The Hubbardston Select Board on Oct. 20 established a nine-member First Meeting House Preservation Committee, approved appointments to fill the initial terms through June 30, 2026, and—conditioned on an affirmative insurance confirmation—authorized a temporary policy allowing certain public uses of the historic First Meeting House.

The board amended the committee charge to increase membership from five to nine and add a select-board member or a town-administrator designee as the ninth seat. The board appointed Jonathan Brinker, Rick Green, Susan Worth, Michael Stowell, Betty Ann Sharp, Carol Whitney, Lori Ortiz Epino and Gary Kankas with terms expiring June 30, 2026. The motion carried unanimously. The board said the appointments are intended to populate an advisory body that will advise on uses, preservation and short-term operations of the building.

Members and staff spent considerable time discussing committee size, quorum considerations and the committee’s responsibilities for building use and maintenance. Some select-board members favored a larger panel to reflect diverse views and technical needs; others warned that larger committees can struggle to form quorums and reach timely decisions. Board members also discussed the need for clear, temporary rules for usage (insurance, certificates of insurance, and limits on kitchen use) and for assigning responsibility for opening, locking and routine mechanical checks during cold months.

Separately, the board approved a temporary "Use of Facilities — First Meeting House" policy to allow events that were already scheduled (auditions Nov. 6; a concert Dec. 10) and other community uses, but only after staff obtains confirmation from the town’s insurance carrier that the town’s coverage permits public use. The motion to approve the temporary policy was conditioned on an affirmative insurance reply and passed unanimously.

Select Board and staff said the town already holds insurance for the property and that purchase-related inspections and reports (including a facilities condition survey and building-commissioner review) were provided to insurers during acquisition. Staff committed to contact the insurer immediately and report back to the board. The board also directed staff and committee organizers to secure certificates of insurance and to avoid use of the building kitchen pending a later safety and code review.

Board members and residents raised practical steps the committee should consider early on: automated oil delivery or remote temperature sensors for the building’s heating system, weekly inspections while the building is in limited use, and procedures for keys and custodial responsibility. The board said it expects the new committee to meet, create subcommittees for facilities and programming, and bring a recommended permanent use and governance plan back to the Select Board.