[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6585749,"mediaKeyId","5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942","parentId",5597123,"title","Votes at a glance: Select Board approves personnel, finance and administrative items","audioSeconds",736,"startMs",2793000,"endMs",3529000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942&start=2793&end=3529","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942/thumbnail_2793000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585749/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Select-Board-approves-personnel-finance-and-administrative-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585749-a83649dc5270bae8523772b1c550b4e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614654&Signature=NIS5IbLtZx-SF7bIDiqt7rA3KJMO-mmLP6hm8JYYhU9w57Dfht6jmKcfrTd-lsFVXUId5vNHiHXqymPZAs2us9XzWy3MKTEXBYIuB4p8kDtrYGdtdJ4nvaC7lOS111Qib57hP5As2pBPGeLPUWmRnO2R9-RJ12ZYQOy4rC~fFSmdowGD0nzk1f4JpZl3aQ7DshT6FWdyyXNWlCyLelvSj7jOBqPr1yzIrWMfP22kT~7jqdInupYI83G9zy4ZNp2A7yykfpbXfIkRb6oEIVRl5lLWavKKxFntrdwrbrG0TwYhL7yxXfkibszx-UhJXI89gzgBW0yCGzBN1TLEtjciEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hubbardston","date","2025-08-19T01:07:44Z","article","The Town of Hubbardston Select Board recorded several formal actions on Aug. 18, including acceptance of the consent agenda and separate votes on debt/finance steps, a CDBG mortgage discharge and a personnel appointment.

Consent agenda
The board moved to accept the consent agenda as presented. Items listed in the meeting packet and adopted in the consent motion included minutes (through Aug. 4), creation/approval of an inspectional services coordinator job description, authorization to prepare a letter of recommendation and commendation for Eagle Scout Carson Brinker, a right of first refusal notification for a Chapter 61 property at 55 Hill Road, and personnel actions: acceptance of Robert Duffy Lanciani’s resignation as building commissioner (effective immediately), and approval to retain Lanciani as an assistant inspector as needed up to 5 hours per week at $35 per hour. The board also approved the appointment of Linda Krostanski to the Agricultural Commission through June 30, 2026. The consent agenda was adopted by motion, second and voice vote.

Debt authorization / useful life determinations
The board voted to determine useful lives for planned financed assets as recommended: fire truck — 25 years; plow truck — 20 years; brush mower — 10 years. The motion also authorized town counsel to review the preliminary official statement and confirm required contract disclosure language (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 44 bond/borrowing compliance). The motion was made, amended to include the recommended useful‑life numbers, and approved by voice vote.

CDBG mortgage discharge
The board approved a motion to discharge a 20‑year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) mortgage tied to a resident and to record the discharge (the paperwork had already been prepared and signatures were routine). The motion passed by voice vote.

Town Administrator outside work (ethics disclosure)
Town Administrator Nate requested board approval to engage in limited outside professional services (up to 10 hours per week), to be performed outside of town time and without use of town resources. He said the work would be conducted under a disclosed framework and that he would comply with state conflict rules. The board moved, seconded and approved a motion that the administrator may engage in the limited outside work, confirming that it does not present a conflict with his duties.

Other procedural and informational items were also handled, and the meeting adjourned after a full agenda.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Select Board 8.18.25","oneSentenceSummary","At its Aug. 18 meeting the Hubbardston Select Board approved a package of consent items and separate motions including debt useful‑life determinations, a CDBG mortgage discharge, and permission for the town administrator to take limited outside consulting work.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6585754,"Resident group seeks clearer communication after town consults Nipmuc tribe about dugout canoe",362,2019000,2381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942&start=2019&end=2381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942/thumbnail_2019000.jpg","/articles/6585754/Massachusetts/Resident-group-seeks-clearer-communication-after-town-consults-Nipmuc-tribe-about-dugout-canoe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585754-64bb65b8a7b209a4eb75aae786692e2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614654&Signature=foTRxeeJ4Ft1vdqs5dbe9GKoqBuMZ7Ub0qVVrwhNRS6b1xvC5wRulIdLsjU6B1NFcbgo0Wuo9JIyrnOBeP1lJF2ox59PBX6Xk-6paenRTt7pIoXMfGm17mPXYY~wl4i9fG1ikdOuMn9HdeUzWjWK~79MYN8SuytJ2y7Yd~6LM4hR92hQfdNkLbNZDgQ12PGcGnXYPt4WjiDUugiv7LDyCk9-ccqTxw~Y9GYPe3DhkxSWf9l0wM5zKSpe2t-XY5zDFBB57aHbh0pS~j0eRHg4f8vW6PAxM1~htA76~MwRrmkF6KckD1kyZXw3zWZdL76WAOAcyVe5NQpmhFEPv28dHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ed Blanchard, speaking during public comment, described months of work by local volunteers and historians to secure return of a dugout canoe from storage at the Worcester Historical Museum to Hubbardston. Blanchard said he and other local stakeholders had arranged museum meetings and a town meeting with tribal elders and that the museum would like the town to be the canoe’s owner if the tribe agrees.

