San Francisco Youth Commission
Minutes
**Special Inaugural Meeting**
Monday, September 15, 2014
6:00pm-9:00pm
City Hall, Room 416
1. Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102

There will be public comment on each item.

Jillian Wu, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Rosa Chen, Emily Guo, Luis Avalos Nuñez, Precious Listana, Joyce Wu, Noah David, Alex Berliner, Joshua Cardenas, Michel Li, Anna Bernick, Sophie Edelhart, David Zheng

1. Call to Order and Roll Call for Attendance

Acting chair Joyce Wu called meeting to order at 6:10pm.
Commissioners present: Jillian Wu, Lily Marshall-Fricker, Rosa Chen, Emily Guo, Luis Avalos Nuñez, Precious Listana, Joyce Wu, Noah David, Alex Berliner, Joshua Cardenas, Michel Li, Anna Bernick, Sophie Edelhart, David Zheng
There was quorum.

Staff present: Allen Lu, Adele Failes-Carpenter.

2. Approval of Agenda (Action Item)

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Edelhart, seconded by commissioner Bernick, moved to approve the agenda. The motion was approved by acclamation.

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

Luisa Sicairos , former District 6 Youth Commissioner congratulated the 2014-15 YC on their appointment. She encouraged the commissioner to be true to themselves, as well as be mindful of the diversity of needs of San Francisco’s youth.

Jina Bae, former D5 YCer congratulated the 2014-15 Youth Commission on their swearing in.

There was no further public comment.

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

A. Adoption of 2014-15 Youth Commission Bylaws
(Document B)

Acting Chair Wu called item 5A out of order. She explained the purpose of the commission bylaws, which are the rules that hold us accountable to our jobs and duties as commissioners. She announced that commissioners will read the bylaws into the public record, then review each section for amendments followed by approving any amendments. Finally the commission will vote on the bylaws as amended.

Commissioners Avalos, Li, Edelhart, Listana, Wu, Zheng, Berliner, Cardenas, Chen, Zheng, Guo, Listana, Li respectively, proceeded to read a section of the bylaws into the public record until Article 5c.

At this time, Acting Chair Wu tabled the reading of the bylaws to accommodate a presentation on legislation referred.

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

A. [BOS file no. 131117] Charter Amendment – Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA): Equity Analysis and Expenditure Plan, Additional Appropriation, MTA Inspector General, Limits on Future Fare Increases, Extending Free MUNI for Certain Populations
Sponsors: Avalos, Mar, Campos, Kim, Yee
Presenter: Supervisor John Avalos and Staff
(Document A)

Chair Wu returned to item 4A and welcomed Mr. Pollock, legislative aide to Supervisor Avalos. Mr. Pollock gave background on the item and the purpose of Supervisor Avalos’ charter amendment, the “Transit Equity Charter Amendment.”

The legislation was originally generated in response to the likelihood of the reinstatement of the vehicle license fee, which would have created 75 million a year in new revenue for transit. This amendment would have guided those investments to make sure that communities who are transit dependent are equally served and that the City invests in service increases and not only capital improvements. After the plan to reinstate the vehicle license fee was abandoned for this ballot, this amendment was tabled. At this point, the Supervisor hopes to put it on the 2015 ballot in advance of a plan to place the Vehicle License fee on the 2016 ballot.

Supervisor Wiener has placed a charter amendment on the ballot that ties transit funding to population growth that would use existing funds without generating new revenue. The legislation does contain some guides as to how the new money would be invested. In general, it is more heavily focused on capital improvements, for instance, equipment, than drivers and service frequency. Mr. Pollock stated that he believes this legislation has a clause that would nullify it if and when the vehicle license fee legislation were to pass.

Under the legislation proposed by Supervisor Avalos, there would be an equity analysis that would be conducted by MTA. The Board of Supervisors and MTA board would both hear the expenditure plan. The goal of the legislation is equitable MUNI service. Supervisor Avalos has worked with community transit advocates toward that end. The legislation includes provisions for Free MUNI for youth, seniors, and the disabled. It also establishes an office of the inspector general, limits future fare increases, and brings greater oversight to work orders with other city departments, for instance, the police department.

The chair thanked Mr. Pollock and asked for questions.

Acting Director Carpenter asked Mr. Pollock to clarify what support for the legislation before the commission means or does not mean in context of the current ballot measure authored by Sup Wiener. Mr. Pollock explained that this legislation is targeted at future expenditures of funds linked to a possible restoration of the vehicle license fee.

Commissioner Avalos asked how the current fare increase was determined. Mr. Pollock explained that the current fare increase was based on inflation and the consumer price index.

Commissioner Marshall-Fricker asked what the MTA’s position is on the legislation.
Mr. Pollock explained that there is no position yet, but the MTA is in favor of VLF dollars. The Supervisor worked closely with them on the equity analysis and they support it.

