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Council amends rules to create youth council liaison, not a city-run youth commission
Summary
Newcastle City Council on Sept. 16 amended its operating policies to create a youth-council liaison role instead of a council-appointed youth commission, voting 5-1 to adopt Resolution 2025-1057.
The Newcastle City Council on Sept. 16 adopted Resolution 2025-1057, amending council operating policies to establish a youth-council liaison role rather than a city-run youth commission. The resolution passed on a 5-1 vote.
City manager staff and legal counsel recommended the liaison approach after a presentation on Aug. 19 proposing a youth council. The staff presentation said making the youth body an independent community organization with a council liaison avoids automatic Open Public Meetings Act and public-records obligations that would arise if the city formally appointed or managed members. The city manager told the council the amendment "adjusts it to being a youth council liaison section rather than youth commission section" and that the city would play a supportive rather than a driving role.
Supporters said the change preserves youth engagement while managing liability and staff workload. Asha Sika (referred to in the meeting as Ashna/Asha) attended and described plans for application, virtual interviews and a hoped-for first meeting in October; she said leadership elections would follow and a separate application would cover the leadership liaison position.
Council member Griffin raised concerns about timing in an election season and asked whether creating the liaison could be perceived as electioneering; the city attorney responded that he did not see a violation of the state statute prohibiting use of public facilities for campaign purposes (RCW 42.17A.555) and that council members regularly advance ideas. Other councilmembers asked about liability if a youth group met in council chambers; staff said the city has a facility-use policy requiring insurance and hold-harmless agreements and that the city manager could waive small fees for community partners in particular circumstances.
The resolution was moved and seconded; the final vote was 5 in favor, 1 opposed. The city manager said staff will provide facilities guidance and will coordinate the liaison role once the youth council finalizes its leadership and application process.
