Severance council considers youth council model to engage local students

Councilmembers discussed a proposal Aug. 12 to launch a town youth council — a small elected or appointed student body that would meet, plan service projects and provide input to the council on work-session items.

The idea was presented by Mayor Pro Tem Lindsey Vandermark as a board‑member petition; Vandermark said she had researched several models and preferred a standalone youth council that would meet together and potentially appoint a representative to other town advisory boards later. “I wanna build some camaraderie between this youth council,” Vandermark said, and she proposed members would be roughly ages 13 through 18.

Councilmembers raised questions about selection and staffing: candidates could include residents who attend Weld RE‑4 schools, charter or private schools, or who are homeschooled. Vandermark suggested the town’s current Citizen Advisory Board selection model as a template for an initial application process and proposed that, over time, the youth council could hold internal elections for leadership. Vandermark said she would lead initial meetings and recruit volunteers so staff time would be limited.

Several council members endorsed starting the program quickly and simply to test participation levels, then evolve the approach. Council agreed to move the item to a future regular agenda so staff can bring a draft ordinance and selection process for council review; the item will require further detail on ages, meeting schedules and any staff support.

Porter and other staff said the youth council could provide reports to council after work sessions, allow youth to develop service projects (for example, public art at the skate park), and occasionally sit on the dais to present items. No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; Mayor Pro Tem Vandermark will work with town staff and voluntary adult advisors to prepare a draft for a future meeting.