A youth commission is established. The youth commission consists of ten youth members. The youth commission operates with the membership, powers, and duties as provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
A.
Qualifications. To be eligible for appointment to the youth commission, a person must, at the time of the appointment, be between eleven and eighteen years of age and a city resident. If a member ceases to be a resident, his or her position becomes immediately vacant.
B.
Appointment. The mayor appoints the members of the youth commission, based on the recommendations of the youth commission and with the approval of the city council.
Beginning in February of each year, the city will make applications available at each middle and high school in the city. An interview committee will include at least one youth commissioner, one city staff liaison, and one liaison from the parks and recreation commission. The interview committee will review applications, interview prospective youth commission candidates, and make recommendations for appointment to the youth commission. The youth commission will make its recommendations to the city council in May of each year.
C.
Term. The term of office for each member is two years, beginning on July 1. Each member, unless removed by city council, serves until a successor is appointed.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
Each commissioner serves without compensation. The city may reimburse a commissioner for actual and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his or her duties, while traveling or engaged on business authorized by the park and recreation director.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
A.
Removal from Office. A member of the youth commission may be removed from office by a majority vote of the city council.
B.
Vacancies. A vacancy is filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the remainder of the unexpired term.
C.
Attendance. A member may not have more than two absences without cause during a calendar year. After a third absence without cause, the commission may request that the city council remove the person from the commission. An absence without cause is an absence that is not due to illness, or is otherwise avoidable and the member fails to give notice and reason to city staff before the meeting. (Excused absences may be based on reasons such as: school needs with a parent's note, death in the family, or family vacation.)
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
Each year, upon the swearing in of commissioners, the youth commission will elect a chair, vice chair, and treasurer from among its members. The officers constitute the executive committee and act as the liaison to the city council. The officers serve for a term of one year, until the successor of each is elected. An officer may serve successive terms.
The secretary of the youth commission is the parks and recreation director.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
A.
Meetings. The youth commission will meet regularly on the first Wednesday of the month, at seven p.m. in the city council chambers, or other location if notice is given. The commission may hold other special meetings as will from time to time be called in the manner required by law.
B.
Rules and Procedures. The youth commission is subject to the Meeting Rules and Procedures established by the city council.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)
The youth commission is advisory to the city council and has the following purpose and goals:
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the youth commission is to provide a voice for youth in the community; actively empower youth by supporting and providing programs, activities and initiatives; and create a positive and motivating environment for youth to prosper in the community.
B.
Goals. The goals of the commission are to:
1.
Promote healthy living and positive decision-making among youth;
2.
Visibly and positively represent the youth of the city;
3.
Assist youth in better understanding local government;
4.
Positively promote the youth commission through activities and promotions;
5.
General a larger voice for youth in the city;
6.
Provide a forum for the youth to express their concerns and views;
7.
Empower other local youth organizations;
8.
Advise the city council on youth agenda, issues and topics; and
9.
Do such other things as may be required by other ordinances of the city or by direction of the city council.
(Ord. 1023 § 4, 2021; Ord. 1025 § 1, 2021)