HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2a - Resolution No. 7014 Re-establishing a Youth Commission
DATE:
December 1, 2015
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT:
RESOLUTION NO. 7104 RE-ESTABLISHING A YOUTH COMMISSION
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
Since 2012, youth in Arcadia have been meeting periodically with staff from the
Recreation and Community Services Department to examine interest in re-establishing
a Youth Commission. Over time, the matrix for the potential Youth Commission has
evolved to what may fit nicely with the Recreation and Community Services Department
today. Therefore, it is recommended the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7104 re-
establishing a Youth Commission on a trial basis of two and one-half years.
BACKGROUND
In May 1969 Resolution No. 4072 was adopted by the City Council establishing a Youth
Commission. The Youth Commission was established to act in an advisory capacity to
the City Council in matters relating to youth of the community and to provide leadership
for the coordination of youth activities within the community. Initially, the Youth
Commission consisted of eight members from those in regular attendance in schools in
the community. In May 1975, Resolution No. 4497 was adopted, changing the number
of Youth Commissioners from eight to eleven. In February 1987, Resolution No. 5342
was adopted, dissolving the Youth Commission effective June 30, 1987.
Since 2012, Mayor Kovacic and staff held a number of meetings with a “committee” of
interested youth who wanted to re-establish a Youth Commission. Although, the
Recreation and Community Services Department has a Youth Leadership Team and
staff was able to determine there are a variety of opportunities in Arcadia for youth to be
involved (Student Council/ASB, Leo Club, Key Club, Speech & Debate, etc.), the
“committee” still felt there was a current need for youth to share their voice with the City.
The goal of the Youth Commission would be to spread civic education to Arcadia’s
youth, give students a voice within the City of Arcadia, provide opportunities for
community service initiatives, and provide input for youth programming in Arcadia.
Resolution Re-establishing a Youth Commission
December 1, 2015
Page 2 of 3
DISCUSSION
The youth working with staff on re-establishing this commission believes the Youth
Commission in Arcadia would make a positive difference for youth in the future. Staff is
inclined to concur with this sentiment, provided that there is a steady stream of students
interested in the program. Youth Commissions have been successful in other cities
(Pasadena, Walnut, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Westminster), although it is unclear
why the Youth Commission previously dissolved in Arcadia. Because the Arcadia
Youth Commission was disbanded previously, it would be recommended that the
Commission be re-established on a trial basis to ensure that it is useful to all before
become a permanent feature in the community. The recommended trial period would
be two and one-half years. This should provide ample time to more fully develop the
goals and protocols and to ensure that there is continued interest by all parties.
If approved, the Youth Commission would consist of seven members appointed by the
City Council. Of the seven members, four members must consist of current high school
students and three current middle school students at the time of appointment. All
members must be Arcadia residents and under the age of 18 at the time of
appointment. Meetings for the Youth Commission would be scheduled quarterly, the
second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October at 4:00 p.m. The proposed
powers and duties of the Youth Commission are to:
Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters pertaining to the youth
population of the community.
Encourage the interest and participation of the youth community in the various
activities and recreational services offered by the City of Arcadia.
Develop additional, more effective methods of communication to actively engage
the youth of Arcadia.
Provide collaboration with the City of Arcadia and the various community youth
groups.
Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the City Council.
The Youth Commission would be subject to the Brown Act, conflict of interest
regulations, and all other policies that apply to City boards and commissions. The
Recreation and Community Services Department would serve as the liaison to the
Commission.
Resolution Re-establishing a Youth Commission
December 1, 2015
Page 3 of 3
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact would be absorbed by the Recreation and Community Services
Department since the proposed meeting dates and times are during regular operating
hours. Each Youth Commission Meeting is projected to last one and a half hours,
totaling six hours per year. Additional staff time costs may be accrued in the future, as
projects relating to the Youth Commission expand or develop.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council Adopt Resolution 7104 Re-establishing a Youth
Commission. The Youth Commission will be established on a trial basis, for a period of
two and a half years until June 30, 2018. If a subsequent Resolution is not established
prior to June 30, 2018, the Youth Commission will automatically sunset.
Attachment: Resolution No. 7104
YOUTH COMMISSION
MEMBERSHIP
The Youth Commission consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council.
Of the seven (7) members, four (4) must consist of current high school students at the
time of appointment, and three (3) must consist of current middle school students at the
time of appointment. All members must be under the age of eighteen (18) at the time of
appointment and reside in the City of Arcadia.
MEETINGS
Commission meetings will be held quarterly as follows:
● Second Wednesday of January
● Second Wednesday of April
● Second Wednesday of July
● Second Wednesday of October
POWERS AND DUTIES
● Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters pertaining to the youth
population of the community.
● Encourages the interest and participation of the youth community in the various
activities and recreational services offered by the City of Arcadia.
● Develop additional, more effective methods of communication to actively engage
the youth of Arcadia.
● Provide collaboration between and among the City of Arcadia and the various
community youth groups.
● Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the City Council.
EXHIBIT “A”