HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 - Youth Advisory Board - Annual ReportYOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
2006 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 2006. The calendar year began with Ryan
Hennig, Chairperson, and David Saperstone, Vice -chairperson.
During the course of the year, the Board proposed to Council to reduce the number of
Board members from 9 to 7, thus eliminating the 2 positions that were appointed by
TEAM Fort Collins. That proposed change was approved by City Council in July 2006.
As the year 2006 ended, the Board was comprised of the following members: Erin
Rooney, Ryan Hennig, Lee Swanson, Matt Strauch, Laura Lamb and Kai Stuckey. Scott
Umbreit was appointed by City Council in December to fill the one vacant seat. Council
member Kurt Kastein was City Council representative to the Board, Peggy Bowers of the
Recreation Division served as staff liaison to the Board, and Janet Urban, Recreation
Division, served as staff support. Steve Budner replaced Peggy Bowers as Recreation
Division staff liaison in November, 2006.
Youth Advisory Board highlights of 2006 include
The Board, along with Recreation staff member Kristie Blackmon of the Youth
Activity Center, planned and implemented a "Battle of the Bands", the proceeds
of which were donated to the fundraising committee for the Inspiration
Playground in the amount of $750.
A "speakers series" was developed by Board members for presentation to
interested teens in February, March and April. Councilman Kurt Kastein was the
guest speaker in February, addressing the attendees on the "state of the City". In
March Tammy Agne-Moehle from the Larimer County Workforce Center spoke
to the audience about getting a job of interest and then keeping that job; she also
provided a multitude of handouts. April's guest speaker was Magistrate Mary
Joan Berenato who spoke on the juvenile justice system — how it works, its
success, etc.
The Youth Advisory Board decided to have a booth to distribute information at
the Youth Fest on May 31 at the Youth Activity Center.
An inventory of existing City programs and facilities for youth was undertaken by
staff and the Board as requested by Council member Kurt Kastein. In addition,
the Board was asked to expand their research to compare facilities/programs to
the adjacent youth population.
Youth Advisory Board
Annual Report - 2006
• During the course of the year, Board members hosted guests who spoke
passionately about keeping the Youth Activity Center open, and letters from the
Board were written to City Council making that same request or, at the very least,
maintaining a south -side presence for youth/teen activities. The Board also
requested to City Council that funding not be reduced for the Recreation
Division's RAD Van program.
• The Board voted unanimously to request modification of the City Code to reduce
the Youth Advisory Board from 9 members to 7. That change was made by City
Council in July, 2006.
• As is usually the case, the Board did not meet during June, July and August.
• A presentation was made to the Board by individuals who represented the North
Front Range 2035 Regional Transportation Plan. Board members provided input
for their consideration.
• The Board decided to implement a "speakers series" once again in 2007 with
three presentations, one each in March, April and May.
• 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.