HomeMy WebLinkAboutYouth Advisory Board - Minutes - 11/05/1997YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting - November 5, 1997
7:00 p.m.
Council Liaison: Will Smith Staff Liaisons: Peggy Bowers, Recreation
Scott Gammon, Police
Board President: Abby Jones, 493-5487 (h)
Board Members Present: Phillip Chavez, Bonnie Deaville, Steve Hill,
Farah Inam, Richy Lynn, Ashlan Warsteane, Lupe Quintero
Board Members Absent: Abby Jones, Brooke Delehoy
Staff Members Present: Peggy Bowers, Staff Liaison - Recreation Division
Scott Gammon, Staff Liaison - Police Department
Suzy Danford, Supervisor - Recreation Division
Debra Bueno, Supervisor - Recreation Division
Will Smith, City Council Liaison
Janet Urban, Administrative Aide - Recreation Division
Guest(s) Present: Kristie Blackmon, Jamie Spivack, Megan Silverstein, Vanessa
Tuxun, Martha Bencomo, Emily Lanning, Mindi Sargent, Chad
Holaday, Nicole Martino, Erin Whitford, Ki Shih, Jose Sandoval,
Dave Goldberg
Call Meeting to Order: The regular meeting of the Youth Advisory Board was called to order at
7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 1997 at the Youth Activity Center by Board Vice -Chairperson
Richy Lynn.
Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Richy Lynn and seconded by Phillip Chavez, the minutes of
the meeting of October 1, 1997 were approved unanimously (7-0).
Agenda Review: No changes to printed agenda except Will Smith will substitute for Dave Mosnik
on the Teen Criminal Court Follow-up item.
Citizen Participation: No citizen participation.
Agenda:
TRANSFORT ISSUES
Board members reported that some teens feel harassed and are given no respect by Transfort drivers
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November 5, 1997
Page 2.
David Lilly, Transfort Manager, reported that respect for all riders, including youth, is part of the training
that all drivers receive. He has agreed to review the situation and do follow-up training as needed. David
stated that it is their organization's philosophy that rules on buses are expected to be followed, but they
should be administered in a respectful manner. Drivers went through similar training that school bus
drivers complete, and three days of the three-week training was on passenger relations.
Transfort ridership for ages 18 and under was low until fares for that age group were eliminated.
There is a proposal to charge a youth fare in 1998.
In answer to a Board member's question about longer hours for bus service, Mr. Lilly stated that evening
service is a high priority in their long-range plan; however, it would be very expensive to run, and Dial -A -
Ride would have to extend hours as well. Funding for extended hours would need to be secured.
Mr. Lilly encouraged Board members to call Transfort when there are complaints, and he will personally
work to resolve them.
TEEN CRIMINAL COURT FOLLOW-UP
Craig Ekton from the District Attorney's office was chosen to facilitate the teen court at two junior high
schools (Lincoln and Boltz). Court will operate beginning in January and will be held infrequently while
the process is refined. The court's function will be to sentence (not judge) first-time offenders who have
acknowledged their offenses. Sentencing will be set within pre -established guidelines. Appropriate cases
will be chosen from the DA's office and will not included drug -related offenses.
Mr. Ekton is available to address the YAB if desired.
YOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER UPDATE
Several guests at the November Board meeting are practicum students at CSU who organized and hosted a
dance for ages 12-16 on the previous Friday (October 31); attendance was 162, and everyone had a great
time.
Suzy Danford distributed the November YAC calendar, participation reports, and a list of proposed
upcoming activities that includes ideas submitted by teens.
NORTHSIDE AZTLAN COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE
Debra Bueno handed out the November calendar for activities at NACC and encouraged youths to make
suggestions for programs. Another 20 students have been added to the tutoring program, making a total
of about 40. Approximately 200 students attended the Halloween program on October 30.
Jose Sandoval will be working at NACC approximately 10 hours per week, salary paid by TEAM Fort
Collins. Board members are invited to attend the next meeting of the multi -cultural retreat planning
committee which will be November 11 at 4:00 p.m. in the Human Relations office. The retreat is
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November 5, 1997
Page 3.
scheduled for the weekend of February 6.
In an effort to encourage reading, NACC recently received a $750 grant from Booksellers to purchase
supplies for their tutoring program, books, calculators.
Boxing is being reinstated at NACC. The wrestling program begins the end of November.
OTHER BUSINESS
Will Smith attended an International Baccalaureate civics class. While there he was informed that
students are looking for a location for dances. Even though the YAC was suggested as a possible
site, high school students perceive that facility as a place for junior high students. Discussion
followed regarding promotions of activities at the YAC. YAC staff makes every effort to
distribute calendar information to local high schools about activities taking place at the YAC. As
one guest pointed out, lack of participation in YAC activities (including dances) is more likely the
fault of the students rather than the YAC staff s ability to promote events. This guest pointed out
that students should take some responsibility for finding out what is available to them.
Dance related items: Splash Dance will be held at the Senior Center the first weekend in
November; admission is $3.00 at the door. It was reported that the Sunset Jazz Club may start
doing an under-21 night.
Will suggested staff solicit use of the YAC through local student councils.
* Richy Lynn is part of a team that is putting together an alternative party for teens where alcohol
and drugs are not allowed. January 16 is the scheduled date. Details to follow at December YAB
meeting.
* Reminder: School reports are due at Board meeting on December 3. As visits are made to the
local schools, Board members are to solicit input from students and take the opportunity to inform
them about the YAC.
* The Poudre School District's Code of Conduct will be discussed at the next Board meeting. Board
members are to discuss this topic as well as to seek input on perceived discrimination against
youths when they visit the schools they represent. Youth discrimination will be a topic of
discussion at January Board meeting.
* The City is considering a Congress of Arts in late March or early April which will represent a
variety of arts. If Board members know of individuals who are strong in visual or performing arts,
they could assist in planning the Congress.
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November 5, 1997
Page 4.
Adiourr nment
On a motion by Steve Hill and seconded by Bonnie Deaville, the Board voted unanimously (7-0) to
adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully su itted
4
Janet Urban, Administrative Aide