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Oldsmar seeks revisions to teen ex officio program, asks clerk to draft updated resolution
Summary
Councilors discussed expanding and renaming the ex officio teen-member program, adjusting age eligibility, and making service count toward volunteer hours; the council directed the city clerk to work with the city attorney on a revised resolution for future consideration.
The Oldsmar City Council reviewed proposed changes on May 20, 2025, to the city’s ex officio teen-member program and asked staff to prepare a revised resolution for future council consideration.
City Clerk Kristin Garcia summarized suggested changes to Resolution 2023-207, including revising age eligibility to extend service until age 18 or the conclusion of a student's senior year, expanding the list of advisory boards eligible for teen participation (Planning Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Veterans Advisory Board, Ordinance Review Committee, Charter Review Committee, and the newly established Public Art Advisory Board), allowing rolling participation across boards, and recognizing service with certificates and potential volunteer-hour credit. Garcia said these are proposed changes and asked for council direction; she then said, ‘‘I will take the direction provided and work with the city attorney to bring back a, a new resolution.’’
Councilors discussed alternative ideas including opening Citizens Academy to younger participants, allowing teen participants some flexibility to attend meetings that align with their interests, and considering whether service could count toward Bright Futures or other volunteer-hour programs. Members also noted the current low participation numbers and suggested program rebranding to make it less formal and more attractive to teens.
No ordinance or resolution was adopted at the meeting. The council gave staff direction to draft a revised resolution and return it for future consideration; staff and the city attorney will prepare wording and options based on the guidance provided.
