HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200225 - Select Board - Meeting Minutes
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Select Board
Meeting Minutes – February 25, 2020
Town Hall, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton MA 5:30 PM
Select Board Members Present: Brendan Tedstone, Chair, John Coutinho, Vice Chair (5:35 PM),
Irfan Nasrullah, Mary Jo LaFreniere; Brian Herr participated remotely in Executive
Session only
Select Board Members Absent (Open Session): Brian Herr
Officials Present: Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Tedstone called the public meeting to order at 5:30 PM in Room 211
of the Town Hall.
The Chair entertained a motion to enter into executive session to approve Executive Session
minutes, to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with DPW, Fire and Dispatch
Communications unions and Non-Union staff, Police Chief, because the Chair declares that
discussion in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the
Town, to consider strategy with respect to the lease, sale, or value of real property in relation to
the Main Street Corridor Project, the Upper Charles Trail, the lease of East Main St. property to
the 26.2 Foundation, the purchase of real estate at 6 Walcott Street and 7 School Street, because
the Chair declares that discussion in an open meeting may have detrimental effects on the
negotiation position of the Board; to allow Norman Khumalo, Elaine Lazarus, J. Raymond
Miyares and Nicholas Anastasopoulos to participate in the discussion; and to convene in Open
Session after the conclusion of Executive Session.
MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere. ROLL CALL: Mr.
Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-3, No-0.
Mr. Coutinho arrived at the meeting during executive session.
REOPEN OPEN SESSION: Mr. Tedstone reopened the Open Session with the Pledge of
Allegiance at 6:53 PM in Room 215/216; with Mr. Tedstone, Ms. LaFreniere and Mr. Nasrullah
in attendance.
PUBLIC FORUM: There were no public comments.
STAFF RECOGNITION: The Select Board recognized Toni Alexander, Senior Library
Assistant, who is retiring with 31 years of service to the Town. Ms. Alexander was not present;
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Margaret Wiggin, Board of Library Trustees, and Maria Casey, Human Resources Director,
appeared before the Board. The Board thanked Ms. Alexander for her service to the Town.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP #68243 SILVER AWARD PROJECT PRESENTATION: Girl
Scouts Ava Pappalardo, Sabrina Russo, Charlotte Schuster and Holly Thompson appeared before
the Board. They described the physical and emotional benefits of gratitude, which also reduces
stress and increases productivity. They noted that they conducted research, met with a medical
professional, a teacher, and school principal, and have conducted outreach in the schools and at
town events which included a table of information and displays. They described other activities,
including inspirational sticky notes on school lockers. It was noted that they plan to host
workshops for children at the Library and that there will be a permanent “appreciation station” at
the Middle School. The Board expressed appreciation for the project and the positive and
thankful attitude in particular, and suggested that the Town Hall lobby could also be a place to
display the materials.
Mr. Coutinho joined the Board at this time.
CONSENT AGENDA: MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Coutinho to
approve the following Consent Agenda items: 1) approve the Minutes of the 1/30/2020, 2/4/2020
and 2/12/2020 Select Board meetings; 2) accept a $100 gift from the Hopkinton Women’s Club
to support the purchase of books for the Children’s Room at the Hopkinton Public Library; 3)
approve a Parade Permit for the 14th Annual Max Performance Triathlons on 5/9/20 and 9/13/20
at the Hopkinton State Park; 4) approve a temporary 4’ x 40’ banner over Main St. for the
Hopkinton Women’s Club from 3/16/20-3/30/20 and a temporary sandwich board sign on West
Main St. for the Hopkinton Women’s Club in advance of an event on 3/7/20. Vote to Approve:
Yes-4, No-0.
