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Levan council seeks leader to revive youth council after coordinator resigns
Summary
Levan Town Council discussed a vacancy and low participation in its youth council after the coordinator, Taryn, resigned. Council members reviewed the council's 2016 charter, confirmed a $2,500 line in prior budgets, and agreed to advertise for a leader while clarifying expectations and attendance requirements.
The Levan Town Council on Thursday discussed how to fill a vacancy and reorganize the town's youth council after Taryn resigned as its coordinator. Council members said participation has been inconsistent despite a charter adopted in 2016 and a recurring $2,500 allocation for youth-council activities.
Council members and staff reviewed the youth council charter included in the meeting packet and debated whether the group should be an activity-driven volunteer corps or a formal youth government training program that attends council meetings and follows the charter's attendance and service requirements. Council members said the group at times had a large turnout for swearing-in ceremonies but then did not meet regularly.
Several council members noted that Linda Hanks, described in the meeting as an activities director, told outgoing coordinator Taryn she would consider taking on some responsibilities but wants clarity on the council's role and the town's expectations before committing. The council asked staff to include a call for a youth-council leader and a concise description of responsibilities in the next town newsletter and to solicit interest from parents and community groups.
Council members said potential changes to the charter could include requiring youth-council representatives to attend a set number of council meetings annually, increasing the emphasis on leadership and civics (for example, trips to the state Capitol), and creating a minimum attendance standard for members. Several members suggested adding a training emphasis so youth could earn certificates or other recognition that could be used for college or service records.
No formal vote was taken on structural changes or an appointment at the meeting. Council members directed staff to prepare copy for the newsletter that would (a) advertise the leadership vacancy, (b) summarize the existing charter and expectations, and (c) invite residents or parents who can commit to supervising the council to apply. Staff also agreed to check and circulate a current membership roster and to coordinate outreach with local school and FFA contacts for near-term event support such as the town's Easter egg hunt.
Council members framed the immediate next steps as refining what the town expects of the youth council, advertising a leader position, and revisiting the charter next month if needed. The conversation closed with an agreement to provide newsletter text and follow up with interested residents and organizations.
