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Hubbardston Select Board expands TA screening committee, approves interim building commissioner and new executive assistant
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Town of Hubbardston Select Board voted to expand the TA screening committee from seven to nine members and appointed specific residents and staff; it also authorized an interim building commissioner at up to $960 per week for 45 days and approved hiring an executive assistant at up to 34 hours per week at $22/hour.
The Town of Hubbardston Select Board took several formal actions at its Jan. 20 meeting, approving committee changes and personnel appointments.
Committee expansion and appointments: The board voted to amend the charge for the TA screening committee, increasing membership from seven to nine and adjusting the composition to three staff, one planning‑board designee, one finance representative and four residents. The motion named residents Lee Perrin, Carrie Sacramone, Bella Caldera and Faye Zukowski and staff Elizabeth Clements, Ryan Kucher and Travis Brown, with the planning board seat to be selected by the planning board. The motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
Interim building commissioner authorization: The board authorized Sean to hire Bob Garside as interim building commissioner on a short‑term basis while the town issues an RFP for a longer contract. The motion specified compensation "not to exceed $960 a week" for a term not to exceed 45 days; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The contract scope described in the meeting includes inspection services, office hours, enforcement duties and assistance with committee work while staff measure weekly inspection demand and prepare an RFP.
Executive assistant appointment: After two rounds of interviews, the board approved hiring Caroline Mincere as executive assistant at up to 34 hours per week at $22 per hour and authorized Sean to send an acceptance letter. The motion was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote. Board members discussed candidate references and contingency arrangements for minute‑taking if weather or other issues prevent in‑person attendance.
Other procedural actions: The board assigned Chair Jeff and member Katie to work as a small task force to select the dedicatee for the annual town report and voted to enter executive session under M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a) to review certain executive session minutes and consider a complaint against a public official; the roll‑call vote to enter executive session was recorded and passed.
Votes at a glance (motions and outcomes): - Consent agenda (minutes for 01/12/2026): approved (voice vote). - Modify TA screening committee (7 → 9) and appoint named members: approved (voice vote). - Authorize hiring of interim building commissioner Bob Garside at up to $960/week for up to 45 days: approved (voice vote). - Hire executive assistant Caroline Mincere up to 34 hours/week at $22/hour: approved (voice vote). - Assign Jeff and Katie to select annual town report dedicatee: approved (voice vote). - Enter executive session (M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)): roll‑call approved.
What happens next: The interim building commissioner arrangement will run while the town issues an RFP; staff will return with RFP results and a recommendation for a longer-term contract. An acceptance letter for the executive assistant will be sent and onboarding will follow. The planning board will supply its designee for the TA screening committee seat.
Ending: Several votes were routine appointments and procedural changes; the board adjourned into executive session and did not return to open session.
