In a significant step towards addressing teen violence in the community, Gilbert’s Town Council has appointed a new group of members to the Community Engagement Task Force. The announcement was made during the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The task force, composed of eleven members, including three teens, will also have two adult and two teen alternates to support its mission.
The primary focus of the task force is to explore and recommend potential solutions to reduce or eliminate teen violence in Gilbert. Recognizing the importance of community partnership, the task force will collaborate with advisors from local schools, organizations, and community leaders. They will examine existing resources, including recent school survey results and youth programs, to develop actionable recommendations for the Town Council.
The task force’s meetings are open to the public and will typically be held on the second Monday of each month from 5 PM to 7 PM. The Town Council will receive updates on the task force’s progress during the Administrative Items portion of their regular meetings. The first task force meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024, from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Gilbert Town Hall – Heritage Room 300, located at 50 E Civic Center Drive. Residents are encouraged to view the meeting agenda and sign up for email notifications.
The selection process for the task force was thorough, with thirty-nine applications received from community members. Applicants were required to complete a video interview via Spark Hire, with twenty-nine completing this step. The Town Council conducted a second round of interviews in Executive Session on May 29 and May 30, evaluating candidates based on their applications, experience, and video interviews.
The appointed members of the Community Engagement Task Force are:
- Natosha Ash
- Marc Beasley
- Justin Fink
- Deena LeBio
- Angela Rogers
- Lisa Ulibarri Hatlen
- Katy Walter
- Kelly Westerberg
- Nneka Aguwamba (adult alternate)
- Courtney Salamon-Fejt (adult alternate)
- Bradyn Bredemann (teen member)
- Owen Fermoyle (teen member)
- Maxwell Udall (teen member)
- Isabelle Brice (teen alternate)
- Andrew Lewis (teen alternate)
In addition to the appointed members, the task force will work with liaisons from Gilbert Public Schools, Higley Unified School District, Chandler Unified School District, Santan Charter School, American Leadership Academy, Gilbert Christian School, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee.
The term for task force members will conclude upon the completion of their advisory roles on the assigned projects, unless the Council assigns additional tasks. A final report of recommendations is anticipated in December 2024.
Gilbert Town Councilmember Kathy Tilque serves as the Council liaison for the task force, with Melanie Dykstra and Dawn Prince acting as staff liaisons. For more information about the Community Engagement Task Force and to view their meeting minutes, visit the Town of Gilbert’s website.
The town looks forward to the innovative solutions and community-driven efforts that this new task force will bring to enhance the safety and well-being of Gilbert’s youth.
