City's Youth Advisory Committee holds inaugural meeting

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

January 21, 2016 12:48 p.m.

The City of Fernandina Beach Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) held its first working meeting on January 20, 2016. Vice Mayor Robin Lentz, who serves as Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) liaison to this committee, enthusiastically welcomed the students to the first meeting.

City Clerk Caroline Best administered the oath of office to the members of the inaugural committee: (l-r) Dillon Basse, Jesse Chapman, Elizabeth Lai, Bethy Spillane,A brainchild of former mayor Ed Boner, the general purpose of the committee is to give student leaders a voice in Fernandina Beach government and to give city commissioners the benefit of student input. Students, under the guidance of teachers, will learn about city government and the democratic process. They will also have opportunities to serve on additional city boards or committees as requested; develop and implement opportunities for other students to learn about city government and/or provide input to decision makers. They may also develop and implement at least one community service project supporting a city function.

Lentz, City Attorney Tammi Bach, and City Clerk Staff Assistant Cathy Sabattini guided the students through the various bureaucratic and legal requirements for city boards. Shelby Bradley, the only sophomore on the committee, agreed to serve as committee secretary. She will be responsible for recording votes and taking minutes of the meetings, which will be held at 2:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in City Hall Commission Chambers.

Committee members elected Jesse Chapman as chair and Dillon Basse as Vice Chair. Vice Mayor Lentz helped the students understand how to conduct a meeting. Attorney Bach spoke to them about Sunshine Law requirements. She said, “You should be proud that you were selected to serve on the inaugural committee.” Fernandina Beach High School had provided the names of the students recommended for appointment to the FBCC, who officially appointed them in December.

Vice Mayor Lentz asked the students if they had ever attended a City Commission meeting, and all responded that they had. She then asked, “What did you notice about the audience?” Committee Vice Chair Dillon Basse replied, “They all have complaints.” After some laughter Lentz went on to say that there are not a lot of young people in the audience. “We hope that you will help engage young people in the process of government,” she said.

The YAC formally adopted the city recycling drive set for April 16 as their first community service project. The city’s Fleet Facilities Director Jeremiah Glisson briefed the students on current city recycling efforts and welcomed their involvement in the recycling drive. At their next meeting, committee members will discuss ways to publicize the event among their peers, attract volunteers and record the event.

The first stop on the YAC's tour of city facilities will be Glisson’s operations on Lime Street.

YAC meetings will be publicly noticed and open to the public.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.