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Riverton Youth Council asks city to back 'Snow Angels' volunteer sidewalk program
Summary
Members of the Riverton Youth Council asked the City Council for permission to operate a Snow Angels program to help elderly and disabled residents with winter sidewalk clearing; staff and council discussed application logistics, liability waivers and parental approvals for minors.
Members of the Riverton Youth Council told the City Council on Dec. 2 that they have drafted a Snow Angels volunteer program to help elderly residents, disabled residents and those with temporary physical limitations with winter sidewalk clearing.
Royce Hancock, chair of the Riverton Youth Council, described volunteer logistics and credited youth volunteers and community partners for helping at recent Thanksgiving and community events. Youth Council members said they have a QR code and an application form in draft and asked the council for permission to operate the program under the Riverton Youth Council umbrella, use the city website to post sign-up information, and receive limited staff support for redirecting calls and advice on liability language.
Council and staff questions focused on eligibility, parental approvals for minor volunteers, and whether volunteers may accept small tokens of appreciation. Staff noted the draft volunteer waiver includes a release for the city and program participants; councilmembers requested that staff and the city attorney review waiver language and clarify that small, non-monetary gestures (water, snacks, hot chocolate) are acceptable as tokens of appreciation and do not constitute compensation.
Next steps: council asked staff to review the draft application and waiver with the city attorney and return with recommended edits; youth council members were encouraged to coordinate sign-up logistics with staff and Go Riverton communications.
Quotes: "What the Snow Angels program is — where volunteers help elderly people, disabled residents and those that are unable to shovel their sidewalks during winter," a Youth Council representative said. "We have a QR code and a form that both sides will fill out if you need the help and then if you can help," a youth council member added.
Why it matters: The program would mobilize volunteers to help vulnerable residents, increase community intergenerational engagement, and require careful city oversight on liability and minor participation.