Blanchard said he was not included in a later virtual meeting with the tribe and asked why the town had contacted the Nipmuc tribe directly rather than coordinating through the local volunteers who had led the project. He asked the Select Board to notify local stakeholders—Pam Mitchell, Bill Shea, the Hubbardston Historical Commission and others—when the tribe reaches a decision.

A town official described the Zoom meeting with tribal elders and said state law requires consultation for indigenous cultural property decisions. The official cited Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 39A and Chapter 9 (documentary requirements) and said the tribe has the ultimate decision: the tribe could repossess the canoe, ceremonially return it to the pond, or agree to share or display it. The official said the museum welcomed the tribal consultation and that the town was waiting for the tribe’s vote.

Representatives at the meeting said the tribe had expressed appreciation that the issue was opened to elders, and that the elders were evaluating options. Select Board members and volunteer stakeholders said they were prepared to assist if the tribe decided the canoe should come to Hubbardston; they also noted the tribe might keep the canoe for display or ceremonial return to the pond.

No formal action was taken; the town is awaiting the tribe’s decision and said it will continue to follow Massachusetts legal requirements for consultation and documentation.

","A Hubbardston resident said the Historical Museum contacted the Nipmuc tribe about a dugout canoe found at Common Pond; the town confirmed it consulted the tribe and is awaiting the tribe’s decision on custody or ceremonial options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6585758,"Consultant presents updated grant‑matrix; board asks staff to return with a specific proposal",1199,714000,1913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942&start=714&end=1913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942/thumbnail_714000.jpg","/articles/6585758/Massachusetts/Consultant-presents-updated-grantmatrix-board-asks-staff-to-return-with-a-specific-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585758-42d939a8f71539092ddcdd194d753580/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614655&Signature=myJBWFwwcPKOjOF-lUR9cfn~qI6KyS5pcYETh-lrbocjMeJ2H5ZfrvgieEt8HJngV1Dycv5L6UBAKKIoX51JfeuovvcihP78jwBT9eYxp5N6BYVKB-BDpGybtApwuYAHnS2Va1~UKJD5EwP3ui90cmgaZr9mK51Zx2vd73uqyIy0wFlfE5EdUTbNieT6lNvUxhITc4ohejV5Fm18ztjCAZ252em5s1N2-ccXBqUOZhvHmd3OMS86dVe09ixjaPd3Y2aa8PCzo~BUWAdwtFcgy3EzTh22DbgRzsqmNVFDQmWTOeWCWnGVFHwcLZQEBB6Y7fk19UfM-2q5GRDW5uWBoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jen Thompson of Capital Strategic Solutions presented an update on a grant prioritization matrix the firm prepared for the town. The matrix, developed using a prior workshop and town planning documents, ranks projects and matches them to potential federal, state and private funding opportunities.

Thompson told the board the firm’s review identified two top priority areas for Hubbardston: improvements related to 48 Gardner Road (including ADA upgrades and possible USDA, HUD and CDBG funding) and major road, bridge and infrastructure work (MassWorks, FHWA bridge programs, EPA SRF programs). She noted other recurring priorities: ADA compliance in town buildings, senior center expansion, library elevator and walking trails.

