Press Release: 3/4/2026

Two new faces in the halls of Dudley Town Hall

 

March 02, 2026 

 

(Hugh) Bruce Webb was welcomed to the Dudley Town Hall on February 18 as a Town Planner shared with the Town of Blackstone.

Mr. Webb is a Land Use and Environmental Scientist with extensive experience in municipal planning, conservation, and environmental and zoning permitting.  

“I grew up in a rural town next to a farm, so this kind of area is my comfort zone,” Mr. Webb said. “I really value the sense of community and public participation found in places like Dudley. So, the opportunity to use my experience and education to help contribute to that success, while also furthering my career, was an attractive draw.”

He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science -Soil and Water Science, a Graduate Certificate in Wetland and Water Resource Management, a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology, and Bachelor of Science studies in Environmental Geology. 

He is also a Rhode Island Class IV Licensed Soil Evaluator and Massachusetts Certified Tree Warden. He most recently held the position of Land Use & Planning Director for the Town of Fairhaven. 

Mr. Webb described his top three job responsibilities as supporting the Planning Board in evaluating applications for new development to ensure standards of the zoning bylaws are met; to support residents by helping them navigate our zoning bylaws thereby making the process of getting things done as painless as possible, while making sure standards of those bylaws are met, and to support town administration and other town departments in providing the best service possible residents and to find opportunities to improve services while keeping costs down. 

“My top three goals for my first year are to speak with residents and stakeholders to understand what people would like to see for the town’s future; to find grant programs that allow for implementing that vision without unduly burdening the taxpayers or Town, and to make doing business in Dudley as simple as possible, while striking an appropriate balance with the characteristics and feel that make Dudley a place people want to call home,” he said.

Town Planner Webb is available in the Dudley Planning office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. He can be reached at 508 949-8014 or by email at planner1@dudleyma.gov. 

“I encourage residents to come in and say hi, give a call, or send me an email, whether with planning questions, or just to say hi and talk about the town,” he said, adding, “The more I know about Dudley and the people who call it home, the better job I can do for those people!”

Mr. Webb’s appointment follows that of the town’s Health Agent Justin Lapham in late December. 

The Dudley Health Agent serves as the town’s lead enforcer of public health, environmental, and safety regulations by conducting inspections, investigations, and ensuring compliance with both state and local health codes. It is also the primary representative and liaison for the Board of Health. 

Mr. Lapham said he was drawn to Dudley because his background in public health, environmental oversight, and residential development can make an immediate and meaningful impact here. 

“In my 31 years with Shea Engineering and my 12 years of service at the Douglas Board of Health, I’ve worked closely with many towns across Central Massachusetts, both a consultant and a Title V inspector. That exposure has given me a deep appreciation for towns like Dudley that value strong public-facing services, responsive permitting, community health protections and a unique perspective of both sides of many issues,” he said, adding, “Dudley is the right fit because its needs align perfectly with my expertise, and it’s a place where I can contribute immediately, while also building long-term relationships with residents and local departments.”

For key objectives in his first year, Mr. Lapham said he plans to strengthen compliance and inspection efficiency, build strong working relationships across the town and agencies, improve administrative systems and reporting, support public health programs and emergency preparedness and strengthen transparency and accessibility with residents.

“My first objective would be to ensure all required inspections—Title 5, housing, food service, wells, and tobacco—are performed consistently, documented properly, and brought up to current state and local standards. I’ll focus on building a predictable inspection schedule and tightening follow-through on enforcement and correction orders” he said.  

Both the Town Planner and Health Agent positions had been vacant for some time. Mr. Webb and Mr. Lapham are bringing both roles up to date and are ready to serve the residents of Dudley. 

“Professional, staffing of our town departments is critical in supporting our elected and volunteer boards and establishing clear lines of communication across departments,” Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda said, adding, “I look forward to supporting Justin and Bruce in their missions.”