Hubbardston meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Hubbardston boards weigh elections, permits, and school policies

Hubbardston's boards and committees held a busy week of meetings, though most items were on the agenda only, with minutes not yet published. Key topics included election logistics, regional economic development funding, school handbooks and donations, and routine administrative matters.

Select Board

The Select Board met Aug. 17 to vote on the warrant for the Sept. 1 state primary, early in-person voting hours, a PermitLink contract for permitting software, dissolution of a Civic Optimize contract, and an updated permit fee schedule. The board also discussed reinstating the Town Administrator Search Committee and conducted a final interview with interim town administrator candidate Timothy Bragan. No votes were reported in the agenda.

Planning and economic development

On Aug. 11, the Planning Board's regional economic development group reviewed the final edited Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The agenda included proposed Phase One environmental site assessments for 17 State Road, Baldwinville (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street, Baldwinville (est. $5,900). Funding updates covered 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg ($138,450) and 159/163 West Main Street, Groton ($94,600). The board also approved a combined meeting schedule through June 2027.

At its Aug. 20 meeting, the Planning Board discussed potential bylaw updates, the Aquifer Project, Friends Farm, and grant updates.

Schools

The Quabbin Regional School District School Committee met Aug. 13 to approve minutes, accept donations ($1,500 for Boys' Basketball, $10,000 for NJROTC Field Trips, and school supplies from Barre Health Center), vote on student handbooks for middle/high school and elementary, and accept E-Rate funding. The committee also introduced new administrators Jillian Madden (Hardwick Elementary Principal) and Nicholas Burgos (QRMHS Assistant Principal). A possible executive session on collective bargaining was listed.

Separate collective bargaining subcommittee meetings were scheduled for Aug. 11 and Aug. 13, each with a request for executive session.

The Monty Tech policy subcommittee met Aug. 19 to review 16 policies, including competency determination, food services, universal free meals, curriculum, and non-discrimination/Title IX.

Other boards

The Board of Registrars met Aug. 17 to vote on early in-person voting hours for the Aug. 22–27 period, with proposed hours ranging from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The Cemetery Commission discussed a break-in at the Brookside garage, funding for replacement equipment, fertilizer and lime purchases, fence and garage repairs, and new signs.

The Cultural Council reviewed 2027 grant program guidelines and set deadlines: application opening Sept. 21 and deadline Oct. 15.

The Library Trustees discussed lower-level renovations at the Hubbardston Public Library, 7 Main Street.

The Board of Assessors handled motor vehicle excise abatements, warrants, liens, and Chapter applications (61, 61A, 61B), and entered executive session on statutory exemptions.

The First Meeting House Preservation Committee discussed budget, parking changes, and an Aug. 28 fundraiser.

The Cable Advisory Committee organized and discussed cable license renewal.

Coming up

• **Municipal Complex Building Committee** – Aug. 25: review cost estimates, DRA changes, and budget/scope.
• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 25: public hearings on a septic system replacement, a culvert replacement and land clearing, and tree cutting; site visits scheduled for 12 W Comet Pond Access Rd and 6 Adams Rd.

Hubbardston boards set for votes on police incentives, software contracts, and election hours

No decisions have been published from Hubbardston board meetings held over the past two weeks; all agendas were released without minutes. The most consequential upcoming votes are before the Select Board on Aug. 17, including a police recruitment incentive, a permitting software contract, and the warrant for the Sept. 1 state primary.

Recent meetings (agenda only, no decisions published)

All recent meetings listed below were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are known.

Select Board (Aug. 3) — Agenda included a memorandum agreement on a recruitment incentive for vacant police positions, a vote on a Permitlink contract for permitting software, acceptance of Sergeant Robert Forte's retirement and transition to part-time status, acceptance of Officer Andrew Bresciani's resignation, and review of interim town administrator applicants.

Board of Health (Aug. 4) — Reviewed Title V reports and perc tests for seven properties, beach sampling data, a one-day food permit for the Hubbardston Lions Club, and a septic/engineering plan for 9 Thompson Rd.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 4) — Held public hearings on two requests for determination of applicability (Jarod Hardacker, William Homans) and continued a hearing on a new single-family dwelling at Map 3 Lot 1A on Birches Road.

