Chapter 2.104
YOUTH COMMISSION

Sections:

2.104.010    Establishment.

2.104.020    Membership.

2.104.030    Terms.

2.104.040    Compensation.

2.104.050    Goals and objectives.

2.104.060    Rules.

2.104.070    Staff support.

2.104.080    Background check.

2.104.010 Establishment.

For the general purpose of providing a structure within local government to serve as a voice for youth, there is established the Colville youth commission to advise and make recommendations regarding policies, programs, planning, budgets, staffing and other matters relating to the quality of life of Colville area youth. (Ord. 1183 NS § 1, 1999).

2.104.020 Membership.

The commission consists of 12 members of the Colville community nominated by the mayor and appointed by the city council. There would be one chairperson and two vice chairpersons (one is an adult and the other a youth). The commission is comprised of:

A. One member of the city council;

B. Seven young people, 13 to 19 years of age; and

C. Four other citizens. (Ord. 1291 NS § 1, 2003; Ord. 1183 NS § 2, 1999).

2.104.030 Terms.

Members serve staggered terms of two years, except that:

A. A member may be removed for cause by the council at any time;

B. A member serves until his/her successor assumes the office;

C. At the initial meeting terms of one or two years will be determined by lot; teen advisory committee (TAC) members may serve one year and commissioners may serve two years;

D. No adult member may serve more than two consecutive two-year terms, to a maximum of eight years during his/her lifetime and no youth member may serve more than four one-year terms, to a maximum of four years. (Ord. 1183 NS § 2, 1999).

2.104.040 Compensation.

Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. (Ord. 1183 NS § 2, 1999).

2.104.050 Goals and objectives.

A. In examining the needs, encouraging the development and celebrating the accomplishments of young people, the commission shall endeavor to bring about widespread awareness of the situation of young people, including problems and aspirations, and to generate increasing participation of young people in the betterment of their communities. Recognizing that youth involvement in meaningful community activities is the best strategy to prevent a host of youth problems, the commission shall:

1. Develop a teen advisory committee (TAC) to provide systematic input from a cross-section of youth and to develop a model youth program in which the youth plan, develop and implement community projects of their choosing;

2. Work to secure funding for numerous youth participation projects in schools and communities.

B. To assess needs and problems and create citizen awareness of needs, the commission will:

1. Do a comprehensive needs assessment and long-range plan to communicate problems and a plan for solutions, which can be used by youth agencies, schools, planners and funding sources in developing, programming and establishing priorities for youth services in coming years;

2. Hold public information forums that focus on the needs and problems of youth and envision solutions within the community.

C. Being a body having a complete overview of youth services, the commission will work to coordinate programs and services. The commission will:

1. Regularly participate in a variety of youth coordinating bodies, including:

a. Citizens advisory committees of School District No. 115;

b. Department of Social and Health Services;

c. Consolidated juvenile services review;

d. Area church connections;

e. Parks and recreation departments;

2. Compile and publish a newsletter to keep the community aware of program changes, funding opportunities, training and workshop opportunities, issues of mutual interest and a calendar of events.

D. The commission will advocate for youth in the local and federal legislative processes. (Ord. 1291 NS § 1, 2003; Ord. 1183 NS § 3, 1999).

2.104.060 Rules.

The commission shall by rule provide for such matters as:

A. Regular and annual meetings;

B. The conduct of meetings;

C. The selection and duties of officers;

D. The appointment and jurisdiction of committees;

E. The establishment of a teen advisory committee (TAC). (Ord. 1183 NS § 4, 1999).

2.104.070 Staff support.

Under the direction of the mayor the commission receives staff support as necessary. In particular, the recreation coordinator serves as executive secretary of the commission and provides direct staff support and the city attorney provides legal counsel. (Ord. 1291 NS § 1, 2003; Ord. 1183 NS § 5, 1999).

2.104.080 Background check.

All adults involved with the youth commission or TAC shall undergo a criminal history background check and sign a statement that they have not committed any crime against people. (Ord. 1183 NS § 6, 1999).