Mr. Nasrullah highlighted the more than 3,000,000 deaths annually worldwide from water borne
illnesses, and noted that providing clean water makes a huge difference. He highlighted the
annual Global 6K for Water road race which helps fund these efforts. Mr. Tedstone thanked
Unibank and the Friends of the Seniors for their donations for wellness and nutrition programs at
the Senior Center. MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Coutinho to approve a
Parade Permit for the Global 6K for Water Road Race on May 16, 2020, and to accept a $2,500
gift from Unibank and a $25,000 gift from the Friends of the Seniors, for nutrition and wellness
programs at the Senior Center. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
ELMWOOD SCHOOL STATEMENT OF INTEREST: Carol Cavanaugh, School
Superintendent, and Nancy Richards-Cavanaugh, School Committee, appeared before the Board.
Carol Cavanaugh noted that submitting a Statement of Interest doesn’t guarantee being invited
into the MSBA process, and it was stated that the School Committee has voted to submit the
Statement of Interest for Elmwood School, pending the vote of the Select Board. MOVED by
Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah that having convened in an open meeting on
February 25, 2020, prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Select Board of Hopkinton,
Massachusetts, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, vote to authorize the
Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of
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Interest Form dated February 28, 2020 for the Elmwood Elementary School located at 14 Elm
Street, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for
which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the
future: categories 2, 4, and 7, namely “Elimination of existing severe overcrowding; Prevention
of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments; and Replacement of or
addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with
state and approved local requirements”; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by
submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no
way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the
Hopkinton School District to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
PUBLIC FORUM: Mr. Tedstone recognized the passing of Francis Pyne, longtime Hopkinton
resident. He stated that Mr. Pyne epitomized what Hopkinton wants to be, noting that as a call
firefighter he would drop everything to respond to calls and was looked up to by those he worked
with. He stated that Mr. Pyne will be missed.
PARADE PERMIT APPLICATION & SPECIAL TEMPORARY ALCOHOL LICENSE -
HOPKINTON RUNNING CLUB: Wayde Marshall, applicant, appeared before the Board. He
noted that the Board had previously approved a Parade Permit for the event on another date, but
it was cancelled due to weather. MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms.
LaFreniere to approve the Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License for the
Hopkinton Running Club for the Hopkin10K Race on April 11, 2020. Vote to Approve: Yes-4,
No-0.
SPECIAL TEMPORARY ALCOHOL LICENSE - PROJECT JUST BECAUSE -
SHAMROCK SHINDIG: Dale Danahy and Collette Cronin, Project Just Because, appeared
before the Board. They described the Shamrock Shindig event planned for March 12, 2020 at St.
John’s Parish Hall. In response to a question as to whether there had been any problems with the
event in the past, the response was no. MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms.
LaFreniere to approve a special temporary alcohol license for the Shamrock Shindig on March
12, 2020. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0. MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr.
Nasrullah to approve a fee waiver for the application. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
BOARD/COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS - SUSTAINABLE GREEN COMMITTEE,
TRAIL COORDINATION & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: MOVED by Ms.
LaFreniere and SECONDED by Mr. Coutinho to appoint Peggy Barton, Renee Dean, Paul
Gallagher, Amy Groves, Andrew Michael Hayes, Rebeka Hoffman, Meena Kaushik, Alison E.
