San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes (revised as of September 14, 2012)
**Special Inaugural Meeting**
Thursday, August 30, 2012
6:30pm-8:30pm
City Hall, Room 416
1. Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102

There will be public comment on each item.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Acting Chair Mia Shackelford called the meeting to order at 6:40pm.

The roll was called. Commissioners present: Sarah Armstrong, Rachel Brodwin, Brian Chu, Kyron Covington, Iris Alejandra Guzman-Ramos, Christine Huynh, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Paul Monge-Rodriguez, Mia Tu Mutch, Nicholas Persky, Mia Shackelford, Vee Taumoepeau, Vanessa Warri, Eric Wu, Ariel Yu. Commissioners absent: Angel Carrion.

There was quorum.

Staff present: Mario Yedidia, Phimy Truong.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

There was no public comment on this item.

Commissioner Brodwin, seconded by Commissioner Marshall-Fricker, moved to approve the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously by acclamation.

3. Approval of Minutes (Action Item)

A. July 16, 2012
(Document A)

There was no public comment on this item.

Commissioner Armstrong, seconded by Commissioner Brodwin, moved to approve the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously by acclamation.

4. Public Comment on Items not on Agenda (Discussion Only)

David Pilpel welcomed returning and new commissioners to the 2012-2013 Youth Commission term. Mr. Pilpel expressed his support of the Youth Commission.

5. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

A. Legislative Report on Youth Commission Items Sent to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors (BOS)

Youth Commission Director Mario Yedidia handed out a tracking document that captures the entirety of the legislative work undertaken by the 2011-2012 Youth Commission.

B. Youth Commission Program Updates & Reminders

Mr. Yedidia then provided commissioners with updates and reminders related to more programmatic aspects of Youth Commission business. Staff from the Controller’s Office and MUNI were undertaking a pilot outreach project for potential Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP) changes on the 5 Fulton line that employs a smart phone application. Commissioners Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Monge-Rodriguez, and Shackelford expressed interest in this project. Mr. Yedidia then passed out an email from Ellen Schwartz, a consultant for the United States State Department, which invites the Youth Commission to participate in a Near East youth activist conference to be held in San Francisco in mid-October. Commissioners interested in participating in the conference included Tu Mutch, Wu, Chu, Monge-Rodriguez, Yu, Covington, Brodwin, Shackelford, Armstrong, Taumoepeau, Guzman-Ramos, Persky, and Huynh. Mr. Yedidia then passed out copies of an email from Dennis McKenzie, a former San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) physical education teacher. Mr. McKenzie is interested in starting a high school academy and pathway program in conjunction with the planned waterfront Golden State Warriors basketball stadium that would provide preprofessional training to high school students in a variety of fields related to sports, including sports management, journalism and broadcasting. Commissioners interested in making this a reality were encouraged to follow up directly with Mr. McKenzie. Mr. Yedidia announced that the Youth Commission office received up to 10 free tickets for PLACAS, a new stage play about transformation and redemption that focuses on a former gang member in San Francisco’s Mission District. The play was inspired by the work of the Central American Resource Center’s (CARECEN) tattoo removal program. Commissioners Monge-Rodriguez, Shackelford, and Guzman-Ramos expressed interest in attending. Mr. Yedidia announced that the San Francisco Public Library’s main branch had secured a grant to build a new teen media center and that library staff was convening a youth advisory board that would support the design of the media center. Commissioners who were interested should get in contact with staff. Finally, Phimy Truong, Youth Commissioner Coordinator of Youth Development and Administration, noted that commissioners’ business cards and name plates would be coming into the office in the next few weeks. Mr. Yedidia noted that commissioners would be receiving a weekly internal email update from staff every Friday evening.

6. Legislation Referred from the Board of Supervisors (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

There was no public comment on this item.

Acting Chair Shackelford explained to her colleagues that this was a standing agenda item.

7. Presentations (Discussion Only)

There was no public comment on this item.

Acting Chair Shackelford explained to her colleagues that this was also a standing agenda item.

8. Youth Commission Business (All Items to Follow Discussion and Possible Action)

A. Adoption of 2012-2013 Youth Commission Bylaws
(Document B)

Acting Chair Shackelford asked staff for a brief presentation on the 2012-2013 Youth Commission bylaws. Director Yedidia then explained how the bylaws are a fundamental part of how the commission functions. He stated that it was a critical document and commissioners should take the process seriously, as well as have a thoughtful discussion before adopting the bylaws as a whole.

