Select Board appoints members to climate, golf and planning boards

The Dennis Select Board on Aug. 12 interviewed candidates and filled multiple committee vacancies, unanimously approving appointments to the Climate & Coastal Resiliency Advisory Committee, the Golf Advisory Committee and the Planning Board.

Dave Friksil introduced himself as "Dave Friksil, 255 Main Street, Dennisport," and told the board he works for the Dennis Conservation Land Trust and has a background in coastal ecology research; the board appointed him as the land-trust representative to the Climate & Coastal Resiliency Advisory Committee for a three-year term expiring March 31, 2028. Jan Frazier, who said she grew up spending summers in town, and Mary Gray Del Buono, who said she retired from communications and fundraising for the Environmental Defense Fund, were both appointed to at-large seats on the same committee with matching three-year terms.

At the Golf Advisory Committee interview, Don (Donald) Ferris described long service to local golf leagues and university committees; the board appointed him to the full-term vacancy (term to expire March 31, 2028). Catherine Howell and Brandon O'Gazel were appointed to alternate seats with staggered expirations (03/31/2026 and 03/31/2027, respectively).

On the Planning Board, the board moved to promote current alternate Karina England Quest to the full-time seat (term to expire 03/31/2028) and named Michael McGee and Elizabeth (last name in record) as alternates, each with one-year terms expiring 03/31/2026. Michael McGee described his community and veterans-outreach work and said he hoped to bring a "young perspective" to planning discussions.

All of the above motions carried by unanimous voice vote. Newly appointed members were instructed to see the town clerk to be sworn in and to review onboarding materials available online.

The board chair thanked applicants for volunteering and noted that additional committee openings remain for residents interested in public service.