The Town of Hubbardston’s grant committee voted on Thursday, November 20 to reallocate $500 that had been set aside for a planned meeting‑house movie after determining the event could not satisfy rebroadcasting restrictions.
Speaker 2 summarized the technical guidance that influenced the decision: "performances at the Hover Street Meeting House can go as long as they are captured in video, which can then be enjoyed by people who can't access the space, thereby maintaining ADA compliance. . . . due to rebroadcasting prohibitions, the meeting house movies cannot take place there." The committee agreed that recorded performances and markets could proceed if captured and posted but that licensed movies could not be rebroadcast.
Following that clarification, Speaker 2 moved "that we redistribute the $500 giving . . . Nonesuch Fest and the summer social $250 each;" Speaker 4 seconded the motion. Members reconciled the funding spreadsheet, agreed to zero out the meeting‑house movies line, and approved the reallocation by voice vote. Committee notes indicate the change was made to ensure funds were used on eligible, deliverable activities.
Committee members also discussed the practical challenge that one applicant had already reported being unable to secure an alternate venue in time. Speaker 1 said the applicant had "no other venue for any of these 3" events and had confirmed that in an email, which the committee requested be made official.
The committee’s actions followed the committee member summary of federal guidance and a review of venue and accessibility options. The reallocation was recorded in the committee spreadsheet and will be reflected in the awards list to be finalized in subsequent votes.