Town Government
Boards & Commissions
What Boards & Commissions Are
Beyond the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, much of North Brookfield’s governing happens on volunteer boards and commissions. They approve new development, hear zoning appeals, protect the town’s wetlands and ponds, weigh in on historic places, and guide services for residents. They are the rooms where an ordinary resident can have the most direct hand in a decision.
Some boards are appointed by the Board of Selectmen; a striking number are elected at the May town election, including the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Board of Assessors, the Water and Sewer Commissioners, the Cemetery Commission, and the Library Trustees. In this town you do not always wait to be appointed. You can run.
Key Boards & Commissions
- Planning Board reviews subdivisions, site plans, and major development. Chairman William H. King.
- Zoning Board of Appeals hears variances and special permits.
- Conservation Commission protects North Brookfield’s wetlands, ponds, and open space, Lake Lashaway included. Chair Christine Morrison.
- Finance Committee reviews the budget line by line and advises Town Meeting on spending. Chair Joseph Trentacosta.
- Board of Health oversees inspections, the public health nurse, and health rules. Chair Ethan Melad.
- Town House Committee stewards the future of the 1864 Town House, the survey-backed restoration project at the center of town. Chair James Buzzell.
- Historical Commission, Cultural Council, Agricultural Commission, and Parks & Recreation round out the volunteer government, from grant-making to the Town Common.
For the full roster, current members, vacancies, and schedules, see northbrookfield.net.
How to Serve
- Find an opening on the town’s Boards & Committees page.
- Submit a letter of interest to the Selectmen’s office at 215 North Main Street for an appointed seat, or pull nomination papers from the Town Clerk for an elected one.
- Interview if asked, and await appointment by the Board of Selectmen, or make your case to the voters in May.
- Serve: attend the public meetings and help make decisions for your town.
Serving on a board is one of the most direct ways to shape North Brookfield.