HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Commission Minutes 020923
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Youth Commission Minutes: February 9, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Eciel Burns called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Attendance: Members Present:
Eciel Burns, Mia Haneghan, Chantiara Jackson, Courtney Wallace, Zakary
Warfield, Andrew Jowers
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jackie Smith -Esters, City Council Member
Absent: Precious Dortch, Jennifer Foubert, Joy Basosa-Nzumba,
Jackie Smith -Esters, City Council Member
Guests: Mayor Peter Schwartzman
Minutes: Minutes from January 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from
Chantiara Jackson and Courtney Wallace.
Parks & Recreation Report:
Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, provided a report of programs
offered by the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation. There was discussion on ways to reach
the youth about all the programs being offered. Some suggestions included an intern to handle
social media, Mayor’s Facebook page and a Youth Commission Facebook, and Games on
Instagram.
Old Business:
Youth Commission Shirts: Elizabeth reported that a graphic designer is still needed
to create a design, based on what Eciel has provided. The Mayor is looking for funding
for the Youth Commission and will provide information about this for the March
meeting.
Youth Extra Effort Award: Elizabeth Varner reported that Baylie Mayfield received
the Youth Extra Effort Award for her work on “Junk for Jingles”, which buys Christmas
presents for children. She was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation, and her name is
now on a plaque. Eciel represented the Youth Commission well. He mentioned that
everyone was happy when the award was presented and that it showed the Youth
Commission was on top of it.
Elizabeth will work on updating a form on the City of Galesburg Website for future
nominations. She provided a form for review at the meeting. Mia Haneghan suggested
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
copies at the City of Galesburg, Galesburg Library and Lakeside Recreation Facility.
Future press releases and information to schools will
be helpful as well. Mia Haneghan and Reverand Jowers would be happy to go talk at
different groups and organizations if the opportunity arises. Mia will see if she can find
a connection at some events, and Reverand Jowers will check on a Streaks Dad
Connection. Mayor Schwartzman suggested a social media account.
New Business:
Chairperson: It was agreed to have Eciel Burns and Zakary Warfield co-chair the
Youth Commission for 2023.
Dale Kelley Scholarship: Courtney Wallace informed the commission that help is
needed organizing a board for a future Dale Kelley Scholarship. There are plans to
have two $500 scholarships. She needs help organizing a reception dinner and needs
sponsors for this event.
Mayor Schwartzman also provided information that there is now $50,000 to help rebuild
Dale Kelley Tot Lot.
Youth Commission: Youth members of the Commission include Eciel Burns, Precious
Dortch, Chantiara Jackson, Zakary Warfield and Joy Basosa-Nzumba. This would meant
there are two openings. Adult members include Reverand Andrew Jowers, Courtney
Wallace, and Mia Haneghan. There is one opening for an adult. Mayor Schwartzman
will take names of individuals that might be interested. It is members responsibility to
be present to the meetings.
Guest Comments: Mayor Peter Schwartzman listened to the meeting and offered
input. He asked if there were concerns about the Youth Commission to let himself,
Alderman Jackie Smith-Esters or Parks and Recreation Director Elizabeth Varner know.
Commissioners would like him to return in February to review the mission and goals.
Elizabeth explained the importance of attending and making a presentation at the City
Council meetings, as members have agreed to present and not showed up. The Mayor
told the commission that if they have an idea they should build upon it. He suggested
that everyone share on social media. He also reminded them about the new Selfie
Museum and reopened Skating Rink. He wants the Youth Commission to feel
empowered and have ideas. The Mayor encourage that they share ideas with him and
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation by email or phone.
Mia Haneghan asked the Mayor about the Sales Tax and Community Center. He
explained that all seven support the Community Center, with four that favor Churchill.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
He explained Churchill will look very different and compared it with GHS and Steele
schools. Some oppose due to the cost of money.
Courtney Wallace is concerned with the problems at GHS getting worse. She liked the
concept the Mayor shared on his Facebook regarding a library to check out people
instead of books.
Youth Commission Report: Eciel Burns and Zakary Warfield agreed to present the
Youth Commission report at the March 6th, 2023 meeting.
Meeting was adjourned: 5:45 p.m.
Motions from Zakary Warfield and Mia Haneghan.
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 9th, 2023
________________Elizabeth Varner
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner