included in
the draft minutes of the meeting.

1200 WILMETTE AVENUE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091-0040

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
of the
Human Relations Commission
Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
Committee Meeting Room, Village Hall
1200 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Ground Rules
3. Public Comment1
4. Recognition of Commissioner and Former Chair Ann Dronen
5. Approval of Minutes from the August 26, 2026 Meeting
6. Commissioner Report
a. Hispanic Heritage Month Event Update
b. Disability Employment Awareness Month Review and Consideration
c. Native American Heritage Month Review and Consideration
7. Staff Report
a. Museum and Library Discussions
8. New Business
9. Adjournment

Deena Givens, Chair

1 Members of the public that attend the above noticed meeting may address this public body during Public Comment.

Members of the
public that will not be attending the above noticed meeting may submit a comment in advance of the meeting by emailing their comment
to [email protected]. All emailed comments received two hours prior to the start of a meeting will be provided, unredacted,
to the public body. Emails received at any time within two hours of the beginning of the meeting until its adjournment will be included in
the draft minutes of the meeting.

Meeting Date:

September 14, 2026

To:

Human Relations Commission

From:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

Subject:

Ground Rules

Background
Human Relations Commissioners developed and reviewed a set of ground rules to
establish how to work together as a team. Since the nature of the HRC is more
conversational than a standard committee or commission, ground rules will allow the
commission to be more effective in communication with one another and to allow the
group to move forward their workplan.
Discussion
Below are the ground rules for the Human Relations Commission
1. Assume people's best intentions; Each member has different opinions and
experiences. Be respectful of each other when engaging in open and honest
conversation.
2. Be mentally and physically present; This is an opportunity to learn in a nonjudgmental space and gain understanding of new perspectives through active
participation.
3. Focus on actions; The goal is to make Wilmette a welcoming place for all and to
solve issues in the community this commission needs to develop action-oriented
solutions.
4. Be considerate of the commission’s time; Stay on point and only speak to
further the conversation, this includes being concise in your contributions so all
members can share.
5. Build trust and a sense of safety; To engage with the community, the
commission must actively develop a place where people feel welcome to
participate.

1200 Wilmette Avenue
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091-0040
MEETING MINUTES
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026
7:00 P.M.
COMMITTEE MEETING ROOM
Members Present:

Deena Givens, Chair
Alice Chow
Ceci DiPrima
Van Gilmer
Karen Isaacson
Atharv Pateriya

Members Absent:

Ann Dronen
Eric Hellige
Swathi Mothkur

Staff Present:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

I.

CALL TO ORDER
Chair Givens called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Ms. Phyfer provided a roll call vote
to take Commissioner attendance, Commissioners Givens, Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer,
Isaacson and Pateriya were in attendance.
Chair Givens introduced new student Commissioner Atharv Pateriya.
Mr. Pateriya, a junior at New Trier High School, said he came from India 5 years ago
and looks forward to contributing to the Commission’s efforts to make the community
the best place to live.

II.

GROUND RULES
Chair Givens reviewed the ground rules.

III.

PUBLIC COMMENT1
Suki Fisher said she is a proud Jewish resident and asked the Commission to add

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Jewish American Heritage Month to its recognition periods. She said these
recognitions help educate the community by highlighting the histories and contributions
of those who have not been celebrated before. She said Wilmette has a vibrant Jewish
presence who have shaped this Village for decades. She said a long time ago, Jewish
people were not welcome in Wilmette, but the Village has since come together to fight
antisemitism and create a welcoming place for people of Jewish faith. She said it is
about heritage and not religion. She said by celebrating Jewish American Heritage
Month, we can make the statement that Wilmette stands for safety, equity and
belonging.
There was no further public comment.
IV.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 16, 2026, MEETING
Chair Givens turned the Commission’s attention to the minutes from the April 16, 2026,
Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting.
Commissioner Isaacson made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Pateriya.
Voting yes: Commissioners Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer, Isaacson, Pateriya and Chair
Givens. Voting no: none. The motion carried.

