To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Becca Schnorr, Youth Commission Coordinator
Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Resolution of the Town of Castle Rock, Colorado, to Establish a Youth Commission
Body
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Executive Summary
The Castle Rock Youth Commission is envisioned to provide high school students in grades 9 to 12 an opportunity to engage with and learn about local government, participate in decision making, and represent the needs of the community's youth. Serving in an advisory capacity to the Town Council, the Commission will be tasked with identifying ways to increase youth involvement in local government, communicating Commission activities and opportunities to the community, and organizing service projects and events that benefit the youth of Castle Rock. Additionally, the Commission is anticipated to develop recognition programs to celebrate the achievements of local youth, fostering a sense of community engagement and support.
The purpose of tonight’s agenda item is to formally establish the Commission by Resolution (Attachment A), which includes the authority to approve the Youth Commission Bylaws (Attachment B). The Commission is proposed to consist of nine members, initially appointed with staggered terms so that five are appointed for two-year terms and four are appointed for one-year terms. Thereafter, Commissioners will be appointed to two-year terms.
Regular meetings for the Commission will be held on the second Monday of each month, excluding June, July and August, except on Town holidays or Douglas County School District school closures. All regular meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, Colorado, unless otherwise designated, and are open to the public.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
On May 21, 2024, Councilmember Dietz proposed the establishment of a teen/youth council in Castle Rock, highlighting that neighboring areas like Parker, Lone Tree, and Douglas County have similar initiatives. He explained that a youth council would provide an opportunity for local youth to engage in their community, gain insight into municipal operations, and contribute to decision-making processes.
On June 18, 2024, staff provided a follow-up presentation to Council’s direction to create a teen/youth council. Town Council at that time amended the 2024 Budget to include related expenses for establishing a Youth Commission, including an $8,000 annual budget for the group, plus accommodation for staffing expenses.
Discussion
On October 7, 2024, Becca Schnorr began the role of the Youth Commission Coordinator in Castle Rock. In this new role, she has been meeting with youth leaders across Castle Rock and Douglas County to understand the various opportunities available for young people in the area. She has also been familiarizing herself with the Town’s other boards and commissions and laying the groundwork to ensure the success of the Youth Commission, which is now envisioned to launch for the 2025/2026 school year. She developed the proposed bylaws for the Commission and is working through meeting protocols, promotional and application materials, and other related items.
With Council’s approval of the item presented tonight, applications for the Youth Commission are expected to be open from May to August 2025, providing ample time to engage with local schools and recruit a diverse group of commissioners. This timeline will help attract a wide range of young people to participate in and contribute to the Commission’s future initiatives. This timing is different from other Town boards and commissions, because the Youth Commission is envisioned to run as a schoolyear program, and not a June to May program, like other boards and commissions.
Staff anticipates interviewing, selecting, and presenting the Town’s first youth commissioners for Council’s appointment in late August or early September, with terms running September 1 through August 31, or until the date of graduation for seniors. Staff is planning the interview panel to consist of the staff liaison, the Council liaison, and a youth representative from one of the established youth programs. In the future, Youth Commission will have representation on the interview panel, as is the typical interview group for Town boards and commissions: staff liaison, Council liaison and board/commission member.
The Youth Commission is expected to adhere to the rules and procedures outlined in the Town’s Boards and Commissions handbook, with a few exceptions. One key difference is the structure of officers, which includes additional positions recommended by established neighboring youth commissions. In addition to electing a chair and vice-chair, the Commission will elect a secretary and treasurer, providing commissioners with more opportunities to participate in the administration and responsibilities of the Commission. Additionally, as previously noted, there will be five two-year terms and four one-year terms available in 2025/2026, in order to establish a staggered board. One final difference is that youth commissioners will not be able to exceed two unexcused absences.
Budget Impact
Town Council has authorized a budget of $8,000 for the Youth Commission.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that council approves the bylaws as presented.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the Resolution as approved by title.”
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Youth Commission Bylaws