HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - Youth Advisory Board - Annual ReportYOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
2004 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 eight regular meetings in 2004. The calendar year began with Abby Zier,
Chairperson, and Adrienne Pickett, Vice -chairperson. Officers elected for a one-year
term in December were Brendon Votipka, Chairperson and Ryan Hennig, Vice -
chairperson.
As the year 2004 ended, the Board was comprised of the following members: Erin
Rooney, Ryan Hennig, David Saperstone, Ashley Stephenson, Cara Getches, Kristi
Thomas, Brendon Votipka, Ryann Peats and Jonathan Fanning. 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.
Youth Advisory Board highlights of 2004 include:
• The Youth Advisory Board listened to a presentation by Mark Jackson, the City's
Transportation Planning Manager, that graphically defined the current
transportation situation and the logical progression of steps to make
improvements.
• A sub -committee was formed to begin preparations for a fund-raising event for
the proposed inspiration playground.
• A presentation was made to the Board by Jerry Marin from CSU's Environmental
Learning Center regarding a program being offered that combines service learning
with outdoor adventures.
• Board members evaluated projects being considered for funding by the
continuation of the Capital Sales Tax. The results were forwarded to City Council
with the construction of a south -side recreation center getting the highest rating.
• Melinda Suits from the City's Commission on Disabilities attended a meeting to
provide information about their function such as following up on complaints,
working with ADA accessibility, etc.
Youth Advisory Board
2004 Annual Report
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• A sub -committee was formed to plan an event that would include both parents
and teens with the outcome being improved trust.
• A Power Point presentation was made to the Board that gave an overview of the
facilities and programs that make up the Recreation Division.
• Two Board members, Erin Rooney and David Saperstone, attended a Youth
Summit in Estes Park where they were able to interact and share ideas with area
teens who also serve on local boards. They shared their experience with other
Board members at a subsequent meeting, and as a result, the Board's annual work
plan was developed.
• 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