1991-12-16CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
667 N. Carroll Avenue
TEEN COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
December 16, 1991 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sally Hall, Secretary; Jon Michael Franks, Cathy
Turner, Megan Hartman, Jason Weddel and Christen Gustafson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Buddy Luce, Chairman; Ralph Hopkins, Coordinator;
Janine Bernasek, Mike Bedrich, Chauncey Willingham, and Brad
Bradley.
The Regular Meeting of the Teen Court Advisory Committee was called
to order by Sally Hall, Secretary, in the absence of Buddy Luce,
Chairman, at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item #2, Approval of the Minutes of the November 25, 1991
Meeting
Approval of the minutes of the November 25, 1991 Teen Court meeting
were postponed until the next regular meeting, due to the illness
of the City Secretary who prepares the minutes.
Agenda Item #3, Administrative Comments
Sally Hall commented in regard to an article which appeared in a
local newspaper, adding that it was a board decision that Megan
Hartman would serve as the member of Teen Court to handle "press
releases" from the committee. Mrs. Hall emphasized that board
decisions are to stand and no one on the board is to circumvent
those decisions. The newspaper printed misinformation about the
propose of Teen Court. The newspaper was delivered to all the
citizens of the area.
Jon Michael Franks explained the "gag order" in regard to court
cases. He suggested the names of jurors, defendants, or witnesses
in a court case not be printed in the newspaper. It was determined
this item will appear on the next agenda for a policy decision.
Mrs. Hall stated, the intent when the Teen Court Advisory Committee
was first formed by the City Council, was to incorporate young
adults as members of the board. Those young adults have
demonstrated their ability to be responsible. She stated, she
feels they should be treated equitably as board members, adding,
their have been a couple of instances where they have been circled
and gone around and are not being treated as equal members of the
Teen Court Advisory Committee
December 16, 1991
page two
Agenda Item #3, Continued
board. She would like to see this stopped. Mrs. Hall elaborated
on two instances where this has occurred. She added, if young
adults are placed on a board they must be listened to and treated
as an equal member of the board. Their discussions and decisions
must be respected. If the youth of today are to be responsible,
they are given the responsibility. Once they demonstrate the
responsibility, it is the duty of the adults to support and allow
that, or, we are under mining the system.
Jason Weddel stated he feels this is a really neat thing to be on
the board and to have people listen to you, and to know your
opinion and comments mean something.
Mrs. Hall stated the uniqueness about the Southlake Teen Court is
that it is a process involving the city, school and the youth of
our community. She feels it is the best approach toward the
development of these type of projects.
Cathy Turner commented that she agrees with Mrs. Hall, stating this
program is for the kids. Too many times, adults demand the respect
of the kids, but they do not give the kids the respect they
deserve.
Cathy Turner reported on the status of the Teen Court brochures,
stating Murray Printing has indicated they will do the project at
cost. They will print approximately 1,000 brochures in two colors
for about $50.00. Sally Hall stated the City of Southlake will
finance the brochures and the bill should be sent to the attention
of the City Secretary, to be charged to Court.
Agenda Item #4, Establishment of By -Laws for Teen Court Advisory
rnmmit_tPe
The By -Laws have not been completed by Buddy Luce at this time.
Points to be included in the By -Laws were discussed. Mrs. Hall
explained issues, including: attendance at meetings, and equal
voting by all members.
Jon Michael Franks offered to contact Mr. Luce in regard to the
completion of the draft of the document.
Agenda Item #5, Debriefing on First Teen Court Session
This item is to be placed on the next agenda in order for all
members to be present for the discussion on the debriefing on the
first Teen Court Session.
Teen Court Advisory Committee
December 16, 1991
page three
Agenda Item #5, Continued
Mr. Franks stated in regard to the Court Sessions, and his not
being used to being involved with municipal jurors. In the future,
there needs to be an opportunity for the defense attorney to make
opening statements. Before the next session, more instructions
should be given orally to jurors before they serve. Also the self
evaluation forms being used by other municipalities need to be
studied. Jury instructions should be given in regard to:
definition; issues on the case in general; a juror responsibility
list that says what they are suppose to do, and how they are
suppose to do it. The Foreman job needs instructions also.
Mr. Franks indicated if any member of the committee feels something
else needs to be added, please contact him.
The sentences issued during the first Court Session were discussed.
Agenda Item #6, Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Sally Hall after the members present
identified themselves for the tape recording of this meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Hal , Secretary
SRH/sl
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