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Youth committee raises governance concern after town staff blocked FAA-approved drone show
Summary
The Youth Activities Task Force reported members are sometimes told 'town staff said no' before committees can vote; the committee said a fully funded, FAA-approved drone show planned last season was cancelled by staff and asked for clearer decision pathways and staff accountability.
The Youth Activities Task Force told the quarterly meeting it is seeking clearer procedural rules after members said town staff prevented committee voting and blocked events before committees could act. The task force chair, identified at the meeting as Youth Activities Task Force chair, described a recent example: "My committee... hosted a holiday event. We had a drone show planned, fully funded. It was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. It was not being flown over people. Town staff said no."
Committee members said the denial came before a council decision and without an identified staff signatory, leaving the group uncertain which authority overruled the event. The chair asked whether committees retain the right to vote on proposals even when staff have operational concerns; the town official at the meeting said staff would review the specific instances and report back.
The task force also asked procedural questions about member status and appointments: whether students who turn 18 can convert to adult member slots. Town staff said conversion appears permissible when an adult slot is open but will confirm the rule and follow up.
The task force requested clearer documentation when staff declines a proposed activity and asked that the chain of decision-makers be identified so committees can either revise plans or take proposals to council if appropriate. Town staff said they would review minutes and provide specific answers on the drone show denial and related examples.
