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Severance establishes youth council to engage local students in civic work
Summary
Council approved an ordinance creating a youth council to involve Severance residents in middle‑ and high‑school age in municipal affairs; initial membership and application process were described by Council Member Vandermark.
The Severance Town Council on Sept. 9 approved an ordinance to create a youth council that will advise town government and give students a formal channel to learn about municipal operations.
Council Member Mary Vandermark, who led the initiative, said the youth council will start with five members and will be open to Severance residents in the target age range. Applicants must meet modest eligibility criteria, including a C‑grade average and a parent or guardian letter of support. Vandermark said the intent is to align terms with the school year and to work with local schools and organizations to recruit students.
Vandermark described an expected quick launch if the ordinance passed: “We’re starting out with 5 members... if we were to end up with more than 5 people... we could move and amend the resolution in the following month to allow more participants,” she said. Councilmembers discussed possible incentives such as school credit, certificates of participation, and peer outreach by outgoing youth members to maintain participation.
Action: Ordinance 2025‑23 creating Article 7 (Youth Council) in Chapter 2 was adopted by unanimous roll call.
Ending: Staff will post applications and proceed with interviews; councilmember liaison and staff will continue to coordinate with schools and community groups on recruitment and the council’s initial workplan.
