Middleton adopts ordinance establishing youth council, waives three-reading rule

The Middleton City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 706 on Dec. 18, creating a City of Middleton Youth Council that will include 15 members: 12 student members (one boy and one girl from grades 7–12), one council member designee and two adult community members.

Councilman Murrell introduced the ordinance and described the proposed structure and nomination process, saying nominations for youth and adult members would come via letters of recommendation and that the youth group would work with an adult advisory group to develop programs and address issues the youth raise.

Nut graf: The ordinance was presented as a way to reestablish a former youth council and to give young residents a recurring forum to discuss local concerns ranging from bullying to traffic and to propose civic activities. The council waived the city’s three-reading rule and adopted the ordinance at the meeting.

Votes and procedure: Councilmember Murrell moved that the council read Ordinance 706 by title only and adopt it. The motion was seconded and the council then conducted a roll-call vote. President Kiser, Council member O'Meara, Council member Chris Janssen and other members recorded “yes” votes; the motion carried and the ordinance became adopted.

Implementation: Council members discussed outreach and nomination logistics. Councilman Murrell asked staff to publicize nomination procedures (letters of recommendation and qualifications) and asked the city to post the opportunity on social media and the city website. Council indicated the council would take nominations at the first meeting in January 2025 so the youth council could begin organizing before the spring/summer period.

Next steps: Staff will work with council leadership on messaging and nomination logistics; a youth-council nomination action item is scheduled for the council’s first meeting in January.