The Town of Hubbardston Select Board on Nov. 24 appointed David Rogers to the Board of Health to fill an open seat after a joint session with the Board of Health.

Board of Health Chair Cathy Hensky told the Select Board that the board had received an earlier application from “Mr. Connolly” but that Connolly had not participated in Board of Health meetings; by contrast, David Rogers had attended meetings, volunteered to pick up a grant AED and had submitted an application. Hensky said the Board of Health recommended Rogers for the position.

David Rogers introduced himself to the joint panel, said he lives on Williamsville Road, described community involvement as a longtime youth coach and summarized his professional background: about 20 years in biotech with recent work in quality assurance. "I was made aware of the Board of Health opening position...I've been coaching in town for a while and figured I'd get more involved," Rogers said.

Before the vote the chair read the legal context for filling vacancies, citing Chapter 292 of the Acts of 2012 and a 1976 Supreme Judicial Court interpretation of Chapter 41 that informed the board’s authority to fill the vacancy. A motion to appoint David Rogers was made and a friendly amendment clarified the appointment would last until the next election. The board then conducted a roll-call vote: Peter — abstain; Kaylee — yes; Heather — yes; Chris — yes; Jeff — yes. The motion carried and Rogers was thanked for volunteering.

The Select Board and Board of Health will record Rogers’ appointment and the town will publish the appointment details with the town clerk as required by local practice.