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Commission on Family Services
Meeting Minutes – Skokie Village Hall
Jan. 7, 2026
7:00 pm
Present: Harold Primack (Chair), Commissioners Sandra deBettencourt, Jo Hammerman, Rondell Merrill,
Peggy Molina, Beth Negronida, Melissa Ponce, Gail Schechter (Trustee Liaison), Nancy Schwartz, Karen
Sherman, Daniel Stalilonis, London Summerville, Melissa Versch (Staff Liaison), Nancy Young
Absent: Commissioners Michelle Friedman, Marjorie Goran, Shajan Jose (Vice Chair), Erin Ryan, Annie
Shear, Phillip Shefren
I. Call to Order: Approval of Agenda
Call to order at 7:05pm.
II. Consent Agenda
Approved by consent.
III. Approval of Minutes Dec. 3, 2025
Minutes approved with correction.
IV. Chair’s Report: Harold Primack
Announcement of the resignation of Commissioner Christi McSweeney.
At the last meeting, members of the public made comments regarding issues with the Village. At this time, it is
determined that the Commission is not in a position to address these specific concerns. Commissioners
discussed the role of members of the public in meetings and the role of the commission.
V. Health and Human Service Report: Staff Liaison, Melissa Versch
Speakers are scheduled for upcoming Commission meetings. JCFS Response for Teens will be presenting at the
February 4 meeting. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will present on March 4.
From the Health Department: influenza and related hospitalization rates are currently high. In response, the
Department is hosting flu vaccination clinics on Wednesdays in January between 4:00pm and 6:30pm. There is
no charge for people who live, work or go to school in Skokie. For those who cannot make the clinics, call to
schedule an appointment. The Heath Department is also able to provide vaccines to homebound residents.
The Village’s ADA Workgroup is communicating with LCM Architects to agree on a price for staff training, and is
currently reviewing a second proposal. Staff training videos will start this month. As of December 16, there have
been several responses to a Request For Proposals to provide guidance on an ADA evaluation and plan. Those
are being reviewed and interviews will be scheduled.
Trustee Schechter reported on the status of the Village Strategic Plan. After a survey, focus groups, a community
meeting and facilitated retreat, a blue print has been created with priorities and tangible items. One idea was to
have Skokie ambassadors to help address needs. Among goals included are: Everyone has a place in Skokie,
Engage Youth, Safe Housing, and Great Governance. The categories include consideration for people with
disabilities, housing for every stage of life, and community risk reduction which considers mental health. A final
version is expected for a vote in February.
A question was asked about the 25 miles per hour speed limit for residential streets. The speed limit will go into
effect March 1, 2026. The Village Communications Department has been trying to get the word out.

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VI. Old Business:
A. Commission Mission Statement
Chair Primack presented the Commission on Family Services current Mission Statement, the Skokie ordinance
which created the Commission, previous mission statements and a revision suggested by Commissioner Michelle
Friedman. During discussion, it was noted that the ordinance refers to “all residents” not those who are “most
vulnerable,” as the current mission states. It may be difficult to define who is vulnerable, and the definition may
change. A benefit of making the focus more general would be not excluding others. In addition, the Commission
is meant to serve all people. The group questioned if the wording would change the purpose of the
commission’s activities. Current initiatives may be interpreted as benefiting the entire community. Early
activities of the commission focused on seniors and people with disabilities.
In a suggested revision, the addition of “to foster a thriving, supportive and healthy community” may be more
general than the current stated impacts, which are listed as “public information, education and advocacy.”
Words like “foster” and “thriving” have positive connotations. Another proposed statement: The mission of the
Commission on Family Services is to foster emotional, social and physical well-being of Skokie residents through
outreach, education and advocacy. Alternative wording: “work to foster.”
VII. New Business:
A. Winter market
Melissa Versch reported that the Commission’s support would be appreciated in a monthly Donation Drive at
the Winter Market. Volunteers would be needed on January 11, February 1, March 15, April 12. Community
members are invited to donate non-perishable goods, not clothing. If vendors want to donate, collections might
include mushrooms, potatoes and eggs. Details are still being determined regarding how to get donations to the
pantry. Volunteers might be asked to use their vehicle to take donations to the food pantry or Village Hall.
London Summerville has set up the Sign-Up Genius and the link has been shared. The donation drives will be
promoted in the farmers market emails.
B. Subcommittee breakout session
Deferred.
VIII. Public Comments:
None.
IX. Adjournment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24pm.