Kane County Reporter

City of Aurora Complete Count Committee met April 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Present via remote:

Adrienne Holloway, Jessica Linder Gallo, Dan Barreiro, Brian Caputo, Alex Minella, Amy Baudouin, Ana Mejia, Anna Gonzales, Barbara Hernandez, Antonio Rodriguez,Birnie Harper, Clayton Muhammad, Cheryl Maraffio, Chris Ragona, Christina Campos, David Smith, Edward Bugg, Hugo Saltijreal, Ivan Chambers, Jamal Scott, Jennifer Norrel, Karina Garcia, Kim Bright, Linda Holmes, Lisa Schwartz-Barry, Melina. Chuck Nelson, Sarah Russe, Trish Rooney, Vince Smith, Angie Thomas, John Russell, Kevin Scalen, Trish Rooney, Dee Hakala

I. Adoption of policy regarding public comments- moved to May meeting,

II. Public Comments- none

III. Approval of the Minutes from the February 2020 Meeting-unanimous vote approved and posted with the addition of Ana Mejia who was present.

IV. Opening Remarks – Brian Caputo-Brian indicated that he believed that it was important to bring the committee together for a video conference to share ideas, coordinate the committee’s work, and keep the momentum going during the coronavirus pandemic.

V. Update on City Complete Count Activities

a. Staff Reports (COGS, grants, outreach efforts, etc.)

Dan Barreiro- Dan reported:

1. Census Check-ins with Forefront, Metro Mayors and Census Bureau.

a. Common theme from check-in meetings include shifting efforts to social media.

b. One challenge is counting people where they were on April 1st.

2. Census Timeline

a. Self-response period extended from July 31 to October 31, 2020

b. Group Quarters Operations extended from July 31 to September 3, 2020

c. NRFU – Non-Response Follow Up extended from August 11 through October 31, 2020

d. Census Field Operations paused until June 1, 2020.

3. Self-response rate

a. US–51%

b. Illinois – 55.7%

c. Kane County – 61.7%

d. DuPage County – 64.9%

e. Aurora – 57.5% (2010 Self-response rate was 72%)

4. Grants/Budget

a. Aurora Census budget - $185,000

b. Funds spent to date - $27,000

c. Balance of funds - $158,000.

d. Funds from MMC and Forefront need to be spent by June 30, 2020.

5. 3 out of 4 sub-grantee agreements have been signed. African American Men of Unity, YWCA – MC and Rita’s Ministries have signed agreements. Aurora Township Youth Services is no longer interested. Most sub- grantee activities have been reduced or on hold.

b. Mayor’s Office – Chuck Nelson- no report/reply

c. DuPage County CCC – Alderwoman Patty Smith –no report/reply

d. Kane County CCC – Board Member Angie Thomas-Angie reported the 2 Group Quarters facilities, the County Jail and the Juvenile Justice Center, both completed their census counts by April

e. Kendall County CCC – Alderman Edward Bugg-no report/reply

f. Reports from CCC Members

VI. Subcommittee Reports

a. Communications/Technology (Clayton Muhammad)-Clayton reported update on marketing and communications

b. Business (Jessica Linder Gallo)-Jessica reported update on business outreach

c. Community-Based (Ana Mejia) Ana reported: 3 contracts executed with non-profit agencies to assist in CCC US Census activities. Each agency is utilizing electronic and phone activities while a stay at home order is in effect. Each agency is eager to get out into the community to continue canvassing and other activities. Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry received 500 packets of Census information to include in client’s boxed food. Before they stay at home order was enacted, African American Men of Unity dropped off posters and informational pamphlets to 14 locations. AAMOU’s progress report was submitted. A number of other emails and phone calls were made to non-profit agencies to discuss the Census, with the hopes of tapping into their donor network and weekly newsletters. These have taken a back seat to COVID-19, but were still completed before the stay at home order was issued. YWCA is switching gears and creating promotional materials for their clients including Census stamped diapers, wipes, and other materials geared towards new mothers who can add an extra member in their household. 10 voting locations received Census posters and promotional material. The sites would have been staffed, but the stay at home order prevented it.

Posters and flyers at Senior Services Associates were dropped off, for them to hang up in their senior center (pre-Covid19). I was also informed that they set an informational table with flyers at the senior center. Flyers were posted and distributed

d. Faith-Based (Adrienne Holloway) Adrienne reported church letters went out, sub committees are formed, digital contacts and were made.

e. Education (Anna Gonzalez) Anna reported that tech platforms are running, reminders were sent out through social media, constant contact. For SD 131 there were meal distribution reminders sent out. For SD 204 homeless liaison in place. SD 129 has in house video created and out through social media with reminders. Colleges have podcasts, website articles, and Zoom presentations on social media to get and keep the momentum and the message in the forefront.

VII. Other Business-none

VIII. Adjournment called at 9:20 AM.

Next meeting: June 24, 2020