REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 11, 2015
FROM: Councilmember Soria and Council President Baines
Council Offices
SUBJECT
Title
***BILL NO. B-19 - (Intro. 6/4/2015) (For adoption) - Adding Section 5-510 to Article 5, Chapter 5 of the Fresno Municipal Code establishing the Fresno Youth Commission
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council approve the introduction of the ordinance adding Section 5-510 to Article 5, Chapter 5 of the Fresno Municipal Code establishing the Fresno Youth Commission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The attached ordinance will establish the Fresno Youth Commission as an advisory board to the Council. The Commission will collect all information relevant to advising the Council and Mayor on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs and budgets concerning the youth of Fresno. The Commission will also organize and lead efforts to help educate and motivate youth to participate in the local political process.
BACKGROUND
The proposed Fresno Youth Commission will address the important goal of integrating the youth voice into local policymaking resulting creating positive change to shape the City's future. There is value in having a mechanism for young people to have a voice in City affairs and issues of special concern to youth, including crime prevention, jobs for youth, health and wellness, accessible transportation, recreational facilities and open space. The Commission will be the vehicle by which the youth of the City can be heard and provide input on those issues.
The Commission shall consist of eight voting members and eight alternates. Each member of the Council shall appoint two members (one voting, one alternate) from their district, and the Mayor shall appoint two members from the City at large. Council and Mayor shall make an effort to involve local youth-serving organizations in the selection and appointment process. Members must reside or attend school within the City limits and be between fifteen and twenty-one years old at the time of appointment, and may serve until age twenty-three. Each member shall serve up to two, two-year terms. All meetings of the Commission shall be publicly noticed and subject to the Brown Act.
A youth serving organization designated by the Council will work with the City Clerk and City staff to provide guidance to the Commission. The City will secure funding for the business of the Commission, provide web hosting, and any other necessary technical support. The Council staff will serve as liaisons between the Commission and Council.
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
· Identify the concerns and needs of the youth of Fresno; examine existing social, economic, educational, and recreational programs for youth; develop and propose plans that support or improve such programs; and make recommendations thereon to Council and Mayor.
· Develop and maintain a yearly strategic plan outlining the areas of focus for the Commission.
· Identify the unmet needs of Fresno's youth through community outreach and engagement; hold public forums in which children, youth and families are encouraged to participate.
· Submit recommendations to the Council and Mayor about juvenile crime prevention, job opportunities for youth, recreational activities for teenagers, opportunities for effective participation by youth in the governmental process, and changes in City regulations that are necessary to improve the social, economic, educational, recreational advantages, health, and well-being of youth.
· Work with the public and private sectors to bring forth the concerns of youth as well as evaluate programming that will enhance the development of young people.
· Develop a communication network to disseminate information about services for youth and serve as a forum for young people.
· Report to the Council the activities, goals, and accomplishments of the commission each year.
· Submit quarterly reports (or as requested) to the Mayor and Council.
· Meet with their appointing Councilmember or Mayor at least twice a year.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for CEQA purposes.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
This is not a contract subject to local preference.
FISCAL IMPACT
This is a budget related item identified in the FY 2015/2016 budget.
Attachment: Ordinance
Letters of Support