1992-04-13CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
667 N. Carroll Avenue
REGULAR TEEN COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
April 13, 1992 6:00 p.m.
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sally Hall, Secretary; Janine Bernasek,
Vice -Chairman; Ralph Hopkins, Coordinator. Cathy Turner, Mike
Bedrich, Megan Hartman, Christen Gustafson, and Jon Michael Franks.
VISITOR PRESENT: Dottie Morris
MEMBERS ABSENT: Buddy Luce, Chairman; Chauncey Willingham, and
Jason Weddel.
The Regular Teen Court Advisory Committee meeting was called to
order at 6:10 p.m. by Sally Hall, Secretary.
Agenda Item #2, Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the March 9, Regular Teen Court Advisory Committee
meeting were approved as presented.
Motion: Turner
Second: Hartman
Approved: unanimous
Agenda Item #3, Administrative Comments
Ralph Hopkins, Teen Court Coordinator, stated he has had
conversations with Judge Brad Bradley in regard to the need for a
full time Teen Court Judge. Judge Bradley is spread very thin and
the feeling is that a judge with more time could assume more
traditional teen court activities and appearance.
Chairman, Buddy Luce favored a recruiting drive for lawyers who can
spend time with the Teen Lawyers, and serve as their motivators and
drivers, according to Hopkins.
Sally Hall suggested possibly another person with the D.A.R.E.
Program who can spend time with Teen Court activities.
Cathy Turner stated she feels the kids in this district are going
to be the leaders of tomorrow. These kids want to do some special
things, and we need the judges who will be trained.
Ralph Hopkins stated we are going to be ready for fall--- when
school starts back up, we need to be ready.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Minutes
April 13, 1992
page two
Agenda Item #3, Continued
Cathy Turner suggested members of the Teen Court Advisory Committee
sit down with Dr. Annette Griffin and open the line of
communications. Mrs. Turner agreed to set up the meeting, in which
Sally Hall, Megan Hartman and Turner would like to be present.
A discussion was held in regard to finding an Intern to work with
the Teen Court. Mike Bedrich stated cohesiveness is important in
this position.
Dottie Morrison stated she would like to do something like this for
the City, possibly on a part time basis. Ralph Hopkins noted
that GTE will provide the computer and printer for this position.
He feels the coordinator should have insight into teens and their
problems. Sally Hall implied that the building located at the
park should be ready before too long, and possibly the person could
office there.
The topic of corporate sponsorship was discussed. North Richland
Hills Teen Court has all their name tags, stationary, etc. donated
by HCA, Richland. This company is helping the community, and does
not have their name on anything. They only receive a tax write-off
for this service.
Agenda Item #4, Debriefing on Teen Court Session
Debriefing on Teen Court Sessions was discussed. Christen
Gustafson suggested the "Teens" talk to students about Teen Court.
The possibility of thirteen (13) year olds coming to Teen Court was
discussed.
A discussion was held in regard to having an adult present with the
jury during deliberation. Megan Hartman stated she feels putting
an adult in with the jury during deliberation should be the last
resort. She feels we should try using "forms" first.
Mrs. Hall stated she does not want to see the process undermined by
adults. Jon Michael Franks stated he feels they should try
alternatives first, including jury instructions, and forms.
Christen Gustafson suggested she and Janine Bernasek sit in on jury
deliberation as members of the jury and ask the jurors how they
feel about the process. The group agreed on using this method
first.
Agenda Item #6, By -Laws for Teen Court Advisory Committee
This item was tabled, as Buddy Luce was absent and he has the
By -Laws. Mr. Hopkins agreed to talk with Mr. Luce in regard to the
By -Laws being adopted during the next meeting.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Minutes
April 13, 1992
page three
Aaenda Item #5, Discussion: Selection of Advisory Board
In regard to the process for selection of the next Teen Court
Advisory Board, it was suggested that each applicant seek three
(3) adults for recommendations to the board. This process should
be incorporated into the By -Laws. It was suggested the
applications be out before the next meeting, and that everyone must
re -apply for the board.
Aaenda Item #8, Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. The next meeting will be
held on May 11, 1992, at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sally R. Hall
Secretary
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