Emergency Management (Aug. 4) — Reviewed proposals for upgrading the town's Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed a trailer upgrade.

Planning Board (Aug. 5) — Discussed Aquifer Project Planning.

Community Preservation Committee (Aug. 5) — Voted on 2027 CPA coalition dues from the administration fund, and discussed funding for the First Meeting House and annual CPC hearing costs.

Library Trustees (Aug. 6) — Discussed a $40,000 CPA grant for lower level renovation, town-awarded repair funds, first floor rehab and brick pointing, an MHC grant, and policy proposals.

Planning Board / MRPC (Aug. 6) — The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission reviewed cash schedules, an executive director transition, FY25 audit, FY26 budget, and adoption of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Also discussed attainable housing "Tiny Homes."

School Committees (Aug. 11, 13) — Quabbin Regional School District subcommittees met on collective bargaining strategy (executive session requests) and reviewed the 2026-2029 strategic plan. The full School Committee (Aug. 13) voted on student handbooks, E-Rate funding acceptance, and superintendent evaluation process, and accepted donations: $1,500 for Boys' Basketball, $10,000 for NJROTC Field Trips, and school supplies from Barre Health Center. New administrators were introduced: Jillian Madden (Hardwick Elementary Principal) and Nicholas Burgos (QRMHS Assistant Principal).

Planning Board / Economic Development (Aug. 11) — The MEDD, MRCEDS Committee, and Montachusett Brownfields Group approved the final edited Regional CEDS, considered Phase One ESAs for 17 State Road, Baldwinville (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street, Baldwinville (est. $5,900), and received funding updates for 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg ($138,450) and 159/163 West Main Street, Groton ($94,600).

Cultural Council (Aug. 12) — Reviewed 2027 grant program guidelines, set deadlines (application opening Sept. 21, deadline Oct. 15), and discussed 2025 grantee updates.

Planning Board / MJTC (Aug. 12) — The Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee discussed an Age Friendly Plan, nominated officers, and approved minutes.

Coming up

Aug. 17 — Select Board will vote on the warrant for the Sept. 1 state primary, early in-person voting hours (Aug. 22-27), a PermitLink contract for permitting software, dissolution of the Civic Optimize contract, and an updated permit fee schedule. The board will also discuss reinstating the Town Administrator Search Committee and conduct a final interview with interim town administrator candidate Timothy Bragan.

Aug. 17 — Board of Registrars will vote on early in-person voting hours for the August election (proposed times: Sat Aug 22, 9am-5pm; Mon Aug 24, 8am-5pm; Tue Aug 25, 8am-6pm; Wed Aug 26, 8am-5pm; Thu Aug 27, 8am-5pm).

Aug. 17 — Cemetery Commission will discuss a break-in at the Brookside garage and funding for replacement equipment, plus fertilizer/lime purchase, Forest Hill fence repair, Brookside garage repairs, and signs.

Aug. 18 — Cable Advisory Committee will discuss cable license renewal instructions and organize the committee.

Aug. 18 — First Meeting House Preservation Committee will discuss budget, parking changes, and an Aug. 28 fundraiser.

Aug. 19 — Council on Aging will review secretary/treasurer reports and discuss outreach and programs.

Hubbardston boards weigh police incentives, debt exclusion, and library grant

Hubbardston's Select Board met August 3 to consider a recruitment incentive for vacant police positions and a contract for permitting software, among other items. Minutes from that meeting and all other recent sessions have not yet been published, so no final votes or outcomes are available. The agendas, however, show a range of decisions under consideration, from a potential debt exclusion to a $40,000 library renovation grant.

Select Board weighs police incentives and software contract

The Select Board's August 3 agenda included a memorandum agreement on a recruitment incentive for vacant police positions and a vote on a Permitlink contract for permitting software. The board also planned to accept Sergeant Robert Forte's retirement and transition to part-time status, accept Officer Andrew Bresciani's resignation, and review interim town administrator applicants for interviews.

Public Safety Building Committee plans debt exclusion

The Public Safety Building Committee met July 28 to review costs and budget for a municipal project. The agenda included approval of Invoice #2512.01-1, a review of cost estimates and budget scope, discussion of Bond Council tax implications, and planning for a debt exclusion at the 2026 Special Town Meeting.

