Hubbardston Library Trustees Fund Mold Remediation, Authorize Renovation Contractor Search

HUBBARDSTON -- April 2, 2026, Hubbardston Library Trustees approved mold remediation funding and authorized a contractor search for the library's lower-level renovation at their April 2 meeting. Chair Morgan Brinker presided over the 5-0 votes, which allocated the remaining $290.21 from the Clark trust fund, roughly $4,295 from the Church trust fund, and state aid funds if needed, to cover a $5,500 mold abatement estimate from DM Plastering that insurance will not cover. A separate 5-0 vote authorized Library Director Chris Barbera to solicit itemized quotes from independent contractors for the full lower-level rehabilitation outlined in the draft RFP, following Department of Public Works guidance that work under $50,000 requires three quotes but not a formal RFP. The Massachusetts Historical Commission issued written approval in March for the renovation scope, clearing a regulatory hurdle that had been pending since a February submission. Trustees also voted 5-0 to approve a partial set of updated library policies and 5-0 to award scholarships to the two top-scoring applicants out of four candidates, with scores of 556 and 511 out of a possible 650 points.