Ohio University Student Senate will meet with Athens City Council at 12:30 p.m., Friday, in Baker 237 to discuss a variety of student issues.
It is the first time that the current Student Senate will meet with the current city council.
“This is a good first step to accomplishing common goals,” Senate President Hannah Clouser said. “This is really an introductory meeting.”
Friday’s assembly brings about what Student Senate hopes to become a new tradition.
“I see this happening at least once a semester if not more,” Senate Vice President Courteney Muhl said.
The meeting presents an opportunity for student voices to be brought to the city’s attention and for issues the city has to be communicated to a student representative body.
“There’s no set agenda,” Senate Chief of Staff Landen Lama said. "Off-Campus (Commission) will probably bring up trash fines and Governmental Affairs (Commission) could bring up any number of things.”
The Council also expects to discuss single-use bags and legislation banning hand-held wireless communication devices — such as cell phones — while driving.
“The goal for this meeting is really to make a connection with City Council,” Muhl said. “With Halloween approaching and fest season next semester, it is important that we set goals for how we want to deal with those events.”
Athens City Council President Chris Knisely echoed the sentiments of senate.
“The goal is always improved communication,” Knisely said. “It helps if there is a face so they can see who we are.”
Student Senate officials remain positive about the growing relationship between the two bodies.
“I hope to create a precedent. We all have common interests,” Lama said. “We need to work with them and they need to work with us.”
