Youth Commission

MINUTES OF A REGULARLY SCHUDULED YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS August 21, 2013 “Lead, Serve, Shine” Adult Commissioners Present (5) Carla Slawson-Martens, Chairperson Gary Moriello Lauren Schifferdecker Kay Ellen Stein David Whitlock Student Commissioners Present (8) Grace Elisco Andy Han Ethan Kirshenbaum Danny Martens Ethan Matlin Maddie Serota Kent Steinberg Ross Steinberg Commissioners Absent (5) Zainab Ahmed Allison Kaplan Emily Schwandner Michael Shore Adam Wagner Village Staff Present Jason Batalden, Youth Commission Staff Liaison Stacy Seiden, Recorder Additional Attendees Lucia Bosacoma Kelli Christenson Mary Shults 1. Call to Order Chairperson Slawson-Martens called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane, at 7:00 PM. A quorum was present. 2. Review of Minutes  Page 2 Minutes of the August 21, 2013 Youth Commission Meeting Commissioner R. Steinberg moved, seconded by Commissioner Martens, to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2013 Youth Commission meeting without corrections. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. 3. Public Comments Commissioners introduced themselves. Misses Bosacoma and Shults also introduced themselves as eighth grade students at Northbrook Junior High School (NBJH). They were interested in serving on the Youth Commission and, therefore, were observing this meeting. Ms. Christenson introduced herself as the mother of Miss Bosacoma. Chairperson Slawson-Martens welcomed attendees and shared a previous Youth Commission annual report to highlight commission work. She explained that every student had a voice--equal to that of adults--on the commission and described the commission meeting atmosphere as “comfortable and safe.” Commissioners reviewed Youth Commission programming, including a 9-11 barbeque for the Northbrook Police and Fire Departments, Operation Santa Claus, caroling at Lake Cook Terrace, Quiz Bowl, Film Festival, and Youth Forum. The commission met once a month, with the exception of June and July, generally from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Chairperson Slawson-Martens encouraged commissioners to “spread the word” about joining the commission. 4. Film Festival Debrief Despite the associated organizational challenges, Chairperson Slawson-Martens noted the high quality of films shown at this year’s Youth Commission Film Festival. She also observed that several former Film Festival participants were currently enrolled in film school and the festival had not grown in the four years of hosting the event. Commissioner Moriello commended Liaison Batalden and commissioners who participated for their organization of the festival. Commissioner Stein noted the high quality of the films and that the films were not appropriate for younger audiences. The Northbrook Public Library may not be available for the festival next year due to upcoming renovations. Consequently, the commission may access a real movie theater instead. Chairperson Slawson-Martens emphasized the need to organize the event earlier. She also suggested inviting back the college film professor from the 2012 festival and continuing to award cash prizes or scholarships. Commissioners discussed the possibility of expanding the festival to include Glenbrook South High School students. The commission will continue to discuss the Film Festival at its next meeting. Commissioner Stein knew of two individuals who might be interested in assisting with the event. Accordingly, she will determine if they can attend the next commission meeting. 5. 2013-2014 Calendar Events Chairperson Slawson-Martens reported that the Community Relations Commission (CRC) was focusing on one aspect of youth. Motivated by the recent suicides of several Northbrook youth, the CRC intended to launch a campaign, entitled “Northbrook Cares,” to make Northbrook youth and families aware of the many community resources available for emotional support. The CRC requested that the Youth  Page 3 Minutes of the August 21, 2013 Youth Commission Meeting Commission review the Northbrook Cares Website and provide feedback. Accordingly, Commissioners Han, Martens, Matlin, Serota, R. Steinberg, and K. Steinberg volunteered to review the relevant site. Chairperson Slawson-Martens explained that the CRC also requested that the Youth Commission design a Northbrook Cares logo. She suggested identifying a professional logo designer for this purpose. Commissioner Matlin described a Glenbrook North High School (GBN) marketing class, in which students competed to develop the best marketing strategy, including logo design, for participating companies. Commissioner Elisco was currently enrolled in this class. Several commissioners stated their preference for working with a graphic design firm. Commissioners discussed the possibility of bringing a professionally designed logo to the aforementioned GBN class for student feedback. Chairperson Slawson-Martens underscored the need for the logo to resonate with youth. Commissioner Schifferdecker emphasized the necessary preliminary work, including identifying the target audiences, as well as developing a mission statement and relevant programming. Commissioner Stein suggested that the GBN Website link to the Northbrook Cares site. Commissioner Whitlock, who will serve as the Youth Commission liaison to the CRC, suggested approaching the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce about