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YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Regular meeting — September 6, 2000
7:00 p.m.
Council Liaison: Ray Martinez Staff Liaisons: Peggy Bowers, Recreation, 221-6357
Mark Larkin, Police, 221-6853
Board Chairperson: Vacant
Board Members Present: Mera Geis, Sarah Smith, Mike Davis, Sarah April, Robbie
Weisser, Aaron Steinbach, Phillip Chavez, Ana Rocca
Board Member(s) Absent: Harry McCrystal
Staff Members Present: Peggy Bowers, Staff Liaison — Recreation Division
Dave Mosnik, Supervisor — Recreation Division
Janet Urban, Admin. Support Suprv. — Recreation Division
Guest(s) Present: Ashley Schlesinger, Angela Stewart
Call Meetine to Order: The regular meeting of the Youth Advisory Board was called
to order by staff liaison Peggy Bowers at 7:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: None
Agenda Review: Delete #8 Northside Aztlan Community Center Update.
Citizen Participation: None.
Agenda:
INTRODUCTION OF STAFF
Staff members introduced themselves to the new Board members and gave a brief
description of their jobs and how they relate to the Youth Advisory Board.
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
All Board members introduced themselves by telling who they were, where they attend
school, and some interesting facts about themselves.
REVIEW OF YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD GENERAL INFORMATION
Mike Davis summarized for the Board members the results of a position paper that had
been drafted by some of the Board members whose terms expired (or they resigned) at
the end of June, 2000. Included were the mission statement, Board history, logistics, and
attendance policy.
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September 6, 2000
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Mike indicated that the former Board members felt a need to strengthen the impact of the
Board and make it more direct. The Board might want to be more proactive in taking
issues to City Council rather than having Council solicit input. He also pointed out that
Board members have constituents so it is important for youths to know that the Board is
there to accept input. The YAB should serve as a voice for city youths.
A digital camera will be brought to the next meeting to photograph Board members for
the Web page.
Meetings follow Roberts Rules of Order, and all absences from regular meetings need to
be in writing.
Election of officers (chairperson and vice chairperson) will be held at the October 41h
meeting.
YAB RETREAT
Since it appeared to be impossible to gather for a daylong or overnight retreat, the Board
agreed to meet on Sunday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Recreation office for team
building and dinner. Board members are to RSVP to Janet Urban.
YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER UPDATE
Dave Mosnik reported that the YAC had been busy over the summer and a lot of new
kids ages 12-14 visited the Center. There were no discipline problems at all. The RAD
Van program was very successful, summer youth employment went well, and outdoor
recreation programs generated a lot of interest.
The summer basketball league at the Northside Aztlan Community Center exceeded
staffs expectations.
YAB members are welcome to shadow the Youth Activity Center staff and/or do
activities with teens. Ideas for programs and activities are welcome and encouraged.
The future location of the Youth Activity Center is unknown at this time. A facility
search committee is looking at options. Interested Board members are invited to attend
the committee's next meeting on Wednesday, September 20 at 3:00 PM at City Hall.
The YAC can remain in its current location until at least December, 2001 maybe as long
as June, 2002. The Youth Activity Center has certainly proven to be an important
element of this community with 100,000 hours of contact with teens in 1999.
If YAB members know of any teens interested in serving on committees dealing in teen
issues (i.e. Build A Generation), they are to contact Dave Mosnik at the Youth Activity
Center.
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September 6, 2000
Page 3
OTHER BUSINESS
An inquiry was made as to the progress of the skatepark. The construction bid is
going out for a second time this week. The Board will be updated at the October
meeting.
The Board discussed the importance of "getting the word out". Sarah April and Sarah
Smith will take care of submitting information to their respective school newspapers
(FCHS & PHS).
Sarah Smith moved, Phillip Chavez seconded to have scheduled and assigned
contacts with junior high schools. Sarah April amended the motion to have the
contacts be more informal and then withdrew her amendment. The Board voted
unanimously to represent schools other than the ones they attend. A list of schools
and who will represent them will be drafted at the dinner on September 17. It will be
refined and voted upon at the October meeting.
As a member of the Student Community Involvement Team (SCIT), which is a part
of United Way, Sarah Smith sought interest among Board members for assistance in
the planned student action awareness week. This year it will be district -wide and will
be held November 27-December 1. A list of workshops will be sent to all schools,
and schools can choose which ones they want to host. Youth Advisory Board
members can reinforce contacts that have been made with the schools and maybe
even host workshops at school sites. Sarah Smith can act as the liaison between SCIT
and YAB.
FOCUS Guide is available for YAB members to distribute. Angela Schlesinger
(guest) is in charge of updating information contained in the Guide.
Adjournment:
Philip Chavez moved and Ana Rocca seconded to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.; unanimously
approved (8-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Urban, Administrative Support Supervisor — Recreation