HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Advisory Board - Minutes - 10/04/2006YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Regular meeting — October 4, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Council Liaison: Kurt Kastein Staff Liaison: Steve Budner, Recreation, 221-6861
Board Chairperson: Ryan Henni
Board Members Present: Matt Strauch, Ryan Hennig, Erin Rooney
Board Member(s) Absent: Lee Swanson, Laura Lamb, Kai Stuckey (1 seat vacant
Staff Members Present: Steve Budner, Staff Liaison — Recreation Division
Janet Urban, Staff Support — Recreation Division
Peggy Bowers, Administrator — Recreation Division
Guest(s) Present: Andrea Fotch, Steve Pries, Linda Maher, Ryan Soulier, Dalin Remund,
Austin Croft, Brent Read, Colin Mentor
Call meeting to Order:
The regular meeting of the Youth Advisory Board was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Board
Chairperson Ryan Hennig.
Approval of Minutes from September 6, 2006:
Minutes of the September 6, 2006 meeting were not approved as there was not a quorum present.
Agenda Review:
No changes to agenda.
Citizen Participation:
Andrea Fotch and Steve Pries, social work students from CSU, were assigned a project to change
something in the city. In an effort to do something to benefit youth, they decided to put their efforts
into attempting to convince City Council to keep the Youth Activity Center open. To that end, they
have been meeting with Linda Maher, a concerned citizen/parent who has devoted a lot of energy into
the YAC's cause. The CSU students have created a website, acquired signatures on a petition, spoken
at City Council, and distributed Council members' e-mail addresses to interested citizens. Their
contention is that Fort Collins is big enough to support two centers for kids. The team hopes to find
grants, delay the closure, and rework the YAC into the budget. The team is hoping to have many
parents/students attend the City Council meeting on October 17.
Board member Matt Strauch inquired about the possibility that funding the YAC may become a ballot
issue; Linda Maher replied that that hasn't been ruled out. Matt will attend the City Council meeting
on October 17, and he will also write a letter to Council on behalf of the Board regarding the Board's
opposition to the closure.
Citizen Linda Maher has discussed with Poudre School District the possibility of obtaining financial
assistance.
Youth Advisory Board Minutes
October 4, 2006
Page 2
Agenda:
BUDGET CUTS DISCUSSION
Hannah Valdez, RAD Van Coordinator, and Peggy Bowers, Recreation Administrator, presented
information to the Board regarding the RAD Van program, its history and its current operation. When
the RAD Van program began in 1994, it was at Council's request to deter gang problems. Kids ages 5-
12 in high risk neighborhoods are served at 7 different locations currently, some year-round, some just
in the summer. Poudre Valley Hospital's Healthy Kids Club has provided financial assistance as well
as healthy cooking/eating information.
The proposed cut to this program for 2007 pares down the staff and supplies which may create the
need to cap the number of participants. Additional funding is being sought through grants, etc.
Matt Strauch will write a letter to Council requesting that RAD Van's funding not be cut and will
circulate the letter for Board members' e-mail vote.
WORK PLAN DISCUSSION
Discussion continued from the September meeting regarding the Board's work plan. Again, the
possibility of conducting a speakers series was mentioned with career opportunities being a possible
topic. The facilities/programs inventory that was begun last year needs to be completed. Matt Strauch
proposed that the YAB meet during the summer; Erin Rooney suggested that Board members stay in
touch throughout the summer via e-mail. Establishing something of a cultural nature for youth was
suggested, and Board members becoming liaisons to other board/commissions or, at the very least,
requesting copies of their meeting minutes was also suggested.
YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATE
Groundbreaking for the new Northside Aztlan Community Center will take place on Wednesday,
October 25 at 4:30 p.m. YAB members will be receiving invitations, and their attendance would be
welcomed.
Staff is hopeful that another fundraiser breakfast hosted by Golden Corral will be scheduled; the
success of the one held in September is unknown. Board members requested being kept informed of
such events/functions.
OTHER BUSINESS
• Staff reminded Board members to RSVP to the Board & Commissions appreciation event at the
Lincoln Center on November 8.
• Matt Strauch mentioned an organ recital that will be held on October 7; $10 for students.
• Staff will contact the City Clerk's office regarding filling the seat vacated by David Saperstone
and will request that staff and/or Board members be a part of the interview or pre -interview
process so that applicants are aware of the Board's purpose and attendance requirements.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Youth Advisory Board Minutes
October 4, 2006
Page 3
e ec"ully bmitted,
J et Urban, Administrative Support Supervisor — Recreation
Next meeting November 1, 2006 at the Youth Activity Center