[Adopted 6-18-2018 by Ord. No. 1005]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Art. VII, Drug Advisory Board, adopted 10-6-2003 by Ord. No. 848, was repealed pursuant to the provision that it would be automatically repealed on 9-30-2006 unless extended by ordinance of the Mayor and City Council.
Editor’s Note: Former Art. VII was redesignated as Art. VIII 3-17-2014 by Ord. No. 953.
The Havre de Grace Youth Commission (hereafter referred to as the "Commission") is hereby established.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the Havre de Grace Youth Commission is to foster civic duty, volunteerism and the importance of public service to the youth of Havre de Grace, through education, partnerships and collaborative efforts.
B. 
Duties and powers. The Commission shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) 
Promote the value of young people in our community.
(2) 
Advise the Mayor and City Council on matters relating to youth of Havre de Grace.
(3) 
Facilitate the coordination of youth organizations, programs and facilities currently serving the youth in Havre de Grace (e.g., schools/clubs, churches, organizations, councils/committees, etc.) by maintaining a monthly calendar of local events and programs geared toward Havre de Grace youth.
(4) 
Cultivate relationships with community organizations and businesses that can provide the youth of Havre de Grace with positive developmental opportunities such as mentorships, internships, and community service projects.
(5) 
Promote programs and activities through and for community organizations, local schools and City government that encourage parents and families to engage in the lives of their youth.
(6) 
Provide youth an opportunity to advocate for youth needs in the community by directly engaging them in the governance process, where at least one member must act as liaison to the Harford County Youth Commission and at least one member attend one City and County Council meeting per month.
(7) 
The members will, from time to time, review proposed legislation and report to Council any suggestions.
(8) 
Members will present updates to the Mayor and Council as often as necessary, but not less than those requirements stated in § 25-0 of this chapter.
[Amended 10-3-2022 by Ord. No. 1085; 3-3-2025 by Ord. No. 1174]
A. 
The Mayor shall, with approval of the City Council, appoint all members of the Commission.
B. 
The Commission should strive for diverse representation of the young people that reside in the various communities of the City.
C. 
The Commission shall consist of the following members:
(1) 
Members between the ages of 13 and 17 ("youth member"). The youth member must be in the age range specified above at the time of appointment. The youth member will retain his or her commission until the term has expired, barring extraneous circumstances, regardless of age at the end of the term.
(2) 
Members over the age of 18 (who serve as mentors) ("mentor member").
(3) 
One active member of the Havre de Grace City Council, who shall serve in an ex officio capacity.
(4) 
There is no limit to the members at large who may serve on subcommittees as designated by the Commission.
(5) 
Eligibility for consideration:
(a) 
To serve as one of the youth members, the youth must submit two endorsement letters with signatures from adults who are not a relative, but may be a teacher, school staff person, elected official, coach, employer, or a member of a community organization;
(b) 
To serve as one of the mentor members, the adult members' application will be vetted through the City's Administration Department using a third-party background check service.
(6) 
Shall consist of no more than 12 Commission members (regardless of age).
D. 
Members of the Commission will serve a term of two years from time of appointment by the Mayor and City Council. The names of those members of the Commission whose terms are to expire and who desire reappointment shall be submitted by the Chair to the Mayor for approval, after which their name shall be forwarded by the City Director of Administration or designee to the City Council for consideration for reappointment for another two-year term.
A. 
A simple majority shall constitute a quorum, which does not include the City Council appointee.
B. 
The Commission shall elect a Chairperson from one of its appointed youth members with the mentorship of the Havre de Grace City Council member and create and fill subcommittees as it determines are in the best interests of fulfilling the duties of the Commission.
C. 
The Chairperson shall be elected for a one-year term and is eligible for reelection.
D. 
The Commission shall keep a public record of its meetings, resolutions and recommendations.
E. 
The Commission shall hold meetings as necessary, but not less than four times a year.