CC SR 20230718 03 - Youth Advisory Council
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/18/2023
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to establish a Youth Advisory Committee.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Adopt City Council Policy No. 54A, establishing a Youth Advisory Committee; and
(2) Select two City Council members to serve as the Youth Advisory Committee
subcommittee.
FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact for the development and implementation of the
Youth Advisory Committee is approximately $1,000 and is funded by various operating
accounts in the current FY 2023-24 operating budget. No additional appropriation is
needed.
Amount Budgeted: $1,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): Various Accounts VR
(General Fund – Salaries, Professional & Tech)
ORIGINATED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
Jacob Ma, City Manager’s Office Intern
REVIEWED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Youth Advisory Committee Policy (page A-1)
B. City Council Policy No. 54 (page B-1)
BACKGROUND:
Youth in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes represents 21 percent of the community, and
the City Council recognizes the importance of involving its youth in local government. By
engaging its youth, it allows them to participate in decisions and policy initiatives that, in
turn, may enhance their quality of life with outcomes that represent their interests.
1
During the development of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 City Council Goals, Councilmember
Alegria requested under the City Council goal “Citizen Involvement & Public Outreach”
that staff explore establishing a program that would engage and bridge City government
with its youth. In response, this evening, the City Council is being asked to consider
establishing a Youth Advisory Committee and appointing a City Council subcommittee.
DISCUSSION:
Many local cities have established youth programs that consist of a committee of
members dedicated to improving the city environment for children and teens. Throughout
the planning process of Rancho Palos Verdes’ Youth Advisory Committee, over 20
different youth organizations have been researched. After meeting with and reaching out
to representatives of these other cities, it was found that many of them share similar
purposes with the vision of RPV’s Youth Advisory Committee.
For instance, the City of Calabasas Mayor’s Youth Council helps young people learn
about and participate in the workings of their local government. This program also teaches
younger people how to register to vote. In addition to learning about government, the
council members act as liaisons between students and school communities to help
improve the quality of education. The City hopes to incorporate similar aspects of the
Mayor’s Youth Council into its Youth Advisory Committee. The Youth Advisory Committee
will teach students about local government and elevate the voices of these students to
improve their quality of life.
Similarly, the City of Claremont’s Teen Committee is solely dedicated to representing the
needs of the youth community. It also provides light to the voices of young people in
Claremont politics by accomplishing goals that support teens within the community. RPV
also hopes to incorporate this dedication in its own Youth Committee to help the youth
community in the highest way possible.
On the other hand, programs such as the City of Manhattan Beach’s Youth Council host
workshops allowing students to learn about different emerging topics. These workshops
cover various subjects, ranging from architectural design to legal careers, and even to
sports journalism and entertainment. This council serves to educate the younger
generations on potential career paths. Despite having differing purposes, the two
committees still share similar aspects regarding their structure and membership terms.
Why have a Youth Advisory Committee?
By allowing youth to become more informed on what’s happening in the City, they can
speak on issues they desire to change and make improvements. Additionally, getting
youth involved could lead them to think about pursuing careers in local government.
Over the years, the City Council has addressed many topics that are important to young
people. When making decisions related to these issues, t he Council could benefit from
the input of a youth council.
2
On August 4, 2020, the City Council authorized the Mayor to sign a letter in support of
Senate Bill No. 793, which prohibits the retail sale of flavored tobacco products. This
initiative was in response to an alarming rise in vaping among teens. On October 29,
2020, the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Kick Ash and Behavioral Health Services
student program hosted a town hall on the dangers of teen vaping and how the City
Council can promote a smoke-free environment in RPV. This is an example of how youth
advocated and embraced the Council’s decision to support a bill that impacts their health.
On March 15, 2022, the City Council considered permanently allowing the use of bikes,
skates, skateboards, and scooters in designated City parks. This discussion was highly
relevant to youth in RPV and came about because of parents looking for spaces for their
kids to ride. The Youth Advisory Committee could have assisted by providing its
perspective on the matter and how this policy decision could impact children and teens.
On November 1, 2022, the City Council voted on wayfinding signs for South Bay Cities
Council of Governments (SBCCOG) Local Travel Network. The local travel network would
serve e-bikes and scooters, which are gaining popularity among youth. The Youth
Advisory Committee could have provided insight on the signage given the use of e-bikes
among youth who use them to travel to and from school, parks, markets, and visit friends.
