(A) Creation and purpose.
(1) There is hereby created a City Youth Council. The City Youth Council is created as an advisory body to the city with the following purposes:
(a) To promote and provide an opportunity for the youth of the city to acquire a greater knowledge of, and appreciation for, the political system of local government through activities, services, and participation in local government.
(b) To obtain information and assistance from city youth regarding planning and implementation of social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities for youth in the city.
(c) To, as an organization and body, with the consent of the City Council, plan and implement activities of service to the community of the city, as well as accept and act upon proposals to do acts of community service.
(2) The City Youth Council shall report to and be responsible to the City Council.
(3) The City Youth Council shall meet monthly in a regular Youth City Council meeting, holding additional work sessions when necessary.
(4) The City Youth Council shall not have authority to bind the city or impose any condition on the city or its citizens.
(B) Structure of officers. The City Youth Council shall consist of a minimum of four members to include, but not be limited to, a Youth Mayor, a Youth Assistant Mayor, a Youth City Secretary, and a Youth City Treasurer.
(C) Selection and appointment.
(1) The positions of Youth Council Mayor, Youth Assistant Mayor, Youth City Secretary, and Youth City Treasurer shall be determined by the election process.
(2) The general election shall occur annually during the first regular City Youth Council meeting in August.
(3) Voters may have only one ballot and may vote only one at a time.
(4) Votes will be counted immediately, and the results will be announced by the outgoing Youth Council Mayor or his or her designated representative that same meeting.
(5) The newly elected positions will be sworn in by the City Mayor during a regular City Council meeting and take office during the first regular City Youth Council meeting, to be held in September of each year.
(6) Members of the City Youth Council are required to be residents of the city or qualified individuals who have demonstrated an interest in promoting the welfare of the city, including those individuals who live outside of city limits. Non-residents may be considered under the advice of the Mayor and City Council.
(D) Term, removal and vacancy.
(1) Subject to the sections of this chapter and excepting appointment by reason of vacancy due to removal or resignation, the term of appointment for a member of the City Youth Council shall be one year, beginning in September of the year he or she is elected.
(2) A member of the City Youth Council may be removed with advice and consent of the City Council for, among other things, excessive, unexcused absences/not maintaining an attendance record of 80%.
(3) Any vacancy occurring on the City Youth Council, either by removal or by resignation, shall be filled by the City Youth Council coordinator. The new member filling the vacancy shall have a term to end at the same time as the current City Youth Council members.
(E) Officers. Officers of the City Youth Council shall consist as follows:
(1) Youth Mayor. Shall be elected annually by the members of the City Youth Council. The Youth Mayor shall be a high school senior or junior and will serve as the Youth Mayor from September to August.
(2) Youth Assistant Mayor. Shall be elected annually by the members of the City Youth Council. The Youth Assistant Mayor will serve as Youth Mayor in his or her absence and share in all other leadership duties of the Youth Mayor.
(3) Youth City Secretary. Shall be elected annually by the members of the City Youth Council. They shall serve as the Secretary and are responsible for recording all proceedings of the City Youth Council meetings.
(4) Youth City Treasurer. Shall be elected annually by the members of the City Youth Council. The Youth Council Treasurer is responsible for maintaining a current spreadsheet of Youth Council funds to be reported on at monthly City Youth Council meetings.
(5) Other officers. Other officers deemed necessary by the Youth Mayor, Youth Assistant Mayor, Youth City Secretary, and Youth City Treasurer shall be appointed annually by the unanimous consent of the City Youth Council and shall function as directed.
(6) City Youth Council Advisor. City Youth Council Advisor shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council. City Youth Council Advisor shall provide the City Youth Council with such administrative staff support and advisors as he or she deems necessary to assist the City Youth Council in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
(7) City Council Liaison. A City Council Member shall serve as a liaison to the City Youth Council and attend meetings of the City Youth Council and provide leadership and support to the program.
(F) Operations. As allowed by this section and other applicable law, and with the prior approval of the City Council, the City Youth Council may:
(1) Take opportunities to acquire a greater knowledge of, and appreciation for, the political system of local government, through completion of planned projects, and active participation in local government.
(2) Inform city government officials regarding planning and implementing of social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities for youth.
(Ord. 01-2023, passed 1-4-2023; Ord. 14-2024, passed 5-15-2024)