The newly formed Manheim Township Youth Council met for the first time on Dec. 6. The Council hosted its organizational meeting at the Manheim Township Municipal Office to discuss roles, leadership and the group's goals for 2022.

The Manheim Township Youth Council was established by the Board of Commissioners earlier in 2021 to evaluate and review issues and problems facing youths in Manheim Township. The high school-age students will learn about local government and will provide advice and a youth perspective of issues within the Manheim Township community.

At the meeting, Manheim Township manager Jim Drumm presented Youth Council members with the resolution creating the council and explained their mission. The township manager also served as the acting chair of the meeting and instructed council members on the structure and procedures of conducting public meetings.

The council began by voting for leadership roles. Krishna Chinnasamy was selected as chairperson, and Zayne Seyed was chosen as vice chairperson. Joining Krishna and Zayne on the council are Aanya Iyengar, Macy Eisenhart, Jack Bear, Sophie Esbenshade, Zaara Seemeen, and Soleil Yoder Salim.

The Manheim Township Youth Council discussed many issues and concerns in its first meeting, including protecting and fostering green spaces, year-round pickleball courts, the need for transportation, adding sidewalks for the safety of students, and expanding recreation programs.

Beginning in January, the Youth Council meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room at the Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive. The meetings are open to the public to attend in person or via Zoom. The Zoom information and link can be found on http://www.manheimtownship.org/calendar.