2011-01-05 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 12 -01 -10 • This is a good way to introduce young citizens to the roles and responsibilities of local government. • They would bring a unique perspective to the Parks & Recreation Committee as we strive to address the needs of all age groups. • This may be an excellent forum for meeting Community Service requirements that may be set by their schools or scouting programs. 2. We will need to set an age group. My suggestion is 15 - 18 years old. Over 18 they could be a regular committee member. 3. I feel strongly that each person in the Youth Corps should be assigned specific responsibilities. Specific responsibilities will give the corps members a focus and a sense of accomplishment. With specific responsibilities both they and we will know what to expect and have a basis for judging success of the program. I would set this up with a job description and objectives, much like we might set up for an new employee. It should not be long or complicated, but should be specific. 4. The Youth Corps would have to have a "home. " That is, it would have to be tied directly to the Council or assigned to one of the two committees. Two adults currently serving on the Council or a committee would need to be appointed as mentors. S. The City Council will have to approve the formation of a Youth Corps. The Council may want to (or be required to) appoint the members - as they do for the two current committees. 6 The Youth Corps will not have a budget and should not cause additional expense to the City. Here are a couple of ideas on where we might be able to use the Youth Corps. • This coming year I am going to recruit a few people to form a race committee for the three Festival of the Lakes events. Someone of high school age could be a big help in promoting these events. • We could assign a Youth Corps member to assist with specific Parks & Recreation activities. Maybe even take over these activities with oversight from a mentor. Activities such as Skate Night or Movies -in- the - Parks. What does the committee think? Are we making unnecessary work for ourselves or does this idea have merit? This is a decision that should take considerable discussion and not entered into lightly for surely we will be expected to make it work. Please do not make your decision this month, but let the idea cook for a month or two. When the committee is in agreement, it will be presented to City Council. Vice - Chairperson Grahek said his kids where in high school and required to do service work so he thought it a great opportunity for the kids involved and for the committee to consider working directly with the high school. In theory the committee likes the idea, but realistically some of the concerns to think about are; what other types of projects would the committee want them to be involved with, can the committee actually commit to keeping them busy and do we have the adult supervision which would be necessary among the committee or council members. This item will continue to stay on the agenda for discussion. 4of8