Select Board directs staff to revise joint-vacancy policy to allow boards to meet applicants

The Town of Hubbardston Select Board voted to send the draft joint-elected vacancy appointment policy back to the town administrator's office so staff can add a provision allowing the affected board to meet applicants before a joint appointment decision.

Nate, the town administrator, described the draft as a standard operating procedure to make the town's process for filling vacancies in elected boards consistent with Massachusetts law. He said the draft formalizes time frames, posting requirements and steps to ensure transparency when a seat becomes vacant.

Public commenters and board members discussed whether the board that would host the new member (for example, the Board of Health or Planning Board) should have a formal chance to interview applicants before the joint meeting with the Select Board. Several people, including Ria Torick and other residents, said they supported giving the affected board a chance to meet applicants so they could assess fit and availability.

Katie (vice chair) proposed inserting language requiring the select board to post a minimum of one week's notice for a joint meeting and to give the affected board one week to schedule a meeting with applicants. The board agreed to direct staff to prepare a revised draft with timing details and legal checks. The Select Board then voted to send the policy back to the town administrator's office for amendment and return it at the next meeting.

Ending: The motion to have staff prepare the amendment and return the draft at the next meeting carried; the item will be on a future agenda with proposed language about timelines and a minimum notice period for joint meetings.