HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Commission Minutes 091423
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Youth Commission Minutes: September 14, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Eciel Burns called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Attendance: Members Present:
Eciel Burns, Mia Haneghan, Chantiara Jackson, Courtney Wallace,
Zakary Warfield
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Absent: Joy Basosa-Nzumba, Reverend Andrew Jowers
Guests: Noelle Thompson, Abraham Esters and
Jack Esters
Minutes: Minutes from June 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from
Courtney Wallace and Chantiara Jackson. The July 2023 meeting was canceled due to a severe
storm and the August 2023 meeting cancelled due to lack of a quorum.
GUEST SPEAKER:
Chairman Eciel Burns called on Noelle Thompson, Galesburg Public Library Director to speak.
Elizabeth introduced Noelle to the Youth Commission. She spoke about the a new library bein
g built and all the programs/services offered by the library. There are 130,000 books are
available for youth and adults. This month they are signing people up for library cards. Noelle
also mentioned that there is a variety of check out opportunities including game supplies,
books, American Girl Dolls, and game supplies. There is a Teen Advisory Group that meets on
Thursdays at 6 p.m. in which Youth Commission members could attend. She
also explained the new library is planning to open in the spring. The teens will have a special
area on the 1st floor with study rooms.
A question was asked regarding the crosswalk area
off Main Street. Noelle plans on addressing
this concern the future. A picture was taken with
Noelle beside a rendering of the new library.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner,
provided a report with a variety of activities
and told them about Hawthorne Municipal Pool
reopening. Some of the activities included open
swims, Fall Break Activities, Teen Open Swim on Friday the 13th, Teen Open Gym Basketball,
Introduction to Softball, Youth Tennis, Jr. Streaks Basketball and Craft classes. She informed
them of the upcoming Homecoming Parade and other special events.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
OLD BUSINESS:
Chantiara Jackson talked about her trip to South Carolina. She said the Upward Bound group
visited the University of Kentucky and University of Charleston, as well as Folly Beach which
was her favorite. Zakary Warfield also went with a group. His group went to Atlanta only, and
they did not get to visit any colleges. He enjoyed the Coca Cola Factory and Aquarium.
NEW BUSINESS:
Eciel reminded members of Treat Street on October 28, 2023 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Elizabeth Varner had a signup sheet for members to work. Mia Haneghan, Chatiara Jackson
and Eciel Burns signed up to work 12-1:15 p.m. Zakary Warfield signed up to work 10:45-12
p.m. There are still two openings to work the morning shift. Members enjoyed participating
last year.
There was also an Adopt a Park signup sheet to help clean up H.T. Custer Park from 1:30-2:00
p.m. Mia Haneghan and Courtney Wallace signed up to do this on October 28, 2023. Elizabeth
explained this would provide a good opportunity to see the H.T. Custer Park Renovations
underway.
Members were reminded to check emails and RSVP if they can not attend meetings so the
Youth Commission can provide a quorum. Elizabeth Varner mentioned that they must attend
75% of the meetings. There is currently one that has not been attending so a letter will be
sent to thank this person for their service. She let members know there are two youth
openings, and that an application has been submitted in which there should be an appointment
made by the Mayor.
Mia Haneghan informed members of Hispanic Heritage Month and invited them to attend Fiesta
at St. Patrick Church on September 16. She also mentioned there is a Walk to End Alzheimer’s
on September 23.
Youth Commission Report: Eciel Burns agreed to present the Youth Commission
report at the October 2, 2023 City Council Meeting.
Meeting was adjourned: 4:38 p.m.
Motions from Jackie Smith-Esters and Courtney Wallace.
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2023
________________Elizabeth Varner
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner