Oakham Select Board Re-Opens Conservation Commission Seat After Refusing to Explain Non-Appointment

OAKHAM — August 4, 2025 — Oakham Select Board declines to explain rejected Conservation Commission appointment as residents press for answers. The board drew sustained criticism at its August 4 meeting after board members Selectman Bergen and Selectman Brunel refused to explain why neither seconded a motion to appoint a qualified candidate — identified only as Nick — to the Conservation Commission, despite the commission's unanimous endorsement and the candidate's stated background of 40 years in a related field and self-funded wetlands-recognition coursework. "Why did each of you not second that when there is an opening and you've got a qualified volunteer standing in front of you?" resident Barbara Pucci of East Hill Road East asked directly; Brunel responded only, "I'm not giving you a reason why I didn't. It's over with." Residents tied the vacancy to their efforts to challenge a proposed battery energy storage facility, arguing Conservation Commission capacity is essential to that effort. The board voted unanimously to adopt three financial policies and directed staff to re-advertise the open seat. The board also discussed a $25,000 state feasibility study grant — short of the $120,000 requested — toward a potential $11 million to $12 million town hall renovation that would address longstanding ADA compliance concerns raised in a formal letter from resident Aaron Langlois.