Youth Commission

Regular Meeting

Arlington Heights, IL · September 18, 2025

Minutes

Minutes Youth Commission Village Hall, Commissions Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd. September 18, 2025 6:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Son called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. II. ROLL CALL Present Also Present Alice Son, Chair Mila Tsagalis, Liaison Matt Healy Kimberly Witt, Administrative Assistant Taryn Holdman Alejandria Galarza Absent Maria Georgakopoulas Colin Smith Christopher Hong Riley Phillips Alejandria Galarza Aleena Patel Sydney Galla Chair Son acknowledged Jennifer Borrell for her dedication and contributions to the Commission and for her support of its activities. Ms. Borrell attended her final meeting in August. Chair Son then introduced new member Alejandria Galarza who then introduced herself to the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes from August 28, 2025 A motion was made by Commissioner McQuade to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2025 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Hong and approved by unanimous consent. 1 IV. REPORTS A. Library Ms. Galarza reported that the library completed its first month of Tinker Days school visits. She noted upcoming tabling at high school football games in October and advised commissioners to attend. She also stated that the second floor is closed for construction for approximately five weeks, with study rooms and group study tables available in the Hub. B. Park District Commissioner Healy reported on ongoing construction at the Ridge Center, noting that the indoor pools are expected to open in a few weeks. He highlighted that Pioneer Park remains popular, with early-morning swimmers braving cooler temperatures. He also shared upcoming fall programs and events, including Oktoberfest on the museum grounds, the Autumn Harvest Festival, and the grand opening of the Recreation Park skate park on Thursday, October 2, which will feature a DJ, giveaways, and a taco food truck. Commissioner Healy noted that the skate park event is scheduled from 5:00 to 6:30 PM and coincides with the school day C. Police Department Commissioner Holdman reported that there were no updates at this time. D. Schools No report. E. Members at Large Commissioners Hong and Georgakopoulas, Buffalo Grove High School, reported that state testing has concluded. Homecoming is scheduled for next Saturday, and parking lot construction is nearing completion. Commissioner McQuade from Hersey High School reported that their construction at the school was completed before the start of the year, providing a modernized entry area with additional seating and a redesigned counseling center. State testing is finished, and students are settling into the school year with quizzes and unit tests underway. ROTC has held five evening classes with strong participation, particularly from Elk Grove students. The focus has been on drill, platoon organization, and leadership development. The first team event, orienteering at Freeport, is scheduled within the next two weeks. Leadership roles have been assumed, and staff meetings have been positive. Commissioners Gala reported that their Homecoming is scheduled for this Saturday. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Lawn Mowing & Snow Shoveling Referral Program Chair Son noted that there was limited promotion of the program over the summer following the Teen Job Fair and that she did not have numbers to report at this meeting. She also mentioned that the Snow Shoveling Referral Program will be starting soon and will likely be discussed at the next meeting. 2 There was discussion about adding a raking/yard clean-up program. Chair Son suggested having one application for all referral programs so teens would only need to complete it once. Feedback was positive, as this approach would save time and could encourage more teens to apply. Additionally, the Commission discussed providing applicants with bi- monthly text or email reminders to promote the season programs, as well as sending out a tip sheet to help applicants through the process. Commissioner McQuade made a motion to add Leaf Raking to the Lawn Mowing / Snow Shoveling application, Commissioner Hong seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. B. Teen Job Fair Chair Son noted that the Teen Job Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Arlington Ridge Center. She mentioned that she inherited the list of businesses when she became Chair and suggested starting fresh with a new list. Commission members recommended several businesses to contact, including Raising Cane’s, Jewel, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Pet Supplies Plus, Target, Dairy Queen, Mariano’s, and Gerry’s Café, as well as reaching out to the person in charge of internship opportunities. It was suggested that the invitation letter to businesses include a QR code for registration and additional information about participating in the Teen Job Fair. Chair Son will distribute an electronic copy of the letter to the Commissioners so they can begin sending it out. Chair Son reviewed the application process and the questions for businesses applying to participate. She asked the Commissioners if they had any questions or suggestions for additions, and all agreed that the application looked appropriate as presented. C. ACT/SAT and College Prep Resources Chair Son asked the Commissioners to share what academic resources are available at their schools. Commissioner Hong reported that Buffalo Grove High School recently started an after-school and before-school study program where students purchase a study guide and attend sessions for additional help and practice tests. Commissioner McQuade shared that Hersey High School offers a similar program consisting of three-hour classes held twice a week for three weeks. Liaison Tsagalis distributed literature from the GPS Parent Series, which features a free weekly lineup of renowned speakers who present evidence-based strategies to support positive youth development and family well-being. Chair Son suggested exploring partnership opportunities with the program. Ms. Tsagalis recommended that if the Commissioners are interested in one or two of the events, they could consider sponsoring them and promoting the events on social media. She also mentioned she would check whether the events are recorded so parents can view them at their convenience. Commissioner Hong added that he recently took the SAT and noted that some of his peers were unsure how to register for tests outside of those administered at school. Chair Son mentioned that the library’s College Knowledge program provides college preparation resources and information. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. E-bikes and Scooters Ms. Tsagalis reported that the Village Board recently adopted an ordinance regulating e- bikes, scooters, and other vehicles that goes beyond state laws. She asked the Commission for feedback and ideas on how to share the information with the community. 3 The following issues and recommendations were discussed: • E-Bike/Scooter Classification – Commissioners noted confusion about different classes. Recommendation: Require all vehicles to be clearly labeled with their classification. • Public Education – More outreach is needed for teens and parents. Recommendation: Tag bikes and scooters in school lots with QR codes linking to information, and share visual materials with pictures and ordinance details on social media. • Rules of the Road – Many youths are unaware of laws for e-bikes and scooters. Recommendation: Encourage or require education for all riders, similar to school bike safety programs. • Cargo and Passengers – Large bags and passengers may create safety risks. Recommendation: Consider further regulation if needed. Commissioners also observed that many riders, especially scooter users, are not following traffic rules and often ride recklessly, raising safety concerns. B. Volunteer Ideas for Commission The Commission discussed several volunteer opportunities, including the Healthy Kids Running Series. Commissioner Hong shared his passion project to ban unregulated THC products and mentioned he may seek the Commission’s support in sharing information with schools and throughout the district. Ms. Tsagalis noted that if this issue advances to a Village ordinance, Commissioner Hong could provide a public comment at a Village Board meeting. VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Announcements / Correspondence Ms. Tsagalis announced that the Senior Center has a nice partnership with School District 214 and that on Monday, seniors will participate in a “Back to School” event at Hersey High School. Participants will travel by bus from the Senior Center to the school, follow a student schedule, have lunch, and learn about current academic requirements to experience how school life has changed since they attended. She also noted that the Senior Center is organizing Senior Olympics and student performances, highlighting the positive connection between seniors and students. B. Youth Commission Group Photo VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT IX. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner McQuade, seconded by Commissioner Hong, moved to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. all concurred and the motion carried unanimously. 4

