TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and possibly take action on appointing 42 members to the 2012/2013 Maricopa Youth Council. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The process to form the first Maricopa Youth Council began over three years ago with the help of former Councilmember Marquisha Griffin, former Councilmember Carl Diedrich and current Vice Mayor Edward Farrell. A large demographic of Maricopa's population is youth, therefore establishing a Council to give them a voice became a necessity. On July 1, 2010, City Council approved the Youth Council Guide paving the way for formation and selection of our first Youth Council. An application, Oath of Office, Council By-Laws and a Mission Statement have been established. On October 19, 2010, City Council appointed twenty-three members to the inaugural Youth Council. Those founding members met bi-monthly to address community issues, create safe activities for their peers and to be representatives for the youth of Maricopa.
The vision of the Youth Council is to be a diverse and knowledgeable group of teenagers who can provide insight to City leadership. The Youth Council's current vision necessitates a need for a large, active membership. Each member has unique insight that is valuable in terms of connecting with the large base of youth they represent. Through the current recruitment process, forty-two eligible teens (ages 14-18) have applied for this year's term. The structure of the Youth Council does not define a limit on the number of seats available.
Due to the overwhelming response, staff would like to see the Youth Council establish two sub-committees, one to facilitate projects and another with a focus on community events. This action would help facilitate the City Council's strategic plan of expanding the Youth Council program. Staff is eager to see this group flourish and connect with the community and City Council leadership.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Mayor and Council appoint all forty-two eligible candidates to the Maricopa Youth Council.