Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving revisions to the bylaws for the Youth Advisory Commission.
Body
DATE: August 4, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Antonio Murphy, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Approve revisions to the Youth Advisory Commission bylaws
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On March 19, 2026, the Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) passed a motion to proceed with revising its outdated bylaws. The mission statement remains unchanged; however, the format, language, and descriptions have been updated. The Commission removed 12 sections and added 10 Articles, including sections that describe each Article in detail.
Under Article II: Membership - The following changes were made:
- Reduced the number of commissioners from 37 to 15.
- Applications are no longer submitted through the Killeen Independent School District, City Council, or Commission; instead, applications must be submitted through the City of Killeen website.
- Commissioners may now, by motion, issue a midyear call for new Commissioners in January of the election year to fill any vacancies, with a required threshold of three applications.
Under Article IV: Meetings - The following seven new sections were added and explained in detail:
1. Quorum - A quorum is a majority of the Commissioners then in office, required for the Board to conduct business - without it, Commissioners may only review matters and take no action.
2. Call to Order - Commission meetings are called to order by the President, or if absent the Vice-President, or if both are absent by the Secretary/Treasurer, and a temporary President shall be elected to preside.
3. Conduct of Meeting - Commission meetings will be conducted in accordance with these Bylaws, the YAC Governing Standards, and the City of Killeen Governing Standards and Expectations.
4. Voting - Each Commissioner votes on all agenda items except when there is a conflict of interest, in which case they disclose and abstain from discussion and voting, and approval requires a majority of Commissioners unless law provides otherwise.
5. Minutes - Minutes are required for all open Commission meetings, and the Staff Liaison with the Secretary maintains the Commission’s records and documents.
6. Attendance - Commissioners must attend prepared to discuss agenda items and notify the President or Staff Liaison if they cannot, and excessive absenteeism (missing 3+ consecutive meetings or over 25% in 12 months) may lead to removal and a vacant seat filled by appointment.
7. Open Meetings - Board meetings must give public notice and be open to the public, with all deliberations conducted under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Under Article VI: Subcommittees - The following four sections were added and explained in detail:
1. Formations - The Commission may form project-specific subcommittees by majority vote, made up of Commissioners, Resource Members, and JYAC Members as the Commission determines.
2. Expenditures and Obligations - No Subcommittee, or member of a Subcommittee, has the authority to expend funds or incur an obligation on behalf of the City or the Commission.
3. Assignment of Commissioners - Each Subcommittee shall have at least one assigned Commissioner. Commissioners may be assigned to multiple Subcommittees.
4. Dissolution of Subcommittees - Subcommittees may be dissolved by Commission motion once their purpose is met, or by the Commission with a two-thirds vote if deemed unproductive.
Under Article VII: Bylaw Amendments - The following three sections were added and explained in detail:
1. Authorization - The Commission is authorized to amend its bylaws, rules and procedures for the conduct of its authorized activities, subject to the approval of City Council.
2. Process - Written amendment recommendations must be submitted by any Commissioner at least 14 days before a YAC meeting, then approved by a two-thirds Commission majority and a simple majority of overall Commissioners present for Council recommendation.
3. Bylaw Review - At least once every three years, the Commission appoints a Bylaw Review Subcommittee of all Board Officers and at least five two consecutive meetings, and it cannot be dissolved until it reports its findings to the Commission.
Under Article VIII: Use of Facilities and Personnel - This article was added to require City Manager approval for the use of City facilities and City personnel.
These changes were made in accordance with the City Council’s Governing Standards (Section 3-20), which prohibits a board from amending its bylaws in a manner that limits City Council, or that creates requirements for City Council or City staff.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This conforms with state and local policies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend City Council approve the revisions to the Youth Advisory Commission bylaws.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Current Bylaws
Draft Bylaws
Presentation