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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-012-14 If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Municipal Clerk at 905-623-3379 ext. 2102 ciffftwIn Report Community Services Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee Date: September 8, 2014 Resolution: n By-law: N/A f Report: CSD-012-14 File: N/A. Subject: Durham Youth Council Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: a) That Report CSD-012-14 be received; b) That meeting space be provided to the Durham Youth Council through the Clarington Public Library in accordance with Library's Meeting Room Use Policy; c) That the Community Services Department provide the Community Grant Policy and a 2014 Grant Application to the Durham Youth Council; d) That following the municipal election, Council appoint a representative to the Durham Youth Council Board of Directors; and e) That all interefsred p rties listed in Report CSD-012-14 be advised of Council's decision. Submitted by: Reviewed by: 46seph P. Caruana Franklin Wu, Director of Community Services Chief Administrative Officer Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report CSD-012-14 Report Overview The Durham Youth Council believes that youth are key stakeholders in our community and have many qualities that can contribute to the betterment of our Region. The Council also believe that youth should be included in the decision making process on issues that affect youth in the Region of Durham. They are committed to inclusion and diversity on the council and strive to have an open, honest, fair and respectful council. Providing opportunities for the Durham Youth Council to meet within the Municipality of Clarington will demonstrate Clarington's support of this Council and reduce transportation barriers for Clarington youth who wish to attend these meetings. Providing a representative to sit on the Board of Directors will ensure regular communication between the Youth Council and Clarington Council on local issues affecting Clarington youth. Background 1. At the Council meeting of June 16th Council received a delegation from Mr. Kyle Fitzgerald regarding a Durham Youth Council Update. 2. At that meeting Council passed Resolution #GPA-372-14: "THAT the delegation of Kyle Fitzgerald, Durham Youth Council, be received with thanks; and THAT Mr. Fitzgerald's requests be referred to staff for a report; and THAT the report include potential sponsorship opportunities." Comments 3. Further to the meeting on June 16th, staff has contacted Mr. Fitzgerald to review his request and discuss in further detail. 4. The request of the Durham Youth Council focused on four areas; meeting space, monetary support, Board representation and co-operation on events. Meeting Space 5. The Durham Youth Council meets as a whole once per month. The Youth Council would like to hold a minimum of one meeting per month in each of the eight Durham municipalities. The Youth Council is looking for complimentary or discounted municipal meeting space for approximately one to two meetings a year in Clarington. 6. The Clarington Public Library provides meeting room space for civic, educational and cultural activities. Meeting rooms are available in the Bowmanville and Newcastle branches. Presently the Clarington Public Library is waiving fees for those interested in utilizing the space. Municipality of Clarington Report CSD-012-14 Page 3 7. It is recommended that the Durham Youth Council be referred to the Clarington Public Library for use of meeting room space in Clarington. Monetary Support 8. Annually, the Community Grant Program is available for local not-for-profit organizations to apply for funding (up to $5,000) to assist with the costs of hosting and participating in events. The funding is launched annually in January with applications being due in late February. For the 2014 grant cycle, there is a remaining balance of $3,500. 9. It is recommended that staff provide the Durham Youth Council with a copy of the Community Grant Policy and an application for the 2014 grant year. 10.If a 2014 grant application is received from the Durham Youth Council Community Services staff will prepare a report outlining the specifics of the request for Council's consideration. Board of Directors 11.Currently the Durham Youth Council Board of Directors is in transition. In an effort to increase lines of communication, as part of the new Board structure the Youth Council has designated one position on the Board for an elected representative from each of the Durham municipalities (eight). The Youth Council would like Clarington Council to nominate one representative to hold this position. Co-operation on Events 12.In terms of Community Youth Events, it has been suggested to the Durham Youth Council that following the municipal social media sites would be a good way to stay abreast of general events occurring in Clarington. In addition, the "Events Calendar" found on the municipal website www.clarington.net provides the Durham Youth Council an opportunity to post any events that they would like to promote to Clarington residents. 13.In addition, the Firehouse Youth Centre is a significant provider of youth activities and events in Clarington; they as well have a website and social media accounts. The Durham Youth Council should consider following the Firehouse social media accounts for current youth information and events. While the Firehouse Youth Centre and Durham Youth Council do not actively work together, with increased dialogue there may be the opportunity to assist both organizations with fulfilling their mandates and possibly partner on future events. Contact information for the Firehouse Youth Centre has been shared with Mr. Fitzgerald. Sponsorship 14.The Resolution #GPA-372-14 also requested that "the report include potential sponsorship opportunities." In discussions with Mr. Fitzgerald he indicated that the Durham Youth Council does actively seek sponsorships and currently has a sponsorship package. Any reference made in his presentation to "sponsorships" seems to be related to the Municipality of Clarington Report CSD-012-14 Page 4 Municipality of Clarington considering being a sponsor. For the purpose of this report we have dealt with this option under Monetary Support. Concurrence 15.This report has been reviewed by Linda Kent, CEO Clarington Public Library who concurs with the recommendations. Strategic Plan Application The recommendations contained in this report conform to the Strategic Plan. Staff Contact: Sharon Meredith, Manager, Recreation Services, 905-623-3379 ext. 2504 or smeredith(D,clarington.net The following is a list of the interested parties to be notified of Council's decision: Kyle Fitzgerald, Durham Youth Council