HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Commission Minutes 041323
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Youth Commission Minutes: April 13, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Eciel Burns called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m., once a
quorum was reached.
Attendance: Members Present:
Eciel Burns, Mia Haneghan, 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, Chantiara Jackson, Joy
Basosa-Nzumba
Minutes: Minutes from February 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from
Courtney Wallace and Reverend Andrew Jowers. The March 2023 meeting was cancelled due
to snowstorm.
Parks & Recreation Report:
Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, provided flyers and a report of programs
offered by the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation. She reported that April 22, 2023 is Earth
Day and there will be a clean up day at Kiwanis Park with United Way and Kiwanis Club if the
Youth Commission would like to volunteer. Friday, April 28, 2023 is Arbor Day, and a tree will be
planted at Steele School.
Old Business:
Youth Commission Shirts: Elizabeth and Jackie Smith-Esters both reached out to Go
Van Goghs but have not had a reply. Jackie also reached out to Young Professionals to
see if they would sponsor shirts for the Youth Commission
Youth Extra Effort Award: Elizabeth reported that the City Clerk has been working
on a form to be on-line for Youth Extra Effort nominations.
Chairperson, Eciel Burns, reported that there are currently two youth and one adult
opening for the Youth Commission. Elizabeth will call the members not in attendance
to ensure they would like to continue to be on the Youth Commission. Schools are also
being contacted.
New Business:
Adopt A Park: Elizabeth reminded commissioners of Earth Day and asked that a Clean
up of H.T. Custer Park be planned for Adopt a Park at the next meeting.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Guest Speakers: Chairperson, Eciel Burns asked for a list of future guest speakers for
the Youth Commission. Ideas that were suggested included the Superintendent of
Schools, Steve Abron, Tracy Engstrom (Career Development Director of CSC on Public
Speaking) and Galesburg Christian School Director. Eciel asked members to email
Elizabeth with ideas and contact information.
2023-2024 School Calendar: There was a discussion on the changes to the next
calendar year school schedule.
Presentation: Mia Haneghan did an outstanding job with a presentation she prepared
for the Youth Commission. She discussed a “Media Day” once t-shirts are purchased for
marketing and social media presence. Social Media could include QR codes, links,
photos, and a host benefit with proceeds going to a family of a house burned down.
Another benefit could be at Applebee’s. A picture on top of the 2nd highest point in the
city, the Bondi Building, was suggested. Mia presented another t-shirt idea with an
emblem of YC and City of Galesburg on a pocket and on the back “In Youth We Learn”,
Youth Commission. Mia talked about a non-Greek organization at CSC in which they
are making a difference with such topics as recognizing Women’s History Month and
getting the Hispanic Latino Association to recognize Boxcar Families.
City Council Member, Jaquelyn Smith-Esters suggested volunteering at Café in the Park.
Eciel suggested bracelets with YC or Pens that say Youth Commission.
Eciel presented Jackie with flowers and a certificate thanking her for her dedication and
service to the Youth Commission and a picture was taken of the group.
Youth Commission Report: Eciel Burns agreed to present the Youth Commission
report at the April 17, 2023 meeting.
Meeting was adjourned: 5:30 p.m.
Motions from Mia Haneghan and Reverend Andrew Jowers.
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 11, 2023
________________Elizabeth Varner
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner