Title
Adoption of Resolution Establishing Rochester Hills Government Youth Council (RHGYC)
body
Whereas, the Rochester Hills City Council continues to acknowledge the value of Youth in the community; and sees the benefits of giving them a voice in local government; and
Whereas, it is beneficial for the community and the youth to develop the citizenship skills by working with local government on issues; and
Whereas, in support of their vision to involve youth in government by providing a greater understanding through active participation; at its regular meeting of February 26, 2003 adopted Resolution A0494-2003-R0066 authorizing the addition of one (1) Rochester Hills Youth Representative to each of the five (5) City Council Communication Committees and requesting that the Committee Bylaws be amended to reflect the change; and
Whereas, after consideration of the number of Youth Representatives that showed an interest in serving on the Council Communication Committees, increased the number from one (1) youth representative for each committee to a maximum of three (3) youth representatives for each committee; and
Whereas, for the past two (2) years, the Youth Representatives have provided valuable input and ideas through their participation on the City Council Communication Committees;
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that to provide a forum where young people could discuss and act upon issues important to them:
1. The City of Rochester Hills City Council hereby creates the Rochester Hills Government Youth Council (RHGYC).
2. The Vision of the RHGYC shall be to promote youth involvement in local government through active participation and the mutual exchange of ideas and experiences for the ultimate benefit of all Rochester Hills residents.
3. The membership shall consist of thirteen (13) members appointed by City Council following the established Application/Appointment Process, which will consist of two (2) representatives from each City Council District and (5) at-large representatives. The term of office shall be for one (1) year coinciding with the school calendar year beginning on September 1 and expiring on August 31 of the appropriate year, with the opportunity for reappointment.
4. Members shall be appointed to the RHGYC by City Council based on the recommendations of an Interview Team consisting of City Council Vice President, one (1) Administrative Staff Member, one (1) Communication Committee Citizen Representative and two (2) Youth Representatives, currently serving, who will evaluate candidates on application quality, adult references, interview and representation.
4. The City Council Vice President shall serve as the liaison between City Council and the RHGYC.
5. The Clerk's Office shall provide staff support for the RHGYC.
6. City Council on an annual basis shall provide the RHGYC a list of possible projects related to the City's Goals and Objectives.
7. The RHGYC each year will select three (3) projects related to the City's Goals and Objectives to champion
8. City Council during the budgetary process shall establish an annual operating budget for the RHGYC.
9. The RHGYC members shall continue to serve on the City Council Communication Committees with the appointments made to specific Committees by the Youth Representatives and will be required to minimally attend the Communication Committee meetings on a Quarterly basis.
10. The RHGYC members shall meet with City Council on a bi-annual basis.
Be It Further Resolved that the current Youth Representatives are charged with establishing the Mission and Bylaws of the RHGYC Youth Council with final approval by City Council for implementation beginning with the 2005/2006 school year.