Mayor's Youth Council Meeting (2025-05-05)

MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA Monday, May 5, 2025 6:00 PM Call to Order — Youth Council Chair Matthew Goldfarb A Regular Mayor's Youth Council Meeting was held on May 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall and Via GoToMeeting (646) 749-3122 - Access Code: 855-960-693. Youth Council President Matthew Goldfarb called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM Roll Call — City Clerk Ricardo Quiñones Roll call was taken. Present were members Lydia Ragsdale, Brody Bishop, Matthew Goldfarb, Na- Kowa Ryals, Noah Ringeisen, Catherine Shell and Janelle Lewes arrived at 6:08 PM. Mahi Nooka and Hailey Dester were not present. Mentors present: Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, Sam Abrahani, Dr. Randy Stovall and Debbie Murray Staff Present: City Clerk Ricardo Quiñones. Invocation — The Invocation was led by Catherine Shell Pledge of Allegiance — The Pledge of Allegiance followed. 1. MINUTES 1.1 Approval of April 07, 2025 Mayor's Youth Council Minutes 1. M04.07.2025 Mayor's Youth Council Brody Bishop motioned to approve the April 07, 2025 Minutes. Seconded by Noah Ringeisen. Motion passed unanimously. 2. PRESENTATION 2.1 Students Working Against Tobacco Jewel McNaughton with Students Working Against Tobacco introduced the organization and its goals to the Youth Council. Amariana led the presentation, discussing the benefits of going tobacco- free. Mrs. McNaughton asked the Youth Council to spread the work and help start clubs in Zephyrhills. Discussion followed and Mr. Abrahani shared the lingering effects of his past smoking experiences. Youth Council will come back with ideas to incorporate S.W.A.T. in schools.

3. TOASTMASTERS Youth Council took turns giving a 3-minute (more or less) speech on their chosen topics. Brody - How to fix the education system. Matthew - Why he joined JROTC. Noah - High School should teach trades. Na-Kowa - Florida has lost its agriculture. Janelle - There should be gardening programs at High School. Discussion followed regarding how to bring back gardening/agriculture/horticulture in schools. It was noted that Florida is down to 17th nationwide. 4. BUSINESS ITEMS 4.1 Close Out: Positive Message Project Debbie Murray thanked the Youth Council for this project disclosing that she received one of the positive message cards at a time when she needed it. Mayor Monson said that about 400 cards were collected in total. Discussion followed regarding who will deliver cards to the remaining drop-off sites. *Catherine - Rose Castle *Noah - Hillside *Debbie - Blue Heron 4.2 Discussion of Kids Fest Youth Council discussed ideas for games they could play at their tent, such as La Cross, Trivia, Spelling games and Cooperative team games. Hosting a scavenger hunt gained alot of favor. Discussion followed, noting the area to limit the hunt, themes and prizes. 4.3 Skills That Pay - Boot Camp Mayor Monson introduced the idea of having a 2-day boot camp aimed at giving youths soft skills to help prepare them for the workforce. This is geared for 14 to 17-year-olds and will consist of 6 classes. Youth Council determined that August 7th and 8th would work best. 4.4 Next Meeting Date & Agenda Items: June 5th @ 6:00pm - Items TBD Correction: the next meeting will be June 2, 2025 at 6:00PM Matthew Goldfarb shared that he will not be present for the next meeting. Mr. Goldfarb asked for a vote to have a meeting on June 2, 2025. **Youth Council voted 6-0 to hold the meeting.** Mayor Monson said that the next meeting would focus on plans for KidsFest . Mr. Goldfarb suggested they do an after-action report for the Positive Message Project. -There will be no Toastmasters at the next meeting. It will resume in September. ADJOURN 7:52 PM