WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 04/29/25
eHOP’S KNOW YOUR VOTE IS TOMORROW!
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday April 30th, for eHop’s annual Know Your Vote forum, featuring a panel of town officials ready to answer your Town Meeting questions. This event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at HCAM-TV Studios. Join us in person and ask your questions live, or send us your questions via email (knowyourvote@ehop.org) or social media.
Spread the word!
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Annual Town Meeting is less than a week away! Get prepared by checking out eHop’s reference guide.
At ATM on Monday, May 5th, residents will vote on 41 warrant articles, including the FY2026 comprehensive budget. Due to streamlining by town departments, a balanced budget of approximately $138 million was achieved, which voters will be asked to accept.
An Article expected to generate some discussion requests that $943,000 be allocated toward the proposed construction of an adaptive playground at Marathon School. The Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend allocating $300,000 toward the project contingent on its approval and its balance being funded by an alternate source. Some debate has arisen over its proposed location at Marathon School, which would be unavailable to the public during the school day. The School Committee has informed that 198 town parcels were considered for the proposed site and Marathon was chosen due to its flat terrain and easy accessibility. .
The CPC’s recommendations for funding will also be voted on, which includes: the proposed reuse of Center School as a public/private partnership between the Parks & Rec Department, Youth & Family Services Department, and the HCA; Parks & Rec’s asks for a splash pad feasibility study and three water refill stations; several historical projects; and open space expenditures for a stewardship and conservation restriction for the Colella property and funding to acquire the Casucci property.
Additional Articles cover DPW requests to replace deteriorating equipment, the Select Board’s home rule petition request to create an economic development special revenue account for the town, and the Town Clerk’s proposal to change the timing of future town meetings to a morning start on the first Saturday in May.
Primer for May 5 Town Meeting: Adaptive playground, Center School requests on tap (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 04/25/25)
Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium
SELECT BOARD
At its Tuesday meeting, the Select Board considered the proposed zero emission vehicle policy for town vehicles which, if approved, would designate the town a “climate leader” by the state, thereby making the town eligible for certain state grants. Under this proposed policy, town vehicles would be purchased in a hierarchy, with priority given to zero-emission vehicles, then hybrids, then gas. Concerns were expressed over the expense and maintenance for the prioritized vehicles and questions were raised regarding police vehicles. The board opted to table the discussion until its next meeting to seek additional input from the HPD.
In other business, the Hopkinton Fire Chief introduced his choice for deputy fire chief (Scott Jurasek) and lieutenant (John de Rivera) who were promoted from the ranks. Additionally, the Trails Committee secretary presented a design for placing brown roadside trail signs at the trailheads at Center Trail, behind Center School, Hughes Farm and the Fruit Street trails. The board recommended that the Trails Committee seek Design Review Board input on the proposed signs and noted that roadside signs should also be discussed with the DPW. The board was also informed by town moderator, Ellen Rutter, that she will be unable to attend Town Meeting, as she will be out of the country. Town Clerk Connor Degan will serve in this role in her place.
Select Board tables discussion on draft zero emission vehicle policy (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 04/23/25)
PLANNING BOARD
At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board voted to approve an amendment to a subdivision plan for Emerald Drive (formerly Connelly Farms), changing the previously proposed 10 ft sidewalk to a 5 ft sidewalk and establishing easements across three lots to connect to a trail network in lieu of creating a new trail to connect to open space. This amendment was supported by town committees including the OSPC and Trails Committee.
The board also addressed a major project site plan and stormwater management permit for the construction of Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton’s proposed new shelter facility at 66-66B Fruit Street. The board continued the hearing in this matter to May 19th to allow for a site walk on May 3rd.
This was the last meeting for board members Jane Moran and Karen Wills, as their terms concluded.
Planning Board votes to approve minor change to Emerald Drive subdivision plan, improving trail access (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 04/29/25)
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
At its Monday meeting, the Commission on Disability was informed that fully accessible voting booths will be ready for the Annual Town Election on May 19th, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
Additionally, the HPD and commission addressed their joint effort to get the word out to residents about its Handle with Care program. While “person a risk” forms have been available online for years, the form is not easily accessed. A paper copy alternative available at town buildings was discussed.
Finally, the commission voted unanimously to support Town Meeting articles that would provide funding for the proposed adaptive playground at Marathon School, as well as Article 29, which would bring Hopkinton’s accessory dwelling unit policy into compliance with state regulations.
Accessible voting booths ready for Town Election, Commission on Disability learns (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 04/29/25)