“I would like to continue with this, get a written report back to see how we can start this,” said Luna, who suggested that participation on a youth council could be limited to high school students.“I would like a lot more information,” said Councilman Rick Cook.“We’ve talked about a lot of different formats but what was the focus of it?” said Councilman John Procter. “The idea of having a more inclusionary committee appeals to me, but more education,” for the council on the workings, responsibilities and impacts of such a youth council also “appeals to me. . .”“I feel they would be future leaders,” and a written staff report would clarify many issues related to the formation of a youth council, said Luna.“You’re looking at all the options to be included as well,” said Bobkiewicz.The full council supported the creation of a report on the issue.
City Council agrees youth council proposal should be explored
November 09, 2002
Santa Paula City Council
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesAgreeing that youth shouldn’t be wasted on the young, at least when it comes to being involved in city business, the City Council asked for a study on the formation of a youth council to act as an advisory board.The council discussed the issue at the Oct. 21st meeting.Derek Luna, the son Mayor Ray Luna who at an earlier meeting had asked that formation of a youth council be discussed, said that “some other cities have them. . .I think it would be great for us to get young people involved,” in city business. In fact, “I myself would like to be involved and know others,” who would be interested in serving on such a youth council.“Many communities use youth participation,” said City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.A five-member youth council - each City Council member could appoint one youth - could meet periodically to “discuss issues that are before the city council,” said Bobkiewicz.Other cities, like Santa Paula, have youth representatives on the Recreation Commission, but “according to Brian Yanez (community services director) they have trouble finding those that have the time to be involved.”Bobkiewicz added that “challenges” to the formation of such a youth council would include determining the age range of participants, the type of body it would be and frequency of meetings, among other issues.Mayor Luna noted that his interest in the formation of a youth council stemmed from the recent League of California Cities Conference where he learned other cities have such youth councils.
