During the recent Planning Board meeting in Hubbardston, significant discussions centered around the enforcement of newly approved site plan review administrative rules. The board confirmed that these rules, which were approved at the annual town meeting, are now ready for implementation. Although there was a delay in enforcement since no site plans were submitted during that period, the board is now poised to move forward without any negative impact on applicants.

One board member raised the possibility of reopening the public hearing to make minor corrections to the rules. This suggestion was welcomed, as it would allow for necessary adjustments to be made. The board agreed that if they choose to proceed with this, proper notice must be posted to inform the public.

Another key topic was the need for improved documentation of approvals from relevant town departments, such as the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission. Currently, the zoning bylaw requires that applications be transmitted to these departments, but it does not mandate a formal sign-off. Board members expressed concern that without a record of review, important details could be overlooked. They discussed the potential for creating an internal tracking form to ensure that all necessary approvals are documented and easily accessible.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust process that can withstand changes in personnel and resources, particularly as they benefit from the expertise of a professional planner. The planner's role includes preparing formal reports that summarize feedback from both the public and department heads, which is crucial for transparency and accountability in the planning process.

As the meeting concluded, the board agreed to have their administrative assistant develop a new form to facilitate better tracking of departmental reviews. This step aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the planning process, ultimately benefiting the Hubbardston community by ensuring thorough oversight of development proposals.