Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 2.60 Bakersfield Youth Commission

Sections: 2.60.010 Creation and purpose. 2.60.020 Application process. 2.60.030 Qualifications of commission members. 2.60.040 Appointment of commission members. 2.60.050 Term of office. 2.60.060 Compensation/funding.

The city of Bakersfield (“city”) creates the Bakersfield youth commission (“commission”). The purpose of the youth commission is to engage local youth in matters pertaining to municipal policies, programs, and projects. The youth commission shall consist of eight regular and eight alternate members. The city council appoints the city manager, or designee, as the coordinator of the youth commission. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016)

Applications for the youth commission are available at the city clerk’s office and require one letter of recommendation from a teacher, advisor, counselor, or coach. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016)

Members and alternates must meet all the following qualifications to be appointed to the youth commission:

A. Be enrolled in a high school within city limits or a resident of the city and enrolled in a high school within the greater Bakersfield area (meant to allow for qualification of students/high schools within county pockets of the city); and

B. Have a grade point average in the proximity of a 3.0; and

C. Not be an immediate family member of a city councilmember or the mayor. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4856 § 1, 2016; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016. Formerly 2.60.040)

During the August city council meeting each city councilmember and the mayor shall appoint a regular member and alternate member to the youth commission. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4993 § 1, 2019; Ord. 4914 § 1, 2017; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016. Formerly 2.60.030)

A. Members and alternates are appointed to a one-year term commencing in September and terminating in August each calendar year with the possibility of reappointment. No member or alternate shall be eligible to serve more than four years.

B. In the event a member resigns, the alternate shall assume the position for the remainder of the term.

C. Any member or alternate may be removed from the youth commission by the city council. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4993 § 1, 2019; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016)

There is no monetary compensation for serving on the youth commission; however, members and alternates widely benefit by participating in active leadership roles, networking amongst civil leaders, making a difference in the community, and developing critical skills to solve real-world problems.

The youth commission will be funded by city council as is reasonably necessary to implement the goals and objectives of engaging and empowering local youth. (Ord. 5180 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4833 § 1, 2016. Formerly 2.60.080)