HomeMy Public PortalAbout20211019 - Select Board - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
Select Board
Meeting Minutes – October 19, 2021
18 Main Street, Hopkinton MA - Room 215/216 6:00 PM
Select Board Members Present: Irfan Nasrullah, Chair, Amy Ritterbusch, Vice Chair, Brendan
Tedstone (6:04 PM), Mary Jo LaFreniere, Muriel Kramer
Officials Present: Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus
CALL TO ORDER : Chair Nasrullah called the public meeting to order at 6:00 PM in Room
215/216 of the Town Hall, stating that member Amy Ritterbusch is participating remotely. He
confirmed that Ms. Ritterbusch could hear and be heard. He stated that the public has the option
of attending the meeting in person or via Zoom, and the meeting is being recorded.
PUBLIC FORUM: Muriel Kramer stated she recently attended “The Laramie Project”, a play
being performed at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. She described the play, based on the true
story of a man who was killed because of his sexuality, and the incident became a turning point
for equality in the country. She noted there are still tickets available and the play deals very well
with a difficult subject. She encouraged people who want to be involved in such issues to seek
out a group or organization in which to participate.
CONSENT AGENDA :MOVED by Brendan Tedstone and SECONDED by Mary Jo
LaFreniere to approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of approving the Minutes of the
September 28, 2021 and October 5, 2021 meetings, and appointing Janine Leblanc as the
Conservation Commission's representative on the Trail Coordination and Management
Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2024.ROLL CALL:Irfan Nasrullah-Yes; Amy
Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel Kramer-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-5, No-0.
COVID-19 UPDATE:Shaun McAuliffe, Public Health Director,stated that the community has
been doing well, but there was a significant increase in cases this week which appear to be
coming from unrestricted gatherings of both adults and children, and an increase in travel. He
reminded people to limit exposure, gather outside when possible, use a face covering, and refrain
from unnecessary travel. He stated he does not think this is the right time to go mask-free in the
schools yet, but once the 5 to 11 year olds are vaccinated, the Town will be in a stronger position.
He noted that the Health Dept. is preparing for Covid-19 booster and flu clinics.
APPOINTMENTS:Norman Khumalo introduced Jessica Miller,who has been appointed to the
Young Adult Librarian position at the public library. He described her experience, and noted that
feedback from references indicated she is knowledgeable, hard working and a problem solver.
1
Board members welcomed Jessica Miller. In response to a question, Jessica Miller stated that she
became interested in the field when she was in the military, as a way to make an impact on young
adults.MOVED by Muriel Kramer and SECONDED by Mary Jo LaFreniere to confirm the
Town Manager ’s appointment of Jessica Miller as Young Adult Librarian.ROLL CALL:Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel
Kramer-Yes.Vote to Approve :Yes-5, No-0.
Norman Khumalo introduced Karen Cooprider, who has been hired as Van Driver at the Senior
Center. He described her background and experience, noting that references stated she is
dependable, respectful of others and handles situations with dignity. Karen Cooprider stated that
she has lived in Hopkinton for 24 years, and has experience driving vans and box trucks. She
stated she enjoys being with the elderly, and is also an end of life Doula. Board members
welcomed Ms. Cooprider.MOVED by Mary Jo LaFreniere and SECONDED by Muriel Kramer
to confirm the Town Manager ’s appointment of Karen Cooprider as Van Driver.ROLL CALL:
Irfan Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes;
Muriel Kramer-Yes.Vote to Approve :Yes-5, No-0.
MOVED by Brendan Tedstone and SECONDED by Muriel Kramer to confirm the Town
Manager ’s appointment of Carmen Cifuentes, Sarah Murphy and Shannon Casey, who are
Communications Department employees, as Traffic Constables. Muriel Kramer asked how staff
is chosen for this duty, and Mr. Khumalo stated that the demand for public details right now is
high, and the Town relies on personnel in the Police, Fire and Communications departments.
ROLL CALL:Irfan Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo
LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel Kramer-Yes.Vote to Approve :Yes-5, No-0.
Police Chief Joe Bennett, Human Resources Director Maria Casey, and Shannon Beloin joined
the Board. Maria Casey described the competitive process for the hiring of a Police Officer. She
described Shannon Beloin’s background and experience, including work as a School Resource
Officer. It was stated that references described her as intelligent, caring, someone who remains
calm, and has excellent communication skills. Shannon Beloin described her interest in working
in Hopkinton and what drew her to Police work. She noted that she wanted to be in law
enforcement since a young age, and had a difficult time that led to fear of police, so she has tried
to change that for others, and tries to humanize the badge. She stated she is looking for a place to
grow roots and establish herself. Board members welcomed Ms. Beloin to Hopkinton.
MOVED by Brendan Tedstone and SECONDED by Mary Jo LaFreniere to appoint Shannon
Beloin as a Police Officer for the Town of Hopkinton.ROLL CALL:Irfan Nasrullah-Yes; Amy
Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel Kramer-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-5, No-0.
NEW TOWN PRECINCT MAP FOR APPROVAL:Connor Degan,Town Clerk, described
the proposed new precinct map based on 2020 U.S. Census population data, noting that the
number of precincts will increase from 4 to 5. He noted that the maximum population in each
precinct is 4,000, adding that they should accommodate some anticipated growth. Muriel Kramer
asked what changes come with creating 6 precincts, which appears to be in the future. Mr. Degan
2
stated that a larger voting space will be needed, or more than one polling place. He added that the
preference would be to have one polling place if possible.
