I want to ask your input as Council approaches two important topics in next week’s Council Work Session:

  1. Notable changes to the City’s youth curfew law, and

  2. New proposed $133k youth employment program

1. Changes to Youth Curfew Law –>

Details are on Page 38 of the meeting packet, but some of the changes proposed are:

  • Curfew violations have an escalating-step penalty structure that reaches $1,000 per incident. (Previously max of $500.)

  • Each incident produces a separate penalty for both the minor and the parent - e.g., a 4th offense results in $1,000 to minor + $1,000 to parent. (Previously only to the parent.)

  • Costs of police managing the curfew violation is chargeable back to the parents up to $10,000. (Previously none.)

  • Penalties for the minor also include escalating-step community service hours. (Previously none.)

There are other areas I’m seeking clarification on (such as possible changes to City emergency powers, whether the curfew applies to non-commercial spaces, and interaction with state law). But please do reach out with any input you have as it helps shape questions and conversations.

2. Proposed Youth Employment Program –>

Limited detail can be found on Page 34 of the meeting packet, but the gist is:

  • $132,820 would be directed to the program

  • It would reimburse local employers for the wages paid to 24 Laurel students hired aged 16-18

  • The program would run from mid-October to end of year.

Again, please reach out with any input you have as it helps shape questions and conversations.

Thank you as always!