Thompson described Capital Strategic Solutions’ typical retainer structure: the town would pay only for services it uses (an on‑call arrangement rather than a standing retainer) and the firm would notify the town when opportunities arise that align with its priority list. Select Board members discussed which priorities the town should assign the firm to monitor; Town Administrator Nate emphasized that the town has $10,000 in town meeting‑approved funds meant for grant support and that the board should decide how best to get return on that investment. Thompson said the fall season usually brings renewed federal and transportation program solicitations.

Select Board members suggested focusing firm attention on safe‑routes and roadway connections linking downtown corridors, and on 48 Gardner Road feasibility and partnerships. Heather Monroe asked about the firm’s success rate; Thompson estimated roughly 85% for state grants and lower (roughly 65%) for federal grants, while noting those are ballpark figures and results vary by program’s competitiveness and the amount of staff time required.

No formal vote was taken. Board members asked staff to return with a narrower proposal and, if a contract is recommended, a clearer cost breakdown and scope of work before approving additional funds.

","Capital Strategic Solutions reviewed a grant‑prioritization matrix and recommended focusing on two top project areas — 48 Gardner Road facilities and road/bridge infrastructure — while offering on‑call grant support; the board requested a more specific proposal before committing further town funds.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6585763,"Select Board appoints David Horn as part‑time building commissioner",412,271000,683000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942&start=271&end=683","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5597123-f84c00c1a42b15f503d5285a7a650942/thumbnail_271000.jpg","/articles/6585763/Massachusetts/Select-Board-appoints-David-Horn-as-parttime-building-commissioner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585763-066e4b733af05c4e72fe272653a4ac86/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614655&Signature=E8xmSIv03NnguKXf90tk-OeIiK~HdHPXgc8pb4qGol9Pbf1ORdc4o0wGBMlgK0JYacsNG~LPrcP0bGeUkLETLMipX~NNkee-iFnP3ihn86eInM56eGdgVm85hKgJZpsmnbUFlEnIpxDCjWGEVjS3IESqy3cYB-QDSWoIOVhDVflFVC0rhAXLUQiHP7NjWXZudQBhigJrVUjeJI90YzIs8jlvShCRv0dTyrBeO9MNOj7JMiFPYQwvigW3auwiR6VliE4t1-eAB2KhnL1M~95kqdIKER6SJjDKulcpDeJwhr9aQRZdGsk5M04eYEP936M2TitvlfgYbihTJjFvm22Pew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Select Board voted Monday to appoint David Horn as building commissioner at 15 hours a week at $50 per hour.

The appointment followed remarks introducing Horn as an experienced inspectional services official from the City of Worcester. Town Administrator Nate said Horn would support Hubbardston’s move to e‑permitting and referenced an upcoming “how to do business and how to build in Hubbardston” guide the town plans to release this fall. Horn said he looked forward to working with the town and noted he spent about 26 years with Worcester’s inspectional services, including a period as interim commissioner.

The board considered the item out of order from the consent agenda so Horn would not have to wait while other presentations proceeded. Select Board member Peter Walker asked whether Horn had prior small‑town inspection experience; Horn said he had worked as an alternate inspector in the town of Berlin for a short time and described the differences between a large city and a small town.

The board moved to appoint Horn; the motion was made and seconded, and the board approved the appointment by voice vote. At the same meeting the board accepted the resignation of Robert Duffy Lanciani as building commissioner and approved keeping Duffy available as an assistant inspector, at the discretion of the new building commissioner, for up to 5 hours a week at $35 per hour.

The personnel and budget implications were discussed briefly. Town staff said the arrangement preserves a staffing cushion (an assistant inspector) while moving most regular duties to Horn’s 15 weekly hours; the board noted annualized totals previously used for budgeting but did not change any appropriation in the meeting.

The board welcomed Horn and said details about onboarding and next steps would follow between Horn and town staff.

","The Town of Hubbardston Select Board voted to appoint David Horn, a longtime Worcester inspectional services official, as the town's building commissioner for 15 hours per week at $50 per hour; the board also accepted the resignation of Robert Duffy Lanciani and approved keeping him available as a part‑time assistant inspector.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Select Board approves personnel, finance and administrative items

Resident group seeks clearer communication after town consults Nipmuc tribe about dugout canoe

Consultant presents updated grant‑matrix; board asks staff to return with a specific proposal

Select Board appoints David Horn as part‑time building commissioner