[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of
the Town of Smithfield 5-5-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-3. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
There is hereby established a Smithfield Youth Council for the
Town, composed of three or more Council members, consisting of young
residents of Smithfield representing grades 8 through 12 who must
submit an application, be appointed by the Town Manager and confirmed
by the Town Council. The Council shall have adult advisors, one of
which is a sitting Town Council Member appointed by the Town Council
and any additional adult advisors deemed appropriate and appointed
by the Town Council.
The primary function of the Youth Council is to serve as a communications
link between young residents of the Town and Town government. Through
the creation of the Youth Council, the Smithfield Town Council will
emphasize its unwavering support and commitment to the Town's young
residents that they represent the future of Smithfield.
A.
All Youth
Council members shall be appointed by the Town Manager and confirmed
by the Town Council. The members shall consist of young residents
of Smithfield representing grades 8 through 12. Each regular member
may serve a term of two years and is eligible for reappointment.
B.
Individuals
shall attend and be members of the student body of their respective
high school. If an existing Council member drops out of school, his/her
position as council member will be considered vacated and filled in
the manner prescribed. If an existing council member graduates from
high school during his/her term, he/she will be permitted to fill
out the remaining portion of his/her term of appointment.
The officers of the Youth Council shall consist of a Chairperson,
Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. If the need arises, the Youth Council
may add the position of Treasurer. All officers shall be elected annually
at the first regular meeting and shall serve for a term of one year.
The first annual meeting shall be held in September, with date to
be determined by the adult advisors. Should the Youth Council, in
conjunction with the adult advisor(s), determine that a vacancy exists
in any of the officer positions, then the Youth Council shall hold
a special election to fill such vacancy, at a time and place to be
determined by the Youth Council.
Any member of the Smithfield Youth Council may be removed by
a majority vote of the Town Council whenever it is in the best interest
of the Town as determined by the Town Council.
The Youth Council meetings shall be held at least once a month
at the Smithfield Senior Center located at 1 William J. Hawkins, Jr.
Trail, Smithfield, Rhode Island, in the main hall or designated location,
unless otherwise specified. The day and time of the meetings shall
be determined by the adult advisor(s).
If a Youth Council member is absent without cause from three
regular meetings of the Youth Council during any calendar year, the
Town Manager, subject to approval of a majority of the Town Council,
may deem said Council member's appointment immediately terminated.
Neither the Youth Council nor any member thereof shall incur
any financial liability in the name of the Town.
Town staff from the Parks and Recreation Department will act
as liaisons between the Town and the Youth Council. Town staff will
assist the Youth Council in developing and preparing reports.
The Youth Council shall annually prepare and submit a yearly
program work plan outlining proposed activities, project items and
events for the next fiscal year. The work plan would specifically
identify objectives and action dates of each project. The project
work plan is to be submitted to the Town Manager.
The duties of the Youth Council shall be as follows:
A.
Develop
a work plan that specifically identifies projects and/or issues. Include
objectives and action dates. The work plan should include potential
long-term projects.
B.
Advise,
recommend, assist and encourage activities, programs and projects
to be undertaken for and with the youth of Smithfield.
C.
Participate
in leadership development training and other trainings that are a
part of the program.
D.
Keep informed
about and be familiar with the progress and development of community
teen activities and programs, including social service programs.
E.
Prepare
regular status reports on youth programs and activities to be submitted
to the Town Council. Include recommendations as to future action regarding
these programs.
F.
Identify
and recruit businesses, organizations and technical sources for assistance
in developing and implementing youth programs.
G.
Develop
an action plan for the promotion of youth programs and for increasing
the involvement of youths in the creation, promotion and implementation
of youth programs.
H.
Periodically
attend Town Council meetings.
I.
Other
duties as assigned.
Recognition for membership and participation in the Youth Council
may includes community service credit, annual certificate for participation
and other forms of recognition.
