WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 03/25/25

SELECT BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Select Board reviewed proposed bylaw amendments, including one to change future Annual Town Meeting dates to a Saturday, or to allow for more scheduling flexibility, in light of transportation and childcare issues encountered by residents with the current schedule of the first Monday evening in May. Additional bylaw amendments discussed included the creation of a revolving fund for the Finance Department, increasing the Council on Aging board from 7 members to 9 members, and a proposed article by a resident to prohibit the use of compression brakes. The board further reviewed draft articles for ATM. Capital expense articles were passed over to April, as they will have a second review before the Capital Improvement Committee. 

Select Board discusses proposed bylaw amendments, draft ATM articles (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 03/19/25)

The Select Board also heard an update from the Water and Sewer Advisory Board urging decisive town action to move forward on connecting to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s water supply and addressing steps needed to be taken toward that goal; and they unanimously approved a 25 acre lease to the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association Inc. at 66 Fruit Street. Additionally, during public comment, some residents urged the board to withhold approval for the July 4th Horribles Parades, requesting a non-partisan parade be considered in its place.

Select Board receives update from WSAB recommending MWRA connection (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 03/19/25)

PLANNING BOARD

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board unanimously voted to assign a member or designee to the proposed Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), if approved at Annual Town Meeting, at the Select Board’s recommendation. The purpose of the proposed EDAB is to advise the Select Board on retaining and recruiting businesses to create additional revenue for the town and help relieve the burden on residential taxpayers.

The board also continued a hearing for a common driveway special permit and stormwater management permit for 107 and 109 Winter Street, in order for members to conduct a site walk of the property on April 5th.  Additionally, at its next meeting on April 7th, the board will discuss a request to withdraw an article for Annual Town Meeting by its proponent which sought to rezone South Street / Hayward Street / Pine Grove Lane property from residential lakefront to rural business, as the request came in after the board’s agenda for its Monday meeting was released.

Planning Board votes to contribute liaison to proposed Economic Development Advisory Board (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 03/25/25)

PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

School Committee 

Superintendent Search. Two finalists have been announced in the search for the new superintendent, following the withdrawal of a third finalist. The finalists are Evan Bishop, principal at Hopkinton High School, and Mark McLaughlin, superintendent of South Hadley School District. Their resumes can be viewed HERE.

The School Committee expects to make its selection for Superintendent of Schools on April 3rd, with a start date of July 1st. 

See, Hopkinton Public Schools website.

Elementary School Building Committee 

Charleswood School updates.  At its Thursday meeting, the ESBC addressed updates to the Charleswood School building project. They discussed creating playgrounds for the new school that will include adaptive elements and will focus on appeal and accessibility to all students. It was noted that these plans are independent of the proposed adaptive playground at Marathon, which is approaching a vote at Town Meeting. The committee also commenced the process of obtaining general contractor bids, releasing the construction documents out, with a bid deadline of May 5th. Finally, the committee discussed mitigation plans for abutters to the project to minimize disruption to these property owners as much as possible. 

ESBC hopes to adapt Charleswood School playgrounds (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 03/21/25)

BOARD OF HEALTH 

At its last meeting, Health DIrector Shaun McAuliffe informed the Board of Health of the department’s intent to adopt new regulations in line with the Nicotine Free Generation bill, which will impose a birth cut off date of January 1, 2005 to purchase tobacco and nicotine products. These efforts seek to reduce the use of nicotine products by minors. This follows other measures previously implemented in town toward the same end. A public hearing is required prior to a board vote on the matter. 

McAuliffe also reported efforts between the Health and School Departments in working together to address outbreak reporting in the schools, noting an increase in more effective communication. 

Board of Health hears updates on nicotine regulation, outbreak reporting (Article by Nick Schofield, 03/18/25)

TOWN ELECTION 2025 

There are currently two contested races in the 2025 Annual Town Election: Select Board and Board of Assessors.  All seats on the ballot now have at least one candidate.

The Town Clerk has noted that there is still time for interested parties to submit nomination papers for a position before the deadline of March 31st. Candidates must request nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s office and return them with 50 signatures of registered Hopkinton voters by that deadline. 

Hopkinton Today for Tuesday, March 25: Races shape up in 2025 Town Election (Hopkinton Independent, 03/25/25)

Annual Town Election will be held on May 19th. 

Town Election 2025 updates can be found at eHop’s election information page.

HELP SUPPORT eHOP’S MARATHON RUNNER 

With just under a month to go to the 2025 Boston Marathon, there is still time to support eHop’s runner Nick Miller!

Any showing of support to him and eHop through a donation is greatly appreciated!