School committees address phone lease, budget, and bargaining

The Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Subcommittee met July 29 to consider a 5-year lease with Icon for a new telephone system, receive an update on closing the FY26 budget, and review Athletic Field Complex renovations. The Quabbin Regional School District School Committee and its Collective Bargaining Subcommittee both met July 30 to discuss collective bargaining strategy, with a possible vote, in executive session.

Conservation, health, and open space boards

The Conservation Commission met August 4 to hold public hearings on two Requests for Determination of Applicability under the Wetlands Protection Act: one from Jarod Hardacker to replace a culvert, add swails, and cut open land for pasture, and one from William Homans to cut 9 trees on the beach. The board also continued a public hearing for Stanley Suchocki regarding a new single-family dwelling and utilities at Map 3 Lot 1A on Birches Road.

The Board of Health met the same day to review Title V reports and perc tests for seven properties, consider a one-day food permit for the Hubbardston Lions Club, and review beach sampling data from Pinecrest Beach and general beaches.

The Open Space Committee met July 30 and discussed an invoice pending for bridge material at Gates Hill and Mill Pond ($2,700 Mass Trail Grant), a plan to harden Scout Trail pending funding approval by Parks and Rec, a one-year hay contract license signed by Sean and pending Rick's signature, an OSC funding request from Parks and Rec, and a proposal to plant apple trees on Malone Road.

Library trustees discuss $40K grant

The Board of Library Trustees met August 6 to discuss a $40,000 CPA grant for the lower level renovation, town-awarded funds for repairs, first-floor rehab and brick pointing repairs, an MHC grant discussion, and policy proposals for the September meeting.

Other recent meetings

The Emergency Management committee met August 4 to review proposals for upgrading the Hazard Mitigation Plan and discuss a trailer upgrade. The Community Preservation Committee met August 5 to vote on 2027 CPA coalition dues from the administration fund, discuss CPA funding for the First Meeting House, and review administration fund costs for annual CPC hearing legal notices. The Planning Board met August 5 to discuss Aquifer Project Planning.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** – August 11: Economic development groups will review the final edited Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, consider funding for environmental site assessments (including $7,200 for 17 State Road, Baldwinville, and $5,900 for 25 Central Street, Baldwinville), and approve a meeting schedule through June 2027.
• **Cultural Council** – August 12: Review 2027 grant program guidelines, set deadlines (application opening September 21, deadline October 15), and discuss 2025 grantee updates.
• **Council on Aging** – August 19: Review secretary and treasurer reports and discuss outreach and programs.

Hubbardston Select Board set to vote on police incentives, permitting software; recent meeting minutes pending

Hubbardston residents have a busy stretch of local government activity ahead, with the Select Board scheduled to vote August 3 on police recruitment incentives and a permitting software contract. Minutes from nine meetings held over the past two weeks have not yet been published, so outcomes from those sessions are not yet available.

Select Board — August 3

The Select Board is scheduled to discuss and vote on a memorandum agreement for recruitment incentives for vacant police positions. The board will also vote on a Permitlink contract for permitting software. Members are set to accept the retirement of Sergeant Robert Forte and his transition to part-time status, as well as the resignation of Officer Andrew Bresciani. The board will review interim town administrator applicants and select candidates for interviews. Appointments to various town committees are also on the agenda.

Recent meetings — minutes not yet published

All nine meetings held between July 20 and July 30 were listed as agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. What was scheduled:

• **Select Board (July 20):** Posting the interim town administrator position and volunteer openings for the town administrator search committee.
• **First Meeting House Preservation Committee (July 21):** Repair estimates, parking changes, and a new historic preservation grant for Central Massachusetts.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee (July 21):** Proposed policies on student cell phone use, artificial intelligence (Policy IJNDD), and time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint (Policy JKAA).
• **Collective Bargaining Subcommittee (July 21):** Executive session request for collective bargaining strategy.
• **Public Safety Building Committee (July 28):** Approval of Invoice #2512.01-1, cost estimates and budget scope, Bond Council tax implications, and planning for a debt exclusion at the 2026 Special Town Meeting.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Subcommittee (July 29):** A 5-year lease with Icon for a new telephone system, FY26 budget closing update, and Athletic Field Complex renovations update.
• **Open Space Committee (July 30):** A pending invoice for bridge material at Gates Hill and Mill Pond ($2,700 Mass Trail Grant), a plan to harden Scout Trail pending Parks and Rec funding approval, a one-year hay contract license, an OSC funding request from Parks and Rec, and a proposal to plant apple trees on Malone Road.
• **Quabbin Regional School District School Committee and Collective Bargaining Subcommittee (July 30):** Executive sessions to discuss collective bargaining strategy, with potential votes.

