City of Columbia, Missouri

Meeting Minutes - Final

Youth Advisory Council

701 E. Broadway

Columbia, MO. 65201

Conference Room

1A/1B

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

6:00 PM

Regular

I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM

13 -

Present:

Alex Hiles, Emily Crumbliss, Grace Harris, Ahlam Alamin, Harvey Munter, Aanya

Shetty, Mira Tosh, Eleanor Schierding, Xi Kang, Jacquelyn Sample, Kai Kuroki,

Aryan Debnath and Ellie Brooks

1 - John Yu

Excused:

Absent:

2 - Laya Anand and Blair Townsend

II. INTRODUCTIONS

Eric Hempel introduced himself as the Leader of the office of sustainability at the City of

Columbia.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion to approve the agenda made by Emily Crumbliss, seconded by Harvey

Munter; motion carried.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion to approve the December minutes made by Ahlam Alamin, seconded by

Eleanor Schierding; motion carried.

Youth Advisory Draft Minutes - December 9, 2025.

Attachments: Youth Advisory Council Draft Minutes - December 9, 2025

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Introduction and Presentation with Eric Hempel, Manager of the Office of

Sustainability.

Eric Hempel presented a slideshow about sustainability, climate change, and policy

surrounding these areas. The Climate Action Adaptation Plan (CAAP) is currently being

updated. The main objective of the plan is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions

citywide. The Office has set emission reduction goals. Eric Hempel highlighted why the

people need to act against climate change, because of vulnerabilities within Columbia.

Green infrastructure is being considered for Columbia. The CAAP involves

interdepartmental staff teams, the office of sustainability, and community members. The

city is also working towards roadside pollination, creating both sustainability and safety

for mowers. The department is helping vulnerable populations through targeted

universalism, pushing them towards preparedness Level 7. The department hosted a heat

mapping project for the City of Columbia called ‘Show Me The Heat’. This project was

taken to new levels in ‘Show Me the Relief’ where areas with high levels of heat were

given aid through heat helping kits and education. Another project, COMO Canopy,

planted over 300 trees, again with areas of high vulnerability in mind. They are also

planning to host an Earth Day Art Contest, to involve youth in this whole process. Half an

acre of land for a potential YAC service project. COMO wild yards program to set and

reach sustainable goals for resident’s backyards.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Youth Summit Planning

Attachments: YAC Earth Day Planning Document

Grace Harris confirmed that YAC is going to create a youth corner at Earth Day. The

YAC then discussed bingo boards with swag as prizes. Harvey Munter proposed

interviewing people at other booths and areas of focus, this could also be turned into a

reel. These videos could be played at the City Council presentation. YAC uniforms were

considered. Kai Kuroki proposed handing out seeds at the booth for sustainability. Ahlam

Alamin proposed a throwing game for recycling. Homework was assigned to come up

with an interactive idea for booths at the youth summit corner.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Social Media Workshop

5 post minimum was established. The first post is introducing YAC, the next three will be

over our areas of focus, then the YAC will transition to more niche topics (Drug abuse,

vaping, and gun control).

VIII. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Jacque Sample discussed an ordinance regarding passing resources from cars only on

major roadways. The YAC concluded that as it is written now, this section should not be

passed.

Grace Harris asked if the YAC would be interested in writing a letter of support for a bill

regarding gun control. The YAC supported this.

IX. NEXT MEETING DATE

February 10, 2026

X. ADJOURNMENT

Kai Kuroki motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Harvey Munter.

[motion carried]. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.

Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to

disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email CITY@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in making

the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of

the posted meeting date as possible.

USB DRIVES PROHIBITED: A speaker who desires to display a presentation must upload the

presentation, in advance, to the city network using an upload portal. To upload your files and learn

more, visit CoMo.gov/upload.