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA Youth Commission Commissions Room Arlington Heights Village Hall 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH 60005 September 18, 2025 6:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS A. Recognizing Jennifer Borrell for her time on the Commission III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 28, 2025 Minutes IV. REPORTS A. Library B. Park District C. Police Department D. Schools E. Members at Large V. OLD BUSINESS A. Lawn Mowing & Snow Shoveling Referral Program The Commission will review the current forms and discuss updates to combine referral program applications. B. Teen Job Fair Youth members will each identify five new businesses to invite to the 2026 Fair. The Commission will review the business intake form and invitation letter. C. ACT/SAT and College Prep Resources Youth members will report on what college test prep resources are currently available at their schools. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. E-bikes and Scooters Page 1 of 8 B. Volunteer Ideas for Commission Commissioners will report ideas for volunteer opportunities in which the Commission can participate. VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Announcements / Correspondence B. Youth Commission Group Photo VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. IX. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760. Page 2 of 8 Minutes Youth Commission Village Hall, Commissions Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd. August 28, 2025 6:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Son called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. II. ROLL CALL Present Also Present Alice Son, Chair Mila Tsagalis, Liaison Matt Healy Kimberly Witt, Administrative Assistant Taryn Holdman Keith Mowens Afroz Hafeez Absent Jennifer Borrell Alejandria Galarza Colin Smith Aleena Patel Riley Phillips Ava McQuade Maria Georgakopoulas Christopher Wong Chair Son introduced the new Liaison, Mila Tsagalis. Chair Son also noted that the new Commissioner Alejandria Galarza, was unable to attend. All attendees introduced themselves. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes from May 15, 2025 A motion was made by Commissioner Hong to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2025 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Smith and approved by unanimous consent. 1 Page 3 of 8 IV. REPORTS A. Library Chair Son reported on the library’s summer reading program, noting that this year had one of the highest registration numbers since post-COVID. Many children and teens participated and collected prizes. She shared that the library will begin monthly Tinker Days at District 214 schools, with the first event scheduled for next week at Prospect High School. Commissioners were invited to stop by during lunchtime. Chair Son also announced the upcoming College Knowledge Program, “Strategies for a Smarter Search,” scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the library. The program is designed for high school students to help them explore and identify their best- fit college. Commissioners were encouraged to spread the word to interested students. B. Park District Commissioner Healy reported that the summer season has ended, except for Pioneer Park’s pool, which remains open due to the closure of The Ridge Center indoor pool for construction until at least October 2. He noted that the Recreation Pool is also closed for renovations, resulting in two major projects underway at the same time. He shared that the Park District is planning fall events and preparing the winter guide. There are open positions available, and those interested can reach out to him directly for connections. Commissioner Healy added that they look forward to collaborating with the library on the preschool event in February and the Teen Job Fair in March. Chair Son noted that the new Recreation Park playground now features a Story Walk, which allows families to enjoy a picture book while visiting the playground. C. Police Department Commissioner Holdman reported that the summer season is wrapping up and the students are back in school. School Resource Officers are visiting schools and reminding parents about child safety and importance of being mindful of information shared on social media. D. Schools No report. E. Members at Large Commissioners Hong and Georgakopoulas from Buffalo Grove High School reported that students are adjusting to being back in school and fall activities have begun. They noted ongoing construction, including the removal of tennis courts to create new fields for soccer and lacrosse. The construction has affected parking, and the school community is working to manage the situation. They added that there are more clubs this year compared to last year, and the first football game is scheduled for Friday against Hoffman Estates. 