WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 07/22/26

SELECT BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Select Board covered the following: 

Hopkinton Police Department: Flock cameras & police chief hiring update. The board heard resident complaints about the HPD’s use of Flock cameras which use artificial intelligence to scan license plates to obtain plate and vehicle data. Concerns were raised regarding privacy, oversight, data retention, and the potential for information sharing with federal agencies such as ICE. Interim Police Chief Scott van Raalten said the cameras are being used only to aid criminal investigations, require reasonable suspicion for searches, and only share data with participating Massachusetts law enforcement agencies. Board members noted that the issue warrants further discussion to ensure full transparency and understanding, and that there should be a balance between public safety and privacy. Residents can voice opinions at future follow-up meetings. 

The board also received an update on the search for a new police chief. Nineteen candidates remain under consideration, with the screening process continuing through interviews and assessments. Finalists are expected to appear before the Select Board by the end of August, and officials plan to seek additional public input through a community survey. 

Police issues dominate Select Board meeting (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/22/26) 

Charter Review update. The board heard an update on the Charter Review Committee’s proposed revisions to the Town Charter, to be voted on at a Special Town Meeting in early October. While not yet finalized, key proposals include reducing the Planning Board from nine to seven members, expanding the Board of Health from three to five members, renaming the Appropriation Committee to the Finance Committee, and moving the authority for most town appointments to the Town Manager’s office, while maintaining Select Board approval for department heads. The Charter Review Committee also proposed updating the Housing Authority section of the charter that is currently noncompliant with state law, and revising the town’s recall provisions to clearly define specific grounds for removing elected officials, such as criminal convictions, ethics violations, or poor attendance. If approved at STM, the revised charter will then be reviewed by the Attorney General before going to Annual Town Meeting for final approval next spring.

Select Board gets Charter Review Committee update, discusses October STM date (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/22/26) 

Finance Department update. The board unanimously approved updates to the town’s financial management policies, including setting a target of maintaining free cash at 5% of the operating budget, adding annual policy reviews, strengthening rules for capital spending, and establishing reserve targets for water and sewer enterprise funds. 

DPW water update. DPW director Kerry Reed presented the town’s annual water report, stressing that the water quality is good and in compliance with state standards despite ongoing drought conditions and PFAS concerns. She emphasized water conservation and public outreach while noting plans to improve long-term water resilience. 

Additional business. In other business, the board approved town participation in a consortium to negotiate a solid waste disposal contract; voted to permit using a $309,000 state snow removal reimbursement as free cash; approved a solar PILOT agreement for Frankland Road Solar; approved the purchase of 2.93 acres of 89 Saddle Hill Road for open space; and approved the state primary election warrant for the September 1 state election. 

Select Board hears updates from Finance Department, DPW director (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/22/26)

PLANNING BOARD

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board heard accusations by Spring Lane residents that abutting private way Morse Lane was allegedly widened without required approval. Spring Lane residents maintain that grading, excavation and drainage work violated the board’s 2022 conditions on the private way, while Morse Lane residents assert that they only cleared brush and performed routine maintenance on the road. The board remained firm on its prior request that an as-built plan be provided and requested that town counsel’s opinion be sought on whose responsibility it falls to obtain and pay for a survey of the private road. 

In other business, the board unanimously approved a frontage waiver and special permit to build a new home on a lot with a historic structure at Maple Street Extension; approved a 900-square-foot addition to Sunshine Preschool, waiving a landscaping recommendation; approved modifications to a stone wall and stairs at 27 Ash Street; and continued hearings on permits for Eversource’s LNG facility at 55 Wilson Street. 

Planning Board hears arguments regarding alleged widening of Morse Lane (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/21/26)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE

At its Tuesday meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee heard an update on the Charleswood School site infiltration system, following input from a third-party geotechnical engineer brought in after conflicting explanations were given as to why the soil was not infiltrating on certain areas. This third-party review found that both the design engineer and contractor share responsibility for the issue and both parties have been asked to work jointly toward a solution.

The committee also heard that Hayden Rowe roadwork is underway, which has met some unexpected challenges. However, project managers were praised for communicating with nearby residents and minimizing disruptions. They were further updated on Charleswood construction progress, with recent milestones including completed gymnasium concrete work, installation of windows and masonry, and successful window leak testing. 

Third-party engineer determines shared responsibility for Charleswood School infiltration issue (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 07/22/26)

TRAILS COMMITTEE 

At its meeting last Wednesday, the Trails Committee reviewed its progress over the past 16 months since its January 2025 formation. Highlights included improved teamwork, utilization of subgroups to streamline work, development of a trail inventory, and its role in creating the town’s new e-bike speed limit policy. Recent accomplishments include rerouting the Berry Acres Trail for better access, hosting community events, and advancing work on the Echo Trail and Ash Street parking areas. The committee discussed areas for improvement, which include increased community outreach, trail map improvements, signage and maintenance planning, and a focus on long-term priorities like the Upper Charles Trail and a trail master plan. The committee will provide regular updates to the select board. Its upcoming leadership transition was discussed, to be voted on in August. 

Trails Committee touts accomplishments over past 16 months (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 07/16/26)