Although the direction was limited to providing input on wayfinding signs, the Youth
Advisory Committee could have used this item to provide input on potentially expanding
the Local Travel Network in the City and providing a safe means to travel for the
community.
Most recently, following the pandemic, mental health among teens has become a bigger
issue, with the Peninsula cities getting involved with the Palos Verdes Peninsula School
District (PVPUSD) and students to find solutions to bridge the gap for students to continue
receiving mental health services after they graduate from high school. The Youth Advisory
Committee could take an active role in collaborating with PVPUSD.
These are just a few examples of how the City can engage its youth in policy and civic
engagement.
Youth Advisory Committee Policy
Historically, City advisory committees were established through a City Council resolution.
However, because the Youth Advisory Committee will be comprised of minors, unlike the
other advisory boards, Staff recommends establishing policy-setting guidelines for this
unique committee.
For example, the application process for the Youth Advisory Committee would be slightly
different, as participants must be RPV residents and in grades 7-12. Participants will fill
out an application, complete the parental consent form and volunteer waivers.
Based on term end dates, applications will open at the start of the school year and will be
accepted until the end of September. Applications will be submitted to the City Clerk, and
students will receive further instructions based on the quality of their applications.
3
Youth Advisory Subcommittee
City advisory board meetings are run by a dedicated staff liaison who interacts with
members of the board. Pursuant to City Council Policy 54 (Attachment B) City Council
members serve on City ad hoc and standing subcommittees as a means for the staff
liaison to inform them of the status of each advisory committee’s work plan and to carry
out and seek clarification on City Council directives. For the Youth Advisory Committee,
the subcommittee will oversee the application process and selection of the advisory
committee’s members and will work closely with the staff liaison on matters pertaining to
the committee on an as-needed basis.
To be consistent with this practice, Staff recommends appointing two City Council
members to serve as a subcommittee to the Youth Advisory Committee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
It is important to note that throughout the development of the proposed Youth Advisory
Committee, there have been meetings with Councilmember Alegria to discuss what City
Council hopes to accomplish with the committee and what purpose it will serve. These
discussions have also helped establish the City Council's involvement with the committee
and the overall outline of what it would look like.
Similarly, there have been meetings with Palos Verdes Peninsula High School student
Tristan Tang, who shared a similar interest as the City Council in creating a setting for
kids to engage in local government.
Youth Advisory Committee Cost
The committee will not require additional funding for personnel as the oversight will fall
under the City Manager’s Office. One senior member of City staff shall be appointed by
the City Manager as the Youth Advisory Committee’s Staff Liaison, and they or their
designee must be present at all meetings. However, there are a few costs associated with
operating the committee. This includes supplies and staff time. Below is a cost analysis
for creating and operating the City’s committee.
Description Operating Cost
Operating Costs $1,000
Total $1,000
The liaison for the Youth Advisory Committee will be a senior member of staff appointed
by City Manager. The operating costs of $1,000 include associated supplies and potential
training for staff and meetings. Staff hours committed to the Youth Advisory Committee
will be based on the frequency of meetings. Staff will post agendas, write staff reports
and present before the City Council before its regularly scheduled City Council meetings.
The first year of operation is estimated to require approximately 80 hours of staff time.
4
Staff will report back if needed to the City Council for actual hours spent at the conclusion
of the next fiscal year.
Community Outreach
To help promote the Youth Advisory Committee, there will be local announcements
through social media, on the City website, and through educational organizations. For
instance, the committee can be promoted by the PVPUSD Board of Education, as well as
the Peninsula Education Foundation, RPVtv, and at PVPUSD and Chadwick School – to
name a few. As is done in other cities, a public service announcement (PSA) will be made
and displayed at local educational and City events to further promote the committee. This
will help promote the purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee and help pique students’
interest.
Next Steps
Once City Council approves the Youth Advisory Committee, staff will begin the following
process (next steps may be expanded):
• City Clerks’ office to begin coordination of recruitment process.
• Coordinate application review and interview dates with the subcommittee.
• Staff liaison will meet with the Subcommittee to organize a plan for the new
advisory committee and then schedule a first meeting with the Youth Advisory
Committee and explain Brown Act and meeting requirements.
