Teens may soon have council advisory role
Cape Coral City Councilmember Rick Williams believes the new Youth Council approved at Monday’s meeting can become a functioning group this school year.
“We have to meet with the schools, talk to their peers, civics and government teachers and principals to get candidates in about 30 days,” said Williams. “I’d like to have their first meeting in November.”
Williams is still assembling a group of advisors for the council, which includes former council member Derrick Donnell who is helping with the school side of the equation.
Other advisors include Mark Cagle, who runs the youth center for Parks & Recreation, city spokesperson Connie Barron, and City Manager John Szerlag. Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce is helping identify candidates through its work with its Junior Leadership Program.
Williams and Donnell were attending a Florida League of Cities conference last year when they saw a youth council at work and decided Cape Coral desperately needed to form one. The process became serious about six months ago.
“It will be an educational experience for them,” said Williams. “They will learn about meeting schedules, procedures, Robert’s Rules and the Sunshine laws. It’s a win-win-win for everyone. Everyone I’ve talked to is excited about it, not just me.”
Youth Council will consist of 14 members selected to advise City Council on matters relating to youth issues, wants and needs.
“They will give us more input on things they think the city needs to have,” said Williams. “They will bring opinions because they are the eyes and ears of the youth of this city, and they are close to being voters, too.”
One junior and one senior from each of six high schools and two at-large students will form the council. The at-large members could come from homeschooled sources, private or charter schools or other source. Juniors will serve two-year terms while the first group of seniors have just one year. The two students representing North Fort Myers High must be Cape residents.
“I think they will bring some great ideas forward on projects and activities they want to be part of,” said Williams. “I don’t want to put limits on them. If you want a group to think outside the box you don’t seal the box.”
Williams volunteered to be city council’s liaison to the youth council, which will hold public meetings advertised in advance just like city council. The youth council also will be supported by city staff like any other appointed board or committee.