2022-02-23 Youth Commission MinutesYouth Commission Meeting Minutes 2/23/2022
Commission Members Present:
Owen Lee
Brook Roberts
Samuel Yi
Julie Andres
Mariana Yenter
Sydney Pearson
Staff Present:
Jay Sandstrom
Commission Members Absent:
Finn Paynich
Chelsea Beck
Brooke Rinehimer
Audrey Lim
Aaron Nateephaisan
Councilmembers Present:
Diane Buckshnis
I. ROLL CALL & ABSENCES
Owen Lee moved to call the meeting to order at 6:05 PM over Zoom.
Julie read the land acknowledgment statement.
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Owen moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
III. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
➢ Commission Retreat Meeting Minutes of January 29, 2021
Owen moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Brook Roberts. The motion passed
unanimously.
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No members of the public present.
V. PROS PLAN UPDATES
Brooke was not present to update on the PROS Plan. Councilmember Buckshnis noted it
has not yet gone to council for approval. She suggested reading planning committee
minutes and keeping up with the project in order to engage with current events
pertaining to relevant youth problems such as equity.
VI. YOUTH & GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
Brook delivered a presentation on municipal government engagement. He described
Edmonds's form of government and how ordinances, resolutions, proclamations and
motions are passed. The presentation included a list of Edmonds City departments and
some recent developments that demonstrate how Edmonds government works in
practice. The importance of increasing citizen engagement, specifically Highway 99
residents, working-class families, and youth was highlighted with the goal of being more
equitable. Examples of how citizens engage in government was included, as well as how
to successfully integrate citizens in government participation. Brook closed by asking
how Edmonds Youth Commission can bring this project to life and spread this
presentation. He opened the discussion to the commission. Jay stressed the importance
of packaging the message in concise Instagram posts and Diane suggested some physical
mediums. Sydney suggested using TikTok to spread informational skits.
VII. OTHER COMMITTEE UPDATES
Owen moved to add an agenda item for attending other commission meetings. Seconded by
Brook. The motion passed unanimously.
Mara discussed how the Environmental Committee should meet soon and focus more
on possible projects, including upcoming Earth Day plans. Sydney reiterated the Mental
Health Committee's goal of reaching out to a local therapist to address common youth
mental health problems. Brook expressed interest in attending a Seattle U presentation
and inquired about attending with youth commission affiliations.
Owen presented food bank volunteer plans within the commission and assigned each
committee to one day of attendance per month, starting in March.
VIII. ATTENDING OTHER COMMISSION MEETINGS
Owen mentioned how the commission has not connected with the Youth Commission
yet because of their busy schedule regarding the recent Lunar New Year celebrations. He
suggested attending Planning Board meetings once a month. Brook Roberts suggested
using SignUpGenius to let different commissioners attend whichever meetings they are
able to. Councilmember Buckshnis suggested engaging with the Mayor's Climate
Protection Committee through meeting minutes and emails. Brook volunteered to do so.
IX. WELLNESS CHECK -IN & GOAL SETTING
Owen inquired about the energy levels of the commission and how available
commissioners are going to be in the future. In general, stress levels were high due
mostly to school and energy levels were somewhat low.
Owen reiterated the importance of having something to present at the Youth
Commission end of year meeting to the city council in June. He suggested creating
long-term project plans that can be carried on next year to add more structure to the
youth commission as well as posting more regularly on the Instagram page. He inquired
about goals that Youth Commissioners feel are doable in the next few months of this
year's commission. Regarding Instagram posting, Julie volunteered to serve as interim
social media manager.
X. FINAL COMMENTS
Jay noted that the Edmonds Day Camp Program is being restarted thanks to a grant. The
program will provide full scholarships to any individual that qualifies. Jay is looking for
anyone who will be 18 or older this summer to volunteer for the program. Diane offered
the members of the commission the chance to attend rotary meetings or other civic
groups. Brook suggested applying for the Youth Heritage Project to explore maritime
stories in Port Townsend.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Owen Lee adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM.