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Fryeburg Select Board narrowly appoints Fryeburg Academy student to Conservation Committee amid liability and residency concerns
Summary
The Select Board approved the appointment of 17-year-old student Mona Wilson to the Conservation Committee on a 2–1–1 vote after debate about non-residency and insurance; the town manager will consult legal counsel and the insurer about appointing people under 18.
The Fryeburg Select Board voted 2–1–1 on March 12 to appoint Mona Wilson, a Fryeburg Academy student, to the town’s Conservation Committee after members debated her non-resident status and age.
Thomas Kingsbury moved to appoint Wilson; Select Board Chair Greg Huang-Dale seconded the motion. The vote was two in favor (Huang-Dale and Kingsbury), one opposed (Cindy Lawrence) and one abstention (Jim Tyrrell). After the vote Tyrrell moved to reconsider the appointment; that motion, seconded by Lawrence, failed 2–2 with Tyrrell and Lawrence in favor and Huang-Dale and Kingsbury opposed.
Town Manager Katie Haley said she would "look into the appointment of people under the age of 18 with legal and the town's insurance provider," and Allison Leach of the Conservation Committee told the board that students "often complete projects at the Town Forest," arguing for youth involvement. Board members cited liability and parental permission concerns during the discussion.
The board also tabled the appointment of Kassidy Jordan to the Conservation Committee for further consideration.
Next steps: the town manager will report back with legal and insurance guidance on appointing minors to committees before further related appointments proceed.
