Youth Commission Meeting

MINUTES The City of Crystal Lake PROCEEDINGS OF THE YOUTH COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL May 8, 2025 Special Meeting Aaron T. Shepley City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 1. Call to Order Commissioner Wolfe called the meeting to order at 3:58 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025. 2. Roll Call/Attendance Commissioners Lauren Wolfe, Charlie Ann Benton, Sunny Tomberlin, Leo Camasta, Theo Johnston, and Andrew Cioper were present. Mayor Haig Haleblian and Deputy City Manager Nick Hammonds were also present. 3. Approval of Minutes from the April 10, 2025 Meeting Commissioner Camasta moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Wolfe seconded. Upon voice vote, motion passed. 4. Public Presentation Angie Baughers, Teen Librarian, provided an update regarding the Crystal Lake Public Library. She provided information materials for the Youth Commission to share with local students ahead of the upcoming finals week. She asked for the Commissioners’ opinions on the best days and hours to open the study spaces for students. Commissioner Wolfe stated that Saturdays and Sundays would most likely be important for students preparing for exams the following week. Commissioner Camasta stated that the best times are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Commissioner Cioper agreed, stating that later in the afternoon will be needed since sports are still going on. Commissioner Johnston stated that the weekdays should have later hours as well for those who study the night before an exam. Ms. Baughers stated that the Library has an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with District 47, but not with District 155. She encouraged the Commissioners to contact their school administrators to consider entering into an IGA with the library for programs and resources. 5. Promotional Video Discussion Commissioner Johnston provided an update regarding the video for Central High School. The plan is to reschedule for a day next week with the Mayor to film in front of the school with a smaller group and some teachers. The Commission agreed to narrow the focus of the video at school to include the Commissioners who attend each respective school, some staff, and some students. 6. School Surveys and Announcements Deputy City Manager Hammonds provided an update regarding the youth survey responses. The Commission will receive a report showing the survey results. The task for Commissioners will be to review the results and provide suggestions for the City to improve on any areas based on the survey results. 7. Open Discussion The Commissioners provided feedback regarding the first year of the Youth Commission. Commissioner Cioper suggested that the Commissioners could be involved with the interviews for the next applicants for next term. Mayor Haleblian agreed that it is a great idea. Commissioner Tomberlin stated that the survey responses largely state that there are few gathering spaces for youth in the community outside of sporting events. She suggested that the Commission work on fundraisers at restaurants, with potential reduced rates for teens, to provide youth gathering nights. Commissioner Wolfe stated that focusing on local businesses, such as in the downtown area, would be great. Mayor Haleblian stated that the Commissioners should work on a list of restaurants to propose the concept and gather feedback. Commissioner Tomberlin suggested that the Commission focus on updating the promotional brochure each year. She stated that she has a friend who specializes in graphic design and could assist. Commissioner Cioper suggested that the Commission update the pamphlet quarterly to disseminate information and gather feedback. Commissioners Camasta and Cioper discussed how unstructured sporting events are a great gathering opportunity. Mayor Haleblian suggested that the Commission coordinate with the Park District to utilize parks for recreational activities that are not formal sports leagues. 8. Adjourn There being no further business, Commissioner Cioper moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:12 p.m. Commissioner Camasta seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.