Acting Chair Shackelford then laid out the format for addressing the bylaws: first, the entire document would be read into the public record; then public comment would be heard; after this, each section would be discussed, amended (if necessary) and adopted; and, finally, the Chair would entertain a motion to adopt the bylaws as a whole.

Commissioner Chu read Section I into the public record. Commissioner Covington read Section II into the public record. Commissioner Warri read Section III into the public record. Commissioner Armstrong read Section IV into the public record. Commissioner Persky read Section V into the public record. Commissioner Brodwin read Section VI into the public record. Commissioner Tu Mutch read Section VII into the public record. Commissioner Yu read Section VIII into the public record. Commissioner Wu read Section IX into the public record. Then, finally, Commissioner Guzman-Ramos read Section X into the public record.

Public Comment

David Pilpel stated to commissioners that he had technical amendments to the bylaws, and would be handing over his copy of the bylaws with his notes to Mr. Yedidia. Mr. Pilpel also expressed that he loved seeing the word “joy” in the bylaws.

Acting Chair Shackelford reminded her colleagues of the format on how to adopt the bylaws.

Commissioner Tu Mutch, seconded by Commissioner Wu, moved to approve Section I of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Tu Mutch, seconded by Commissioner Brodwin, moved to approve Section II of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Guzman-Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Warri, moved to approve Section III of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

There was some discussion for Section IV. Commissioners Tu Mutch and Chu asked clarifying questions. Commissioner Tu Mutch, seconded by Commissioner Brodwin, moved to approve Section IV of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

There was some discussion on Section V. Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez expressed the importance to note language that is gender neutral; the Youth Commission should set the standard for this guiding principle in the bylaws. Commissioner Tu Mutch suggested having “her/his/their” throughout the bylaws.

Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Brodwin, moved to amend the bylaws to ensure gender neutral language throughout the Youth Commission bylaws. This motion passed based on the following roll call vote: Ayes (15) – Armstrong, Brodwin, Chu, Covington, Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Marshall-Fricker, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Persky, Shackelford, Taumoepeau, Warri, Wu, Yu.

Commissioner Warri, seconded by Commissioner Armstrong, moved to approve Section V of the bylaws. This motion was approved by acclamation.

There was some discussion on Section VI of the bylaws. Commissioner Chu, Warri, and Brodwin discussed the fact of having two legislative affairs officers on the commission. Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Yu, moved to approve Section VI of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Armstrong, seconded by Commissioner Covington, moved to approve Section VII of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Guzman-Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Brodwin, moved to approve Section VIII of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Chu, seconded by Commissioner Warri, moved to approve Section IX of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Shackelford, seconded by Commissioner Persky, moved to approve Section X of the bylaws. This motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Commissioner Brodwin, seconded by Commissioner Chu, moved to approve the 2012-2013 Youth Commission bylaws. The motion was approved based on the following roll call vote: Ayes (14)-Armstrong, Brodwin, Chu, Covington, Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Marshall-Fricker, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Persky, Shackelford, Warri, Wu, Yu; No’s (1) – Taumoepeau.

Commissioner Taumoepeau expressed that she would like for staff to ensure that the Youth Commission’s participation in the Youth Advisory Council continue this year. Director Yedidia stated that staff has been in contact with Prishni Murillo, Youth Empowerment Fund Manager at the Department of Children, Youth, and their Families. The Youth Advisory Council will continue this term.

B. Election of 2012-2013 Youth Commission Executive Officers

Acting Chair Shackelford then stated that given her interest in pursuing an officer position, Commissioner Armstrong would take over as acting Chair for this agenda item.

Commissioner Armstrong then laid out the format for electing 2012-2013 Youth Commission Executive Officers: first there would be a nomination process and a time for commissioners to accept or decline nominations; then, each commissioner nominated would then have 60 seconds to share their reasons for seeking executive office; commissioners would have the opportunity to ask to those running for executive office; and, finally, commissioners would vote out loud for the person they wished to elect to each respective position. Acting Chair Armstrong stated that, as per the bylaws, the elections for the Executive Officer positions would occur in the following order: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Legislative Affairs Officers, and Communications and Outreach Officer. Also, as per the recently adopted bylaws, if no candidates were able to attain nine votes, the candidate with the lowest number of votes would be eliminated and there would be another roll call vote. This process would repeat itself, in need be, until each officer position was filled.

