TO:City Council
FROM:Bob Engler, Councilmember
C. Tie Gutierrez, Councilmember
DATE:June 24, 2025
SUBJECT: Youth Commission Appointments
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Youth Commission appointments of Matthew Evangelista, Zoe Maldonado, Mateo Negrete, and Ryan Shen to serve two-year terms ending July 2027.
2. Approve Youth Commission reappointment of Changwoo (Alex) Lee to serve a two-year term ending July 2027.
3. Approve Youth Commission reappointment of Chenya Kwon to serve a one- year term ending July 2026.
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 for costs associated with coordinating interviews, appointments, and preparing support materials is included in the Adopted FY 2024-25 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 dealing with youth.
Youth Commission Appointments
June 24, 2025
An open application period for the current six vacancies was opened April 8, 2025, and closed May 8, 2025. Public outreach took place in April and May and included postings on the City's website, social media channels, and the CityScene e- newsletter. Two ads were run in the Acorn newspaper. In addition, special announcements were made at the 2025 Youth Leadership Summit held on April 9, 2025, as well as at the meetings for the Youth Commission and the Teen Center Advisory Council. Complete information can be found on the dedicated Boards and Commissions webpages on the City website (www.toaks.gov/boards).
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Twenty-four applications were received for the six existing vacancies. One applicant lives outside the incorporated City and was deemed ineligible for consideration.
Twenty-three interviews were scheduled for May 29, 2025, in Conference Room A of the Grant R. Brimhall Library. One applicant requested and attended the interview via Zoom. The interview committee consisted of Councilmember Engler and Councilmember Gutierrez. After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the following reappointments are recommended: Chenya Kwon to serve a one-year term during her senior year of high school, as well as Changwoo (Alex) Lee to serve a two-year term. Additionally, the following appointments are recommended for two-year terms: Matthew Evangelista, Zoe Maldonado, Mateo Negrete and Ryan Shen.
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: Sarah Mailes, Community Services Analyst
CCS: 110-20\sm\H:\COMMON\Community Services\City Council Items\2025 Staff Reports\06242025 YC Appointments.docx