Commissioner Zheng asked if the free muni for youth application process would remain the same? Mr. Pollock explained that was at the discretion of MTA, but they assumed and hoped it would remain the same.

Commissioner Li asked whether the equity analysis could be expanded to include schools. Mr. Pollock responded that such input was encouraged.

The chair called for public comment. There was none.

Commissioner Avalos expressed support for the equity analysis.

Commissioner Li motioned to include a comment that the equity analysis should be expanded to encompass analysis of the needs of youth who depend on MTA for school transit. Commissioner Edelhart seconded.

Commissioner Cardenas motioned to support the legislation. Commissioner Avalos seconded. The motion was approved unanimously by acclamation.

Acting Chair Wu then asked staff to reread Commissioner Li’s motion. Ms. Carpenter read the motion into the record. The motion was passed unanimously by acclamation.

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

A. Adoption of 2014-15 Youth Commission Bylaws
(Document B)

Acting Chair Wu then resumed the normal order of the agenda by returning to item 5A.
Commissioner Joyce Wu. Commissioners Cardenas, Berliner, Zheng, Guo, Bernick, David, Zheng, Listana, Wu, and Berliner then continued reading the bylaws into the public record.

Acting Chair Wu then welcomed public comment. There was none.

Commissioner Edelhart, seconded by Commissioner Bernick, moved to adopt article I of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Bernick, seconded by Commissioner Zheng, moved to adopt article II of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Avalos, seconded by Commissioner Jillian Wu, moved to adopt article III of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner David, moved to adopt article IV of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Avalos, seconded by Commissioner Edelhart, moved to adopt article V of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Zheng, seconded by Commissioner David, moved to adopt article VI of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner David, seconded by Commissioner Berliner, moved to adopt article VII of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Bernick, seconded by Commissioner Zheng, moved to adopt article VIII of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Zheng, seconded by Commissioner David, moved to adopt article IX of the bylaws. This motion was passed by acclamation.

Commissioner Cardenas asked a clarifying question about article X. Staff clarified that majority vote on the youth commission is nine votes. Commissioner Listana, seconded by Commissioner David, moved to approve article X. The motion was approved by acclamation.

Commissioner Berliner asked a clarifying question about changes in committee composition between terms. Staff clarified new committees are formed each year. Commissioner Avalos asked whether the bylaws would have to be reapproved after new appointments are made. Staff clarified that, no, the bylaws stand and any member can propose amendments during the course of the term by putting it on a full YC agenda.

Commissioner David moved to approve the bylaws as a whole. Commissioner Edelhart seconded. The motion was approved by acclamation.

The chair called a recess at 7:20pm. The meeting was called back to order at 7:28pm.

B. Election of 2014-15 Youth Commission Executive Officers

Acting Chair Wu reminded commissioners of the responsibilities involved in being on the Executive committee and then reviewed the process for voting for officers.

Commission Zheng nominated Michel Li for chair. This was seconded by commissioner Listana.

Commissioner Edelhart nominated herself for position of Commission Chair. This was seconded by Commission David.

Commissioner Bernick nominated Commissioner Joyce Wu for chair. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Li.

Commissioner Avalos nominated himself for the Chair position. This was seconded by Commissioner Berliner.

The chair called for public comment. There was none.

Commissioner Avalos accepted his nomination. Commissioner Wu declined her nomination. Commissioners Edelhart and Li accepted their nominations.

Commissioners Li, Edelhart, and Avalos provided brief remarks reviewing their accomplishments and regarding their desire to serve the commission as chairperson.

Commissioner David asked nominees how they will use the position as chair to better the lives of youth?

Commissioner Li responded that the position is a good leadership opportunity that brings opportunity to foster relationships between city depts. and elected officials.

Commissioner Edelhart explained she intends to take her passion from chairing the justice committee to the position of chair to support the entire commission.

Commissioner Avalos explained that the chair is a position of influence and growth, and that the Chair person should be a guide for commissioners.

Commissioner Cardenas asked nominees to reaffirm their time commitments to the commission.

Commissioner Li explained she is willing to work her schedule around YC and is willing to attend all commission events and forums.

Commissioner Edelhart explained that as a previous committee chair, she fully understands the time commitment.

Commissioner Avalos explained he had a flexible daytime schedule and was committed to serving.

Commissioner Listana asked nominees what would be 3 specific goals they would have as chair?

Commissioner Avalos explained that supporting unaccompanied undocumented youth, waiving DACA fees, and police accountability were his major goals and interests.

Commissioner Edelhart explained that as chair, she would like to support all yc’ers in writing a resolution, speaking publically, and attending public meetings. She would like to make sure that all yc’ers are well versed in the work of the entire commission.