V.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 8, 2026, MEETING
Chair Givens turned the Commission’s attention to the minutes from the July 8, 2026,
Human Relations Commission (HRC) meeting.
Commissioner Isaacson made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Chow.
Voting yes: Commissioners Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer, Isaacson, Pateriya and Chair
Givens. Voting no: none. The motion carried.

VI.

PRESENTATION: HOUSING PLAN PROGRESS UPDATE
Deputy Director of Community Development Jodi Luka said staff have been working
with Metropolitan Mayors Caucus on drafting the Housing Plan.
Ms. Firfer from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus said housing provides access to
everything in life and is key to a healthy lifestyle. She said the Housing Plan is a guide
for Wilmette to implement their housing goals within the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Hornstein from Brick Partners said her firm focuses on housing and community
development. She introduced her team of Robin Snyderman and Colin Goss. Mr.
Goss gave an overview of the process to date, stating there has been much community
engagement and collaboration with Village staff, the Housing Commission and the
Administration Committee.

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Ms. Hornstein said as we went through the process, we uncovered 5 major challenges
– fast growing senior population, renters experiencing affordability issues, fast-rising
home values affecting affordability, adults with special needs and the local workforce
experiencing longer commutes due to housing costs in nearby communities. She said
they were guided through this process by the goals in the Comprehensive Plan, which
included providing a wide variety of housing options.
Ms. Snyderman said the Comprehensive Plan advances the main objective of fostering
a welcoming community, and the Housing Plan is an action document. She said the
feedback that was received via the public engagement campaign identified the gaps in
housing needs and she believes the recommendations in the plan will address
affordability across all housing types. She said preserving the limited supply of existing
affordable housing will serve the more vulnerable populations while identifying
resources and strategies to increase the supply of diversified housing types. She said
the Village Center and business districts are prime areas to create pedestrian friendly
and transit-oriented housing for those without cars or those working in the Village. She
said these areas are often great for seniors and adults with special needs.
Ms. Firfer said the next steps will include going back to the Housing Commission to get
feedback on the final draft of the plan before it goes to the Village Board for final
approval.
Ms. Snyderman said she is very pleased to see there is a follow-up provision to review
metrics to ensure the plan is working as intended.
Commissioner Isaacson asked about next steps. She asked what happens after the
Village Board approves the final plan.
Ms. Firfer said they recommend the Housing Commission take the meat of this plan
and prioritize the implementation goals.
Commissioner Isaacson asked how long it would take to get the Plan completely
implemented.
Ms. Firfer estimated 5 years.
Ms. Luka said the plan provides the goals but does not implement policy. She said the
policy-oriented objectives will require further public engagement and analysis, and the
Housing Commission will be a part of that as well. She added that she is not sure it
will be done in 5 years, as there may be zoning changes that will require time to be
properly vetted.
Ms. Snyderman said in the 5-year horizon, more changes in the market will occur that
may impact the goals of the plan.
Commissioner Chow asked if there is senior housing in Wilmette that is like what they
have in Glenview.
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Ms. Firfer said there is similar housing in the Village, but the need is growing.
Commissioner DiPrima asked if the strategies would be implemented simultaneously
or if they will be prioritized.
Ms. Firfer said it will be up to the Housing Commission. She said they will be provided
with recommendations, but it is ultimately up to them what they believe are the
priorities.
Commissioner Gilmer asked if this plan would help attract and allow those not
represented in Wilmette to come and live here if they wanted to. A friend of his said he
recently went to visit an affordable housing development in Northbrook where he saw
African Americans living where there were none before. He said he would like to see
something like that in Wilmette.
There was a discussion about the Northbrook development and how affordable
housing can be achieved through the land trust model, how it works in Wilmette, and
the concept of middle housing. Commissioner Isaacson also suggested change
management and communication as a sixth strategy.
There was no further discussion on this matter.
VII.

DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF ADDING
HERITAGE MONTH TO THE HRC WORKPLAN.