Leflore, Geoff Rowland and Donald Sutherland to the Sustainable Green Committee, to terms
expiring 6/30/2020. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
It was noted that the Conservation Commission has recommended that Jamie Wronka be
appointed as its representative on the Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC),
and that she would be moving from an at-large position to the Con. Comm. seat. MOVED by
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Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to appoint Jamie Wronka as the Conservation
Commission representative on the TCMC, to a term expiring 6/30/2021. Ms. LaFreniere noted
that Ms. Wronka isn’t a member of the Con. Comm. and asked how she plans to report to the
Commission. Mr. Khumalo stated that there is an expectation that there would be reporting at
public meetings of the Commission. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
SELECT BOARD FY 2021 COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET: Mr. Khumalo reviewed the
budget development process that began in the fall of 2019, and noted that at the Board’s March
10 meeting, the Board will vote on a budget to forward to the Appropriation Committee. He
stated that in advance of that, he is seeking guidance on a budget document that reflects the
Board’s priorities, so that it can be ready for the meeting. He stated they have been working to
close the gap, and here has been good news from the Governor's budget and a reduction in state
charges, for a net $480K positive. He stated staff will use this number and the budget would
need to be cut if the numbers in the Legislature-approved budget is less. He stated the number is
still well below the School Dept. request, and suggested focusing on: 1) overlay account
adjustment; 2) review overtime in budgets; 3) closer review of supplies and expense budgets; 4)
invite the schools to collaborate on limited reductions to layers of enhancements, those most
removed from the student educational experience, which does not include teachers. He noted
that the budget will still be short of the schools request, and there are two ideas: 1) apply funding
from $831,000 in anticipated receipts due from the Legacy Farms Host Community Agreement
(HCA), which would provide for most of the gap, doesn’t require an override, uses the HCA
funds for their intended purpose, and provides a workable path toward next year’s increases that
show very high enrollment. On the negative side, the Town would be paying for recurring costs
from one time revenue sources which is contrary to the Town’s financial policies. 2) Proposition
2 ½ override, which will provide funds for the gap, solves the problem this year rather than
putting it off to next year, is consistent with the Town’s financial management policy, frees up
one time money to fund capital projects, and would leave the HCA funds to cover one-time
education costs related to growth. Negatively, it requires an override this year and creates an
additional recurring tax burden. He requested feedback from the Board.
Mr. Nasrullah noted that using the HCA money doesn’t address the future, and another look
should be taken at trimming expenses. Mr. Coutinho stated he doesn't like using one-time
funding for recurring expenses, but it is tough to have an override. He noted that having an
override vote allows people to have a voice, and is total transparency. Ms. LaFreniere suggested
that some capital projects could be deferred to future years.
TREASURER REPORT: Chris Heymanns, Treasurer/Collector, provided a review of his
Quarterly Deposit and Investment Report for the period ending 12/31/19. He reviewed the status
of Town investments, noting that the General Funds are primarily invested in Money Market
bank accounts and the Massachusetts Municipal Depository Trust, and are invested in
accordance with the legal framework for municipal investments and the Town’s policies. He
provided information on the status of trust and stabilization funds and portfolio holdings. Mr.
Khumalo noted that the report will be posted on the Town website, and thanked the finance team
for improving financial transparency.
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2020 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES: The Board reviewed information on two
articles on the 2020 annual town meeting warrant submitted by the Board, requesting to dispose
of a town parcel on Hayward St. and a parcel off Princeton Road. It was noted that in both cases,
abutters requested to purchase the lots. Candace and Bill Burke, Hayward St., stated that they
have lived there for 7 years, and the Town lot is an unkempt area with weeds and they would like
to fix it up. They stated that they would prefer not to buy the Town’s drainage culvert on the lot,
noting that the lot could be subdivided. It was noted that if the Town retains the lot, it could
clean it up and work with the abutters on other issues. The Board noted that the Conservation
Commission and the DPW recommended retaining the lot, and that the Con. Comm. offered to
take jurisdiction over it. It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission, which
currently has jurisdiction, stated it has no planned use for the lot. It was noted that this lot is
complicated because conveying it would require approval under Article 97 of the Mass.
Constitution, due to its jurisdiction under the Parks & Recreation Commission. MOVED by Mr.
Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to remove the 0 Hayward St. article from the
warrant and recommend that town staff work with the abutters to address the issues raised. Vote
to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
The Board reviewed the comments from Town boards/committees and officials relative to the lot
at 0 Princeton Road, noting that the parcel is part of a larger open area, and the Conservation
Commission expressed a desire to manage the property. MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and
SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to remove the 0 Princeton Road lot from the warrant. Vote to
Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT: Mr. Khumalo provided an update on the Main Street Corridor
Project, noting that there are two options for the offer letter to property owners, one that contains
a donation option and one that does not. It was noted that Mr. Herr has been opposed to the
donation option. Mr. Khumalo stated that there are people who already offered to donate an
easement. It was noted that donation should be an option in case someone wants to do that.
MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve the template of the
Offer Letter with the option for donation, and to authorize Town Manager Norman Khumalo to
send the Offer Letters to the affected property owners. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0. Mr.
Khumalo requested that the compensation budget be set at $1,600,000. He noted that appraisal
reports have been completed, were sent to MassDOT and were approved. MOVED by Mr.
Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to establish that the aggregate amount of Just
Compensation that will be offered to the affected property owners is $1.6 million. Vote to
Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
The Board reviewed a draft policy entitled “Marijauana Testing Laboratories and Marijuana
Research Facilities - Process and Host Community Agreement”. Mr. Nasrullah suggested that
the notice of the community outreach meeting should be sent to abutters within 500 feet instead
of 300 feet, and after discussion, the draft policy was changed to reflect the 500 ft. radius. Mr.
Nasrullah noted that future HCAs should contain a limit on the amount of marijuana product on
the site at any given time, so as to reduce public safety risks. MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and
SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve the Marijauana Testing Laboratories and Marijuana
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Research Facilities - Process & Host Community Agreement policy as revised. Vote to
Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
LIAISON REPORTS: Members reported attending meetings of the Cultural Council and
Board of Assessors.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: There were no future agenda items identified.
MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to adjourn the meeting. Vote
to Approve: Yes-4, No-0.
Adjourned: 8:15 PM
Approved: March 10, 2020
Documents used at the meeting:
●Draft Minutes of the 1/30/2020, 2/4//2020, 2/12/2020 Select Board meetings
●Application for Parade Permit dated 1/20/20 from Mike Laurence, Global 6K for Water on 5/16/20, and
supporting documents
●Permitting Comments, Global 6K for Water Parade Permit Application
●Application for Parade Permit dated 1/24/20 from Max Performance Triathlons, Max Performance Triathlon on
5/9/20 and 9/13/20, and supporting documents
●Permitting Team Comments, Max Performance Triathlons Application
●Memo dated 2/14/20 to Hopkinton School Committee/Board of Selectmen from Carol Cavanaugh, re:
Statement of Interest regarding the Elmwood School, including motion language for Select Board
●Application for Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License application dated 1/28/20 from
Hopkinton Running Club, Hopkin10K - Andy Welzel Scholarship on 4/11/20, and supporting documents
●Permitting Team Comments, Hopkin10K Applications
●Letter dated 12/19/19 to Select Board from Colette Cronin, Project Just Because
●Special Temporary Alcohol License from Project Just Because dated 12/20/19, Shamrock Shindig on 3/12/20,
and supporting documents
●Permitting Team Comments, Shamrock Shindig
●Applications, Sustainable Green Committee: Peggy Barton, Renee Dean, Paul Gallagher, Amy Groves, Andrew
Michael Hayes, Rebeka Hoffman, Meena Kaushik, Alison E. Laflore, Geoff Rowland, Donald Sutherland
●Memo dated 2/5/20 to Town Manager’s Office and Select Board Office from Conservation Commission, re:
Trail Coordination and Management Committee
●Memo dated 1/17/20 to Select Board from Norman Khumalo, Town Manager, re: FY 2021 Comprehensive
Budget Transmittal Letter, with attachments
●Memo dated 1/30/19 to Norman Khumalo, Town Manager, from Chris Heymanns, Treasurer/Collector, re:
Quarterly Deposit & Investment Report, Period Ending 12/31/19, with attachments
●Memo dated 2/20/20 to Select Board from Elaine Lazarus, Assistant Town Manager, re: 2020 ATM Warrant
Articles - Request to Acquire Town Land - Hayward St. and Princeton Rd., with attachments
●Memo dated 2/20/20 to Select Board from Norman Khumalo, re: Staff Report - Select Board February 25, 2020
Meeting, with attachments
●Draft Letters, re: Main Street Corridor Project: Offer of Just Compensation
●Select Board Policy - Marijuana Testing Laboratories and Marijuana Research Facilities - Process and Host
Community Agreement, Draft - 2/19/20 v.9
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