HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Commission Minutes 110923
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Youth Commission Minutes: November 9, 2023
City Hall, Galesburg, IL
Meeting Called to Order: Chairman Eciel Burns called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
Attendance: Members Present:
Eciel Burns, Mia Haneghan, Chantiara Jackson, Jackie Smith-Esters,
Maddy Springer, Courtney Wallace
City of Galesburg:
Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation
Absent: Reverend Andrew Jowers, Zakary Warfield
Guests: Reverend Antonio Franklin
Minutes: Minutes from October 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from
Mia Haneghan and Courtney Wallace.
Welcome: Chairman Eciel Burns introduced new member, Maddy Spring. She told the Youth
Commission about herself and how she is now a Senior at Galesburg High School, plays tennis
and works for the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation. She just finished teaching a Tennis
Camp and is now instructing private lessons at Lakeside Recreation Facility.
Eciel then introduced the guest speaker, Reverend Antonio Franklin. He attended the meeting
to talk about the Community Center Task Force and hear the Youth Commission’s ideas. He is
a Pastor at Full Gospel and is a West Virginia Native. Tony wants to hear the youth perspective
at the Youth Commission.
Commission members also introduced themselves.
Galesburg Parks and Recreation Report
Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, provided a variety of activities in the report
to the Youth Commission. Teen activities included Hawthorne Municipal Pool open swim,
Lifeguard Training, Craft Night Out, Tennis, You + Me Paint Night, Second Saturday Nature
Program, Special Open Swims, and Creative Connection for Teens. The Creative Connection for
Teens will be painting tennis shoes this month. Most programs are free or at a low cost.
She also provided an update on the Dale Kelley Tot Lot and H.T. Custer Park Renovations.
Mia Hanegahn asked about Cooke Property Park Project. Elizabeth explained that an OSLAD
grant has been submitted for 2024 to add a playground, restroom, shelter, walking path and
pollinator garden. Mia asked about the flyer that was sent out. Elizabeth explained that an
interested group, led by Gayla Pacheco, was spearheading a fundraising campaign to raise
money for the Cooke Property Park Project. She is asking for 500 donations at $500.00 each as
her campaign theme, 500 for $500.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
OLD BUSINESS:
Mia Hanegahn clarified that she will be providing a report for October and November 2023 to
the City Council at the November 20th, 2023 meeting. Eciel provided direction based on
how he has presented in the past.
NEW BUSINESS:
GUEST SPEAKER:
Reverend Antonio Franklin provided information about the Community Center Task Force. He
mentioned the former Community Center was at Iron Spikes. The goal is to have a Community
Center that is for the entire community, with programs involved. Antonio explained that a
survey was done at the schools, in which two Youth Commissioners had completed the survey.
He explained that their input is valuable. A Community Center is a place to hang out, socialize,
recreate, mentor, tutor, etc… Antonio recommended that the Youth Commission attend and
recommend to the City Council to support a Community Center. A question was asked if the
Community Center would have memberships. Tony explained that the goal is to provide a free
service or a minimal cost. Jackie Smith Esters stated she is also on the Community Center Task
Force and that there needs to be a variety of opportunities for everyone, not just athletics.
Antonio further explained that the purpose is to build community, so it is very inclusive, fun,
safe and provides broad opportunities in one shared space. Jackie wants the Community
Center to unite the community. Antonio invited members to attend the November 21st meeting.
and the December 4th meeting when he takes a proposal to the City Council. Jackie encouraged
members to send emails to Elizabeth Varner if they have any ideas that come to mind for a
Community Center.
New Business:
Courtney Wallace explained that she helped organize the current structure of the Youth
Commission to address more youth related concerns and topics, not just problems. She
stated that Mayor Peter Schwartzman revamped the Youth Commission and provided a
stipend. Antonio Franklin commended everyone on the Youth Commission. Courtney
also asked Reverend Antonio Franklin to say a few words about Reverand Jon Sibley
Sr., of whom the underpass is also named to honor him on Main Street. He was on the
board at Carl Sandburg College, State Police and a Streaks Dads. He explained how
John had tremendous interest in youth and helped feed others in Galesburg through a
garden and food baskets. Reverend Jon Sibley is also Courtney’s cousin.
Additional Business:
Elizabeth Varner handed out the structure and information about the Youth
Commission. She stated there are currently three youth member openings. Jackie
Smith-Esthers stated that the Youth Commission has the ability to amend ordinances
such as the number of youth, time of meetings, etc…
Jackie asked that a new agenda item be included to discuss the Community Center at
the next meeting.
City Hall 55 W. Tompkins Street Galesburg, IL 61401 309-343-4181 www.ci.galesburg.il.us
Meeting was adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 5:24 p.m. with motions
from Chantiara Jackson and Courtney Wallace.
Next Meeting: Thursday, December 14, 2023
________________Elizabeth Varner
Director of Parks & Recreation, Elizabeth Varner