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It was moved by Ms. Michelotti, seconded by Ms. Ayala, to introduce Ordinance No. 1853, to be read by title only and waiving further reading thereof, to increase the term of the Youth Commissioners to three 2-year terms, and to allow representation from the sixth grade. The roll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmembers - Ayala, Campbell, Dennis, Michelotti, and Mayor Pico NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Ms. Dennis indicated she has given whether to pay a stipend to the Youth Commission quite a bit of thought. She began thinking it was not necessary. However, after serving on a number of commissions and seeing how people view their jobs, the compensation is very small compared to the hours spent. People take a job more seriously if they receive some compensation. Compensation indicates this is real contribution to the community. If Youth Commissioners are compensated, they are expected to put in the same kind of hours and view the job with the same level of responsibility as an adult commissioner. It will be a job they love and the worst paying job they will ever have. It is a service to the community and not done for the money. This is not just a volunteer service committee, but a job with decision making responsibility. The fact that they are compensated by the taxpayers for exercising that judgment and responsibility and for doing this means they must take it seriously. These kids could be using their time at a real job with real money, but they are dedicating their time for the city and they should not be penalized. It is unfortunate the City cannot compensate the younger kids, but this is good experience. Ms. Ayala felt this was the worst step that could be taken. When the idea first came up, she was shocked. There is a partnership with the School District and years were spent working on the Youth Master Plan to create a community of character and service. There was no discussion whatsoever about this with the School District. She talked to many teachers and administrators and they all said they were opposed to this because it sends the wrong message to the young people. They are in a learning mode and should not be learning this correlation between doing work for the community and getting a monetary reward. There are 239 students working 2,223 hours volunteering for the library for summer reading programs. They do this for community service. If we begin to teach children that in order to volunteer, you must get paid, that is really the wrong message. The least Council should do is to take this to the School Liaison Committee for review. Throwing money at projects or people doesn't solve complex problems. It reinforces a characteristic of consumerism that all things are commodities to be bought and sold and the core value of success equals acquisition. Mayor Pico felt this was a City commission, not with the School District, and he felt it was an issue of fairness. Ms. Michelotti favored a school credit and working with the District to provide that. Years ago when she worked on the Planning Commission there was no stipend. People Pleasanton City Council 14 05/07/02 Minutes