Hubbardston Board of Health: two applicants to be considered at joint Select Board meeting; members seek clearer commitment

The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health on Sept. 9 said it still has an open seat and confirmed a joint appointment process with the Select Board scheduled for Monday at 6:30 a.m. (members discussed arriving at 6:30) to consider two applicants. Board members said the two written applications submitted were brief and did not demonstrate commitment to attend twice‑monthly meetings.

Members discussed procedure and whether candidates must confirm willingness to serve before the joint vote. One board member cited the town bylaws as governing the appointment process; other members said the applicants should be contacted directly and asked to attend the joint meeting if they wish to be elected. The transcript notes the two applicants (identified in discussion as Mr. Connelly and Mrs. Connelly or Mr. Ritchie and Mrs. Conway in initial references) had scheduling conflicts or had not been sufficiently forthcoming in their applications.

Members urged outreach to the applicants and to Select Board contact Jeff Williams to confirm logistics and location, which might be the senior center or an alternate building. The board noted that if the joint meeting occurs with fewer members present, an appointment could be postponed. No appointment was made at the Sept. 9 meeting; the board asked members to attend the joint meeting to ensure the town can fill the vacancy promptly.