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Council introduces ordinance to add two youth advisers to Senior Advisory Commission; motion carries 5‑0
Summary
The council introduced an ordinance to add two non‑voting youth commissioners (ages 13–17, parental consent required) to the Senior Advisory Commission and voted 5‑0 to introduce the ordinance at a Sept. 2 special session.
At a Sept. 2 special session, the San Mateo City Council introduced an ordinance to amend the San Mateo Municipal Code to add two nonvoting youth advisory commissioners to the Senior Advisory Commission and voted 5‑0 to approve introduction of the ordinance.
Zach Zola, community services manager for the Parks and Recreation Department and staff liaison to the Senior Advisory Commission, told the council that in September 2023 the council approved adding youth commissioners but that the administrative update to the commission’s ordinance inadvertently omitted the youth provision during a name change in December. The proposed ordinance restores that original direction.
Under the introduced ordinance, the two youth commissioners must be at least 13 years old and no more than 17 years old at the time of appointment and must present written parental or guardian consent to be considered for appointment. Youth commissioners would serve at the pleasure of the council and, as nonvoting advisory members, would not count toward the commission quorum and would not be members for purposes of the city charter.
Helen Wang, who identified herself as chair of the Senior Advisory Commission, spoke in favor of the correction and said she was “delighted” the council is giving high schoolers an opportunity to become civically engaged and to build relationships with older adults.
Council action
A motion to accept the item was made and seconded (mover and seconder not specified in the record). Roll call votes were recorded as follows: Council Member Fernandez — yes; Council Member Serkogoditsky — yes; Council Member Diaz Nash — yes; Deputy Mayor Lorraine — yes; Mayor Newsom — yes. The mayor announced, “Motion carries 5‑0.”
Next steps and effect
Staff said the ordinance is intended to correct an administrative omission and will not nullify prior council direction on commission policy. By introducing the ordinance, the council set the item for subsequent legislative action under the municipal code process; introduction at this meeting does not constitute final adoption.