Board of Health — August 4

The Board of Health will review Title V reports and perc tests for seven properties: 27 Natty Pond Dr, 15 Thompson Rd, 11 Navajo St, 6 Woodview Dr, 96 Old Princeton Rd, 6 Plum Tree Ln, and 9 Thompson Rd. A septic and engineering plan review is also scheduled for 9 Thompson Rd. The board will consider a one-day food permit for the Hubbardston Lions Club and review Pinecrest Beach and general beach sampling reports.

Conservation Commission — August 4

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on two Requests for Determination of Applicability under the Wetlands Protection Act. Jarod Hardacker seeks to replace a culvert, add swails, and cut open land for pasture. William Homans seeks to cut 9 trees on the beach. A continued public hearing is scheduled for Stanley Suchocki regarding a new single-family dwelling and utilities at Map 3 Lot 1A on Birches Road.

Emergency Management — August 4

The committee will review proposals for upgrading the town's Hazard Mitigation Plan, discuss a trailer upgrade, and address open issues related to the plan.

Planning Board — August 5

The Planning Board will conduct regular business and discuss Aquifer Project Planning.

Community Preservation Committee — August 5

The CPC will vote on approving 2027 CPA coalition dues from the administration fund. Members will discuss CPA funding uses for the First Meeting House and administration fund costs for annual CPC hearing legal notices.

Coming up

• **August 11 — Planning Board / Regional Economic Development:** The MEDD, MRCEDS Committee, and Montachusett Brownfields Group will consider approval of the final edited Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Proposed Phase One environmental site assessments include 17 State Road, Baldwinville (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street, Baldwinville (est. $5,900). Funding updates are listed for 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg ($138,450) and 159/163 West Main Street, Groton ($94,600). A combined meeting schedule through June 2027 is up for approval.
• **August 12 — Cultural Council:** The Hubbardston Cultural Council will review 2027 grant program guidelines, discuss 2025 grantee updates and remaining funds, and set deadlines for the 2027 grant cycle, including a September 21 application opening and October 15 deadline.

Hubbardston boards set budgets, appointments, and wetland hearings in busy July stretch

Hubbardston's town boards covered a wide range of business in the second week of July, from wetland permits and a new-home application to committee appointments, a parks budget vote, and reserve fund transfers. All meetings listed below were agenda-only as of this report — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available.

Conservation Commission — July 7

The Conservation Commission scheduled two public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act. Colton Prentiss requested a Determination of Applicability to remove dead, diseased, or hazardous pine trees. Stanley Suchocki filed a Notice of Intent to build a new single-family dwelling and utilities on Birches Road (Map 3, Lot 1A). The commission also planned to discuss an update and enforcement order for 20 Kruse Rd and review forest cutting plans.

Planning Board — July 7 and July 16

The Planning Board met July 7 for board reorganization and to consider an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan from Ortolino on Thompson Road. The agenda also included public comments, minutes approval, and a planner's report. On July 16, the board was scheduled to reorganize again, review the Planners Report, and discuss strategic planning and project prioritization under new business.

Library Trustees — July 9

The Board of Library Trustees was set to approve minutes from June 4 and June 26, 2026, and receive the Library Director's report. Discussion items included the lower level renovation project funded by a $40 CPA grant, an RFP update, and town-awarded funds for repairs, first-floor rehab, and brick pointing. The board also planned to consider a request from the Hubbardston Historical Society to attend the September 3 meeting and review working group reports on policies, scholarship, and grant opportunities.

