Mayor's Youth Council (2025-11-03)

MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING A Regular Mayor's Youth Council Meeting was held on November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Roll call was taken. Present were members Mahi Nooka, Na-Kowa Ryals, Hailey Dester, Janelle Lewis, Brody Biship, Noah Ringeisen and Michael Barnes. Matthew Goldfarb, Sara Dorough, Jessa Crandell and Gianna Matthews were not present. Mentors Present: Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson, Sam ABrahani, Dr. Randy Stovall and Lydia Ragsdale. Staff Present: Public Information Officer Kevin Weiss and Assistant City Clerk Eileen Mercado. The Invocation the Pledge of Allegiance followed. 1. WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Mayor Monson welcomed members and provided a description of the structure of the Mayors Youth Council (MYC). The MYC consists of seven (7) Council Members, alternates, as well as community mentors. It was noted that Lydia Ragsdale is a former member of the MYC now serving as a mentor. MINUTES 1 Approval of September 15, 2025 Meeting Minutes 2 Approval of October 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes Hailey Dester moved to approve the minutes from September 15, 2025, and October 6, 2025 meetings. Brody Bishop seconded the motion. Motioned passed unanimously. 1. BUSINESS ITEMS 2.1 CHIPZ Fundraiser Mayor Monson reviewed the fundraiser packets issued to MYC members, each containing flyers and 20 tickets priced at S 15 per meal or S50 for four meals, with a sales goal of 300 meals. She outlined procedures for selling and tracking tickets, handling payments, and returning unsold tickets. Members discussed coordination, including wearing MYC shirts, marking ticket stubs, and securing payments through cash, checks payable to CHIPZ Inc., or QR code. Mayor Monson reported that several sponsors pledged support during the recent City Council meeting. Bahr's Propane Gas & AC will provide and cook the chicken, and Meals on Wheels of Pasco will supply the side dishes. Youth Council discussed outreach strategies, including setting up tables at high-traffic businesses. Hailey Dester presented ideas for promoting the BBQ fundraiser through Instagram and TikTok. With assistance from the City's Public Information Officer, Kevin Weiss, two videos were produced for distribution. ***ADDITIONAL TOPIC: Election of New Chair and Vice Chair*** Mayor Monson announced that Chair Matthew Goldfarb is stepping down. Both Mahi Nooka and Na-Kowa Ryals expressed interest in serving as Chair. Following discussion, Na-Kowa Ryals was unanimously elected Chair. A second vote was held to fill the Vice Chair position, and Hailey Dester was unanimously elected Vice Chair Discussion regarding volunteer needs for directing traffic, checking tickets, and managing meal distribution. "Post-It" notes will be used to mark the number of meals per vehicle. Donation jars may be displayed at checkout. Members will finalize roles in group chat. Hailey and Michael noted they must leave by 6:00 p.m. but can arrive early to assist with setup. Mayor Monson will coordinate packaging logistics with Meals on Wheels and secure additional staff support. Mayor Monson will prepare thank-you cards for Meals on Wheels and Bahr's Propane Gas & AC. The Youth Council will discuss a unified message and signature approach at the next MYC meeting. 2.2 Trip to Tallahassee January 26-28, 2026 The Youth Council discussed a planned trip to Tallahassee to participate in Florida's Legislative Action Days with a proposed schedule of leaving on a Monday and returning that Wednesday. Noah suggested wearing comfortable shoes as there would be a lot of walking. Mayor Monson, Chris Dester, Ken or Robin Ringeisen, Stella Ryals and Randy Stovall will act as chaperons and the possibility of carpooling will need to be investigated. It was noted that rooms will need to be reserved soon for the trip and Permission Paperwork must be filled out at the next meeting for members interested in going. 2.3 Volunteer Opportunities: Chairman The Youth Council discussed participation in the upcoming Main Street Zephyrhills Parades.

-Veterans Day Parade - November 8, 2025 at 10:00am. The meeting location will be provided by Antwon Gildon, Main Street Director and members advised to meet 30 minutes prior to the start. Candy will be given to pass out. -Christmas Parade - December 6, 2025 at 7:00pm. Meet up between 18th and 19th Street. Bauducco, the premier sponsor, will provide items to pass out. 2.4 Next Meeting Date and Agenda Items: December 1st @6:00pm Date and time were confirmed. ADJOURN 7:45 pm Submitted by Ricardo Quiñones (not present)