City council to hold regular meeting at SHSS to engage city youth
By Kyra Hoggan
A tentative date has been set for city council to hold a regular meeting at Stanley Humphries Secondary School, providing an opportunity for youth to learn about, and engage in, municipal politics.
At its regular meeting Monday night, council heard from councillor Florio Vassilakakis, who said the afternoon of Jan. 18 will likely see councillors on campus, not only addressing usual city business, but also speaking to questions and concerns brought forward by students.
Because this is the first time council has undertaken such venue change, there was some discussion as to how the meeting would unfold.
“We might ask the teachers to bring up issues that we can take to committees, for possible action that might resonate with youth,” Vassilakakis said, to which councillor Deb McIntosh suggested that the students themselves address the committees, so as to achieve an understanding of the entire process, from committee presentation to official motion.
Vassilakakis also reassured council that regular business would be dealt with, alongside any issues brought forward by high school students and staff.
“We’re not having a meeting that solely discusses things they bring up – it’s a real meeting,” he said.
Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said this meeting has been in the works for a long time.
“I’m extremely happy about it, and looking forward to meeting the future leaders of our community,” he said. “I think this is a great way to engage our younger community.”
The meeting is tentatively slated for 1 p.m.
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