Hubbardston — During its Nov. 11 voting meeting, the Hubbardston Cultural Council identified a compliance issue that could affect several awarded projects: the 1st Parish Meeting House, listed as the planned venue for multiple events, is not currently ADA-accessible.

"The 1st Parish Meeting House is not accessible," Speaker 2 said when members examined application venue details. Council members said program acceptance letters require venues used for funded events to be ADA-compliant, and they directed staff to contact affected applicants to determine whether they can move to another venue or whether the Meeting House will be made compliant before the event date.

Speaker 1 described the follow-up plan: applicants will have until Wednesday, Nov. 19 to respond about alternate venues or compliance timelines. If an applicant cannot secure a compliant venue or does not respond, the council will reconvene on Nov. 20 to reallocate funds. "We will give the applicant until November 19 to respond," Speaker 3 summarized.

Council members discussed options for modifying award letters to note venue conditions, but they emphasized the council cannot send final award notifications until the two-week denial/response window closes. Staff will draft award letters ahead of time so distribution can occur promptly on the council's scheduled release date if no complications arise.

Background: Members noted that the town has a committee working on accessibility improvements for the Meeting House; however, no firm timeline for completion was available during the Nov. 11 meeting. The council said applicants may choose other town venues (Public Safety Building or other municipal spaces) or proceed only if the venue is compliant.

Next steps: Staff will contact impacted applicants and report back to the council; if a venue cannot be confirmed, the council will use its Nov. 20 meeting to reallocate any returned funds.