Staff photo by Fritz Busch Network New Ulm Youth Leadership Program participants pose in City Hall after a mock City Council meeting.

NEW ULM — Twenty-one Network New Ulm Youth Leadership Program participants got a slice of what it’s like to serve the City of New Ulm and Brown County Wednesday.

Several of the students played key roles in a mock City Council meeting that considered a recommendation to ban the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes in the city.

A number of students voiced their opinion for and against the measure, which was unanimously denied on a motion by Councilor Les Schultz, second by Eric Warmka. Schultz said he would re-consider the subject after learning more about it.

Conflicting issues to consider included the loss of city business and tax revenue, ill health effects of smoking and e-cigarette availability to minors.

“I thought it was fun,” said Emily Schommer after sitting in a council or’s seat at the meeting.

After the meeting, students toured the New Ulm Fire Department, learning about infrared cameras, firefighting equipment and a hook-and-ladder truck.

Councilor Les Schultz, who is also the Brown County Probation director, said earlier in the day, students toured the Brown County Courthouse, New Ulm Police and Brown County Sheriff’s departments at the Brown County Law Enforcement Center and county Probation Department.

“About 10 of the students wore drunk goggles (devices used to simulate the same effects of alcohol impairment).” said Schultz.

Those who wear the goggles experience visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, peripheral vision reduction and double vision. This results in individuals having reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, poor judgment and decision making and lack of muscular coordination — all common symptoms exhibited by intoxicated individuals.

Network New Ulm Youth, a nonprofit organization, was established in 2002 as a leadership program for students to increase their awareness and participation in the community of New Ulm.

For more information, visit Network New Ulm Youth on Facebook.