5.5 Youth Development Commission CITYOF
690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 • FAX (612) 937-5739
' MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
' FROM: Don Ashworth, City Manager
DATE: December 18, 1989
SUBJ: Youth Development Commission, Contribution
Development of a Youth Development Commission and the establish-
ment of youth goals was strongly supported by this office. I do
not recall missing any of the meetings during the last year
' wherein the program has gained fruition. However, the concepts
of a paid Director' s position and distribution of these costs
back to cities is relatively new. When first presented, approxi-
mately two months ago, it was the position of each of the admini-
strators (Cities and County) that funding should more properly
occur on a school district basis.
' - Cost Distribution: Although Chanhassen and Chaska are
approximately the same size, the formula being used would
require Chaska' s contribution to be approximately two to three
' times higher than Chanhassen 's. Similarily, the City of
Carver was already in the midst of some very painful budge-
tary decisions. Their ability to contribute would be very
doubtful. [Note: They have since concluded the budgetary
process and did not include funding for this program. ]
Carver's decision would require each of the other cities
then to pick up the lost funding. If funded at a school
district level, these inequities would not exist;
- Governmental Relations: During the formation of the youth
' program, I have attempted to keep the Minnetonka School
District apprised of the proposed program. Although being
of interest to them, they currently have no similar group
working on a similar proposal. Although a legal means may
be found to make the proposed contribution, such could
produce questions as to how we are equitably treating all
of the school districts affecting Chanhassen. The issue of
legality recognizes that a City cannot contribute monies to
the Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, etc. , even though these organ-
izations are very worthwhile. To have the payment meet
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Mayor and City Council '
December 18, 1989
Page 2
statute requirements assumes that a joint powers agreement
would be established with the other cities and that those
contributing would act as a board overseeing the expen-
ditures, i .e. joint powers agreement with Carver County for
prosecution, assessing, police, etc. , services; and
- Accountability/Effectiveness: In any of the examples pre-
viously cited or examples of the various commissions that
exist in all of our cities, an organizational structure
exists within which expenditures/responsibility/support
services/etc. , exist. Without having a "home base
organization" , the ability of the Youth Commission Director
will be very limited. By contrast, this position, as a
part of our community school program, has an existing organ-
izational structure within which it can work and accomplish
goals. More importantly, community schools currently
reaches into and works very closely with staff/elected
officials at both the county and city level. Being able to
effectuate the goals desired by the organization should be
a key concern. Having cities fund the program with only
minor control appears to be in contrast to typical organi-
zational theory establishes only minor accountability.
I had hoped to meet with Bob Ostlund/Carol Ericson prior to
reipresenting this issue. A tentative meeting has been discussed
which would include other administrators. I would ask for
general guidance in approaching this meeting and would request
that this item be tabled.
(2)° 40.