RESOLUTION 2006-10-03.1

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS STRENGTHENING

COMMITMENT TO FAMILY AND YOUTH ISSUES IN

OUR COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, strong families form the backbone of strong communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville considers the health and well-being of its children and youth to be a top priority; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville recognizes that public safety, economic development, fiscal stability, a strong workforce, and an educated citizenry all depend on the investments and efforts made to help families and children succeed; and

WHEREAS, municipal leaders play a decisive role by taking action on behalf of children, youth and families; and

WHEREAS, statistics indicate families and youth in our community face many challenges including but not limited to:

· A higher than state average rate of child abuse, a higher than state average rate of

children and families living in poverty,

· A higher than state average rate of children and families in family violence shelters,

· A higher than state average of teenage pregnancies,

· A lower than state average high school graduation rate; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville finds the levels of juvenile crime, drug abuse and alcohol abuse in our community unacceptable; and

WHEREAS, research has identified certain developmental assets which are positive experiences and personal qualities that youth need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible; and

WHEREAS, if these development assets are present within a community, risk factors for youth tend to diminish while significantly increasing youth development and ultimately community development; and

WHEREAS, the City of Huntsville recognizes that our community is one of limited financial resources which cannot risk the waste of the duplication of one benevolent dollar; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of

Huntsville, Texas, that the City of Huntsville is a community of strong families and will

endeavor to strengthen its commitment to family and youth issues by identifying needs and priorities of families and youth, promoting developmental assets within our community, promoting effective collaboration between governmental agencies, and assisting and supporting community organizations dedicated to improving and advancing the needs of family and youth.

PASSED AND APPROVED this the 3rd day of October 2006.

CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS

_____________________________

J. Turner, Mayor

ATTEST:

_______________________________

Danna Welter, City Secretary

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

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Thomas A. Leeper, City Attorney