CONCLUSION:
Implementing a Youth Advisory Committee in RPV would benefit young people in several
ways. Introducing the program to the City would provide students with the opportunity to
learn about local government and advocate for the interests of youth. Furthermore, it
would help improve the quality of life for younger generations living in RPV by voicing
their needs.
Therefore, Staff recommends the City Council approve a Youth Advisory Committee
policy and appoint two City Council members to serve on the subcommittee.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to return with additional information.
2. Suggest revisions to the policy or creation of the committee.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
5
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 54A
DATE ADOPTED: July 18, 2023
AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Youth Advisory Committee
POLICY:
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Youth Advisory Committee is to advocate for the needs of the youth
by elevating youth voices to improve their overall well-being and allow the youth to engage
with the inner workings of local government.
FUNCTION
In the Youth Advisory Committee, student Committee members will:
• Learn about and become involved with local government. Not only will they take
part in City work, but they will also help improve the quality of life for the youth
community in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Committee members will receive
feedback from their peers and use this information to recommend solutions to
rising issues.
• Learn about the inner workings of local government and will receive guidance and
a new understanding of how the City’s goals are developed and implemented.
• Receive feedback from the youth community to improve the quality of life for
children and teenagers.
• Help to inform the youth community about ongoing events, programs, and other
activities within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Help provide the youth with the opportunity to voice their opinions and propose
issues within the city or any area they may have.
• Assist with City projects or planning of City events.
MEMBERSHIP
Participants must have written parental consent.
The Committee will have 13 members who are a part of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Community, meaning that these students must live within the city of Rancho Palos Verdes.
A-1
Members may range in grade from 7th to 12th grade. Students may serve terms of different
length based on their grade level. Students may not serve more than two terms regardless
of other term conditions, and when there is a vacancy in the committee, a new committee
member will be appointed to fill that absence.
Students in 7th and 9th-11 th grade will serve terms that are two years in length. 8th and 12th
grade students will serve terms that are one year in length. Students may serve a total of
two terms regardless of grade and term length.
Terms may be renewed at the end of one’s term. Returning members may not serve more
than two consecutive terms.
Members must attend meetings and participate in activities and events that are hosted or
organized by the Committee.
Committee members that acquire two or more absences throughout a single term m ay
be terminated from the Committee at the discretion of the Council subcommittee.
Consideration may be made to return at a later time to complete the term.
Whenever a vacancy occurs, the Council subcommittee shall fill the vacancy for the
remainder of the term.
COMMITTEE MEMBER SELECTION
Committee members will be selected by the City Council for showing previous
participation in their community and other related activities. These selected Committee
members must plan to serve at least one 1-year term.
The City Council will elect a Chair and Vice Chair that will lead the committee for the
following term. The selected Chair and Vice Chair will have specific leadership roles and
responsibilities.
The Chair and Vice Chair must serve at least one year on the Committee before being
selected for the role with exception of the first year of the Committee.
If either the Chair or Vice Chair vacates their seat at any point throughout a term, the
subcommittee can elect another Committee member to fill that position for the remainder
of the term.
Committee members must actively participate in the Committee meetings.
STAFF LIAISON
One senior member of City staff shall be appointed by the City Manager as the YAC’s
Staff Liaison, and they or their designee must be present at all meetings.
The meeting agendas and minutes will be prepared by the Staff Liaison prior to the
meeting date, with input from the Committee Chair and the Council subcommittee.
A-2
MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
The Youth Advisory Committee will hold meetings as deemed appropriate throughout the
duration of the school year and will be on hiatus during the summer break. All meeting
agendas will be provided to the Committee members and anyone in attendance.
Meetings will be held at the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Ken Dyda Civic Center in the
Community Room. Should the location change, appropriate notifications and postings will
occur. These meetings will last for approximately one hour.
a. All meetings shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend
any meeting, and they may not be recorded.
b. Meeting timeframes will be established with the staff liaison that best fits the
schedule of students.
c. A quorum is formed when more than half of the Committee members are present.
d. No business may be conducted unless a quorum of members is present at a
meeting.
e. A written agenda must be prepared for each regular or adjourned regular meeting
of each legislative body.
f. Action or discussion on any item not appearing on the posted agenda is generally
prohibited.
g. The agenda must be posted within 72 hours of the meeting time.
h. There must be a brief description that is sufficient to inform the public about the
nature of each item on the agenda.
i. Committee members will take suggestions for topics or activities that may come
up during a “future agenda items” item on the agenda. They may also obtain
suggestions from anyone in the youth community and bring up the suggestions on
their behalf during that item.
j. Emails and text messages by Committee members regarding Committee business
may be subject to public disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
k. A majority of Committee members shall not discuss Committee matters outside of
the meetings.
l. No Committee member shall respond to, comment on, or share any other
Committee member’s social media post relating to Committee business.
