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Council tables vote but backs planning for a Sunnyside youth advisory board
Summary
Councilor Frausto presented a draft youth advisory board charter and council directed staff to continue drafting an ordinance; councilors supported the idea but asked for edits and for the item to return for formal adoption later.
Councilor Frausto brought a proposal on March 24 to establish a city youth advisory board to give Sunnyside residents aged roughly 13–18 a structured role advising the council and learning municipal processes. The item was presented as a draft and councilors asked staff and proponents to revise the language before returning it in ordinance form for eventual adoption.
Why it matters: Councilors described the board as an investment in civic education and future leadership. Council members said involving youth helps demystify local government and gives younger residents direct input on decisions that will affect them.
What was proposed
The draft (presented for discussion, not a final ordinance) called for seven youth members representing city council districts, age eligibility roughly 12–18 (council members suggested raising the minimum to 13), two‑year terms renewable once, monthly meetings and modest service commitments. Applications would be required; members would serve without compensation and elect a chair and co‑chair. The proposal also included a staff liaison and a council liaison. Council directed staff that the item should be finalized as an ordinance and returned for vote.
Council response and next steps
Council members from across the dais praised the concept, observed that youth bring different perspectives and urged careful drafting so the bylaws are youth‑friendly and not overly legalistic. The city manager and staff said the deputy city clerk could help administer the board and that implementation should not be a heavy burden on staff. Several councilors asked for the draft to be circulated for edits: the clerk will consolidate suggested language and the city attorney noted that an ordinance is the correct vehicle if the board will be established in municipal code.
Council requested the following before a formal vote: - Revise age language (several councilors recommended a 13-year minimum), - Clarify member residency/attendance requirements (members should live in or attend school in Sunnyside), - Confirm that bylaw amendments require prior notice to members and a vote at a subsequent meeting, and - Convert the draft to an ordinance for formal consideration.
Ending: Councilor Frausto will collect suggestions; staff will prepare a revised ordinance for council consideration at a future meeting.
