Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission reports 2820 volunteer hours and new leadership appointments

The Sioux City Council convened on December 16, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including the appointment of new members to the Mayor's Youth Commission and the acceptance of the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee's annual report.

The meeting began with a public comment from a candidate for the museum board, who expressed gratitude for the council's previous motion to appoint her. However, she recounted a troubling experience where her appointment was rescinded due to concerns about gender representation on the board. She emphasized her commitment to advocating for young women in Sioux City and reiterated her application for the museum board.

Following this, the council moved to the consent agenda, which included the reading of the December 9 city council minutes. Mary Koster, representing the Mayor's Youth Commission, introduced members of the commission who presented their accomplishments for 2024. The youth leaders highlighted their mission to address issues affecting the city's youth, such as mental health and substance abuse, and reported significant volunteer efforts totaling 2,820 hours across various community activities.

The council then proceeded to appoint new members to the Mayor's Youth Commission, with 29 applications received and accepted, reflecting a diverse group of students from multiple local high schools. The mayor administered the oath of office to the newly appointed members, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to the community.

The meeting concluded with a motion to accept the annual report from the Inclusive Sioux City Advisory Committee, marking a commitment to fostering inclusivity within the city. Overall, the council's discussions underscored the importance of youth engagement and representation in local governance, as well as the ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all residents.