Agenda Date: 01/08/2019
Subject:
Title
Next Generation Advisory Committee Discussion
Body
|
Presented By: |
Council Member Kyle Schlachter and Mark Relph, City Manager |
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION:
Does city council support creating a Next Generation Advisory Committee (NGAC)?
BACKGROUND:
Creation of a NGAC was discussed at the March 27, 2018 study session. Council directed staff to work with key people from the proposed group and focusing on what they want to accomplish, how the group would function, and what might be the composition of members.
The NGAC was next discussed at the June 5, 2018 study session where council provided the following feedback (in some cases not with full consensus):
- The group should have clear direction and a work plan, including appropriate projects and timelines
- The group should not impact the staff workload
- The group should be included in the Envision Littleton process
- Some concern limiting this committee to a specific demographic
- A sunset/trial period was supported
Council Member Schlachter agreed to bring back a more detailed plan to council including processes for recruiting and interviewing, identify how the group will function, along with a scope of work with timing. Council Member Schlachter asked the council to submit any additional feedback directly to him for inclusion and consideration.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Changes
Council Member Schlachter has identified the following changes since the last discussion:
- Addition of the NGAC Action Plan
o The action plan highlights NGAC objectives and outlines the initial implementation timeline. Once created, the group will be tasked with developing a two-year work plan.
- By-Law Changes
o Mission updated from advancing the policy interests of the 17-34 year-old demographic to:
Support the city council’s vision statement with thoughtful, considerate and insightful recommendations, suggestions and feedback, on matters of city policy that directly impact the attraction and retention of young residents and employees.
o Under goals, topics the NGAC would explore were updated to better match the municipal focus by removing items typically handled at the state and county levels.
o The members section was updated to include Options High School, and include students who may not live in Littleton. Membership for secondary school students is limited to three. Not all members are required to be residents, but must either work or attend school in Littleton if not a resident.
o Selection of members was updated to allow Littleton Public Schools, ACC, or the committee to recommend new members to council, and who will be responsible for appointing new members.
o Member expectations were updated to include a statement that members should stay current with city policy initiatives and attend or watch council meetings.
Meetings
- Monthly on the first Thursday
- Anticipated to begin in April of 2019
- The first 5-6 meetings will be dedicated to learning the city and engaging in the Envision Littleton process
- In addition, the group will develop a work plan through December 2020
(See the attached Action Plan for a timeline)
Envision Littleton and the NGAC
- The NGAC will act as an advisory committee ensuring the voice of the 17-34 year-old demographic is captured in a meaningful way
o Engagement will begin during Phase 3 The Future City of Littleton (Mar-Jul), with an introduction to Envision Littleton and review of Phases 1-2
o The group will be engaged at its regular meetings, in a similar fashion to other groups, during Phases 3-5
- The NGAC will have the opportunity to “sponsor” events or act as ambassadors for Envision Littleton. The following are some possibilities:
o Sponsor a speaker series event by hosting, being an emcee or participating in storytelling
o Promote Envision Littleton events on social media
o Volunteer at Envision Littleton events
Application and Appointment Process
- February: Initial application period
o Application Form: A modified version of the Authorities, Boards, & Commissions Application <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4hIXhwwoa2bfX_dBXotN474R6dcS4nil7xjmqi-pKBytn3Q/viewform>
§ Section 3. Board preferences will be removed
§ Section 4. Experience will only have one set of responses (rather than two)
o Littleton Public Schools will have the opportunity to recommend three students
o Arapahoe Community College will have the opportunity to recommend one student
- March: Council subcommittee to interview applicants and make a recommendation to council
- March: Council will be appoint members to the committee
Why
Next generation groups are an opportunity to reach a demographic that is typically underrepresented by traditional outreach methods, such as surveys and printed news. The Envision Littleton 2040 Report is a reminder that while this demographic may not respond to surveys as highly as others, they want to talk, but need to be met on their terms. Forming the Next Generation Advisory Committee would provide a method to reach and engage this demographic by allowing Littleton to maintain the high standard for civic involvement set by its founders and civic leaders.
This approach could also fall within the council’s 2018 Strategic Imperative - Collaborative Relationships by going beyond the typical approaches to community engagement.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Fiscal impacts will depend on direction from council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
If council decides to pursue the NGAC, staff recommends a two-year trial period. At the end of 2020, council should review the group’s work and effectiveness, and determine whether to stop, continue, or modify.
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES:
1) Pursue the NGAC and have staff prepare a resolution to formalize the advisory committee at an upcoming council meeting.
2) Do not pursue this committee at this time.