City of Salem
Youth Commission
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
5:30 pm
In Attendance: Eileen Dunn, Meg Farrell, Peter Baglioni, Mary Manning, Zachary Broughton, Chrisanthe Theodorakakis. Vanessa Marshall, Joanne Scott, Deb Amaral, Jason Silva, Tom Watkins
Introduction
Deb announced her resignation as Chair of the Youth Commission. She stated that she is still very committed to the group and its mission. However, given that she has remained Chair for two years and other personal commitments, she felt it in the group’s best interest to step down as Chair.
Eileen asked what are the Chair’s major responsibilities. Deb answered that it is to call the meetings to order, play a lead in organizing the events, distributing event information, etc.
Jason asked if anyone would like to be the new Chair. He said some committees in the City have rolling Chairs, in that one person will run and organize a meeting each month – such as the Beautification and Recycling Committee. He also stated that the thinks there is definitely no shortage of initiatives this group can do. The group just needs to research and identify different things other area community youth Commissions are doing. Jason stated he did some research and he listed of some initiatives/projects other local Youth Commissions are doing. Tom also passed around a Youth Services Resource Guide Book that the City of Newton’s Youth Commission produced.
Joanne wondered if the group really needed to meet every month. She also asked about current gang activity in Salem. Peter responded by stating gang activity has been quiet in Salem recently. Joanne stated this is a testament to the Youth Commission.
Mary stated that she could not take the role as Chair at this time, and does not want this group to disband in any way given the upcoming budget cuts in local aid to cities and town from the Commonwealth. Also, given the poor economy, the need for youth services will increase only get greater.
Jason stated that the group needs to identify specific objectives and assign certain group members to particular projects.
Joanne said there will always be a problem in funding group projects and initiatives. Jason stated that searching for funding may be an initiative someone can look in to.
Peter stated that people should come to the next meeting with ideas they would like to specifically work on for the Youth Commission.
Eileen stated one program the Park & rec. Office is hosting in February is Winter Wonderland Day at Olde Salem Greens. She said the Youth Commission can certainly help with this effort to expand upon the event. Peter said he could look into getting hot dogs and chips for the event. The group will discuss this event in more detail at their next meeting.
Joanne volunteered to be the Committee Chair.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 at 5:00 pm.
The Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm
Meeting minutes recorded by Tom Watkins
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