Title
Amending Chapter 105 of the Administrative Code to add two youth commissioners to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Body
SECTION 1
WHEREAS, Chapter 105 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code establishes a Parks and Recreation Commission to serve as an advisory body to the mayor and the city council on park and recreation matters; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 105.02(a) establishes that the Parks and Recreation Commission consists of nine (9) at-large members appointed by the Mayor of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul wishes to increase youth involvement in decision making; and
WHEREAS, youth bring important perspectives, passion and energy to decision making; and
WHEREAS, youth use the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation programs and facilities daily; and
WHEREAS, the youth of Saint Paul are eager to lead and make decisions about their city; and
WHEREAS, the Youth On Boards Initiative led by the City’s Right Track Program and Sprockets Network is prepared to support youth who are serving on the commission; and
WHEREAS, amending Chapter 105 of the Administrative Code to add two (2) youth at-large members between the ages of 15 and 20 would will provide new perspectives from frequent Parks and Recreation patrons; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul does hereby ordain:
SECTION 2
Section 105.02 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code is hereby amended as follows:
Section 105.02. - Establishment; terms; vacancies or removals; qualifications
(a) Parks and recreation commission established. There is hereby established a parks and recreation commission consisting of nine (9) at-large members and two (2) youth at-large members between 15 and 20 years of age appointed by the Mayor of Saint Paul.
(b) Terms. Of the members first appointed, three (3) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, three (3) for a term of two (2) years, and three (3) for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, the term of each member shall be three (3) years and the term for youth members between 15 and 20 years of age shall be two (2) years.
(c) Vacancies or removals. Vacancies on the commission for whatever cause shall be filled by the mayor through the open appointment process for the unexpired term. If a member misses three (3) consecutive regular meetings without having a sufficient excuse, that member may be removed from the commission by the sole action of the mayor, and the vacancy shall be filled by the mayor through the open appointment process for the unexpired portion of the term.
(d) Qualifications. All members shall be residents of the City of Saint Paul and be interested in and knowledgeable of the Saint Paul parks and recreation system.
SECTION 3
Section 105.4 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code is hereby amended as follows:
Section 105.04. - Meetings.
The commission shall establish a regular time and place of meeting and shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings of the commission may be called at any time by the chairperson or by any four (4) five (5) or more members of the commission. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order Revised and notice of all meetings shall be published in accordance with proper notice procedures. A majority of all qualified commissioners shall constitute a quorum, and all business may be transacted by a majority vote of such quorum. The commission may adopt and from time to time amend rules of procedures. Unless otherwise provided, any action taken by the commission shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of its members. The commission shall keep a public record of its meetings. Copies of all minutes, motions, resolutions, findings and reports shall be available to the public upon request.
SECTION 4
This Ordinance Shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days following passage, approval, and publication.