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Report of the Committee on Youth Services
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEON YOUTH SERVICESThe Committee on Youth Services held a meeting on May 6, 2010, with Chairman Dennis Sullivan presiding and Committee Member Alderman Bruce Desmond also present and voting. Also present were Recreation Superintendent James Halloran, Jackie Rossetti (representing the Mayor?s Office), School Committee Chairman Mark Niedergang, Corey Mashburn from Somerville Cares about Prevention, Nancy Bacci from the Youth Department, LGBT Liason Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, Alex Pirie, Dan McLaughlin from Teen Empowerment, Terrance Bovinar and Joe Flynn.Ms. Bacci updated the members on youth related issues and stated that over 200 youths applied for positions through the city?s summer jobs program, noting that there are less private sector positions being offered this year. Ms. Bacci will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to enlist additional businesses that might be able to offer summer jobs. Seventy five percent of the summer jobs offered are provided by the city thereby making it necessary to secure additional businesses in order to expand the program.There will be spring and summer events for the city youths aged 10 to 18 at Trum Field and Mr. Halloran said that the Recreation Department would open some playgrounds, preferably at the new parks. Auditions for the Sunsetters? performance of GREASE will be held on May 17 at 6:00 and selections will be made from students in grades 6 to 12. Performers will be paid at the end of their performances.Mr. Mashburn said that the Somerville Cares about Prevention budget is being cut in half and that his salary is being moved to the Health Department?s budget to try to keep the program going for another year. The bulk of the department?s financing is through grants. Chairman Sullivan asked where the relevant line items were located in the city?s budget that indicate the sources of funding and Mr. Mashburn replied that he would make that information available along with the expenditures. Mr. Niedergang commented on the Youth Survey and stated that the $10,000 cost is minimal and that the information is a vital tool for the School Committee.Ms. Freedman-Gurspan spoke about the Pride parade being planned in Boston. She also told the members that cuts made to the LBGT budget would put individuals at risk due to a lack of advocacy. Ms. Freedman-Gurspan also said that the recent ?bully bill? is a step in the right direction for future legislation to protect the rights of the LBGT community. The numbers for the Gay Straight Alliance have increased significantly.Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Flynn reported that the program for youth interaction with the Police Department was terrific and a suggestion was made to make participation in the program mandatory so that positive relationships with the police might be established. Fifteen youths and three police officers participated in the program.No papers were acted on.