The purpose of the Council of Youth to advise the Mayor and Council on any relating to youth issues. To promote youth issues, the Task Force will make recommendations to the Administration, the City's bureaus, and City Council on policies and legislation on youth issues. The purpose of this committee is to foster strong relationships with our youth, parents and the community at large to ensure a safe, nurturing, caring and learning environment and giving value and a defined meaning of obtaining a sound and well-rounded education that will yield sustainable employment.
[Adopted 12-17-2019 by Ord. No. 15583 (Article 180B of the 1962 Codified Ordinances)]
[Amended 2-19-2020 by Ord. No. 15597]
A.
The Council of Youth shall consist of 16 members appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. Six members shall be adults and be representative of youth organizations, interests or advocacy. One member shall be a representative from the Allentown School Board. Eight members on the Council shall represent youth and be no older than 21 years of age. Recommendations can be made to the Mayor by any person, body or organization. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson of the Council with the approval of Council. One member of City Council and one Lehigh County Commissioner may serve as a nonvoting member of the committee. The Department of Police shall have a liaison to the Council who shall be a nonvoting member. The Mayor shall designate staff support for the Council of Youth.
[Amended 10-6-2021 by Ord. No. 15748]
B.
Duly appointed members shall serve a term of four years, except that initial appointments shall be so staggered that the terms of the membership shall expire each year. Of the initial appointments, two members shall serve for four years, two for three years, two for two years and one member for one year. Students/youth shall serve for one-year terms.
C.
Members of the Council must represent a youth advocacy.
D.
Council and the Mayor shall make every effort to ensure the Council reflects the cultural and geographic diversity of the City.
E.
The Council shall meet bimonthly or on an as-needed basis, having at least four meetings a year, with additional meetings as determined by the Council. All meetings shall be advertised and open to the public.
F.
The Council members and City staff shall have the appropriate clearances needed for dealing with youth.
G.
The Council shall develop and approve their by-laws, which shall be approved by Council by resolution.
The Council shall serve as an advisory body. It shall be tasked with offering suggestions on the following:
A.
Identifying issues of concern of youth. It shall research, discuss and propose solutions to the concerns it identifies. The Council shall provide these recommendations to Allentown City Council and the Administration on a regular basis, at least annually as part of the annual report and presentation (see below, § 12-82).
B.
Consider and opine on the impact on youth of potential City actions when Council or the Administration requests such input. Examples of such inclusive of items such as special events, recreation programs, etc.
C.
Facilitate communications, networking and referrals within the community advocating youth interests.
D.
Promote youth activities.
E.
Provide a representation or a "voice" for youth in the community.
The Council shall prepare a written report of the year's activities, a one-year plan and long-term goals and scenarios. The report shall be given to the Mayor and shall be presented to Allentown City Council at an appropriate committee meeting no later than the second meeting in March.