Committee Report - Youth - 9-8-15 — File 199886

Youth Services Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 9/9/2015 September 8, 2015 REPORT OF THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Matthew McLaughlin Chair Present Mary Jo Rossetti Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Mark Neidergang, Jill Lathan - Recreation, Omar Boukili - Mayor's Office 1. Approval of the December 2, 2014 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 197259: That the Director of Purchasing and the Recreation Superintendent submit a monthly recreation equipment purchase report for all equipment purchased. Alderman Ballantyne inquired about the status of the report and Ms. Lathan asked to be able to report on a seasonal basis. She is currently working on an annual report. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197291: That the Administration add two youth outreach positions to the Recreation Department, and that both positions be filled after the new Superintendent of Recreation is hired and that at least one of the positions should require skills and experience in women's leadership. Ms. Lathan stated there are one and a half positions available and that over 100 applications have been received. The outreach position was changed to a program coordinator position. Ms. Lathan stated that she needed the extended time to thoroughly review the applications. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199661: That the Women's Commission teen PeaceKeepers Program update this Board on its objectives.

Youth Services Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 9/9/2015 The Director of the Women's Commission was not able to attend this committee meeting. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199665: That the Director of Recreation and Youth appear before the Youth Services Committee to discuss changes to youth football and baseball programs. Ms. Lathan reported that she was contacted by the Commonwealth Youth Football League about continuing their relationship. The league helped with registration and book keeping and sent Ms. Lathan information regarding their process and procedures, for review. Ms. Lathan indicated that she is committed to the families and children who want to play football in the Commonwealth League as it provides parents and the community more options. Alderman Ballantyne asked for a timeline to assess the Commonwealth Football League and Ms. Lathan expects to have her evaluation and possible next steps ready by February of the coming year. Resident, Beverly Schwartz, expressed concern about tax payers funding the Commonwealth program. Somerville Pop Warner football currently has over 150 players. Alderman Rossetti’s motion, that the Director of Recreation submit a detailed cost analysis of the Commonwealth Youth Football League, was approved. There was also a discussion of the baseball program in the city. The Recreation Department has complete oversight of the baseball program. Bob Schofield spoke about the Babe Ruth baseball program and Ms. Lathan reported that over $28,000 of the Recreation Department’s budget has been spent on Babe Ruth. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED