Title
Approval of a Recommendation to Appoint Members to fill Vacancies on the Olympia Youth Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Youth Council interview committee consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Hu?nh, Youth Council Chair Nolan O'Connell, and Youth Council Member Shruthi Lingam-Nattamai recommend the appointment of Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the appointment of Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the appointment of Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The application for Youth Council members was open from May 1 - 31 . A recruitment event was held on May 17 at City Hall. A total of 16 applications were received, and all applicants were moved forward to be interviewed. 11 applicants were interviewed, as several didn't respond to interview scheduling communications.
On August 7 and 8, an interview committee consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Hu?nh, Youth Council Chair Nolan O'Connell, and Youth Council Member Shruthi Lingam-Nattamai interviewed the applicants and recommend all for appointment. Those members are Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
Once approved Youth Council onboarding will take place at the September 17th Youth Council meeting.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Based on data from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's "Report Card", minority enrollment in Olympia's schools is at 40% and approximately 20% of students are economically disadvantaged. (This data does not include students who are not in traditional schools, like home school or G.E.D programs.) One of the main goals of a Youth Council is to engage and lift up voices and perspectives of people who are often excluded from decision making and lack access to power.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Youth in our community have expressed an interest in participating in decision making that effects their future.
Options:
1. Move to approve the appointment of Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
2. Do not approve the appointment of Addy Pitman, Alaina Wettstein, Amelia Eslinger, Amelia Lehman, Anika Prabakar, Donovan Jojola, Elizabeth Mendoza, Gian Pama, Gretchen Hillier, Pamela Palmerson and Zian Zhao to serve on the Olympia Youth Council with a term beginning September 2025 through September 2026.
3. Take other action.
Financial Impact:
No cost is associated with the action. To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Attachments:
None