City Council Agenda Report
September 15, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Allan Perdomo, Director of Recreation and Park Services Theresa Devoy, CMC, City Clerk
Sonia Batres, Recreation Superintendent
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 26-57 - RESTRUCTURE THE YOUTH COMMISSION AS A
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD AND ESTABLISH PROCEDURES
Background:
In March 2021, City Council adopted Resolution No. 21-15, which amended Resolution No. 20- 61: the Advisory Body Procedure resolution to re-establish the Norwalk Youth Commission. Past criteria for participation included 1) Students within 13-18 years of age; 2) Students living in Norwalk who are currently in high school or recently graduated from various grade levels and schools; 3) Selection of up to 15 members, with each Councilmember appointing 3 representatives each; and 4) Each members would have two year terms.
While the Youth Commission was active, staff faced ongoing challenges such as Commissioner absences, low retention, and lack of participation. Commissioners were regularly removed from the Commission due to missed meetings, while others left before completing their full terms. Additionally, some commissioners demonstrated limited engagement or involvement as a result of conflicting extracurricular commitments. Due to these challenges, staff recommended the Youth Commission be restructured as a Youth Advisory Board.
On August 4, 2026, the Recreation and Park Services Department (RPSD) proposed the Norwalk Youth Advisory Board. The board will provide guidance and recommendations to the Norwalk City Council and the Recreation and Park Services Department in the following areas:
1. Teen Alliance Program (T.A.P.)
2. Youth leadership
3. Teen Center operations and programs
4. Youth & Government education & engagement
5. City events and programs related to youth development
City Council September 15, 2026
Resolution No. 26-57 – Restructuring the Youth Commission as a Youth Advisory Board and Establishing Procedures
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The new advisory board format would consist of the following:
1. Ten members
2. Members must be between the ages of 13 and 18
3. Members must be a resident of the City of Norwalk
4. Members must attend a middle school or high school in a public school district, private institution, or home school that serves Norwalk residents.
5. Members will serve a two-year term from January 1 - December 31 (aligning with all other City Advisory Bodies)
6. It is preferred (not required) that members complete 50 hours of volunteer service in T.A.P.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following would be required to participate as a Youth Advisory Board Member:
1. Complete the online application (If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the parental consent form)
2. Provide two letters of recommendation (one personal/one professional)
3. If selected, participate in an in-person interview with RPSD staff.
4. The list of qualifying candidates (up to 20) will be shared with City Council members to make final selections. Each Councilmember will select two candidates for representation on the Youth Advisory Board.
APPLICATION DEADLINE AND TIMELINE
1. September 21 - October 20 | Marketing Period
2. October 1 - 20 | Application Period
3. October 21 - 31 | Application Review
4. November 2 - 6 | Applicant interviews
5. November 9 - 13 | Qualified List reviewed by City Council
6. December 15 | Appointments by City Council
7. January 4 - 22, 2027 | Onboarding process
8. January 27, 2027 | 1st Meeting of Youth Advisory Board
9. January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2029 | Two-Year Advisory Body Term
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
To assist with retention and participation, new attendance guidelines would be as follows:
1. Up to two excused absences:
a. Sickness (with doctor’s note)
b. Medical/Dental Appointment (with doctor’s note)
c. Family Emergency (with parental note)
d. Sport Game/Tournament (with parental or school note)
2. Up to two unexcused absences. Participants will be removed from the board if they have more than two unexcused absences. Exceptions will be made for extended illness with doctor’s note.
City Council September 15, 2026
Resolution No. 26-57 – Restructuring the Youth Commission as a Youth Advisory Board and Establishing Procedures
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3. Meeting quorum is unchanged at a majority of those appointed to any Advisory Body.
Excused and unexcused absences will be accounted for annually during the two-year term.
Furthermore, the proposed transition from a Youth Commission to a Youth Advisory Board will strengthen youth engagement by providing meaningful input and direction on City programs, services, and initiatives while offering greater flexibility in participation. Less restrictive guidelines will help accommodate teens’ academic and extracurricular commitments, supporting sustained engagement and longer-term retention. The Youth Advisory Board would also provide valuable leadership opportunities and empower Norwalk youth to help advance initiatives that reflect their needs and interests.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
The recommended action will further the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2: Work in Partnership with our Community to Achieve Safe and Livable Neighborhoods; Objective 2: Cultivate Civic Engagement and Participation.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommend City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-57, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 20-61 AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 21-15, TO RESTRUCTURE THE YOUTH COMMISSION AS A YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD AND ESTABLISH NEW PROCEDURES.
Attachments:
Resolution No. 26-57