Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Youth Commission met Sept. 14

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

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.

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.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Youth/2023/Youth%20Commission%20Minutes%20091423.pdf