Select Board fills multiple vacancies on planning, downtown, cultural and school panels

The North Brookfield Select Board on Aug. 12 appointed residents to fill several town-board vacancies. The board appointed Sue Landowski to the downtown development committee, Karen Huback as a full member of the planning board and Sadie Kylo as an alternate to the planning board. The board also appointed Juliana Petreides to the Cultural Council and Maggie Woodward to the School Committee. Appointees spoke briefly at the meeting. Karen Huback described long-standing town involvement — including prior service as chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals — and said she expects planning-board work will complement that experience. Sadie Kylo said she has lived in town her entire life and has experience attending permitting meetings alongside family members. Maggie Woodward said she has three children in the school system and noted experience with budgeting and committee work. Motions to appoint each candidate were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board reminded all appointees that they must see the town clerk to complete appointment paperwork. Why it matters: filling volunteer vacancies affects the capacity of town boards to process permits, advise on planning and oversee cultural and school matters. Appointments replenish boards that had vacancies and ensure committees have quorum to meet and act. Details and next steps: new appointees will be assigned terms according to town policy and must complete any required paperwork with the town clerk before serving.