Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Youth Commission met Oct. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting Called to Order: Jackie Smith-Esters called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

Attendance: Members Present: 

Mia Haneghan, Reverend Andrew Jowers, Jackie Smith-Esters, Courtney Wallace, City of Galesburg: 

Elizabeth Varner, Director of Parks and Recreation 

Absent: Eciel Burns, Chantiara Jackson, Zakary Warfield

Guests: Robert Nutzhorn, Jackie Smith-Esters and Courtney Wallace Children

Minutes: Minutes from September 2023 meeting were approved, with motions from Mia Haneghan and Courtney Wallace.

GUEST SPEAKER:  

Jackie Smith-Esters introduced Mr. Robert Nutzhorn and asked the Youth Commission to introduce themselves. Elizabeth Varner introduced Robert Nutzhorn as the guest speaker. He has lived in Altona for 25 years and is the Pastor at a church in Altona and the Administrator for the Galesburg Christian School. Eleven years ago, the Galesburg Christian School had 69 students enrolled, with 7 employees. This year there are 261 students and 45 employees. Jackie asked why there is an influx of students. Bob stated that students are from Galesburg, as well as outside of Galesburg. He thinks is is convenience, provides strenuous academics, people’s world views, and now growing athletics and science to name a few reason why they have been increasing enrollment. Bob encouraged members to listen to Simon Sinek’s “Ted Talk” to find your purpose or why for doing something. Finding your “why” will help aid one in being focused and motivated. An example would be to find out why you are a student to help motivate, and make it personal. Bob’s “why” for continuing education is to better himself so he is better at what he does in life. Youth Commission is a voice and platform for the youth so the “why” may be to be the voice and serve the community. Other youth may see it as a stipend, or a way to add to a resume. He challenged members to find out our personal “why” for direction in life, or what makes the most sense. He wants to inspire teachers to be able to encourage student so they can grow.

Jackie suggested paralleling the “why’s” together to accomplish big goals together.

Galesburg Parks and Recreation Report 

Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, provided a report with a variety of activities. planned for the fall break. Teen activities included Hawthorne Municipal Pool open swim, Lifeguard Training, Craft Night Out, Learn to Swim, Teen Golf Simulator, Basketball/Soccer Open Gym, Teen Fridy the 13th Open Swim, and Tennis Programs. She also talked about the H.T. Custer Park playground renovations. The multipurpose path, parking area by ballfield and playground equipment is installed. The playground surfacing should be poured this week. The shelter and restrooms will be completed in the spring. Lancaster Park will start in the spring. There is also a new restroom by the East Boat Ramp. Members discussed how dark that area is and Elizabeth explained the city is looking at lighting possibilities, but finding the cost to be high. Elizabeth asked Mia about a place to promote Lifeguard Training at CSC. Mia will ask the Business Office.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Elizabeth mentioned that Treat Street is on October 28th, 2023 and reminded members of when they signed up to hand out candy. Chantiara Jackson and Eciel Burns are signed up for 12-1:15 p.m. and Zakary Warfield has signed up for 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Elizabeth would like a couple more for 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and encourage them to let her know if they can help. It was agreed to cancel H.T. Custer Park clean up, as it is under construction and only one adult has signed up to assist.

NEW BUSINESS: 

Jackie would like to see the emails state to “please respond” instead of RSVP as that is confusing. She also would like to have text messages sent that states to respond if not coming, and state youth will not be paid if not attending, as a reminder. Elizabeth will make this change. Jackie also suggested a mentorship type program. Elizabeth did mention that Naomi Law has offered to pick up anyone needing a ride, but she needs to get a phone number.

Mia Haneghan suggested a future discussion for the 2024 year ideas. She suggested introducing the Youth Commission members to City Council in February 2024. She also suggested talking about OMA Training and ordinance review for new members. Reverend Andrew Jowers suggested the Youth Commission assist with fundraising with Hawthorne Pool, and Jackie agreed it may be a good idea.

Jackie would like to have t-shirts for the Youth Commission. She suggested having members go to get them at the printer when they joined. Elizabeth suggested getting the size and letting staff or members know so we can contact the business making them. Jackie thinks she can find money for the shirts. Elizabeth mentioned she has budgeted for shirts but the budget is not approved. She also talked with Go Van Gogh’s and they were willing to waive the art set up fee but would need to ask them again. Jackie wants to partner with Young Professionals and have them assist with shirts as well. She will reach out to a contact.

Members asked about the requirements of Youth Commission. Elizabeth will bring a copy of the Extra Effort Award Nomination Form and Copy of Ordinance to the next meeting for review. Jackie reminded the Youth Commission that they have the opportunity amend the ordinance. on September 23.

There was a discussion on future guest speakers. It was suggested to ask Tony Franklin to speak on the Community Center Task Force in November and Erin Glasnovich on the Orpheum in December. The Knox College President was also mentioned. Elizabeth will reach out to potential speakers. Youth Solutions was mentioned but members explained it did not exist. Members asked if Galesburg Parks and Recreation was going to offer Summer Camps next season. Elizabeth will bring this up with the Recreation Staff.

Jackie asked Elizabeth to bring contact information for Youth Commission members to the next meeting.

Jackie encourages the Youth Commission to attend the Community Center Task Force meetings, and bring a friend. The meetings are all at Carl Sandburg College. She wants members to participate and take notes. Youth need to be there now, and encouraged all to attend.

Youth Commission Report: Jackie asked for nominations to present at the City Council, as she nominated Mia Haneghan with Courtney Wallace making the second motion. Mia agreed to present the Youth Commission report at the November 6, 2023, City Council Meeting.

Meeting was adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m. with motions from Courtney Wallace and Reverend Andrew Jowers.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Youth/2023/Youth%20Commission%20Minutes%20101223.pdf