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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-03-22; 8-f - Approval of Addition of Non-voting Youth Member to Parks and Recreation Council (PRC) 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 3, 2022 Action Agenda Item No. 8-f SUBJECT: Approval of Addition of Non-voting Youth Member to Parks and Recreation Council (PRC) DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Park and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. PRC Memorandum David Stancil, DEAPR Director, 2. Resolution of Amendment 919-245-2510 3. Code of Ordinances (Sec. 26-115, Kalani Allen, Administrative Support, Sec. 26-117 Proposed Changes) 919-245-2510 PURPOSE: To consider approval of a resolution amending the Code of Ordinances to allow the addition of a youth delegate non-voting member to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council (PRC). BACKGROUND: The Parks and Recreation Council, comprised of 12 appointed members from Orange County, has expressed an interest in adding a youth member in a non-voting capacity. The new non-voting member would be an Orange County applicant between 13 and 17 years of age to be solicited in conjunction with the Clerk's office, and then appointed by the BOCC. The proposed addition of non-voting youth member requires a change to the Orange County Code of Ordinances section that governs the PRC. A memorandum from the PRC, along with a Resolution of Amendment to approve the proposed changes to Article 26 of the Code of Ordinances, is attached. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no identified financial impact associated with this item. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. With the addition of a youth delegate member, the member can provide input on issues and concerns relating to youth participation in recreation activities and County parks. 2 If approved, the PRC would work with the Clerk's office to construct application questions and promote the position. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There are no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impacts associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the attached Resolution of Amendment with changes to Article 26 of the Code of Ordinances, adding of a non-voting youth delegate member to the Parks and Recreation Council. 3 Attachment 1 ORANGE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COUNCIL MEMORANDUM TO: Orange County Board of County Commissioners FROM: Parks and Recreation Council DATE: April 7, 2022 RE: Parks and Recreation Council Youth Delegate Member Position Proposal At its December, February and April meetings, the Parks and Recreation Council (PRC) discussed the value in having a non-voting "youth delegate" member on the Council. After discussion with the County Attorney's office, we understand that this would require an amendment to the Code of Ordinances (Article 26) to be approved by the Board of Commissioners. It is recommended that this position be a 13th member of the Council but be a non- voting position, to be held by an Orange County resident youth (13 to 17 years of age) who has an interest in parks and recreation activities in Orange County. Interested youth would be solicited to apply using the existing application (with a date of birth line) and the appointment process. The Council suggests that the appointed youth member serve the appropriate number of terms, and drop off upon reaching their 18th birthday, at which time a new solicitation would begin. The addition of a youth delegate member position to the PRC council would bring valuable insight to decisions relating to parks and recreation, from one who participates in recreation activities and/or visits parks regularly with their family. Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. Please let us know if we may provide any additional information, or if there are any questions. Copies: John Roberts, County Attorney Laura Jensen, Clerk to the BOCC Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Parks and Recreation Council David Stancil, DEAPR Director c% Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2510 Fax: (919) 644-3351 4 RES-2022-022 Attachment 2 RESOLUTION OF AMENDMENT A RESOLUTION AMENDING CHAPTER 26 OF THE ORANGE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES Be It Resolved and Ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina: WHEREAS, the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council, an advisory board to the Board of County Commissioners, has proposed an amendment to the Orange County Code of Ordinances to allow an additional non-voting member; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Council sees the value of having the perspective of a youth member on the Council, as youth are a large part of the constituency and users of County recreation programs and facilities; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners also sees the value of having a youth representative to advise and provide feedback on County recreation activities and park facilities, promoting a diversity of age for the Council's future work, and hereby determines that Chapter 26 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances should be amended accordingly; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDAINED, that the Code of Ordinances, Orange County, North Carolina, Chapter 26, is hereby amended to add new language to subsections 26- 115 and 26-117 as shown in the attached to provide for the addition of a non-voting youth member to the Parks and Recreation Council, to help provide diversity and perspective of local youth for the deliberations and work of the Council, with applications for such new member to be solicited by the Clerk to the Board's Office for future consideration and appointment. This Amendment shall become effective on May 31, 2022. Adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners this the 3rd day of May, 2022. By: Attest: Renee Price, Chair Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board Orange County Board of Commissioners 5 ORD-2022-012 Attachment 3 Changes to Code of Ordinances, Article 26, to Create a Non-Voting Youth Member for the Parks and Recreation Council. Sec. 26-115. - Creation; name; number of members. There is hereby created an Orange County Parks and Recreation Council composed of 12 residents of Orange County as voting members plus one non-voting youth delegate,to be known as the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. Amended: February 5, 1979 April 21,2015 Sec. 26-117. -Appointment of the Council. Each member of the Council shall be a county resident appointed by the county board of commissioners. The county parks and recreation council shall be composed of seven members representing the seven townships in Orange County,plus one each from the cities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough with the two members at-large and one non-voting youth delegate being between the ages 13 and 17. Amended: February 5, 1979 June 4, 2002 April 21,2015 Update Date: