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Recreation Manager Jay Ingram presented the item to introduce an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to allow voting by youth members of the Human Services, Parks and Recreation, Library and Civic Arts Commissions. He noted no changes would be made to the quorum requirements until the change has been in palce for a year and the affected commissions review the impact of youth voting on the quorum. He presented a brief history of the item and noted the Youth Commission reached out to the Human Services, Library and Civic Arts and the Parks and Recreation Commissions for feedback. All commissions were in support of proposal with the exception of Human Services who expressed concern that the youth member has a two-year term rather than a four-year term and that the Grants Program is complex and the funds allocated are much larger in comparison to other city grant programs. In response to Mayor Thorne's question, Mr. Ingram advised that some commissions have eight members including the youth member and clarified the Human Services Commission vote was 5- 2 to oppose the youth member from voting. In response to Councilmember Brown ,Mr. Ingram noted that adult members do not have to wait a year before being able to vote on their respective commission. Mayor Thorne opened public comment. The following expressed support for the ordiance amendment allowing youth members to vote. Library Commissioners Fern Skowlund and Michaela Hertle; Youth Commissioners Keshav Patel, Kristina Castanzo, Tejas Prakash and Zaynah Shal. Mike Sedlak, Housing Commission member, expressed his opposition to the proposal and encouraged City Council to oppose the code amendment. Mayor Thorne closed public comment. Mayor Thorne noted that commissions make a recommendation to the City Council with the Council having the final vote. He did note the Human Services Commission does have a complex grant program and Councilmembers would need to keep that in mind when the item is voted upon In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry, Recreation Supervisor Nicole Thomas advised that other Tri-Valley cities do not have youth on commissions other than their Youth Commissions. Councilmember Pentin motioned to accept the recommendation with the expection of the voting youth member on the Human Services Commission. The motion died due to the lack of a second. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram advised the Human Services Commission is currently comprised of 7 voting members, an alternate, and the non- voting youth member. He reported that he has had great experiences with the youth members and feels they bring great value. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Mr. Ingram said no non-profit organizations have expressed concern with this item. In response to Councilmember Testa, Mr. Irgam advised that the youth members attend site visits as part of the commission responsbilities.She expressed her support for the item. Councilmember Pentin expressed his opposition to the change; noted the Housing Services Commission has expressed its concern and City Council should respect their input. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 December 17,2019