Nominations for Chairperson: Commissioner Shackelford nominated Commissioner Brodwin, Commissioner Brodwin nominated Commissioner Shackelford, Commissioner Armstrong nominated Commissioner Persky, and Commissioner Warri nominated Commissioner Tu Mutch. Commissioner Tu Mutch declined her nomination to run for Chairperson.

There was no public comment on this item.

No nominee was able to garner the nine votes needed to be elected Chairperson by the following roll call vote: Commissioner Shackelford (6 votes – Armstrong, Chu, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Shackelford, Yu); Commissioner Persky (6 votes – Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Persky, Taumoepeau, Warri, Wu); Commissioner Brodwin (3 votes – Brodwin, Covington, Monge-Rodriguez). As such, Commissioner Brodwin was then eliminated from the Chairperson election process.

Commissioner Shackelford was then elected Chair by the following roll call vote: Commissioner Shackelford (11 votes – Armstrong, Brodwin, Chu, Covington, Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Marshall-Fricker, Tu Mutch, Shackelford, Warri, Yu); Commissioner Persky (4 votes – Monge-Rodriguez, Persky, Taumoepeau, Wu).

Nominations for Vice Chairperson: Commissioner Armstrong nominated Commissioner Persky, Commissioner Covington nominated Commissioner Brodwin.

Commissioner Persky was elected Vice Chair by the following roll call vote:
Commissioner Persky (11 votes – Armstrong, Chu, Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Marshall-Fricker, Monge-Rodriguez, Persky, Shackelford, Taumoepeau, Warri, Wu); Commissioner Brodwin (4 votes – Brodwin, Covington, Tu Mutch, Yu).

Nominations for Legislative Affairs Officers: Commissioner Shackelford nominated Commissioner Brodwin, Commissioner Covington nominated Commissioner Chu, and Commissioner Taumoeapeau nominated Commissioner Guzman-Ramos. Commissioner Yu nominated Commissioner Armstrong. Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez nominated himself. Commissioners Chu and Armstrong declined the nomination.

No nominee was able to garner the nine votes needed to be elected Legislative Affairs Officer by the following roll call vote: Commissioner Brodwin (7 votes – Armstrong, Brodwin, Chu, Marshall-Fricker, Shackelford, Wu, Yu); Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez (4 votes – Covington, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Warri); Commissioner Guzman-Ramos (4 votes – Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Persky, Taumoepeau).

Given that it was not possible to eliminate the lowest vote-getter because of a tie, commissioners then discussed the option of revoting. Commissioner Covington, seconded by Commissioner Warri, moved to suspend the bylaws and allow the previous vote to elect the first Legislative Affairs Officer by a simple majority vote. This motion was approved by the following roll call vote: Ayes (12) – Armstrong, Brodwin, Covington, Marshall-Fricker, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Persky, Shackelford, Taumoepeau, Warri, Wu, Yu. As such, Commissioner Brodwin was elected as the first Legislative Affairs Officer.

Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez was elected as the second Legislative Affairs Officer by the following roll call vote: Commissioner Monge-Rodriguez (11 votes – Armstrong, Brodwin, Chu, Covington, Marshall-Fricker, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Shackelford, Warri, Wu, Yu); Commissioner Guzman-Ramos (4 votes – Guzman-Ramos, Huynh, Persky, Taumoepeau).

Nominations for the Communications and Outreach Officer: Commissioner Persky nominated Commissioner Huynh, Commissioner Shackelford nominated Commissioner Guzman-Ramos, Commissioner Taumoepeau nominated Commissioner Tu Mutch, Commissioner Warri nominated herself. Commissioners Guzman Ramos and Tu Mutch both declined their nominations.

Commissioner Warri was elected Communications and Outreach Office by the following roll call vote: Commissioner Warri (9 votes – Brodwin, Chu, Covington, Guzman-Ramos, Monge-Rodriguez, Tu Mutch, Shackelford, Taumoepeau, Warri); Commissioner Huynh (6 votes – Armstrong, Huynh, Marshall-Fricker, Persky, Wu, Yu).

9. Committee Reports (Discussion Only)

There was no public comment on this item.

Acting Chair Shackelford explained to her colleagues that this was a standing agenda item.

10. Attendance Review (Action Item)

There was no public comment on this item.

Acting Chair Shackelford explained to her colleagues that this was a standing agenda item.

11. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

There was no public comment on this item.

Acting Chair Shackelford explained to her colleagues that this was a standing agenda item.

12. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.