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Council considers youth advisory board but fails to advance bylaws
Summary
Council discussed creating a Youth Advisory Board of students in grades 9'12 with advisory status and staff support; the solicitor said similar bodies exist in other Rhode Island towns. Concerns about charter residency language, vetting, and staffing led the motion to direct bylaws to fail for lack of a second.
Councilmember Wegemont proposed establishing a Youth Advisory Board to give high-school students a structured advisory role with the council. The draft framework described at least five student members, one-year terms, appointment by the council, a staff liaison, monthly meetings and an annual report to the council.
The solicitor's memo said comparable committees operate in Smithfield, Newport and North Providence and that municipalities vary in reporting structure (mayor or council) and in whether the board is established by resolution or ordinance. Amy (solicitor) advised the council that while the town charter requires residents and qualified electors for regular boards and commissions, a youth advisory board can be structured as advisory without a charter amendment and with parental waivers and vetted adult liaisons.
Council debate focused on who would be eligible, background checks and safety protocols for adults interacting with minors, whether the council should appoint a small set of students or invite broader high-school participation, and the staff time required to run a new committee. One motion to direct the solicitor to draft bylaws and a resolution failed for lack of a second, leaving the idea open for further consideration but not moving it forward.
What happens next: No action was taken; the proposal can be brought back if the council wishes to direct staff and the solicitor to draft a specific charge and bylaws.
