Number
070141
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
040220
Sponsor
ALD. DAVIS
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to the method by which the city of Milwaukee youth council is selected and abolishing the youth council advisory committee.
Sections
320-45 rc
Analysis
This ordinance revises the structure of the city of Milwaukee youth council as originally created by common council File Number 040220, passed July 7, 2004.
The changes made include:
1. Selection of youth council members is to be done by a committee composed of one member of the common council, appointed by the common council president; one representative of community-based organizations, appointed by the common council president; and one citizen member appointed by the office of the mayor. This committee shall review all applications and submit its recommendations to the common council no later than July 1 of each year.
2. Each common council member is required to submit the name of one eligible candidate for the youth council no later than June 1 of each year. This candidate is to be evaluated along with all other applicants to the youth council.
2. The advisory committee is abolished.
3. Various technical changes to the text of the ordinance.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 320-45 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
320-45. Youth Council.
1. CREATION. There is created a city youth council, which is attached to the office of the city clerk, to serve and advance the interests of city youth as a representative body in city government through a working partnership with the common council and the mayor.
2. COMPOSITION. The youth council shall be comprised of 15 members, who shall be of ages 18 and under upon appointment. Each youth council member shall:
a. Currently attend high school or alternative school, or demonstrate the intent to attend a high school or alternative school.
b. Be committed to improving the lives of all the young people of Milwaukee.
3. SELECTION. a. Selection Committee. Nominations to the youth council shall be made by a committee composed of one member of the common council, appointed by the common council president; one representative of community-based organizations appointed by the common council president; and one citizen member appointed by the mayor. The common council member shall serve as chair of the committee. All members shall serve 3-year terms.
b. Application Process. The selection committee shall determine the process to be used for soliciting and evaluating applications submitted by prospective members of the youth council. Nominations for membership to the youth council shall be submitted to the common council by the selection committee no later than July 1 of each year.
c. Council Member Selection. Each member of the common council shall, no later than June 1 of each year, select one resident of his or her district eligible to serve as a member of the youth council as a candidate for his or her district’s representative on the youth council. The common council president shall select a candidate for districts that have no sitting aldermanic representation. The name of the candidate so selected shall be submitted in writing to the office of the city clerk.
4. TERM OF OFFICE. a. All youth council members shall take an oath of office before beginning their terms.
b. Members shall serve one-year terms, from August 1 to July 31 of the following year.
c. A member shall continue to serve until he or she resigns or is replaced.
d. Vacancy shall be filled for unexpired terms in the same manner as original appointments.
5. OFFICERS AND RULES. a. The youth council shall elect a president and vice-president for one-year terms and may select such other officers as it provides by rule.
b. The youth council may adopt rules to assist the council in carrying out its responsibilities.
c. The president may appoint youth council members and other interested parties to serve on committees.
d. In the absence of a youth council rule to the contrary, the provisions of Robert's rules of order, latest edition, shall govern the proceedings of the council.
6. DUTIES AND POWERS. a. The youth council shall:
a-1. Participate in the operation of programs as specifically authorized or directed by the common council, including such programs as may be financed in whole or in part by city financial contributions used to carry out a particular youth council program or accomplish a particular youth council goal.
a-2. Assess and evaluate community needs and resources relative to the protection and promotion of city youth and communicate those assessments and evaluations to the common council and mayor.
a-3. Encourage and assist in studies designed to evaluate and recommend changes in laws, policies, procedures and practices for the purpose of improving community conditions and promoting wholesome youth development.
a-4. Receive program proposals from youth groups within the city.
a-5. Recommend funding allocations for the execution of program proposals authorized by the common council.
b. The president may designate representatives to attend community forums and meetings.
7. STAFFING. a. The office of the city clerk shall provide staff assistance to the youth council and the selection committee and maintain the records of both bodies.
b. All city departments and agencies shall cooperate with the youth council and assist the youth council to achieve its objectives.
8. REPORTS. The youth council shall annually provide a written report of its activities to the common council and the mayor and shall report more frequently as the youth council, the common council or the mayor may find proper.
9. FUNDING. Ten percent of annual city community development block grant reprogramming dollars shall be allocated to support the recommendations for youth service activities and objectives. The city shall create, administer, and audit all revenue and expenditure accounts related to the youth council according to city budget and accounting standards and procedures.
10. OVERSIGHT. The common council shall review all programs and contracts proposed for funding by the youth council and may reject any youth council decision by a majority vote.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
_________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date:_____________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date:____________________
Requestor
City Clerk
Drafter
LRB07232-2
BJZ:mbh
5/7/2008