12-17-2014 MinutesCity of Federal Way
YOUTH COMMISSION
Wednesday, December 17th, 2014
5:00 PM
Federal Way Community Center
MINUTES
In attendance: Alex Kinzer, Isaiah Bush, Alyssa Odom, Erynn Littlefield, Sandra Ojeburu,
Anastasia Kostin, Christopher Chung, Judy Kim, Mohammed Ramzan, Robert
McFarlane, Jesse Goldstone.
Absent, Excused Jessee Goldston tardy at 6:00 p.m.
Staff: David Schmidt, Senior & Teen Services Coordinator; Kevin Hutchinson,
Inclusion Coordinator
Schmidt called the meeting to order at 5:23
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Introduction of new Youth Commission Members
B. Review of Youth Commission City code and By-Laws
David Schmidt reported that these were set by City Council and should be reviewed in depth at
home. They were briefly reviewed by the group during the meeting. David Schmidt introduced
staff and their roles in the city as well as their roles within the commission- to provide support
and guidance to the commissioners and to help them complete their mission and goals.
C. Review of Mission and Vision Statements
The “Who we are” statement was read aloud by Erynn Littlefield. The “Our Vision” was read
aloud by Chris Chung. The “Our Mission Statement” was read aloud by Alyssa Odom.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Setting of Regular Meeting Dates/ Times
David Schmidt motioned having each meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at 5pm
with the exception July due to summer break. Schmidt reported that July was generally a busy
month in the past and corms were not met for meeting.
MOTION PASSED 11-0
B. Review of Previous Work Plans
David Schmidt reviewed the City of Federal Way Special Events of previous years. He asked that
at least half of the group commit to each event. Schmidt discussed that half the group could do
every other event and the other half could do the remaining events. Schmidt reported that there
will be no Adopt-A-Family this year because the committee is starting late and this opportunity
has passed. Trailblazers, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament as well as the Battle of the Bands are
also not running at this time. David noted that the date for Daughter’s Night Out is scheduled for
February 7th.
C. Discuss New Work Plan
David Schmidt opened up a discussion for new ideas. Erynn Littlefield proposed an idea of an
“Anti-Bullying Movie Night.” David and Kevin noted that the Mayor has been showing “Movie
Nights” over the summer at the new Town Square Park and this could be a good opportunity to
“piggy back” on that ongoing event. Alyssa Odom proposed the idea of doing an “Adopt-A-
Family” style project later in the year or a food/ clothing drive for homeless people. David
Schmidt stated that he would look into different organizations such as the Multi-Service Center
that may want to partner. He also suggested that committee members investigate other potential
partners. Erynn Littlefield also proposed an event that would feed homeless people in Federal
Way. Isaiah Bush asked support staff if there are specific special events in the city that were
Youth Commission Minutes 2 December 17th, 2014
directed to teens. David Schmidt reported that there aren’t specific events but there are events
where teens are welcome to come and participate in such as the Red, White and Blues Festival.
David also reported that there is not a teen program at the city and would like the committee to
think of ways to start teen programs. David also noted that the Parks & Recreation Department is
looking into starting a “teen travel” program in the summer that would take teens on trips
throughout the region to places that teens in Federal Way would generally not have the
opportunity to go to. David proposed that this may be a good project for the new work plan. Judy
Kim proposed the idea of taking donated books from libraries in Federal Way and bringing them
to elementary schools in the area to start a reading program. Anastasia Kostin proposed a project
where volunteer groups go to different parks and clean up the park, garden and plant trees. David
Schmidt explained that there is already a “Parks Appreciation Day” and that we could partner
with this ongoing event.
David Schmidt asked if there were any more ideas before moving on. He then explained that the
committee members are expected to take a leading role in each event and participate in planning
and executing each project on the work plan.
David Schmidt lead a discussion on narrowing these ideas down to five projects. David Motioned
that the new work plan include: Participating in Special Events with the Parks & Recreation
Department with the possibility of running an information booth at each event, begin an anti-
bullying campaign, volunteer at the Parks Appreciation Day, be involved in planning and
executing a Teen Travel Program, and running a canned food and clothing drive
MOTION PASSED 11-0
D. Items for Next Agenda
David Schmidt opened a discussion for any agenda items to be added to next meeting. New
agenda items discussed were: Researching Hylebos Wetlands as a possible site for the park
cleanup; looking into specifics of the park clean project such as: possible dates, locations, and
upcoming events; Researching options for a canned goods and clothing drive; And options for an
anti-bullying campaign.
Meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.