Urbana BPAC votes to let commission elect youth representatives; elects two students and names Bruce Mickelson vice chair

The Urbana Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission approved a bylaw change on Nov. 18 to allow the commission, rather than the mayor, to select one or two youth representatives to serve as non-voting participants. The commission voted by voice to approve the updated language and then to elect two youth representatives.

Under the amended language, youth representatives must be between 14 and 18 years old and may be Urbana residents or nonresident students of the Urbana School District. The commission clarified that youth representatives "shall not have the authority to vote on any matter considered by the commission that may bind the commission, the city, or any of its departments, but may vote on motions that make nonbinding recommendations." The change also sets one-year terms renewable by vote of the commission instead of by mayoral appointment.

Following the bylaw approval, commissioners elected Giselle Juarez and Tim Friedman (Urbana High School applicants) by voice vote. Commissioners discussed residency and application materials and confirmed both applicants had submitted applications but were not present at the meeting.

Separately, the commission voted by voice to elect Bruce Mickelson as vice chair. The chair announced the appointment following the voice vote.

Votes and motions recorded in the meeting: the commission approved the bylaw language by voice vote, elected two youth representatives by voice vote and approved a motion to elect Bruce Mickelson as vice chair by voice vote. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Ending: The commission directed staff to proceed with onboarding the youth representatives and to record the changes in the bylaws and meeting materials.