[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
The purpose of the Youth Commission is to engage the youth of Meridian Charter Township by actively involving them in the functions of municipal governance. The Youth Commission will encourage environmental stewardship, mental health, community events, cultural appreciation, diversity and adaptability of government through younger perspectives and help formulate plans for long-term community success.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
There hereby is created and established a Youth Commission of Meridian Charter Township. This Commission is set to sunset December 30, 2026, unless extended by the Township Board. The Township Board may extend the life of the Commission through the adoption of a resolution.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
(a) 
The Youth Commission shall consist of no less than seven members.
(b) 
The term of office for each member of the Youth Commission shall be one year from appointment by the Meridian Township Board, through the recommendation of the Township Supervisor.
(c) 
Members of the Youth Commission must be aged 14 to 19, a resident of the Charter Township of Meridian, and/or attend a local school within the boundaries of the Township.
(d) 
The Youth Commission shall begin meeting in September each year after Labor Day. The Commission will follow the general annual school year calendar. Summer month meetings may still occur.
(e) 
Parent consent must be granted to participate in the Commission.
(f) 
A Township Board member will serve as a non-voting liaison member of the Commission.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
When a vacancy occurs due to removal, resignation, or other cause, such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired terms by an appointment by the Meridian Township Board, with the recommendation of the Township Supervisor.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
The membership of any voting member of the Youth Commission shall be terminated if that person is absent without notification to the Commission Chair for four regular meetings of the Youth Commission during their year term of office.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
At the first meeting after the Youth Commission is appointed, and annually thereafter at its first meeting of each calendar year, the Commission shall organize by selecting one member to be the Chair and one member to be the Vice Chair, and a Secretary, who needs not be a member of the Youth Commission, shall be selected. A vacancy in any such office may be filled at any time during such year by action of the remaining members of the Youth Commission.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
Members of the Youth Commission may be compensated at a rate to be determined by the Township Board. Such rate of compensation, if any, shall be established and may be revised from time to time by resolution of the Township Board.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
(a) 
The Youth Commission shall adopt rules of procedures concerning its meetings and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
(b) 
Five voting members of the Youth Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(c) 
The Youth Commission shall be subject to the Open Meetings Act,[1] and Township staff shall assist in the proper posting of all public meetings.
[1]
Editor's Note: See MCL 15.261 et seq.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
The Youth Commission shall act as an advisory Board to the Meridian Charter Township Board and shall, either upon its initiative or upon the specific request of the Township Board or Township Staff, conduct research and make recommendations directly to the Township Board in an advisory capacity as to those matters pertaining to the activities or needs of the youth of Meridian Township.
[Ord. No. 2025-02, 1-21-2025]
The Youth Commission may make recommendations to the Township Board or Township staff concerning the needs and desires of the youth population, the appropriate means by which public and private agencies collaborate to address those needs, and possible solutions to address those needs. All programs and activities of the Youth Commission shall be sent to the Township Board and Township Human Resources Department for review. Any advisory action of the Youth Commission shall be presented formally to the Township Board by either way of communication or presentation. The duties of the Youth Commission shall include, but are not limited to:
(a) 
Serve as a communication conduit between the Township Board and the Township's youth population;
(b) 
Encourage greater education of local governance, civics, and municipal operations;
(c) 
Develop programming to combat specific gaps in coordination between the Township's local government and the youth population;
(d) 
Develop programs to reduce youth violence, increase youth mental health, combat discrimination, and encourage compassionate cooperation;
(e) 
Raise funds for programs that support the overall health and betterment of Meridian Township youth aged 14 to 19;
(f) 
Address other issues affecting the youth of Meridian Charter Township while collaborating with community partners.