Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-03TEEN COURT ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF TARRANT § CITY OF BEDFORD § The Teen Court Advisory Board of the cities of Hurst, Euless and Bedford, Texas met at 6:00 p.m. by video conference on the 3rd day of September, 2020 with the following members present: HURST: Lorrie Dickerson EULESS: Robin Edwards, David Lawwill, Renu Sloan BEDFORD: Chris Morrison, Lucy Snearley, Kathleen Toms TEEN REPRESENTATIVES: Hurst Council Liaison — Bedford Council Liaison — Euless Council Liaison —Eddie Price HEB Teen Court Coordinator —Mindy Eichorst HEB Senior Teen Court Clerk — Also present: Hurst City Secretary —Rita Frick Euless Staff Liaison —Claudia Quintero Bedford Court Manager —Doug Campbell Hurst Court Manager — HEB Teen Court Teen Liaison - Bedford Administrative Services Director - MEMBERS AT LARGE: Judge Timothy Murphy MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Bien Camungol, Diana Howard CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Kathleen Toms called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. with a quorum of seven Board Members present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Consider approval of the following Teen Court Advisory Board minutes: a) February 4, 2020 Scholarship Committee Meeting b) February 6, 2020 Gala Committee Meeting c) February 6, 2020 Regular Meeting Robin Edwards made a motion to approve the February 4, 2020 Scholarship Committee Meeting, February 6, 2020 Gala Committee Meeting and Regular Meeting minutes and Renu Sloan seconded the motion and all were in favor. 2. Introductions Introductions were done. OLD BUSINESS 3. Discuss the 2020 Teen Court Scholarship Gala. The HEB Teen Court Scholarship Gala did not occur due to Covid-19 but sponsorships and donations were received through EventBrite that was posted on the City of Bedford website and Facebook. Teen Court Coordinator Mindy Eichorst informed the Advisory Board Members there was revenue of $650 from Silver Gavel Sponsors ($250) and ticket sales. The total expense amount of $315.85 included stamps and invitations that were sent out before the event was canceled. The scholarships for the recipients totaled $7,250 and the deficit was $6,915.85. NEW BUSINESS 4. Discuss the Teen Court Scholarship Recipients. Six teen volunteers were awarded scholarships that totaled $7,250. Ms. Eichorst received thank you notes from three of the teen volunteer recipients and read them to all that were present. Ms. Eichorst mentioned the teens had their pictures taken with their certificates and sent to the Communications Departments at each of the cities to be added to their websites and social media platforms. 5. Discuss the future of the HEB Teen Court Scholarship Gala. Ms. Eichorst mentioned there were Gala Comparison and Scholarship Awards sheets that were emailed to all. The Gala Comparison sheet included data from different venues, number of teen recipients, scholarship money awarded, revenue and expenses. The Scholarship Awards sheet included data of the number of teen recipients from years 2009 — 2020, the total amount of scholarship money awarded, and the maximum amount per scholarship allowed for that year. The Gala Comparison sheet shows years of a deficit, breaking even, or revenue. City of Bedford Judge Timothy Murphy talked about how he did not want to spend any money on a Gala for 2021 but did want to recognize the teens which was the original purpose of the Banquet (which was later called Gala). Judge Murphy mentioned maybe having the Hurst, Euless, and Bedford Mayors be present and make it a special moment for the teen recipients. Judge Murphy really stressed the focus to be recognizing the teens. He also mentioned having a nice backdrop for photo opportunities. Judge Murphy also brought up what to do in upcoming years and move forward with the Galas. He would like to see it less formal than a Gala but making sure that recognition is the purpose and the teen volunteers be recognized on the city websites and social media platforms. A question was asked as to approximately how many seniors teen volunteers would there be for 2021. Ms. Eichorst answered with there are at least three teen volunteers who will be filling out the scholarship application. Chairperson Kathleen Toms asked if the amount awarded should be changed. Ms. Eichorst reminded her that the amount is "up to $1,500." Advisory Board Member Renu Sloan mentioned the Advisory Board could always increase that amount if needed. Robin Edwards made a motion for the 2021 teen recognition changes that Judge Murphy presented this evening and Renu Sloan seconded the motion. All were in favor of the changes. 6. Discuss Fundraising Options, Judge Murphy talked about no fundraising options, in general, are not easy and now with Covid-1 9 it are definitely more difficult. He asked if each Advisory Board Member could think about moving forward with fundraising and be creative as everything is so fluid and come back with some ideas at the next Advisory Board Meeting, 7. Discuss and possibly take action on a date for the next Teen Court Advisory Board Meeting. The next Teen Court Advisory Board Meeting will be on Thursday, November 5, 2020 via videoconference (Zoom). REPORTS Ms. Eichorst presented the Coordinator's Report and explained from March through June, there were no in -person Teen Court Nights that were held. Also, the cities of Hurst, Euless, and Bedford were closed to the public and therefore could not host in -person juvenile court dockets. Teen defendants were able to do community service with online options that were provided by Teen Court and completion dates were extended to accommodate. Dismissals and terminations were reflected on the report throughout all months. The month of July had one of the highest months of terminations and dismissals due to several completion dates being extended to that month. Ms. Eichorst presented the Teen Court Scholarship Fund Report. She explained there was one deposit from City of Euless juror donations and a total of six teen recipient scholarships not reflected on this report. ADJOURNMENT Renu Sloan entered a motion for the meeting to be adjourned and Robin Edwards seconded the motion and all voted in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. (fZ� hte*'n Toms, Chairperson Date