Select Board — July 13

The Select Board agenda listed several appointments and reappointments: Flo Pervier for reappointment to the Council on Aging Committee; Robert Hayes, Jr. for reappointment to the Municipal Complex Building Committee and the Local Emergency Planning Committee; Judie O'Donnell as Health Agent for communicable disease follow-up and MAVEN backup administration; and Travis Brown as Health Agent for beaver control and permitting. The board also planned to open nominations for the Annual Citizen of the Year Award, receive an update on Central Mass Dispatch, and address end-of-year accounting matters.

Parks Commission — July 14

The Parks Commission was scheduled to vote on the 2026/2027 budget and on reimbursing the Senior Center for trash bags. The Summer Social budget included a $500 payment to Woodshed Music and $185 for a bounce house. Discussion items covered irrigation system repair costs and Bandstand repairs by the Lions Club.

Finance Committee — July 14

The Finance Committee planned to review and approve transfers from the FY26 reserve fund, plus any related business and matters not reasonably anticipated by the chair. No other agenda items were listed.

Board of Health — July 14

The Board of Health was set to review the 2025 Annual Water Quality Report for Hubbardston House Apartments and beach samples from Silver Leaf Hollows and Pinecrest. The agenda also included a Title V inspection form for 26 Main St and a septic/engineering plan review for 4 Ed Clark Rd.

Council on Aging and Board of Assessors — July 15

The Council on Aging planned to review secretary and treasurer reports and discuss outreach efforts and current senior programming. The Board of Assessors scheduled review of motor vehicle excise abatements, liens, and statutory exemptions.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Select Board:** Posting of the interim town administrator position and volunteer openings for the town administrator search committee.
• **July 21 — Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee:** Discussion of proposed policies on student cell phone use, artificial intelligence (Policy IJNDD), and time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint (Policy JKAA), plus review of policies under legal review.
• **July 21 — First Meeting House Preservation Committee:** Repair estimates, parking changes, and a new historic preservation grant for Central Massachusetts.
• **July 21 — Collective Bargaining Subcommittee:** Executive session request to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

Hubbardston boards weigh union contracts, cemetery repairs, and wetland permits; Finance Committee to review FY26 reserve transfers

Hubbardston's town boards and commissions met through early July on a range of maintenance, land-use, and personnel matters. Because minutes have not yet been published for the recent meetings below, the items listed reflect what was scheduled on each agenda rather than confirmed outcomes. Residents should watch for posted minutes to verify what was acted upon.

Quabbin Regional School Committee set to ratify three union contracts

The Quabbin Regional School Committee scheduled ratification votes on three union contracts, all running July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029: the School District Office Association, the Paraprofessionals, and the Teachers' Association. The committee also planned to ratify a Memorandum of Understanding for Nutrition Professionals and had a request for executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. Minutes are not yet published.

Select Board reviewed FY26 finances and FY25 audit

The Select Board's June 29 agenda included an FY26 end-of-year financial update and the FY25 annual audit. The board also planned to discuss the interim Town Administrator position, handle a consent agenda of minutes and resignations, and consider a one-day alcoholic beverages license for Seven Saws Brewing. Outcomes are pending publication of minutes.

Conservation Commission held wetland hearings

On July 7, the Conservation Commission scheduled two public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act: a Request for Determination of Applicability for Colton Prentiss to remove dead, diseased, or hazardous pine trees, and a Notice of Intent for Stanley Suchocki to build a new single-family dwelling and utilities on Birches Road (Map 3 Lot 1A). The agenda also included an update and enforcement order for 20 Kruse Rd and a review of forest cutting plans.

Cemetery Commission focused on maintenance and inspections

The Cemetery Commission met June 29 to discuss Brookside garage repairs, Forest Hill fence work, and repair of stones damaged by auto accidents at Forest Hill and Pine Grove. The agenda also covered purchasing fertilizer, lime, and enzymatic cleaner, and a volunteer proposal to construct signs for three cemeteries. On July 3, the commission scheduled a field trip to inspect Brookside, Rural Glen, Evergreen, and Pine Grove cemeteries, with no formal votes planned.

Planning Board took up Ortolino ANR on Thompson Road

The Planning Board met July 1 and again July 7 to reorganize its membership and review an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan from Ortolino on Thompson Road. The July 7 agenda also included public comments, minutes approval, and a planner's report.

Library Trustees discussed $40 CPA grant for renovation

The Board of Library Trustees met July 9 to discuss a $40 CPA grant for the lower level renovation project, along with an RFP update. The agenda also listed town-awarded funds for repairs, first-floor rehab, and brick pointing; a Hubbardston Historical Society request to attend the September 3 meeting; and review of library policies including an Interlibrary Request Form.

Coming up

• **Select Board, July 13:** Reappointments to the Council on Aging and Municipal Complex Building Committee, Health Agent appointments, Central Mass Dispatch update, and end-of-year accounting.
• **Parks Commission, July 14:** Votes on the 2026/2027 budget, Senior Center trash bag reimbursement, and Summer Social expenses ($500 to Woodshed Music, $185 for a bounce house); discussion of irrigation repair and Bandstand repairs by Lions Club.
• **Finance Committee, July 14:** Review and approval of FY26 reserve fund transfers.
• **Board of Health, July 14:** 2025 Annual Water Quality Report for Hubbardston House Apartments, beach samples from Silver Leaf Hollows and Pinecrest, Title V inspection form for 26 Main St, and septic/engineering plan review for 4 Ed Clark Rd.
• **Council on Aging, July 15:** Secretary and treasurer reports, outreach, and senior programming.
• **Board of Assessors, July 15:** Motor vehicle excise abatements, liens, and statutory exemptions.
• **Planning Board, July 16:** Board reorganization and discussion of strategic planning and project prioritization.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee, July 21:** Discussion of proposed cell phone, artificial intelligence (Policy IJNDD), and time-out/seclusion/physical restraint (Policy JKAA) policies, plus review of policies under legal review.

Hubbardston meeting roundup: School contracts, cemetery repairs, wetland hearings on tap

Hubbardston boards and committees held a busy stretch of meetings from June 22 through July 3, with agendas covering cemetery upkeep, septic permits, school union contracts, and town finances. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes. Readers should consult official minutes once released for final votes and dollar figures.

School Committee set to ratify three union contracts

The Quabbin Regional School Committee's June 29 agenda called for ratifying contracts for the School District Office Association, Paraprofessionals, and Teachers, each running July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. A Memorandum of Understanding for Nutrition Professionals was also listed for ratification. The agenda included a request for executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. A separate Quabbin Collective Bargaining Subcommittee meeting on June 23 was scheduled to enter executive session for bargaining strategy, with no other substantive items listed.

Select Board: FY 26 finances, audit, and interim Town Administrator

The Select Board's June 25 agenda included an FY 26 end-of-year financial update, the FY 25 annual audit, and a discussion of the interim Town Administrator position. A consent agenda covered minutes, resignations, and appointments. The board was also scheduled to consider a one-day alcoholic beverages license for Seven Saws Brewing.

Cemetery Commission focuses on repairs and maintenance

The Cemetery Commission met or scheduled meetings on June 22, June 29, and July 3. Agendas repeatedly listed Brookside garage repairs, Forest Hill fence work, and repair of stones damaged by auto accidents at Forest Hill and Pine Grove. Purchases of fertilizer, lime, and enzymatic cleaner were listed, along with installation of corner posts to prevent errant driving. A June 29 agenda included a proposal from a volunteer to construct signs for three cemeteries. A July 3 field trip was planned to inspect Brookside, Rural Glen, Evergreen, and Pine Grove cemeteries, with no formal votes scheduled.

Board of Health reviews septic tests and permits

The June 23 Board of Health agenda listed Title 5 and perc tests for seven properties: 111 Hale Rd, 65 Old Boston Tpke, 96 Old Princeton Rd, 91 Hale Rd, 9 Thompson Rd, 44 Underwood Rd, and 96 Old Westminster Rd. Permits on the agenda included a well at 65 Old Boston Tpke, a one-day food permit for Rietta/Chickie's on July 12, a disposal system at 3 Mare Meadow Lane, and a certificate of compliance for 41 Main St. An installers permit for Ronald Spraske was listed, along with a request to investigate a possible unhoused individual near Mt Jefferson and Malone Roads.