2 Page 4 of 8 Commissioners Phillips and Gala reported that students are happy to be back at school. Back-to-school activities included assemblies and school spirit events. Fall sports have begun, and benchmark testing and club rush were completed. Last week was Safety Week, during which all drills were practiced. Tomorrow is the first football game against Stevenson. Commissioner Smith reported that St. Viator has a new Principal. Several changes have been implemented, including a revised schedule that provides an hour and a half in the middle of the day for lunch, club meetings, homeroom, and intramurals, though it adds ten extra minutes to the school day. The first football game is against Marian Catholic. Commissioner Borrell stated it was nice to see everyone at the meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Social Media Proposal Chair Son noted that the next step is to schedule a time for Commissioners McQuade and Smith to meet with Avis Meade, Communications and Outreach Manager for the Village, to present the proposal. Commissioner Smith provided an overview of the proposal to new members, which involves creating an Instagram account for the Youth Commission to manage and use to promote events to the youth of Arlington Heights. Ms. Tsagalis reported that she briefly discussed the proposal with Ms. Meade, who suggested the possibility of “takeover days,” during which the Youth Commission could post content on the Village’s Instagram page. Ms. Meade will review the pros and cons of the Commission having its own account while also exploring opportunities to enhance the Village’s page, gather feedback from younger audiences, and identify ways to improve the Village’s social media presence. Ms. Tsagalis will facilitate the meeting between the Commissioners and Ms. Meade. B. Lawn Mowing Referral Program Chair Son noted that there was limited promotion of the program over the summer following the Teen Job Fair and that she did not have numbers to report at this meeting. She also mentioned that the Snow Shoveling Referral Program will be starting soon and will likely be discussed at the next meeting. There was discussion about adding a raking/yard clean-up program. Chair Son suggested having one application for all referral programs so teens would only need to complete it once. Feedback was positive, as this approach would save time and could encourage more teens to apply. It was noted, however, that each referral program should still be promoted separately. Additionally, there was discussion about providing applicants with bi-monthly text or email reminders to promote the seasonal programs. C. Teen Job Fair Chair Son noted that the Teen Job Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Arlington Ridge Center. Traditionally, Commissioners have reached out to businesses in January or February, but it was previously suggested that outreach could occur earlier. Chair Son added that she can promote to participating businesses in the library’s December or January newsletter, which is distributed to all households. There was also discussion about engaging the Chamber of Commerce to assist in recruiting businesses. The Commission decided that each Youth member will bring five additional business names to the next meeting and coordinate outreach. Chair Son will provide a view-only spreadsheet of the businesses currently being contacted. When asked if marketing materials will be ready by the next meeting, Chair Son confirmed that the form and letter 3 Page 5 of 8 will be prepared. Additionally, it was requested that photos of the Youth Commissioners be taken at the next meeting. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Youth Commissioners’ Projects The Commission discussed several opportunities, including participating in a walk for the American Heart Association, recruiting volunteers to share college prep tips, inviting testing companies to sponsor a class, and engaging in other group volunteer activities. Chair Son requested that the Youth Commissioners to reach out to their schools to identify what resources are currently available for ACT or SAT preparation and report back at the next meeting. It was also decided that Commissioners should bring ideas of volunteer opportunities to the next meeting. VII. OTHER BUSINESS A. Announcements / Correspondence 1. E-bikes and Scooters Discussion Ms. Tsagalis discussed the increasing use of e-bikes and scooters in Arlington Heights and the potential need for regulations and public education. She noted that other communities have implemented rules, and the Village Board is seeking insight from the Senior Citizens’ Commission, Youth Commission, and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Discussion included safety concerns such as high speeds, sidewalk use, and helmet requirements, as well as equity considerations since e-bikes and scooters provide transportation for youth without driver’s licenses. The role of the police in enforcement was also noted, given current limitations. The Youth Commission may be tasked with education and outreach, including communicating new safety rules effectively to users, potentially using social media. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Public guest Keith Mowens commented that he encourages the Youth Commission to take the e-bike discussion seriously, provide input, and make recommendations to ensure the ordinance is fair. IX. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Hong, seconded by Commissioner Hafeez, moved to adjourn at 7:19 p.m. all concurred and the motion carried unanimously. 4 Page 6 of 8 Youth Commission 9/18/2025 Item: E-bikes and Scooters Department: Health & Human Services Item Description: ATTACHMENTS: None Page 7 of 8 Youth Commission 9/18/2025 Item: Volunteer Ideas for Commission Commissioners will report ideas for volunteer opportunities in which the Commission can participate. Department: Health & Human Services Item Description: ATTACHMENTS: None Page 8 of 8