Newberry commission adopts ordinance to establish mayor’s youth council

The City Commission of the City of Newberry unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading on June 23 to establish a mayor’s youth council to provide youth input to city government and coordinate community engagement activities.

The adopted ordinance establishes a mayor’s youth council of five voting members in eleventh and twelfth grades plus two ninth- and tenth-grade alternates. Members must reside within city limits and may attend public, private or home schools. Initial appointments will include two one-year terms and three two-year terms; thereafter terms will be filled and reappointed annually. The mayor or a mayoral designee and city staff will attend and coordinate council meetings. The council must hold at least five regular meetings during the school year and keep minutes; meetings are subject to Florida’s public records and Sunshine laws.

The youth council’s duties include evaluating youth issues, proposing community improvements, meeting with the mayor, and attending at least one city commission meeting annually. Youth commissioners have one vote per agenda item; ninth- and tenth-grade alternates do not have voting privileges. The ordinance also specifies vacancy rules: a seat is vacated after two consecutive unexcused absences and absences can be excused by a majority vote recorded in the minutes.

Anna McGeehee presented the proposal and the commission moved to adopt the ordinance on first reading. Commissioner Coleman moved to pass the ordinance; Commissioner Long seconded. The motion passed unanimously.