Community Preservation, Open Space, and Planning

The Community Preservation Committee's June 25 agenda included a Habitat for Humanity representative discussing affordable housing ideas and discussion of potential CPA funding for the First Meeting House. The Open Space Committee listed a Mass Trail Grant status update of $2,700, Scout Trail hardening, bridge material invoices for Gates Hill and Mill Pond, OHRV deterrence discussion, and hay contract discussions. The Planning Board met June 24 for reorganization and again July 1 to review an ANR filing for the Ortolino property on Thompson Road.

Other boards

The Agricultural Commission's June 24 agenda included a Town Fair report, a proposed farm accessory bylaw, Farm to School Day planning, and a Farm Emergency town plan review. Library Trustees met June 26 to review construction quotes for lower level renovations and updates on the RFP process.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission, July 7:** Two public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act — a Request for Determination of Applicability for Colton Prentiss to remove dead, diseased, or hazardous pine trees, and a Notice of Intent for Stanley Suchocki to build a new single-family dwelling and utilities on Birches Road (Map 3 Lot 1A). Also listed: an update and enforcement order for 20 Kruse Rd and review of forest cutting plans.
• **Planning Board, July 7:** Board reorganization and the Ortolino ANR plan on Thompson Rd.
• **Council on Aging, July 15:** Review of secretary and treasurer reports, outreach efforts, and senior programming.

School contracts on table as town boards tackle infrastructure, land use

Hubbardston boards and committees convened throughout late June and early July to address a range of municipal business, from school labor agreements to cemetery repairs and land-use permitting. Because meeting minutes had not been published for most sessions by press time, decisions remained unreported. The most significant agenda item was the Quabbin Regional School Committee’s scheduled ratification of three union contracts and a nutrition professionals’ memorandum.

School contracts

The Quabbin Regional School Committee met June 29 with a docket that included ratification of agreements for the District Office Association, Paraprofessionals, and Teachers, all running July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. A memorandum of understanding for Nutrition Professionals was also on the table. A separate collective bargaining subcommittee session June 23 planned an executive session to discuss strategy. Neither body had released minutes by July 5.

Town finances and administration

The Select Board’s June 29 agenda featured an FY26 end-of-year financial update and the FY25 annual audit, along with an update on the interim Town Administrator position. A consent agenda included resignations and a one-day alcohol license for Seven Saws Brewing. No votes or dollar figures were available.

Open space and trails

The Open Space Committee discussed the status of a $2,700 Mass Trail Grant, plans to harden the Scout Trail, bridge material invoices for Gates Hill and Mill Pond, and deterrence of unauthorized off-highway recreational vehicle use. A hay contract was also on the agenda.

Cemeteries

The Cemetery Commission held multiple sessions to plan repairs. Work includes fixing stones at Forest Hill and Pine Grove that were damaged by vehicles, repairing the Forest Hill fence and Brookside garage, and buying fertilizer, lime, and enzymatic cleaner. A volunteer offered to build signs for three cemeteries. Commissioners also scheduled a July 3 field trip to inspect Brookside, Rural Glen, Evergreen, and Pine Grove cemeteries.

Planning and land use

The Planning Board opened reorganization meetings on June 25 and July 1, with the July 1 session also reviewing an Approval Not Required (ANR) filing for the Ortolino property on Thompson Road. No decisions were reported.

Health and housing

The Board of Health on June 23 reviewed septic tests and perc results for seven properties, including 111 Hale Rd, 65 Old Boston Tpke, and 96 Old Princeton Rd. It considered permits for a well, a food event, and a disposal system repair. A request to investigate a possible unhoused individual near Mt Jefferson and Malone Roads was on the agenda.

The Community Preservation Committee heard from Habitat for Humanity about affordable housing and discussed potential CPA funding for the First Meeting House.

Agricultural and library matters

The Agricultural Commission took up a farm accessory bylaw, Farm to School Day planning, and a Farm Emergency town plan. Library trustees reviewed construction quotes and the RFP process for lower-level renovations.

Coming up

On July 7, the Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on a request by Colton Prentiss to remove hazardous pine trees and a notice of intent from Stanley Suchocki to build a single-family home on Birches Road. An enforcement order for 20 Kruse Rd is also on the agenda. The Planning Board meets the same night to reorganize and continue review of the Ortolino ANR on Thompson Road. The Council on Aging convenes July 15 to review reports and discuss programming.