News for
April 1, 2026

 

By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent

Mona City is in the process of forming a city youth council and reviewed the bylaws proposed and then adopted a resolution approving them.

Alesha Newton, city council member, had the creation of such a council as one of her goals when she was selected to be a council member by the council following the resignation of Amy Stanley.

“The name of the organization will be the Mona City Youth Council (YYC),” said Newton.

“Each school year,” reads Article II Membership, “Mona City will distribute Youth Council information to local schools and the community. Interested students must complete and submit an application to Mona City Hall. Applicants will be interviewed by the mayor or a designated committee. Final appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council.”

Qualifications are that members must be between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age, members must reside in Mona City or postal code and the city will strive for diverse representation in age, school and background.

The council will have up to 12 members and each term will last one year, typically from September through July but may apply for additional terms.

Members are expected to regularly attend meetings and events. Up to four absences are permitted per term. An absence is excused if communicated to the Mona Youth Council Advisor in advance or in an emergency. More than three unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the youth council. Members may be removed by the mayor and city council for repeated unexcused absences and the vacant position may be filled by appointment.

The youth council will meet at least once per month with dates set by the membership and advisor and meetings will follow Robert’s Rules of Order.

Special meetings may be called by the chair, the mayor or advisor to prepare for events or respond to city needs.

“A quorum shall consist of a simple majority (51 percent) of the current membership,” reads the bylaws.

Youth council members are expected to: attend all scheduled meetings and activities, participate in city events and service projects, represent the youth council with professionalism, and serve as liaisons between the youth community and city officials.

Officers will be elected by the membership and will serve one-year terms. Positions will include: Mayor (chair) to preside over meetings, set agendas, and represent the YC; mayor pro ten (vice chair) to assume mayor’s duties when needed; recorder (secretary) to prepare agendas, record meeting minutes, track attendance.

Officers may be removed by a two-thirds vote with approval of the advisor.

“The mayor shall appoint a youth council advisor who may be a city staff member or approved adult volunteer,” the bylaws read. “The advisor provides support, ensures compliance with city policy, and serves as a liaison between the YCC and the mayor/city council.”

Mona City may allocate a modest budget to support youth council activities. All expenditures must be pre-approved by the mayor and/or a city council member as outlined by the procurement policy.

Newton made the motion to adopt the resolution approving the bylaws of the youth council. Devin Ingram, council member, made the second and all, by roll vote, voted in favor.