Consider the Establishment of a Youth Liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission

Proposed for consideration, is the establishment of a Youth Liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission.  This would be a Ramsey resident, 16 to 18 years of age, he/she would participate in all affairs and discussion of the Commission, but be a non-voting member (and without a per diem).  There would seem to be many advantages to this new position, and with little or no costs.  Chief among the benefits would be a broader representation of the community to this advisory board—and thereby by extension, also to the Council.

Who:   A Ramsey resident, 16 to 18 years of age.  They would submit an essay to the Commission to be considered, then interviewed and selected to move forward by the Commission Chair, Staff Liaison and an HR representative or appointee.  How Council approval would occur can be determined.

What:   A Park and Recreation Commission Youth Liaison, who may have an assigned ‘term’, but would time-out when they reach their 19th Birthday.  (At which point they may be an ideal candidate to serve as an appointed Board or Commission member as part of the usual process.)

 Why:   To expand civic engagement and participation, as well as improve upon the diversity of opinions, ideas, issue identification, and perspectives as the City sets priorities for the development of the park and trail system for the future.  While the establishment of the position now may be particularly useful, the expectation is that the Youth Liaison would be an on-going addition to the Commission.  (Though could be discontinued at any time.)

 How:   The Park and Recreation Commission forwards a recommendation to investigate this opportunity to City Council.  (If the Commission chooses to proceed, Staff will also investigate to see if there are other communities that have this arrangement or similar, to understand what they may have learned.) 
 

The timing of the establishment of this position, would seem to be particularly beneficial as we begin both the Comprehensive Plan and a Master Plan for Parks, now with a more direct voice from one of the Commission's more important constituent groups—young people.  This also begins to develop future leadership within the community, and increases communications in several dimensions and directions.

Other than a small amount of recruitment time (staff), there would be no cost over-and-above those that support regular Commission activity.

Staff recommends establishment of a Youth Liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission.

Motion to recommend to City Council, the establishment of a Youth Liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission.