[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6086943,"mediaKeyId","2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839","parentId",2892857,"title","Votes at a glance: Hubbardston Select Board, April 7, 2025","audioSeconds",730,"startMs",1219000,"endMs",1949000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839&start=1219&end=1949","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839/thumbnail_1219000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086943/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Hubbardston-Select-Board-April-7-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086943-a37eb813405115fda95c690664720875/orig.mp4?Expires=1770842123&Signature=fZ1x1nDqniP1XzaI-EBa9yhfGJzEd-iy0akOBJ-BuLl23TlfEJ-UyJHnWwsLI3o7qE80W5l9F1kJtw3s7-bXIP5XTI2DnokxL2qvv5oQmWH1KyaYIhJkM24F1qFA7QWDi7qKWDLsiNJO8sGTZ2ho4V5F9awb2z11hKoyEgvC-Nk57JDjDUnJDzWfYq6UAHy9Oyt2GBJycaCLHJJsvJKL4fiqliACzy4kqyJriyF~CJMGtoZj9jxqBTJ6X6UAdigzQmXgvrS-s2ek4ANUtjnHl0OpHJhIbK3moE2Fx6Aag8Q8V9xIJSoWLqZlznpDo8iH29APCrlkgUedclpdWCooCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Hubbardston, MA","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","HUBBARDSTON, Mass. — A summary of formal actions taken by the Hubbardston Select Board on April 7, 2025. The board approved multiple administrative and policy items by voice vote; the transcript did not include roll‑call vote tallies for these items.

Key votes and outcomes

- Host community agreement: Approve Host Community Agreement with Paper Crane Provisions LLC — approved by voice vote. (See separate article for full discussion.)

- Host community agreement: Approve Host Community Agreement with Lovewell Provisions LLC — approved by voice vote. (See separate article for full discussion.)

- Join regional dispatch district: Accept provisions of Mass. Gen. Laws ch.6A, §180‑18(v) and join Central Mass Regional 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communication District — approved by voice vote.

- MOU with Hubbardston Firefighters Local 4957 regarding security camera use at 48 Gardner Road — approved by voice vote. The MOU states cameras are for security only and includes protections against routine monitoring of employee movements; the union sought written assurances matching language in other contracts.

- Consent agenda (unanimous consent motion, approved): Approval of minutes from 03/17/2025; acceptance of specified donations (office furniture and a donated 3,000‑gallon brine tank from Willington, CT DPW); Community Compact IT grant acceptance ($23,300); sandpit feasibility study contract award recommendation (Niche/Mitch Engineering as recommended); TCA/MassDOT agreement approval for submitting prioritized routes; resignations accepted (Kelly Pompeo, town accountant, effective 06/26/2025; Marjorie Ondean, Economic Development Committee, effective 03/31/2025); and related administrative items.

- Close annual town meeting warrant for 2025: Motion to close the 2025 annual town meeting warrant (close date 06/02/2025) — approved by voice vote.

Voting notes: Most motions were approved by voice vote; the transcript records the motions, seconds and chair’s “all in favor/aye” calls but does not include roll‑call vote counts. Where the transcript recorded an objection or separate comment, it is noted in the minutes; otherwise board consensus was recorded.

Administrative follow‑up: For items involving contracts or grants, the Town Administrator was authorized to execute agreements and coordinate implementation; staff will report back as major contracts are executed or when grants are received.

Ending: The board moved to an executive session at the end of the meeting and did not return to open session.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Hubbardston: Select Board 4.7.25","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 7 meeting the Select Board approved two host community agreements, joined a regional 9‑1‑1 district, accepted a consent agenda of administrative items and grants, and approved an MOU on security camera use with the fire union. Several items were approved by voice vote; detailed roll calls were not recorded in the transcript.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086948,"Town Administrator corrects Hubbardston free cash to $403,952, flags budget implications for FY26",320,2927000,3247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839&start=2927&end=3247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839/thumbnail_2927000.jpg","/articles/6086948/Massachusetts/Town-Administrator-corrects-Hubbardston-free-cash-to-403952-flags-budget-implications-for-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086948-fc7e19208e17b672c54fb4abaec66139/orig.mp4?Expires=1770842123&Signature=WfJsqaFHHMz9kGtCgtjOCHQXuq245cVN0c--TuH2rCcmNRnl2yL5Bd2mhNTbvgeX4boRcC8u79asvtzifA-4A0XHoAYjEmZt7ztbVOB4C5qQxtwltpcykP1yzeHV6Og2uhyv28wWJpReioJJEqtkbDrabzF8xAPlRUfuW8lI49fOiUbHyNBtKj6BduD9-NjAYi32IGi-oyDViiOaLB6~5H2bKgrtmNceE2SKFsxJrwLpGWK~oPQALMtklQTuG7n6V8bp1yWa9vlfRgfQDy3GItHOOFBNDNK9uku8tS8arAFQYqGRQrd63eoi3Uj4tzLu3O1FTlQ68ib55gLDqmAMaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HUBBARDSTON, Mass. — Town Administrator reported April 7 that Hubbardston’s available free cash has been corrected to $403,952 after staff and the state reconciled a $145,611 item that had been mis‑recorded in the state system.

