WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 09/02/26

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 

A Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 

For updated information about STM and the articles to be voted on, check out eHop’s Special Town Meeting information page.

WATER & SEWER ADVISORY BOARD 

At its Wednesday meeting, the Water & Sewer Advisory Board heard from DPW Director Kerry Reed regarding ongoing projects and financial requests that will be presented at the October 26th Special Town Meeting. Per Reed, a recent state funded M36 audit was conducted which showed a number of smaller improvements that could be made, which included more frequent water meter replacements, and praised the town’s leak detection program. Reed further updated on an issue integrating software that remotely reads recently replaced meters with the accounting system, which resulted in billing delays. The DPW is hiring a consultant to assist with the issue and is considering a three-year, capital-funded meter replacement program. An update was also given on the town’s MWRA connection progress. Representatives from Hopkinton and Southborough recently met to discuss an intermunicipal agreement for the town’s connection to Southborough’s water system. While the town’s engineering design is moving forward, progress has been slowed by Southborough’s special counsel review of the IMA which must be signed before Southborough will peer review the 50% design plan. Reed further reported that the granulated activated carbon in the filtration system of the town’s main well has been replaced. This is required to be replaced every 18 months for PFAS treatment, creating a challenge to build this expense into the annual budget. 

In other business, Reed explained that DPW capital requests will be on the warrant for STM for two debt payments that were incorrectly budgeted, the $102,500 Claflin Place emergency water-main replacement, and a wastewater treatment plant screen replacement. Additionally, the town’s drought status has been lowered from critical to significant. Current water use restrictions are still in place. 

WSAB receives update from DPW director on current projects, needs (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 08/27/26)

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 

At its Thursday meeting, the Community Preservation Committee heard positive updates on CPC funded projects. Demolition bids for the Center School reuse project came in about $900,000 below the $2.4 million budget, though the final cost could change depending on hazardous-material removal. This saving means that no additional funding requests are planned for STM. It was noted, however, that the school’s slate roof is in poor condition, and fencing will be installed for safety.  

Regarding the town’s in-process purchase of the Carbone’s Restaurant property, toward which the CPC contributed funds to preserve 5 acres for open space, the committee authorized up to $10,000 for a survey of the property to delineate the open space section. Members discussed the possibility of using that land for a youth baseball field. The committee also heard that the adaptive playground at Marathon School is nearly complete and the Ellsworth conference room floor was recently replaced. 

Members Ken Weismantel and Eric Sonnet were reelected as CPC chair and vice chair.

CPC shares good news on Center School, other funded projects (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 08/28/26) 

BOARD OF HEALTH 

At its Monday meeting, the Board of Health reviewed a Charter Review Committee suggestion that the Health Director report to the Town Manager, rather than the current system of reporting directly to the Board of Health. Board members and Health Department employees argued that the current system preserves community oversight, public-health expertise, and accountability. The board unanimously voted against this recommended change. 

The board also discussed another CRC recommendation of increasing the board’s size from three members to five. Members raised concerns about finding qualified candidates, while CRC representatives argued that a larger board could provide broader public input while reducing the concentration of authority. The board agreed to revisit the five-member proposal at a later date. 

Citing separation of powers, Board of Health votes against charter recommendation (Article by Nick Schofield, 09/01/26)

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

At its Tuesday meeting, the Historical Commission unanimously voted to designate the home at 155 Winter St., known as the Gibson House, as historically significant, pending a future public hearing if a demolition permit is sought. The commission also heard positive progress updates on the Center School reuse project, and the installation of a sign honoring Black people enslaved in Hopkinton. It voted to reimburse member Anne Mattina for sign costs for the latter, and approved funds for a sign honoring historical figure John Howe. Progress updates on other CPC-funded historical projects were also discussed, including the new flooring of the Ellsworth conference room at the library, refurbishment of the Mount Auburn Cemetery building, and Hopkinton Historical Society building renovations. Finally, members were updated on the McFarland Sanger House status, for which town counsel is currently preparing documents for its lease or sale. The commission chair noted that the property does not have access to town water and sewer connections, and requested that town counsel investigate whether the Deerfield Estates developer may have an obligation to provide these connections which were promised decades ago.

Historical Commission to probe historical significance of Winter Street home (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/02/26)

TOWN NEWS – DIRECTOR RESIGNATIONS 

As reported by the Hopkinton Independent, the following three senior town leaders will be leaving their roles in September:

• Library Director Nanci Hill is resigning after nearly six years in the role. Her position opens September 17th, and the Library Trustees will discuss the search for her replacement.
• Assistant Library Director Jak Miller is leaving September 4th for a promotion as assistant director at the Lunenberg Public Library.
• Parks & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus is leaving his position on September 9th to become Sudbury’s Parks & Recreation director. He will remain available to Hopkinton on a per-diem basis to help with the transition.

Library, Parks & Rec directors set to depart jobs (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/01/26)