Such a Youth Council could meet monthly and would require up to 15 hours a month of staff time to administer, noted Bobkiewicz.An option could be adding youth members to existing boards and commissions: the city has a youth representative that serves on the Recreation Commission, and “some cities have youth on other commissions and committees as well.” Such a move would not require much staff time.Holding events to involve youth, including half-day meetings to brief groups of youth on issues or just provide education in city government, are another option, wrote Bobkiewicz, and staff time could vary greatly.Some cities have also been footing the bill for youth to attend the annual meeting of the League of California Cities to get “first hand exposure issues of the day facing cities.” Staff time would be utilized on selecting the individuals who would attend the conference, as well as the cost of the conference itself and related expenses that could be covered by the city up to $900 per student.Bobkiewicz provided the council with an article from the League of California Cities describing the experiences of the approximately 250 youth who attended the 2002 annual conference.
City Council approves first steps to involve youth in government
March 29, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
Youth won’t be wasted on the young as they face grownup issues with an emphasis on involvement on the part of the city’s younger citizens, a concept approved by the City Council at the March 17th meeting.
But if impatience is a youthful trait, local kids will have to wait until the 2003-2004 budget is finalized for implementation of the panel.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesYouth won’t be wasted on the young as they face grownup issues with an emphasis on involvement on the part of the city’s younger citizens, a concept approved by the City Council at the March 17th meeting.But if impatience is a youthful trait, local kids will have to wait until the 2003-2004 budget is finalized for implementation of the panel.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz reported to the council that the move to involve more city youth in city business has several options.The city could create a Youth Council to advise their adult counterparts on the City Council on “issues of interest to the community.”