Commissioner Li explained that she would like to utilize our charter authority to make substantive recommendations to mayor and BOS. She would like to support all commissioners in their goals.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Li was elected as the 2014-15 Youth Commission’s chairperson by the following roll call vote:

Ten votes for Li: Zheng, Joyce Wu, Jillian Wu, Marshall-Fricker, Li, Guo, Chen, Cardenas, Bernick, Avalos

Four votes for Edelhart: Listana, David, Edelhart, David, Berliner

Acting chair Wu then opened nominations for vice chair.

Commissioner David nominated Commissioner Berliner, seconded by Commissioner Li.

Commissioner Li nominated Commissioner Zheng, seconded by Zheng.

Commissioner Avalos nominated himself, seconded by Commissioner Jillian Wu.

Commissioner Edelhart nominated herself, seconded by Commissioner Bernick.

Commissioner Li nominated Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Joyce Wu.

Commissioner Berliner declined her nomination.

Commissioners Cardenas, Edelhart, Avalos, and Zheng accepted their nominations. Each gave brief comments regarding their past accomplishments and qualifications for the position.

Commissioners David asked how the vice chair would use the position to support the city:

Commissioner Cardenas explained he would like to support committee chairs as well as the entire and build relationships and leadership skills of youth in D11. He also explained he would be mindful of commissioners’ time as they build the meeting agendas.

Commissioner Zheng explained he would like to talk with district supervisors directly about increasing youth participation in government. He explained he would like to get more youth out to public meetings.

Commissioner Avalos reviewed his past experience in vice president positions

Commissioner Listana asked Commissioner Zheng how he would reach out to youth to attend.

Commissioner Zheng explained he would use school based outreach.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Edelhart was elected vice chair according to the following roll call vote:

Nine votes for Edelhart: Berliner, Bernick, Chen, David, Edelhart, Guo, Listana, Jillian Wu, Joyce Wu

Two votes for Cardenas: Cardenas, Marshall-Fricker

One vote for Avalos: Avalos

Two votes for Zheng: Zheng, Li

Acting Chair Wu opened the floor for nominations for Legislative Affairs Officer.

Commissioner Cardenas nominated Commissioner Chen, seconded by Commissioner Jillian Wu.

Commissioner David nominated Commissioner Listana, seconded by Commissioner Berliner.

Commissioner Marshall-Fricker nominated Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner Li.

Commissioner Edelhart nominated Commissioner Zheng, seconded by Commissioner Listana.

Commissioner Cardenas nominated Commissioner Jillian Wu, seconded by Commissioner David.

Commissioner Listana nominated Commissioner Avalos, seconded by Commissioner Berliner.

Commissioners Chen, Listana, Cardenas, and Zheng declined their nominations.

Commissioners Wu and Avalos accepted their nominations.

Commissioner Wu explained she was interested in supporting the commission through the role of legislative affairs officer..

Commissioner Avalos explained he had experience reviewing legislation and policy with close analysis.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Avalos was elected as Legislative Affairs Officer according to the following roll call vote:

Thirteen votes for Avalos: Avalos, Berliner, Bernick, Cardenas, Chen, David, Edelhart, Guo, Li, Listana, Jill Wu, Joyce Wu, Zheng.

One vote for Wu: Marshall-Fricker.

The Acting Chair opened the floor for nominations for the two Community Outreach Officer positions.

Commissioner Cardenas nominated Commissioner Chen, seconded by Commissioner David.

Commissioner Cardenas nominated Commissioner Zheng, seconded by Commissioner David.

Commissioner Edelhart nominated Commissioner Berliner, seconded by Commissioner Avalos.

Commissioner Li nominated Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner Listana.

Commissioners Chen, Berliner and Cardenas declined their nominations.

Commissioners Zheng and Listana accepted their nominations.

There was no public comment.

Commissioner Listana was elected as Community Outreach Officer by a unanimous roll call vote.

Commissioner Zheng was elected as Community Outreach officer by a unanimous roll call vote.

6. Staff Report (Discussion Only)

Adele Failes-Carpenter congratulated commissioners and reminded them about: Photo release forms, creating Google calendars, reading the weekly internal email from staff, reviewing committee assignments. She explained the YC would be hiring a temp staff and would conduct a hiring process with youth commissioner input at the end of the year when a permanent position is approved.

Allen Lu welcomed interns, Leah LaCroix and Juan Santamaria. He invited commissioners to an informational young voters forum and the Afro Solo Audacity to Learn event on September 27th.

Leah LaCroix asked commissioners to submit bios for the website.

7. Announcements (This Includes Community Events)

Commissioner Listana invited commissioners to the 2nd year roof-top garden anniversary. Thursday 5-7:30pm .

Acting chair Wu thanked staff and interns for their work leading up to the swearing in event.

8. Adjournment

Acting chair Wu adjourned the meeting at 8:41 pm.