1992-03-09CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
667 N. Carroll Avenue
TEEN COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
March 9, 1992 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ralph Hopkins, Coordinator; Sally Hall,
Secretary; Cathy Turner, Megan Hartman, Jon Michael Franks, and
Mike Bedrich.
GUEST PRESENT: Dotie Morris
MEMBERS ABSENT: Buddy Luce, Chairman; Jason Weddel, Janine
Bernasek, Chauncey Willingham, and, Christen Gustafson.
The Regular Meeting of the Teen Court Advisory Committee was called
to order by Sally Hall, Secretary, at 6:05 p.m.
Agenda Item #2, Approval of the Minutes
The Minutes of the February 10, 1992, Teen Court Advisory Committee
Meeting were approved as presented.
Motion: Turner
Second: Bedrich
Approved by those present.
Agenda Item #3, Administrative Comments
Coordinator, Ralph Hopkins reported that Buddy Luce had a
conversation with Judge Bradley in regard to having Teen Court
Sessions during the summer months. Bradley felt the large number
of cases would be difficult to overcome. Hopkins stated it would
be hard to get the kids during the summer months. It was noted we
are still playing catch-up with Court sessions. Judge Bradley
expressed he would rather have some of the teen offenders in Teen
Court rather than Regular Court.
Hopkins noted we are trying to maintain a quality with our Teen
Court process and we are having to look away from Southlake for
projects for the service hours. Some of the projects that were
discussed include: Fire Plug painting; City Park projects;
Extended recycling program; Working with Senior Citizens on "spring
cleaning projects"; Assisting with sports sign up and coaching;
Assisting with kids horseback riding. A question was raised in
regard to the liability of having kids work in the public roadway.
Sally Hall stated she will contact Bob Mundlin in regard to
generating an extended recycling program.
Mr. Hopkins stated the City of Arlington and North Richland Hills
have the parents and kids sign a release of liability, based on the
type of activities they will work on. The City Attorney should
review the "release" before it is implemented.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Meeting
March 9, 1992
page two
Agenda Item U , Continued
Having Teen Court sessions in June and August were discussed. A
July session would depend on the teen attorneys.
Ralph Hopkins expressed concerns with "Bad Attitudes" toward the
Teen Court Program.
A discussion was held in regard to having a full time Teen Court
Judge. The group was concerned that Judge Bradley is spread too
thin.
It was determined that applications will be available to persons
wishing to serve on the Teen Court Advisory Committee. The
applications should be reviewed by both the existing board and the
High School Principal.
Mike Bredich suggested a Court Clerk stay for Teen Court sessions,
to collect the $10.00 fee for the offenders attending court.
Hopkins stated he will talk with the Court Clerk in regard to this
issue.
Agenda Item #4, Criteria for Establishing Scholarships
The criteria for establishing scholarships was discussed. Megan
Hartman expressed concern with students receiving credit for debate
class. She stated she feels there is a big difference between
debate or teen court.
The application for scholarship used by Carroll PTO was discussed.
The question of should the scholarship be limited to those wanting
to become a lawyer was discussed.
Agenda Item #5, By -Laws for Teen Court Advisory Committee
It was determined that Buddy Luce, Chairman, has the By -Laws with
changes as suggested. It was agreed upon that they will be voted
on at the next meeting. Sally Hall is to call Mr. Luce in regard
to this matter.
Agenda Item #6, Lawyer Traininq Sessions
Lawyer Training Sessions were discussed. It was noted that Mayor
Pro Tem Rick Wilhelm will help with Teen Court sessions and also
with the Lawyer Training sessions.
Agenda Item V , Debriefing on Teen Court Sessions
This item was previously discussed during Administrative Comments.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Meeting
March 9, 1992
page three
Agenda Item #8, Juror Instructions
Jon Michael Franks presented suggested jury instructions as used in
the City of Arlington, Teen Court Program.
Agenda Item #9, Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Sally Hall at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
j".0" Jj�
Sally R. gall
Secretary
SRH/sl