City Council Hears Report on Youth Commission Activities

In 2009, a Rosemount Youth Commission was established to promote youth involvement in Rosemount events and activities. Last Monday, Nicole Laumer, current chairperson for the Youth Commission, gave a report to the city council on the commission's activities. Below are exerpts from her presentation.

Other youth commissioners: Vice Chair Cedric Hagen, Secretary Adam Kutz, Meghan Olson, Joey Neuens, Sam Nelson, Zach Eichten and alternate John Drew.

The Youth Commission was established in late 2009 and first met Jan. 27, 2010. I served as the secretary of the Commission at that time. Former Chairperson Brandon Brist presented a report of our activities to the City Council on Dec. 15, 2010. Since that report, the Commission has done a number of things including:

• Met with community organizations and department representatives.
• Reviewed and discussed the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey.
• Amended the Youth Commission By-laws.
• Spent multiple meetings planning for the Youth Rally including presenting our idea to the Leprechaun Days committee.

During the first term of the Youth Commission, we emphasized building a framework and laying the foundation for future Youth Commissions. After this, the majority of our regular meetings, and special meetings revolved around the planning and implementation of the Youth Rally. We were excited that the first event we conducted as a commission was a success.

As a part of the Youth Rally, the Youth Commission sought applications for our open commission seats. We are pleased to have four new members and an active alternate in place. We are also excited to move forward as a commission.

Future topics include:

• Discussion of future Youth Commission activities and community involvement.
• Recruiting new members of the Youth Commission for next term.
• Possible partnership with Community organizations for the middle-school teen night on April 20. These organizations include the City Parks and Recreation department, Lighthouse Church, Community of Hope Church and the YMCA.
• We are hoping to conduct a survey at Rosemount High School which will identify what concerns the students would like the Youth Commission to address.

As the Chairperson of the Youth Commission, thank you from all of us.  We appreciate the opportunity to serve the community in this important role and look forward to our continued interaction with you all. We wish to thank our adult liaisons Emmy Foster and Councilmember Jeff Weisensel for their assistance and mentorship.