WORKPLAN
The committee will cooperate with city staff liaison to prepare an annual work plan that
will be presented to City Council for approval. The work plan shall include a review of the
Committee’s goals, activity feedback, project progress, and results from events hosted by
the Committee. Throughout the year, there will be two check-ins to discuss with City
Council the progress that the Committee has made throughout that period.
CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE
The City Council subcommittee will consist of two City Council members. The
subcommittee will oversee the Committee application review and interviewing process.
The subcommittee will have the final decision in selecting those that will be accepted into
the committee.
A-3
COMPENSATION
Students will not receive paid compensation for their participation in the Youth Advisory
Committee. This is a volunteer program.
Students may use this program to receive volunteer service hours based on their amount
of participation in the Youth Advisory Committee.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Because the Youth Advisory Council’s members are minors, individuals who attend
meetings will be required to avoid foul language and personal attacks. Respectful
discourse, including disagreement, are encouraged.
A-4
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 54
DATE ADOPTED: August 20, 2019; Amended 04/20/21
SUBJECT: Council Liaisons for Advisory Committees and Commissions
POLICY:
It shall be the policy of the City Council to assign a council member liaison to any City
advisory committee and commissions. Questions or concerns about the direction of the
advisory committee or commission and/or direction from Staff should be directed to the
council liaison. The following parameters are hereby established as guidelines:
A. At the discretion of the City Council, a council member may be assigned to any of
the City’s active advisory committees and commissions, including the Planning
Commission, to serve as a Council liaison.
B. Council liaison assignments may be done on an annual basis at the same time as
the Council appointments to outside agencies are made, typically in December.
C. After the appointment(s) are made, the Staff liaison to the committee or commission
will be notified by the City Clerk regarding the decision.
D. Attendance at committee and commission meetings by the Council liaison is at the
discretion of the Council Member.
E. Council liaisons may informally arrange for a Council alternate when scheduling
conflicts arise.
F. During a committee and commission meeting, the Council liaison shall serve a role
similar to that of the Staff liaison. The primary responsibility for providing information
to committee and commission members belongs to the Staff liaison, but the Council
liaison may provide additional information at the request of the Chair when questions
fall beyond the scope of staff’s expertise.
G. During a committee or commission meeting, the Council liaison may address the
body under the “Staff Communications” portion of the agenda. During this time, the
liaison shall address the members from the podium or at a designated seat at the
table with Staff.
H. The Council liaison may raise points of order when procedural issues arise.
B-1
I. During committee or commission meetings, authority resides with the
committee/commission Chair.
J. A Council liaison role is primarily an observer, therefore liaisons shall refrain from:
a. Interfering with the smooth operation of committee/commission meetings
b. Participating or engaging in discussions or decisions of the
committee/commission
c. Advising what the committee/commission should or should not do or
attempting to influence and/or guide its progress
d. Offering opinions or advocating for or against matters when they come before
the committee/commission
e. Acting in a manner that undermines the Chair’s authority
f. Participating in policy discussions except when providing factual information
at the request of the Chair
g. Speaking on behalf of the full Council without appropriate authority
h. Acting as spokesperson for the committee/commission
K. No more than two members of the City Council are to be in attendance at any
meeting of a committee or commission at any time. If appointed to serve as liaison
to a committee or commission, the council member has priority over any other
council member who may wish to attend and is not a liaison.
L. If questions or concerns arise regarding the conduct of a Council liaison, the Chair
of the committee or commission should consult with the Mayor for possible
resolution. When the liaison in question is the Mayor, the Chair should consult with
the Mayor Pro Tempore for possible resolution.
M. In an effort to keep the City Council and the public informed on the activities of the
committees/commissions, biannual status reports shall be given at a regular City
Council meeting. The biannual report should include a summary of
accomplishments over the past six months and the work plan for the upcoming six
months
BACKGROUND:
The City Council recognized the need for City committees and commissions to have a
council member act as liaison between the City and the committee/commission.
B-2