News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Second-grade students from Hinks Elementary School ask questions to Alpena City Manager Rachel Smolinski about Alpena government and operations during a tour of city hall on Monday.

ALPENA — Second-grade students from Hinks Elementary School in Alpena got a first-hand look at how city government and emergency services operate on Monday.

The students were given a tour of the public safety building, which the Alpena police and fire departments call home, and then met with city officials at city hall.

Students had an opportunity to ask questions to Fire Captain Andy Marceau, City Manager Rachel Smolinski, and Mayor Cindy Johnson.

The kids got an up-close look at the rescue vehicles and gear at the fire department, including the aerial truck that was parked out front and extended over Chisholm Street.

Marceau said second graders throughout the school district are learning about local government and giving them an inside look at operations is critical to their municipal growth.

“They sort of got to see the city in action and see how things operate,” he said. “Of course, some of the things we tried to explain may have gone a little over their heads right now, but we did our best to simplify things to make it easier for them to understand.”

After arriving at city hall, the students had a question-and-answer session with Smolinski and Johnson in the council chambers. Johnson and Smolinski also explained all of the obligations the city has for its residents and how it is responsible for water systems, city streets, local parks, construction, and setting local ordinances.

Smolinski said one of her goals is to prepare a series of talking points for specific age groups for future tours. She said getting the kids involved in local government at a young age is good because it could lead to them being responsible residents down the road.

During the session with the kids in council chambers, Johnson explained how Alpena worked with other local municipalities for the local recycling program, and when she asked them how many of their families recycled at home, a majority of the kids raised their hands, which brought a smile to Johnson’s face.

The mayor also explained how the council is a non-partisan board and how it is good that sometimes there are people on the council who have different opinions but are still able to work together to accomplish things. She also invited the kids and their families to a future meeting so they could see how a meeting is conducted and hear public comment. She also encouraged the kids to share their ideas for the city at any point.

“These meetings are open to everyone, even you kids,” Johnson told the students before they finished their tour of city hall.