1991-11-11CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
667 N. Carroll Avenue
TEEN COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
November 11, 1991 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ralph Hopkins, Coordinator; Buddy Luce, Chairman;
Cathy Turner, Acting Secretary; Members: Kristen Gustafson, Megan
Hartman.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Sally Hall, Secretary; members: Jason
Weddel, Janine Bernasek, Mike Bedrich, Jon Michael Franks, Chauncey
Willingham, and Brad Bradley.
The Regular meeting of the Teen Court Advisory Committee was called
to order at 6:12 p.m., by Buddy Luce, Chairman.
Agenda Item #2, Approval of the Minutes
Motion was made to approve the minutes of the November 4, 1991
meeting with one minor correction.
Motion: Hopkins
Second: Gustafson
Ayes: Hopkins, Gustafson, Hartman, Turner
Nays: None
Abstention: Luce
Approved: 4-1 vote
Agenda Item #3, Administrative Comments
Ralph Hopkins noted that he has met with Judge Bradley and it
appears that the schedule for Teen Court will be as planned. The
Mock Trial is scheduled to be held on December 2, 1991 and on
December 9, the first real Teen Court Trial will be held.
Buddy Luce stated he had talked with Judge Bradley and they
discussed, interim wise, having Jon Michael Franks, himself, and
Charlie Williams be on call to assist Bradley in serving as judge,
as he will not always be available.
Agenda Item #4, Establishment of By -Laws for Teen Court
Mr. Luce noted this item was tabled during the last meeting as he
was absent and the one in charge of preparing the draft by-laws for
Teen Court. He asked this item be tabled once again.
Agenda Item #5, Date for Lawyer Training
Buddy Luce talked to Bonnie Cade who is Municipal Court in
Arlington. She and the other judge in Arlington have agreed to
provide the lawyer training for Southlake. It was decided that
Wednesday night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. was agreed upon by the group
as the best time for the training. Training will be held in
Arlington.
Teen Court Advisory Committee
November 11, 1991
page two
Agenda Item #5, continued
It was requested that a letter be sent to all students who applied
for Teen Court. Mr. Hopkins stated after the committee has a firm
date for the Mock Trail, and the positions are established, he will
send a letter to all applicants, explaining their positions.
Other Administrative Comments
Ralph Hopkins reported that he has received some position
placements, including: North Texas Humane Society; Grapevine
Public Library; and, G.R.A.C.E. He will report on others at the
next meeting.
Cathy Turner noted that the cities which are big enough have full
blown projects, however, we cannot do this due to our size.
Agenda Item #6, Teen Court Conference
Cathy Turner reported on the Teen Court Conference which was held
in Bedford on November 7 & 8. A copy of the information provided
is hereby attached to the minutes.
Kristen Gustafson added to the report on the Teen Court Conference,
stating recognition is an important factor in the program, naming
several suggestions.
Ralph Hopkins mentioned that the group came away from the
conference with so many good ideas, and it would be good to bring
them out as time goes on.
Mr. Hopkins wanted the minutes to reflect during the conference,
they spent about one-half hour talking about court costs. They
basically said that there is no way a city can legally avoid
charging for teen courts. There is two fees: a court cost and a
fine. According to State Laws, if one goes before a judge, they
must pay court costs. Most agencies present did not charge a fee.
The City was subject to being audited by the state. This issue
will be discussed at a later date.
Agenda Item # 7, Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Turner, Acting Secretary
Teen Court Advisory Committee