conducting a logo contest in which students served as judges. Commissioners discussed the ambiguity surrounding GBN social workers (e.g., what was their official title, how could students contact them, did they have a lasting presence at the school?). Misses Bosacoma and Shults described a NBJH program, entitled “Talk About It,” in which students could anonymously text a school official for help. Chairperson Slawson-Martens explained that while several community hotlines existed, youth and parents were generally unaware of these resources. Consequently, she stressed the need to educate the community about available resources and connect Northbrook Cares with those who serve the emotional needs of GBN students. Commissioners also discussed the possibility of linking Northbrook Cares with the Chromebooks used by GBN students. Chairperson Slawson-Martens concluded the discussion by stating that more information on this topic would be shared at the next commission meeting. Commissioners then discussed the 9-11 barbeque, which the commission traditionally hosted on the Sunday before or after September 11. Liaison Batalden suggested hosting the event on a weeknight between shifts to enhance public safety turnout at the event. Commissioner R. Steinberg noted that student commissioner participation would be at least somewhat dependent on homework assigned for that week. Commissioner Moriello moved, seconded by Commissioner R. Steinberg, that the Youth Commission consider the following dates for hosting the 2013 9-11 barbeque: 1) Sunday, September 8, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, 2) Wednesday, September 11, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and 3) Friday, September 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. Upon further discussion, Commissioner Moriello moved, seconded by Commissioner Matlin, that the Youth Commission vote between the following two dates for hosting the 2013 9-11 barbeque: 1) Wednesday, September 11, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM or 2) Friday, September 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. The commission then voted to host the barbeque on Wednesday, September 11.  Page 4 Minutes of the August 21, 2013 Youth Commission Meeting Commissioner Stein requested a tour of the police station and Chairperson Slawson-Martens encouraged commissioners to bring friends to the barbeque. Commissioner Moriello moved, seconded by Commissioner Matlin, to host the 9-11 barbeque in lieu of the regularly scheduled September 18 Youth Commission meeting. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. Commissioner Moriello described Operation Santa Claus, requesting that Commissioners Serota and Elisco coordinate the project at GBN. 6. Old Business Commissioner Moriello commented that another adult member was needed to serve on the Youth Commission. Accordingly, Commissioner Whitlock and Chairperson Slawson-Martens described the commission membership processes for adults and students. Chairperson Slawson-Martens encouraged those considering membership to observe a commission meeting and/or attend a commission- sponsored event. Commissioners discussed specifics regarding the 9-11 barbeque. Miss Bosacoma will bring the bag toss game, Baggo. Commissioner R. Steinberg moved, seconded by Commissioner K. Steinberg, to use money from the Youth Commission budget to pay for the 9-11 barbeque menu at an amount comparable to last year. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. Commissioner Han announced that he currently served on the National Music Honor Society Board. The society conducted community service through music. He suggested that the society participate in the Youth Commission Lake Cook Terrace event, noting that society members could not participate on a Wednesday. His suggestion was well-received and, therefore, the commission will accommodate the society as necessary. Commissioner R. Steinberg commented that the commission should begin organizing the Film Festival earlier and a long-term strategy was needed for this event. At the suggestion of Commissioner Whitlock, Chairperson Slawson-Martens moved that the Youth Commission create a Film Festival Subcommittee. The motion was seconded and, on a voice vote, unanimously carried. Liaison Batalden confirmed that volunteers who do not serve on the commission can participate on the subcommittee. Commissioners Whitlock and R. Steinberg will serve as Film Festival Subcommittee Co- Chairpersons. They should contact Liaison Batalden if the subcommittee required meeting space. Liaison Batalden also reminded them that minutes should be taken at subcommittee meetings. 7. New Business Commissioner Martens agreed to serve as the student Co-Chairperson at the next Youth Commission meeting on October 16, 2013. 8. Student Hot Topics As part of their recruitment efforts, Chairperson Slawson-Martens encouraged commissioners to target high school freshmen to serve on the Youth Commission. Accordingly, Commissioner Serota will target GBN Freshmen Board members for commission recruitment. 9. Adjournment  Page 5 Minutes of the August 21, 2013 Youth Commission Meeting There being no further business, Commissioner Kirshenbaum moved, seconded by Commissioner K. Steinberg, to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote, the motion unanimously carried. Chairperson Slawson-Martens adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Stacy J. Seiden Recorder