Chapter 2.60 YOUTH COMMISSION

Chapter 2.60
YOUTH COMMISSION

Sections:

2.60.010 Youth commission created – Purpose.

There is hereby created and established a Federal Way youth commission in and for the city. The purpose of the youth commission shall be to afford an opportunity for youth to engage with and learn about local government; serve as an advisory body to the city council contributing a youth-focused perspective on policies, code, plans, proposals, and practices; and provide input to the city council, other city boards and commissions, and city staff on youth programs, recreational activities, and other issues of importance to youth.

(Ord. No. 23-960, § 17, 6-20-23; Ord. No. 92-139, § 1(A), 6-2-92. Code 2001 § 2-78.)

2.60.040 Membership and appointment.

(1) The youth commission may consist of nine voting members and up to three alternates appointed by the city council.

(2) Commission members shall serve without compensation.

(3) Each member shall serve a term of two years. If, for any reason, a vacancy occurs during the term of a youth commission member, the city council shall appoint a new member to fill the unexpired term of that youth commission member. The city council may remove a youth commission member at any time if the city council determines that member is not fulfilling his or her responsibilities to the satisfaction of the city council.

(4) Persons appointed to serve on the commission shall reside within the city of Federal Way city limits, attend high school within the city limits, or attend a high school within the Federal Way public school district during the members’ terms.

(5) The city council will encourage applications to serve on the commission so, as much as practicable, members may reflect a diverse cross-section of the students in the community. Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible.

(6) The youth commission is operational in accordance with the Federal Way school district calendar.

(Ord. No. 23-960, § 20, 6-20-23; Ord. No. 22-939, § 1, 10-18-22; Ord. No. 14-774, § 1, 9-16-14; Ord. No. 96-282, § 1, 12-3-96; Ord. No. 92-157, § 1, 12-1-92; Ord. No. 92-139, § 1(E), 6-2-92. Code 2001 § 2-81.)

2.60.050 Officers – Staff – Operations.

(1) The youth commission shall meet at least once per quarter except no meetings will be held when school is not in session per the Federal Way school district calendar. All meetings shall be open public meetings, and the commission shall keep a written record of its proceedings which shall be a public record, all in accordance with state law.

(2) The mayor shall appoint appropriate staff to assist the youth commission in preparing reports and records and performing other functions as may be necessary for the proper operation of the commission.

(3) The youth commission shall elect its officers, including a chair and vice chair and such other officers from among its voting members. Such officers shall occupy their respective offices for a period of one year. The commission shall forward a list of its elected officers to the city clerk within 30 days of election.

(4) The youth commission shall adopt bylaws for the regular operation of the commission. The commission shall provide the city clerk with a copy of current bylaws which shall be maintained as part of the city’s official public records, and shall provide an updated copy to the clerk whenever amendments are approved.

(5) Civility and decorum shall be observed by commission members and attendees and shall be enforced by the chair.

(6) A majority of appointed voting members shall constitute a quorum, except when alternate members may be counted towards a quorum as provided in subsection (7) of this section, and the votes of a majority of present voting members or alternates serving for quorum purposes is sufficient to approve any action of the commission.

(7) Alternate commissioners shall have the right to participate in the debate and the deliberations of the commission on the regular business of the commission. Alternate commissioners shall not be part of the commission quorum and shall not move action or vote on matters coming before the commission, except in the event where a meeting is scheduled and no quorum is otherwise present, an alternate member may contribute to the establishment of a quorum such that the meeting may commence and proceed. If more than one alternate is present, after the meeting is commenced or called to order, the chair shall specify which of the alternate members is contributing to the quorum and may participate as a voting member for the purposes and duration of that meeting only, which shall be noted in the written record of the meeting.

(Ord. No. 23-960, § 21, 6-20-23; Ord. No. 92-139, § 1(D), 6-2-92. Code 2001 § 2-82.)

2.60.060 Duties and responsibilities.

The youth commission shall promote leadership skills and is appointed to represent the interests and needs of their peers in their community. The youth commission’s goals and responsibilities shall be to:

(1) Identify local youth concerns, brainstorm solutions, and report to city council;

(2) Provide community youth with a forum for expressing interests and opinions;

(3) Make the public aware of the youth commission and its program in an effort to place youth issues before our citizens in a positive manner;

(4) Be available to serve as advisors providing a youth perspective to the council and the council’s various boards, commissions, and task forces upon request;

(5) Recommend outstanding youth in the community for potential recognition by the council;

(6) Consult with the city council and recommend ways to improve the quality of life for young people in the city;

(7) Provide an annual report to the city council on the state of youth in the city; and

(8) Formulate an annual work plan for presentation to and approval by the city council.

(Ord. No. 23-960, § 22, 6-20-23; Ord. No. 10-669, § 16, 9-21-10; Ord. No. 92-139, § 1(F), 6-2-92. Code 2001 § 2-83.)