TO:City Council
FROM:David Newman, Mayor Pro Tem
Bob Engler, Councilmember
DATE:July 2, 2024
SUBJECT: Youth Commission Appointments
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Youth Commission appointments of Rafan Ahmed, Isabelle Cipriano, Torrey Hacioglu, Brielle Levesque, Olivia Little, and Inika Vellore to serve two-year terms ending July 2026.
2. Approve Youth Commission reappointment of Rayna Doshi to serve a two-year term ending July 2026.
3. Approve Youth Commission reappointments of Mia Oscanoa and Jane Staley to serve one-year terms ending July 2025.
4. Find that this action is not a project as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Minimal staff time associated with preparing this report is included in the Adopted FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget and costs associated with coordinating interviews, appointments, and preparing support materials were included in the Adopted FY 2023-24 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The Youth Commission was established in 1985. It consists of 13 members between the ages of 13 - 18. Members serve two-year, staggered terms. High school seniors may be appointed for one year if they have already served a minimum of one year. The role of the Youth Commission is to serve as an advisory body to City Council on matters concerning the youth.
Youth Commission Appointments
July 2, 2024
1 0
1 6
An open application period for the current nine vacancies was opened March 12, 2024, and closed April 11, 2024. Public outreach took place in March and April and included news postings on the City's website, social media channels, and the CityScene e-newsletter. Two ads were run in the Acorn. In addition, special announcements were made at the Alex Fiore Teen Center. Complete information can be found on the dedicated Youth Resources webpage (www.toaks.org/youth) on the City’s website.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Twenty-nine applications were received for the nine existing vacancies. One application was submitted after the deadline and was deemed ineligible for consideration.
Twenty-eight interviews were scheduled for May 29, 2024, in the City Manager’s Office Conference Room. Three applicants could not attend and requested to reschedule their interview date. These interviews were scheduled for June 7, 2024, via Zoom. The interview committee consisted of Mayor Pro Tem Newman and Councilmember Engler. One applicant declined the interview. After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the following reappointments are recommended: Jane Staley and Mia Oscanoa to serve one-year terms during their senior year of high school, as well as Rayna Doshi to serve a two-year term.
Additionally, the following appointments are recommended for two-year terms:
Rafan Ahmed, Isabelle Cipriano, Torrey Hacioglu, Brielle Levesque, Olivia Little, and Inika Vellore.
Recommended appointment applications are available for review in the City Clerk Department; applications for minors are not provided as attachments to staff reports.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
A. Create a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive government and community regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, language, education, and/or socio-economic status.
G. Continue City's commitment to community and cultural programs and services (such as Performing Arts/Theatres, Libraries, TOTV, Visual Arts, Youth and Senior Programs).
PREPARED BY: Whitney Luxenberger, Senior Administrative Specialist CMO: 110-20\wl\H:\COMMON\City Council\Council Items\2024 Staff Reports\070224\070224 Youth Commission Appointments Staff Report.docx