Town Administrator (presenting): “The correct number is now $403,952,” the Town Administrator said, explaining that previously reported free cash of $549,563 had included $145,611 that was recorded incorrectly as available money. The administrator described the discrepancy as a recording error in the state accounting system rather than a loss of physical cash.

Why it matters: Free cash is the town’s carryover funding available for capital projects and one‑time appropriations. The Town Administrator said the corrected figure still leaves the town in the neighborhood of its policy targets but requires re‑prioritization of some planned capital purchases. The administrator proposed delaying or scaling back certain items — for example, removing breathing apparatus replacement from the current year’s capital plan in favor of pursuing anticipated grant funding, and using dedicated funds for a portion of a planned fire pickup truck purchase.

Details and next steps: The Town Administrator said staff will do a deeper accounting review to confirm no other anomalies exist and will bring a finalized FY26 capital and operating budget to the board in advance of annual town meeting. He said the town will continue to aim for stabilization fund and free cash policy targets and work with the finance committee on any proposed use of the corrected free cash amount.

Board response: Select Board members emphasized the need for conservative revenue projections and noted that free cash has trended downward in recent years; one member warned that heavy reliance on free cash for operations is not sustainable.

Ending: The Town Administrator said staff will return with a detailed capital plan and budget adjustments ahead of the town’s annual meeting and that the accounting discrepancy appears resolved after coordination with state officials.

","After an accounting review, the Town Administrator told the Select Board that an earlier reported free cash figure contained a $145,611 mis‑recording; the corrected available free cash is $403,952. Staff said the town will rework planned capital items and pursue grant funding where possible.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086953,"Hubbardston votes to join Central Mass Regional 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communications District",681,2052000,2733000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839&start=2052&end=2733","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839/thumbnail_2052000.jpg","/articles/6086953/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-votes-to-join-Central-Mass-Regional-911-Emergency-Communications-District","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086953-ce8378c4231260c60d017f854b0b944a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770842123&Signature=EhPuAbviubtAw4J8ARIt6BWiL6HwGAWzi80gh1~dGJb~CFtug84rWn674C-pTil8BsikIZ4PFdBbi4lWT50Wg8~PbltaOXiWttL1rOX3KDQQOEcXO1CA52tczrj-0Vi41ZcL11cMxI18Mt8b5rfPxg0b-moJZShmBIx0jCXZ9PMEoil8aowKcXHzcj7YcyJQq1ZiHbO0L0l7Q4jLlBtnxIawPe359w9gK9v05lxQ6ww~E3Kezl3YklqQftU4myHvaNRvmYANm7J06oCdSN7iiWY0Rulz~qJS~fbbkz2PPnmA1QQtFYuD2JFQCtJfzND-6XJXTKaxpGzVVzO1VGQSHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HUBBARDSTON, Mass. — The Hubbardston Select Board unanimously voted April 7 to join the Central Mass Regional 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communications District under Massachusetts General Law chapter 6A, paragraph 180‑18(v), a move the town’s administrators said will put Hubbardston on the path to regional governance of dispatch services.

Town Administrator (presenting): The town initiated and helped study a regional model intended to give participating communities a formal governance seat and improve transparency around billing and contracts. Joining the district would not immediately change daily operations or billing, the Town Administrator said, but would shift governance from a single town board to a multi‑town structure with an operations board (public safety chiefs) and finance board (treasurer‑collectors).

Why it matters: Under the district model, each member community receives representation in governance; supporters said that structure reduces a single town’s unilateral control and could increase eligibility for state 9‑1‑1 grants and a state‑funded facility. Proponents also said adding more communities to the district may lower assessments for individual towns in some scenarios.

Discussion and concerns: Board members debated the likely financial effect. The Town Administrator and Peter Walker, who attended regional meetings, said initial, immediate downside is limited and that the district’s governance model favors small towns by giving each one a vote regardless of population. Some members cautioned not to assume automatic near‑term savings, calling earlier claims that regionalization would immediately lower bills “optimistic.” The financial estimates in presentation materials were described as illustrative modeling rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Vote and implementation: The board moved and seconded a motion to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Law chapter 6A, paragraph 180‑18(v) and join the Central Mass Regional 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communication District. The motion passed by voice vote; members said further steps will be required to finalize governance seats and assessments if other towns join.

Ending: Town staff said they will continue participation in district planning and report back to the board as other communities decide whether to join and as the district governance structure is finalized.

","The Select Board voted to join a regional emergency communications district under state law, moving governance of dispatch away from a single town and into a multi‑town district intended to expand grant access and give member towns representation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6086958,"Hubbardston approves host community agreements with Paper Crane, Lovewell Provisions; includes three‑year auto‑renew",510,722000,1232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839&start=722&end=1232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892857-42ece65b2f8852126aeda16b4d4ad839/thumbnail_722000.jpg","/articles/6086958/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-approves-host-community-agreements-with-Paper-Crane-Lovewell-Provisions-includes-threeyear-autorenew","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086958-a029c62be0688b9f9a79a427716f3850/orig.mp4?Expires=1770842123&Signature=M2WFkOIxwZHiRcrJH9qkgj1VyBvCzLSt490M-7FyeEVUJYAKAmt36TVc3HvZb9omBpAqqmKwmNWj51utfvwyTwRfMFvQXT7YshJEPOXgCD2eukCN1oaQR4r-5xFQJCITLeuiRZaBNTNGCw5Bab7Nf7fCLLll4CJOvvVi6shQcmHbVUOtB6SR83K7aF2K2tXqTbfaP24eCEngv8Vosu5yKPOt4LShQbU1QFZPOaZVQLWv0YWIzmaMunK~hT6ChI7jz58AlX9wypwsLF1GE66SXBw1hsMU0pNPtZ7B4y5u-x-wSqb~4QgUXEjYkhvVIoDq4JK2LJgpGG4nWdaiiOBTmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HUBBARDSTON, Mass. — The Town of Hubbardston Select Board on April 7 authorized host community agreements with two cannabis businesses, Paper Crane Provisions LLC and Lovewell Provisions LLC, allowing the companies to proceed toward local permitting and establishing terms for community impact fees and a limited auto‑renewal feature.

Town Administrator (presenting): The agreements set terms the town will use with both entities and include a three‑year automatic renewal if the businesses remain in compliance with the agreements and any other applicable documents. The agreements also allow the town to invoice the businesses for specific services — described as “community impact fees” — capped at 3 percent and limited to actual billed services such as legal or consultant costs, not an automatic percentage payment.

Why it matters: The approvals clear a remaining local contractual step that the businesses must have before applying for a special permit to operate retail cannabis in Hubbardston. The auto‑renewal language was requested by the businesses to support longer‑term investment, and the board emphasized that renewals can be stopped if the companies breach the agreements. The agreements also memorialize how the town will seek reimbursement for discrete services related to regulation and oversight.

Details and debate: The Select Board discussed a revised draft that the town’s legal review had approved after earlier rounds of negotiation. The Town Administrator said the revised version aligns the town and operator with a previously agreed model while accommodating a requested change: “a 3 year auto renew if they met all of the specifications outlined both in the host community agreement,” which the board described as new language requested by the applicants.

A Select Board member summarized the town’s approach to the impact fee: under the draft HCA the town can seek up to 3 percent in community impact fees but only by invoicing for an actual billed service — for example, outside legal or consultant costs — rather than assessing an automatic percentage payment.

Board members offered limited public praise for the applicants’ cooperation. The chair said the operator had been “always compliant and very cooperative” during the town’s review, and the board voted to approve each agreement by voice vote.

Votes and next steps: The board authorized the Town Administrator to execute the two agreements. The Town Administrator said staff would contact the applicants to schedule signings and that the businesses may next apply to the local permitting authority for a retail special permit.

Ending: The board did not set further contract conditions at the meeting; members said future compliance would be monitored and any violations could halt auto‑renewal or trigger enforcement under the agreements.

","The Select Board voted to authorize two host community agreements with Paper Crane Provisions LLC and Lovewell Provisions LLC, including a three‑year automatic renewal provision if the businesses meet contract terms and a provision allowing invoiced community impact fees up to 3 percent for specific services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Hubbardston Select Board, April 7, 2025

Town Administrator corrects Hubbardston free cash to $403,952, flags budget implications for FY26

Hubbardston votes to join Central Mass Regional 9‑1‑1 Emergency Communications District

Hubbardston approves host community agreements with Paper Crane, Lovewell Provisions; includes three‑year auto‑renew