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Erlanger council agrees to pilot a nonvoting high‑school seat; student to return with program outline
Summary
Council members discussed creating a nonvoting student seat at the council table and agreed to let a 16‑year‑old resident, Chris, pilot the role while drafting a proposed program and ordinance for the council’s next caucus meeting.
Erlanger City Council members on Tuesday discussed creating a nonvoting student seat that would let a high school–age resident participate in council meetings and help craft formal program rules.
The council agreed to have Chris, a 16‑year‑old Erlanger resident who proposed the idea, draft a detailed program outline and sample municipal language and return to the caucus by March 18. Chris told the council, "I believe very heavily in letting students' voices be heard," and said he had researched examples in Massachusetts, Colorado and Ohio.
Council members debated how the seat should be selected and what powers the student should have. Speakers raised several options: an annual appointment by council, an application process open to any Erlanger high‑school‑age resident, or an internal student council that selects a rotating representative. Council members repeatedly emphasized that the seat would be nonvoting but should have the ability to participate in discussion, serve on task forces and introduce ideas.
Jack, the city attorney, cautioned that the council must define the capacity of the participant and any limits on access to staff and records, saying, "You're inviting an underage citizen to participate in some capacity," and that the legal distinction between a citizen participant and an elected official must be clear. Council members asked Chris to include examples of selection methods used by other jurisdictions and a draft municipal order or ordinance specifying term length, duties and any eligibility rules.
Several council members suggested piloting the proposal with Chris for the remainder of the year while the council develops a sustainable, repeatable selection process. One council member suggested starting the seat as an intern‑style assignment and then formalizing it into a seat once guidelines are finalized.
Chris told the council he has lived in Erlanger his entire life, is 16 and is working with a few other students on the idea. Council members asked for a detailed program outline and at least one draft of proposed ordinance language (including explanatory whereas clauses) to be submitted by the next caucus.
The council did not take a formal vote to create the position; members instead directed the student to prepare the materials and agreed to include the item on a future agenda for formal consideration.
Looking ahead, council members said they want a process that is inclusive of all Erlanger high‑school‑age residents, not limited to a single school, and want the program to be sustainable beyond any single participant.
Key takeaways: Chris will prepare a written proposal and examples of models used elsewhere and return to the council caucus on March 18 for further consideration.
