Nelson neighborhood youth asks city for help organizing litter cleanups

A child who identified herself as Zoe spoke during the City Commission’s honors and presentations period on Aug. 12 to urge action on litter in the Nelson neighborhood.

"Broken glass is basically everywhere," Zoe told the commission, naming food wrappers and plastic bags among the problems. She said she is in talks with the Boys & Girls Club to organize a cleanup that would involve children and asked whether the city could help raise money for the effort. "Caring kids become caring adults," she said.

Commissioners responded with offers of help. Commissioner Keener offered to assist and said she could provide food from her food truck for participants. Commissioner Cochin said she and others already conduct city cleanups and would join the effort. Mayor Johnson thanked Zoe and said staff would follow up outside the meeting to explore how the city might work with her and the Boys & Girls Club.

Zoe's remarks were given under the honors/presentations section and generated immediate, public-commitment style responses from commissioners rather than formal action requests.