Committee Report - Youth - 10-10-12 — File 193844

October 10, 2012 Youth Services Committee Page 1 of 1 Printed 10/11/2012 REPORT OF THE YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present Bruce M. Desmond Vice Chair Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Robert C. Trane Ward Seven Alderman Present Nancy Bacci Youth Services Present James Halloran Supt, of Recreation Present Corey Mashburn Office of Prevention Present Jaime Lederer Teen Empowerment Present • Update on Youth activities and issues Ms. Bacci updated the committee on the city’s summer jobs program and said that there has been a reduction in the number of youths being employed by local business, however, 120 of the city’s youth were employed to work 20 hours per week and that 2 of the individuals were kept on a company’s payroll after the program ended. Alderman Desmond, Ms. Bacci and Mr. Halloran spoke about the upcoming Golden Gloves Tournament and said that fundraising will take place to offset the cost of next year’s planned trip by members of the boxing club to England and Ireland. Mr. Mashburn spoke about the ballot question regarding marijuana and said that drug use among youth has increased since its use has been decriminalized and that young people are now using marijuana for medical use in schools. Mr. Mashburn said that if the ballot question is passed, marijuana use among youth would increase and up to 35 marijuana shops would be allowed to operate in Massachusetts during the first year of implementation, with increases expected in future years. In certain circumstances, growing marijuana in one’s home would be permitted. Ms. Mashburn would like the city to pass an ordinance in anticipation of the question being passed by the voters. Alderman Desmond’s motion that the City Solicitor and the Chief of Police, begin research regarding a proposed ordinance dealing with medical marijuana dispensaries, was approved. Mr. Halloran updated the committee on upcoming fall programs and Ms. Lederer provided information on Teen Empowerment activities.