(A) There is hereby created a commission which shall be known as the City-wide Madera Youth Commission, or for purposes of this section, the "Commission." The purpose of the Commission is to advise the Council and Mayor on issues relating to youth. The Commission is empowered to and shall perform such advisory functions as are delegated to it by the provisions of this section or other action of the Council.
(B) The Commission shall consist of seven voting members.
(1) Each member of the City Council shall appoint one member to the Commission from their district; the Mayor shall appoint one member from the city-at-large.
(2) Immediate family members of the City Councilmembers and Mayor shall not be eligible for appointment.
(3) City Councilmembers and Mayor shall make an effort to involve local youth-serving organizations, as may be designated by the City Council pursuant to division (E) herein, in the selection and appointment process.
(C) Qualifications for Commission members include:
(1) Each appointed member must reside or attend school within the Madera city limits and shall be youth between 15 and 21 years of age, at the time of appointment.
(2) Members may serve up to age 23.
(3) Membership shall preferably consist of youth who have experience with youth programs or youth-serving organizations, or involvement with school or community activities, and who are able and prepared to participate in the Commission activities and make the required commitment of time and energy.
(4) Members of the Commission shall serve for a two-year term or for the term of the appointing Council Member whichever is less, or until a replacement is appointed. No person appointed to Commission shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms (a total of four years).
(5) The Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members to serve for a one-year term; no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms in either position.
(D) The Commission shall establish its rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. Such rules and regulations shall be consistent with this section and all other applicable laws and regulations, and shall enable the Commission to carry out the purpose of this section.
(1) All meetings of the Commission shall be subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Cal. Gov't Code §§ 54950 et seq.).
(2) The Commission shall schedule at least one meeting per month at a designated time and place. All members are required to attend every scheduled regular and special meeting. Three consecutive absences shall be allowed per year. More than three consecutive absences shall result in termination from the Commission.
(3) A simple majority of members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of the Commission.
(E) A youth-serving organization will be designated by the City Council and will work with the City Clerk and city staff to provide guidance to the Commission.
(1) Agendas and minutes of the Commission shall be prepared by the Commission, filed with the Office of the City Clerk, and shall be a public record.
(2) The youth-serving organization designated by City Council will provide staff in an adult supervisory role to support all the Commission activities.
(F) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Identify the concerns and needs of the youth of Madera through community outreach and engagement; and hold public forums in which children, youth and families are encouraged to participate.
(2) Examine existing social, economic educational, and recreational programs for youth; develop and propose plans that support or improve such programs; and make recommendations thereon to the City Council.
(3) Develop a yearly outline with the areas of focus for the Commission within the purview and jurisdiction of the City of Madera.
(4) Submit recommendations to the City Council about public safety, job opportunities for youth, recreation activities for youth, opportunities for effective participation by youth in governmental process, and changes in city regulations that are necessary to improve the social, economic, educational, recreational advantages, health and well-being of youth.
(5) Work with the public and private sectors to bring forth the concerns of youth as well as evaluate programming that will enhance the development of young people.
(6) Report to the City Council the activities, goals and accomplishments of the Commission by June 30 of each calendar year.
(7) Submit quarterly reports or as requested to the City Council.
(8) Commissioners shall meet with their appointing Councilmember or Mayor at least three times a year.
(Ord. 954 C.S., passed 9-5-18)