WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 03/04/25

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY

At its last meeting, the Commission on Disability addressed new potential funding avenues for accessibility improvements at the public library, following the Community Preservation Committee’s denial of its request (made jointly with the Historic District Commission) for $47,000 to fund this need, including a handrails and push-button door access for the Main Street entrance. Commission chair Holly Morand has pursued grant funding and reached out to the Town Manager, who has sought funds from the state budget. 

The commission further discussed other accessibility issues in town, including unplowed snow blocking accessible parking spaces, and community pushback to the adaptive playground proposal due to its proposed location at Marathon School, which overlooks surfacing requirements that make other sites unsuitable for adaptive equipment. The commission discussed efforts to engage the public and address accessibility challenges in town. 

Commission on Disability cites CPC denial of library accessibility funding as example of not understanding disability community needs (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 02/25/25)

Handle with Care Survey

The Commission on Disability, along with the Hopkinton Police Department, has put out a Handle with Care survey to obtain feedback on creating a “person at risk” form that would alert first responders to any special considerations to be addressed when interacting with residents with disabilities or older residents in the event of an emergency. 

If interested in providing feedback, complete the survey HERE.

Town Manager Weekly Update – February 27, 2025

TRAILS COMMITTEE 

At its last meeting, the Trails Committee discussed how it should handle money previously allocated by the Community Preservation Committee to the since disbanded Upper Charles Trail Committee and the Trail Coordination and Management Committee. The primary focus was $48,400 allocated to the UCTC toward creating the first segment of the Hopkinton section of a multipurpose trail from Milford to Ashland, which would link to other surrounding communities. The CPC informed the committee that to use these previously allocated funds, the scope of work would have to be the same, or, if a new approach was taken, the end result must be “a multiuse trail with a hard surface.” The committee ultimately voted to retain the money, pending advisement on whether a portion could be put toward preliminary work. 

The committee also voted to return three CPC grants to the former TCMC for projects that had not been started. Remaining funds being used for ongoing projects will be retained. 

Trails Committee discusses options for previously allocated CPC funding (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 02/27/25)

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

At its Thursday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed designs by Gale Associates for two proposed parking lot options for Pyne Field. Proposed Lot A would be located to the east of Pyne Field at the existing sandpit, have 101 parking spaces, and would require pedestrians to cross over the existing access road for the neighboring sawmill. Proposed Lot B would be located to the south of Pyne Field, have 77 parking spots, and would have a gravel walkway through a wooded area, leading up to the cricket and baseball fields. Lot A’s use of the sandpit would preclude future growth of facility space and there have been concerns over the pedestrian crossing. However, Lot B is 25% smaller and abutters have expressed concerns over noise and foot traffic. The commission debated both plans and made suggestions for addressing the presented concerns. They agreed to seek additional information from Gale Associates regarding both plans, to be addressed at future meetings.  

Parks & Rec reviews parking options for Pyne Field, hears from abutters (Article by Nick Schofield, 02/28/25)

PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

School Committee 

School Project Updates. At its last meeting, the School Committee heard construction updates on Hopkins and Charleswood schools. Under the Hopkins project, the committee approved a contract with a security vendor to enhance building wide technology systems. The Hopkins project is currently on schedule, with an anticipated completion date of August 2026, and is running $2.2 million under budget to date. The update on the Charleswood School project anticipated that a construction contract would be awarded this June or July. The project is currently running $8.6 million under prior estimates. 

Superintendent Search. At consultant NESDEC’s recommendation, human resources director, Sheena Martin, will join the now 13 member screening committee reviewing superintendent applicants. To date, 30 applicants have been screened, with 10 selected for interviews. The next step will be determining 3-4 finalists to be interviewed by the School Committee, with a final selection expected in May. 

Additional business. The committee also met with Connor Moore, the eight grader chosen as this year’s Project 351 ambassador, and heard from the district’s head nurse regarding health protocols around student absences and working to prevent cluster outbreaks of illnesses in classrooms.

School Committee gets updates on Hopkins, Charleswood, superintendent (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 02/28/25)

Elementary School Building Committee

At its last meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee approved a contract with ADS Environmental Engineering, LLC for soil testing and removal on the future site of Charleswood School, not to exceed $41,030. The process for testing and removal was reviewed. The committee also voted to accept the prequalified contractors list put together by a subcommittee, following review. 

ESBC approves contract for soil testing (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 02/26/25)

TOWN BOARD AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES 

Interested in serving on a town board or committee? Check out the following information from the Town Manager’s office: 

The Town of Hopkinton is looking for volunteers to serve on the following boards and committees:

• Cultural Council – 2 vacancies 
• Design Review Board – 1 vacancy 
• Historical Commission – 2 vacancies
• Hopkinton Historic District Commission – 3 vacancies
• Personnel Committee – 1 vacancy
• Veterans Celebration Committee- 3 vacancies
• Water & Sewer Advisory Board – 2 vacancies
• Youth Commission (Middle/High School Rep)
• Zoning Advisory Committee (2 Associate Members)

The Town website has information about the duties of specific boards and committees here: Town of Hopkinton, MA: Boards. Interested residents must apply via the Online Volunteer form on the Town website here: Town of Hopkinton, MA: Board Application

Town Manager Weekly Update – February 27, 2025

TOWN ELECTION 2025 UPDATE

Keep up with the latest on the 2025 Town Election at eHop’s election information page!

There is now one contested race for the open Select Board seats, and currently no candidates for the Cemetery Commissioners or Constable. Nomination papers must be submitted by interested candidates by March 31, 2015 at 5PM.