Title
Expansion of the Number of Environmental Commission Seats to Include Two New Seats for Youth Members
Body
WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the growing need to include youth in its advisory and decision-making processes to meet sustainability goals on behalf of the city; and,
WHEREAS, the whole of the community benefits when there is greater civic participation by future leaders that are knowledgeable about environmental policy, issues, and implications; and,
WHEREAS, young people will be disproportionately impacted by environmental decisions and processes that impact air, water, land, and overall quality of life in the future.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Environmental Commission for the City of Ann Arbor urges City Council to amend City Code § Title 1 Chapter 8 1:237 to expand of the membership of the commission to consist of 15 voting members, of which two voting member seats will be reserved for youth between the ages of 14-25; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the youth serving on the Environment Commission will have interest in protecting and enhancing the well-being of the environment and public health of the community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that residents in the youth seats would serve one-year terms; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that youth under the age of 18 shall provide written proof of permission from a parent or guardian to qualify for appointment as part of their application materials; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the new members will abide by all of the membership roles and responsibilities that are found in the Membership section in Article 4, which include commission membership term details consistent with City Codes § 1:237(4) and § Title 1 Chapter 8 1:171 and that the youth members will abide by all of the standards in the Ethics and Conflicts of Interest sections of City Code.