Documented by Rachel Youdelman
What happened: At its Monday meeting, the Clovis City Council voted unanimously to create a Clovis youth commission that will be open to high school sophomores and juniors.
City staff members will select up to 15 students, chosen based on their commitment to active participation and the ranking of their applications.
Clovis students may apply between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. Once the staff selects the top 15, the council will review and confirm the appointments.
Council member Drew Bessinger said the commission was a great idea, because if kids feel they don’t have a voice, they “feel compelled to talk louder” or harm themselves. Mayor Lynne Ashbeck said she and Council member Vong Mouanoutoua had been discussing ways to “engage youth voices,” and would serve as coaches to the new commission.
Applications will be provided by Nov. 1 to Clovis school district administrators to distribute to schools and teachers. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 via email to cityclerk@cityofclovis.com. Students will be notified whether they have been selected by Dec.15, and the youth commission will begin meeting in January 2024.
And also: In a 5-0 vote, the council reaffirmed an increase to housing density and height in certain areas zoned for multifamily residential developments.
The vote increases the maximum density from 25 to 30 units per acre and to increase the maximum height for the same zone district from 35 to 45 feet.
The item came back to the council due to an absence after it was previously passed at the Sept. 20 meeting with a 3-1 vote. At that meeting, Council member Diane Pearce was the sole vote against citing her opposition to “Sacramento” and a desire for more “local control.”
Up next: The Clovis City Council will meet again Oct. 9.