Brookfield to require volunteer sign‑up as town trials new volunteer policy ahead of Earth Day

The Brookfield Selectmen reviewed a draft volunteer policy April 7 intended to create a rostering system for unpaid committee members and event volunteers and to satisfy insurer Primex's recordkeeping requirements.

Staff said the town currently lacks a formal volunteer policy and proposed that committee members and event volunteers complete a brief volunteer form listing primary contact details so the town can track volunteer hours for grants and ensure liability coverage. Selectmen clarified that liability insurance would cover unpaid volunteers but that workers' compensation would not apply to unpaid activity.

Officials said the policy would apply to volunteer activities on town property or events representing the town; work on private property would not be covered unless the town had an established agreement. The board agreed to trial sign‑up sheets and the roster process for the April 18 Earth Day town cleanup and asked staff to circulate the draft form for review at the next meeting.

Separately the town clerk reminded residents that Earth Day will include volunteer displays, a flag disposal collection and dog licensing from 9 a.m. to noon; a $25 rabies clinic will be offered in Milton that afternoon.

The selectmen did not adopt a final volunteer policy at the April 7 meeting but directed staff to finalize the form and report back.