JEWISH

AMERICAN

Chair Givens said President Plunkett has asked for Commission members to add
Jewish American Heritage Month to the Workplan.
Commissioner Chow made a motion to add Jewish American Heritage Month to the
HRC Workplan, seconded by Commissioner Isaacson.
Assistant to the Village Manager Sara Phyfer said Commissioners were unable to vote
on the matter last meeting, but there was consensus among the HRC members to add
this to the Workplan and there were 2 public comments in favor of this. She
summarized Jewish American Heritage Month at the Federal level and indicated there
is a significant Jewish population in the Northern Cook County suburbs. She said this
is not a religious recognition but more about the culture and history of Jewish
Americans. She noted this would provide an opportunity to combat antisemitism
through education and would be a meaningful way to celebrate and support Jewish
people living in Wilmette.
There was no further discussion on the matter.
Voting yes: Commissioners Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer, Isaacson, Pateriya and Chair
Givens. Voting no: none. The motion carried.
VIII.

COMMISSIONER REPORT

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a. HRC Workplan Review and Consideration
Chair Givens said this review is an opportunity to ensure the HRC is on track in
meeting its goals and objectives.
Commissioner Isaacson made a motion to approve the HRC Workplan, seconded
by Commissioner Pateriya.
Commissioners reviewed new additions to the workplan and items identified as
needing further discussion. They discussed adding metrics to the workplan to aid in
evaluating the effectiveness of items in the plan. They discussed adding surveys to
gauge the community’s feelings, possibly after a recognition event/period.
Commissioner Isaacson supported surveying after events, but she cautioned against
surveying without a specific goal in mind. She said the main thing is to be open to
receiving feedback in general. Chair Givens said Commissioners should think about
this more and look to discuss it at a future meeting. Ms. Phyfer suggested updating
the workplan to reflect new completion dates for the metrics. She said the next step
would be to transmit the workplan to the Administration Committee for review and
then present it to the Village Board for adoption.
There was no further discussion on the matter.
Voting yes: Commissioners Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer, Isaacson, Pateriya and Chair
Givens. Voting no: none. The motion carried.
b. Hispanic Heritage Month Review and Consideration
Commissioners discussed the Hispanic Heritage Month recognition period.
Commissioner Isaacson said the Commission lacks a member of Hispanic descent,
but there are Hispanic business owners in the community that could potentially be
recognized. Chair Givens said there was talk in the past about showcasing a
Hispanic artist or employee, potentially in E-news or the Village website.
Commissioner Chow suggested the artist that did the mural and Chair Givens
suggested a prominent Instagram Latin exercise instructor (Lorena Crespo) who
lives in the Village. She suggested asking Ms. Crespo to teach a class for community
members. Chair Givens said she would reach out to Ms. Crespo to see if she was
interested in a community class. Ms. Phyfer said she has also been speaking with
the museum and library to see what events they are sponsoring that the Village could
collaborate on.
Commissioners then reviewed the proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month. There
were no changes to the draft.
Commissioner Isaacson made a motion to approve the proclamation to be read to
the next Village Board meeting, seconded by Commissioner DiPrima.
Voting yes: Commissioners Chow, DiPrima, Gilmer, Isaacson, Pateriya and Chair
Givens. Voting no: none. The motion carried.
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There was no further discussion on this matter.
IX.

STAFF REPORT
There was no staff report.

X.

NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Isaacson said community members are becoming concerned about the
automated license plate readers (ALPR). She said there is concern about privacy, and
she feels these plate readers make Wilmette seem like an unwelcoming community. She
said what is in the news lately is not good and she wondered what the Village could do
about them. Ms. Phyfer said the Village contract with the ALPR vendor, Flock, is expiring
at the end of this year. She said the Public Safety Committee will hold meetings in
September and October to review the ALPR program to help inform the Board’s decision
on whether to renew the contract or not. She said the Village will share more information
about the program and the Village’s policies in E-news and on the Village website.
Commissioners set the next meeting date to Monday, September 14, 2026.

XI.

ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Gilmer moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner
Isaacson. All Commissioners present voted in favor of adjourning the meeting. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:21 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Norwood
Deputy Village Clerk

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Meeting Date:

September 14, 2026

To:

Human Relations Commission

From:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

Subject:

Commissioner Report

Background
The Commissioner Report section is an opportunity for Commissioners to provide
updates on workplans and for Commissioners to bring forward new items for discussion.
Discussion
Hispanic Heritage Month Event Update
Chair Givens has connected staff with two Latina residents to help create an engaging
community event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Co-sponsored by the Park
District, the event is anticipated to offer two activities: a fitness/dance class and an art
class. A verbal update will be provided during the meeting as the event details continue
to be finalized.
Disability Employment Awareness Month Review and Consideration
Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed annually in October in
commemoration of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and
recognizes the nearly 30 million people in the U.S. of working age who live with
disabilities. The theme for 2026 is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
Proclamation
The Village President will read a proclamation at the October 13, 2026 Village Board
meeting designating October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the
Village of Wilmette. Attached is the memo and proposed proclamation for review by the
Human Relations Commission.
Promotion
Staff will be starting work on a variety of efforts related to Disability Employment
Awareness Month including:
• Disability Employment Awareness Month banner on the Village’s website and in
E-News.
• Updates to the Village’s social media logos
• Featured stories in weekly E-News and social media; past years have included:
o Race to Our Place Promotion

o
o
o
o
o

National Resources and Theme
Village Proclamation
Our Place participant spotlight
New Trier Transitions Program and One Stop Trev Shop
Will’s Place spotlight (Skokie café)

Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is observed annually in November to acknowledge the
perseverance of America’s first people despite a painful history marked by unjust Federal
policies. The month also serves to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native
Americans, and to recognize the contributions Native American people have made to
American history, society, and culture.
Proclamation
The Village President will read a proclamation at the November 10, 2026 Village Board
meeting designating November 2026 as Native American Heritage Month in the Village
of Wilmette. Attached is the Village Board memo and proposed proclamation for review
by the Human Relations Commission.
Promotion
Staff will be starting work on a variety of efforts related to Native American Heritage Month
including:
• Native American Heritage Month banner on the Village’s website and in E-News
• Updates to the Village’s social media logos
• Featured stories in weekly E-News and social media:
o Village Proclamation
o Wilmette History Museum events and exhibits
▪ Exhibit: Native Americans on the North Shore
▪ Exhibit: The Ouilmettes: A Retelling
o Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum events and exhibits
▪ Indigenous People’s Day celebration (October 12)
▪ Explore More pass (free or discounted entry)
▪ Exhibit: Regional Tour of American Indian Cultures
o Wilmette Public Library programming and recommended reads

REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION

AGENDA ITEM: X.XX

Village Manager’s Office
SUBJECT:

2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Recognition
Proclamation

MEETING DATE:

October 13, 2026

FROM:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

BUDGET IMPACT:

None

Recommended Motion
Proclamation designating the month of October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness
Month in the Village of Wilmette.
Background
The Village’s Human Relations Commission has endorsed Village proclamations recognizing the
celebration of various groups including Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Human
Relations Commission recommended this proclamation for approval at their September 14, 2026
meeting.
The US Congress declared the first week of October as National Employ the Physically
Handicapped Week in 1945. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the
employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Some 25 years
later, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. The month celebrates such events as the passage of the
Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and recognizes the nearly 30 million people in the U.S. of
working age who live with disabilities.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy has chosen Celebrating Value and Talent as the theme
for Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2026, carrying the spirit of last year’s celebration
forward through 2026 in honor of America’s 250th birthday. This theme recognizes the value and
talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their
achievements both past and present.
Staff will promote Disability Employment Awareness Month through the Village’s social media
channels, Village website, and weekly E-news newsletter; these efforts are intended to recognize
the value and talents of people with disabilities add to the workplace and community.
Documents Attached
1. 2026 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation

AGENDA ITEM: X.XX

1200 Wilmette Avenue
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091-0040
Office of the
Village President

(847) 251-2700
FAX (847) 853-7700
TDD (847) 853-7634

PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Village of Wilmette supports the rights of every individual to
experience equality of treatment and values our diverse population of residents, businesses,
and visitors, recognizing that this diversity is one of this community’s greatest strengths; and,
WHEREAS, October is annually celebrated as National Disability Employment
Awareness Month to commemorate events such as the passage of the Americans with
Disabilities Act in 1990. The month recognizes the nearly 30 million people in the U.S. of
working age who live with disabilities and is intended to educate the public about disability
employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workforce
with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, the 2026 theme of Disability Employment Awareness Month is
Celebrating Value and Talent. This theme recognizes the value and talent American workers
with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both
past and present.
WHEREAS, Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with
disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong
economy; Resources can be found on the Village’s website; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Senta Plunkett, Village President of Wilmette, Illinois, proclaim
October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and call upon employers,
schools, and other community organizations to recognize the value and talents people with
disabilities add to our workplaces and communities.
Dated this 13th day of October, 2026.

Senta Plunkett
Village President

REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION

AGENDA ITEM: XX

Village Manager’s Office
SUBJECT:

2026 National Native American Heritage Month

MEETING DATE:

November 10, 2026

FROM:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

BUDGET IMPACT:

None

Recommended Motion
Proclamation designating the month of November 2026 as National Native American Heritage
Month in the Village of Wilmette.
Background
The Village’s Human Relations Commission has endorsed Village proclamations recognizing
the celebration of various cultural groups including National Native American Heritage Month.
Below is an overview on the history of this commemoration.
In 1976, an Osage-Cherokee man named JC Elliott-High Eagle authored Congressional
legislation recognizing Native American Heritage Week, the first observance of its kind to
honor America’s tribal people. The observation was expanded by Congress in August 1990
through the passage of Public Law 101-343, designating the month of November as National
Native American Heritage Month. National Native American Heritage Month is observed
annually in November to acknowledge the perseverance of America’s first people despite a
painful history marked by unjust Federal policies. The month also serves to pay tribute to the
rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans, and to recognize the contributions Native
American people have made to American history, society, and culture.
In proclaiming National Native American Heritage Month, Wilmette residents are encouraged
to learn more about the various tribal nations and their cultures and to celebrate this month.
Staff will promote National Native American Heritage Month through the Village’s social
media channels, Village website, and weekly E-news newsletter.
Documents Attached
1. 2026 National Native American Heritage Month Proclamation

1200 Wilmette Avenue
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS 60091-0040
Office of the
Village President

(847) 251-2700
FAX (847) 853-7700
TDD (847) 853-7634

PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Village recognizes that Wilmette is located on the traditional
homelands of many Indigenous nations over a period of more than 8,000 years, including
the Council of Three Fires – Potawatomi, Ojibwe and Odawa people - who lived here in the
1800s; and,
WHEREAS, the Village acknowledges that we are on territory ceded to the United
States Government in the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien by the Potawatomi, Ojibwe and
Odawa nations who were later removed from the area; and,
WHEREAS, Native American Heritage Month began in 1976 and recognition was
expanded by Congress and approved in August 1990, designating the month of November
as National Native American Heritage Month; and,
WHEREAS, National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate
Native Americans whose contributions have strengthened the Chicago region, which is
home to over 65,000 Native people representing 175 tribes; and,
WHEREAS, National Native American Heritage Month is a time for all Wilmette
residents to learn about the stories and teachings of those Native tribes by visiting
resources shared on the Village website and to express our gratitude to Native peoples who
have cared for the land for many generations; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Senta Plunkett, Village President of Wilmette, Illinois,
proclaim the Village of Wilmette’s recognition of the month of November 2026 as National
Native American Heritage Month, and I call upon all people of Wilmette, Illinois to learn
more about various tribal nations and to celebrate this month.
Dated this 10th day of November 2026.

Senta Plunkett
Village President

Meeting Date:

September 14, 2026

To:

Human Relations Commission (“HRC”)

From:

Sara Phyfer, Assistant to the Village Manager

Subject:

Staff Report

Background
The staff report section is to provide updates to Commissioners on various topics that
may not require formal action on behalf of the HRC. This section may provide updates
based upon requested information or information staff consider relevant to the
commission.
Discussion
Museum and Library Discussion
Staff had conversations with both the Museum and Library regarding partnership
opportunities to further support the recognition periods outlined in the HRC workplan. A
verbal update will be provided during the meeting.