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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 - Youth Advisory Board - Annual ReportYOUTH ADVISORY BOARD 2003 Annual Report The Youth Advisory Board was created by City Council resolution on April 19, 1994. The purpose of the Youth Advisory Board is to gather information; to communicate with organizations and agencies regarding youth -oriented issues and problems; to document and discuss issues of importance to youth in the Fort Collins community, specifically as they relate to City -operated services; to review and discuss legislation that may affect youth; and to recommend to City Council local legislation and policy actions or changes which would enhance the status of youth in the Fort Collins community. The Board held nine regular meetings in 2003. The calendar year began with Mera Geis, Chairperson and Cooper Liska-Smith, Vice -chairperson. Officers elected for a one-year term in November were Abby Zier, Chairperson and Adrienne Pickett, Vice -chairperson. As the year 2003 ended, the Board was comprised of the following members: Amy Flug, Abby Zier, Jonathan Fanning, Adrienne Pickett, Erin Rooney, Brendon Votipka, Ryann Peats and Ashley Stephenson. Mayor Ray Martinez was City Council representative to the Board, John VanderVliet of Police Services and Peggy Bowers of the Recreation Division served as staff liaisons to the Board, and Janet Urban, Recreation Division, served as staff support to the Board. Youth Advisory Board highlights of 2003 include: The Board held ongoing discussions regarding the results of the Youth Survey that was conducted in the fall of 2002. The results were forwarded to City Council and the City Manager. The Coloradoan expressed an interest in doing an article, but that plan did not materialized in 2003. The Board proposed revising the application and interview process for Youth Advisory Board members. The bylaws allow 7 members to be appointed by Council and two appointed by TEAM Fort Collins with a confirmation by City Council. The Board's recommendation is that all 9 members go through the City's application and interview process prior to securing a position on the Board. City Council added to the Board's work plan the following: "explore avenues to encourage schools to provide `smoke patches' for students who want to quit smoking". Research done by Recreation staff revealed that persons under the age of 18 cannot purchase patches nor can they receive patches purchased by others. In an official letter to the City Manager, the Board requested continued funding for the Youth Activity Center and the Northside Aztlan Community Center for the budget period 2004-05. Youth Advisory Board 2003 Annual Report Page 2. At City Council's request, the Board identified the issues and concerns that they felt were important for the Council to address over the next two years. Exhibit ongoing commitment to the youth of Fort Collins • Improve communication with the Youth Advisory Board to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. • Recognize and examine further youth's perception that adults do not trust them. • Continue to support City -administered programs for youth. • Further investigate recreational and leisure opportunities desired by youths. Three Board members attended a Youth Summit in Estes Park in October where they were able to interact with area youths who also serve on their local boards. They returned with ideas and energy to improve our Youth Advisory Board and to develop strategies to implement their ideas. Mayor Martinez gave a presentation on a universally accessible playground that he, along with a committee that has been formed, hopes will be a concept that citizens will support and contribute to financially. Several Board members expressed an interest in being part of this committee; Abby Zier and Brendon Votipka attended a subsequent meeting. Board members received monthly verbal and written reports of activities and participation at the City's Youth Activity Center and the Northside Aztlan Community Center and of the fund-raising effort for the construction of a full-size gymnasium at the Youth Activity Center.