1992-01-22CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
667 N. Carroll Avenue
TEEN COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
January 22, 1992 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Buddy Luce, Chairman; Janine Bernasek,
Vice -Chairman -Treasurer; Sally Hall, Secretary; Ralph Hopkins,
Coordinator; Megan Hartman; Jason Weddel, and, Cathy Turner.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Bedrich, Chauncey Willingham; and, Jon
Michael Franks.
The Regular meeting of the Teen Court Advisory Committee was called
to order at 6:00 p.m., by Buddy Luce, Chairman.
Agenda Item #2, Approval of the Minutes
The Minutes of the Teen Court Advisory Committee meetings held on
November 25, 1991 and December 16, 1991, were approved as
represented.
Agenda Item #3, Administrative Comments
Sally Hall stated she has talked with Judge Brad Bradley, who noted
the City has a back log of cases for Teen Court and he suggested
double sessions be held.
Ralph Hopkins stated he talked with Laura Dennan, Court Clerk for
the City, in regard to the back log of cases. Ms. Dennan informed
him that a number of cases exist that are old and unpaid. Due to
the defendants being minors, warrants cannot be issued. Ms. Dennan
agreed to call the defendants to see if they are willing to come
before Teen Court, to clear the tickets.
The Teen Court Committee recognizes that Judge Brad Bradley is not
a voting member of the Teen Court Advisory Committee, but rather an
ex officio member. Bradley did not want the minutes to reflect
that he has not attended any meetings. He is a member for advisory
proposes only.
Mrs. Sally Hall stated that Judge Brad Bradley is also the Judge of
Municipal Court in Trophy Club. He has asked if the Teens from
Trophy Club could also be considered during Southlake's Teen Court
sessions. Ms. Hall informed the committee that she has talked with
other City Councilmembers, and they were rather possessive on the
Teen Court and did not wish to share this program.
Mrs. Hall suggested perhaps Southlake can assist in training the
Trophy Club/Northwest High School group. The Teen Court committee
concurred with this.
Cathy Turner stated she feels Southlake can be a beacon to other
areas.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Meeting
January 22, 1992
page two
Agenda Item U , Continued
Sally Hall identified the file cabinet in the hall outside the
Conference Room door, as belonging to the Teen Court Committee.
She stated all information, minutes, brochures, etc. can be kept in
the file cabinet. She stated she will get each member a key.
Mrs. Hall stated Councilmember Mike O'Brien expressed concern about
the Class 5 offenses, "leaving the scene of an accident". It was
suggested this section be rewritten in the brochures at the next
printing.
Agenda Item #4, Establishment of By -Laws for Teen Court
Buddy Luce presented a draft of the "By -Laws" he revised, using the
sample form which was provided earlier. It was the consensus of
the group that the coordinator not be a voting member of the
committee.
A discussion was held in regard to the procedure for appointment of
the four (4) students on the board.
It was determined that the By -Laws will be filed as a non-profit
corporation. Ms. Hall is to talk with Judge Bradley, asking him to
draw up the proper corporation papers.
Motion was made to follow the By -Laws as written, and when the
document is ready for filing as a non-profit organization, the
By -Laws will be officially adopted at that time.
Motion: Hall
Second: Luce
Ayes: Hall, Luce, Hartman, Weddel, Bernasek, Turner
Nays: None
Approved: 6-0 vote
Agenda Item #5, A policy in regard to Names Being Released to
Press
Sally Hall referenced the Minutes of the December 16, 1991, Teen
Court meeting where Jon Michael Franks gave an explanation of a
policy he feels should be adopted in regards to the "gag order"
where jurors, defendants, or witnesses in a court case not be
printed in the newspaper.
Buddy Luce stated he feels if a Teen wishes to waive the policy and
allow his name or photograph to appear in the newspaper, we should
be prepared by having a form. If a Teen does not wish to release
his name or photograph, it is his/her choice.
Ralph Hopkins stated he will prepare the proper form to be signed
by the Teen and his/her parents.
Teen Court Advisory Committee Meeting
January 22, 1992
page three
Agenda Item #5, Continued
Megan Hartman stated she is working on a press release at this time.
enda Item #6, Debriefinq on Teen Court Session
A debriefing on the 1st Teen Court session was held. It was
determined that twice is the limit to appear before Teen Court.
Keeping the number of cases to six (6) on each Court Session was
also discussed.
The Meeting was adjourned by Buddy Luce, chairman. The next Teen
Court Advisory Committee Meeting was scheduled for February 10,
1992. The next Teen Court Session will be held on February 3, 1992.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sally Ha , Secretary
SRH/sl