Chapter 4.23
Youth Commission

Sections:

4.23.010 Establishment.

4.23.020 Membership.

4.23.030 Term.

4.23.040 Removal for Cause.

4.23.050 Compensation.

4.23.060 Mission and Goals.

4.23.070 Rules.

4.23.080 Staff Support.

4.23.010 Establishment.

For the general purpose of providing a structure within local government to serve as a voice for youth, there is established the James E. Chase youth commission, to be known as the Chase youth commission, to advise and make recommendations to the youth department regarding policies, programs, planning, budgets, staffing and other matters relating to the quality of life of Spokane area children and youth.

[Ord. C30238; Passed: 10/21/1991]

4.23.020 Membership.

The commission consists of fifteen members of the Spokane community. Seven members are residents of the City of Spokane, nominated by the mayor and appointed by the council; seven are residents of other cities in the county and of the unincorporated areas of Spokane County, appointed by the board of county commissioners; and one may be a resident anywhere in the county, appointed by the commission with the approval of the city council and the board of county commissioners. The commission is comprised of:

A.  seven “youths,” thirteen through eighteen years of age; and

B.  eight “adults” nineteen and over.

The council president serves as official liaison between the commission and the city council and the chair of the board of county commissioners serves as official liaison to the board.

[Ord. C32750; Passed: 12/4/2000]

4.23.030 Term.

A.  Except that a member may be removed for cause by the appointing authority, adult members serve staggered terms of three years, and youth members serve terms of one year, and until his or her successor assumes office.

B.  Terms end on June 30th of the appropriate year from time of appointment to the commission.

C.  No adult may serve more than two consecutive terms, to a maximum of six years; no youth may serve more than six consecutive terms, to a maximum of six years.

[Ord. C32098 § 2; Passed: 2/9/1998]

4.23.040 Removal for Cause.

Among other reasons, absence from three meetings of the commission in any year is cause for removal of a member.

[Ord. C32098 § 3; Passed: 2/9/1998]

4.23.050 Compensation.

Members of the commission serve without compensation.

[Ord. C28146; Passed: 10/14/1985]

4.23.060 Mission and Goals.

The intent of the commission is to improve the quality of life for children and youth in the Spokane area by creating and maintaining a positive environment for all Spokane area youth through partnerships that foster community resources for youth involvement, leadership, recognition and empowerment. The goals of the commission are:

A.  to be a community leader in the identification of issues affecting youth,

B.  to serve as an advocate for youth needs and improvement in youth policies, and to directly engage the community in this process,

C.  to involve youth in the community decision-making process,

D.  to recognize accomplishments of children and youth and promote the value of youth in our community, and

E.  to develop new programs, initiatives and resources for youth.

[Ord. C32098 § 4; Passed: 2/9/1998]

4.23.070 Rules.

The commission shall by rule provide for such matters as:

A.  regular and annual meetings;

B.  the conduct of meetings;

C.  the selection and duties of officers;

D.  the appointment and jurisdiction of committees.

[Ord. C30238; Passed: 10/21/1991]

4.23.080 Staff Support.

Under the direction of the mayor the commission receives staff support as necessary. In particular, the director of the youth department serves as executive secretary of the commission and provides direct staff support. The city attorney provides legal counsel.

[Ord. C32755; Passed: 12/4/2000]