BOB SHRALUKA
WBZD.com
Stymied by a pandemic and some pressing matters like completing a sports complex, Decatur Mayor Dan Rickord was for a couple of years unable to launch one of his hoped-for pet projects when he came into office: a youth council.
It all came together in the latter part of last year, however, and now the Mayor’s Youth Council is up and running full-steam ahead.
At the June 6 city council meeting, an ordinance setting up a non-reverting fund for the council was unanimously approved. All donations to the council, revenues, etc., will go into the fund.
“I have some business owners stepping up already who want to donate (to the youth council). They love the idea,” said Rickord, seen talking to the young people in photo.
The youth council is comprised of 12 Bellmont High School students. Due to the recent graduation, some new members will be added.
The original group was comprised of the following: Seniors: Sydney Keane, Mackenzie Moran, Mackenzie Roudebush and Taylor Braun. Juniors: Victoria Hamrick, Michael Garcia and Andrea Curtis. Sophomores: Emma Key and Mason Martinez. Freshmen: Brianna Converset, Lillian Garner and Mason Mankey.
The students meet twice a month and are required to attend two city council meetings and one meeting each of the Adams County Economic Development board and the city-county park board.
They are also involved in projects. Hamrick, for example, has set up life-skills classes. Some council members assisted at Downtown Decatur Day.
The mayor is currently working on setting up an “office” in City Hall for the council. “You know, with a desk, couch, computer, things like that. So even during the summer they can have a place to meet, hang out, discuss things, and so on,” Rickord said.
Rickord is deeply committed to a youth council. He sees it as a way to hear other voices on matters involving the city; and as a way to keep our young people at home.
“We’re trying to listen to our young people. We want to keep them here. If they don’t find it here, they will go someplace else,” he said.
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