MOVED by Brendan Tedstone and SECONDED by Muriel Kramer to accept as presented by
the Town Clerk the 2020 Re-Precincting Plan for the Town of Hopkinton.ROLL CALL:Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel
Kramer-Yes.Vote to Approve :Yes-5, No-0.
PLANNING BOARD APPOINTMENT:The following members of the Planning Board joined
the Select Board meeting: Gary Trendel, Chair, Mary Larson Marlowe, David Paul, Shahidul
Mannan, Sundar Sivaraman, Fran DeYoung. Members Trendel, Larson Marlowe and Mannan
were participating remotely via Zoom, and members Paul, Sivaraman and DeYoung were present
in Room 215/216 in Town Hall. Gary Trendel called the Planning Board meeting to Order.
Members participating remotely confirmed that they could hear and be heard. It was agreed that
Irfan Nasrullah would Chair the joint meeting.
Irfan Nasrullah referred to the applications of James Burton and Ron Priefer requesting
appointment to the Planning Board. Each candidate was asked to describe their interest in
serving on the Board. James Burton stated he is interested in learning and being involved, noting
that he served on a committee planning Legacy Farms in the past. He described his real estate
experience and certifications. Ron Priefer described his interest in contributing to the Town,
noting that he has learned a lot about government and process through his experience on the
North Woods Coalition, a resident group engaged in the I-495/I-90 interchange project.
In response to a question from Muriel Kramer to Mr. Burton about potential conflicts of interest
and challenges due to his work as a real estate professional, he stated that he is not involved in
new construction or development planning, only residential real estate. In response to a question
of Mr. Priefer from Muriel Kramer about the role of the Planning Board when engaging on
citizen issues, Mr. Priefer stated that the North Woods Coalition was to ensure that the concerns
of the area could be heard in the process and to work cooperatively with agencies, not to
undermine or compete with the work of the Planning Board or others.
Amy Ritterbusch asked how each candidate would balance angry residents coming before the
Planning Board. Mr. Priefer stated he would calm the mood down and talk reasonably, with
respect. Mr. Burton stated he would listen and respond, and then follow through and follow up
with people.
Planning Board members Jane Moran and Robert Benson joined the meeting at this time; Jane
Moran in person and Robert Benson remotely.
David Paul asked the candidates their opinion of commercial solar. Mr. Burton stated it is a
zoning issue, and there needs to be a balance between what one can do with the land, and the
neighborhood. Mr. Priefer stated it is a balancing act between personal property rights and
community needs.
3
Fran DeYoung asked what each learned in their experience in working with the Town on various
projects. Mr. Priefer stated his experience led to an understanding of State and Town processes
and he has developed contacts that might be useful in the future. Mr. Burton stated he is currently
living at Legacy Farms and it is amazing to see the process and how nice it is. Jane Moran asked
each candidate if they have the time, interest and commitment for the long term, and each
responded yes. Mary Larson Marlowe asked what characteristics they think the Board should be
looking for. Mr. Burton stated a well rounded person who has been in Town for awhile and has
business and real world experience and committee experience. Mr. Priefer stated someone with
passion and a collaborative nature.
Robert Benson asked Mr. Burton if his work experience would be in conflict with the duties of
the Board and upholding the zoning bylaw. Mr. Burton stated he does not foresee any conflicts,
but if there were he would disclose a conflict and recuse himself. He stated he understands
growth and has a balanced perspective. Mr. Benson asked Mr. Priefer why he wants to join the
Planning Board, and Mr. Priefer stated he has always been interested in civic affairs and would
like to make Hopkinton the best place now and in the future. Shahidul Mannan asked each what
they see as major challenges for the Town. Mr. Priefer stated schools that are at or over capacity
with the influx of new families with children; home prices going up; and maintaining integrity of
the area while growth occurs. Mr. Burton agreed, noting that growth at Legacy Farms has been
good for the Town, and it provides more tax revenue than other single family homes. In response
to a question to each candidate as to whether they would have a problem running for election in
May, the response from each was no.
Irfan Nasrullah each board member to indicate which candidate they prefer for the Planning
Board appointment. Responses were:
●Ron Priefer - Nasrullah, Ritterbusch, Kramer, Trendel, Benson, Paul, Sivaraman, Larson
Marlowe, Mannan
●James Burton - Tedstone, LaFreniere, DeYoung, Moran
MOVED by Muriel Kramer and SECONDED by Brendan Tedstone to appoint Ron Priefer to
the Planning Board, to a term expiring at the 2022 annual town election.ROLL CALL:Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes; Brendan Tedstone-Yes; Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel
Kramer-Yes; Gary Trendel-Yes; Robert Benson-Yes; David Paul-Yes; Sundar Sivaraman-Yes;
Mary Larson-Marlowe-Yes; Fran DeYoung-Yes; Jane Moran-Yes; Shahidul Mannan-Yes.Vote
to Approve :Yes-13, No-0.
MOVED by Mary Larson Marlowe and SECONDED by Fran DeYoung to adjourn the Planning
Board meeting.ROLL CALL:Gary Trendel-Yes; Robert Benson-Yes; David Paul-Yes; Sundar
Sivaraman-Yes; Mary Larson-Marlowe-Yes; Fran DeYoung-Yes; Jane Moran-Yes; Shahidul
Mannan-Yes.Vote to Approve :Yes-8, No-0.
Irfan Nasrullah left the Board at this time.
CHAPTER 61A NOTICE OF INTENT - CONVERSION OF USE - 5 AND 0 MECHANIC
ST. & 0 WOOD ST.:The Board reviewed a Chapter 61A Notice of Intent to convert the use of
4
11.62 acres of land currently in the Chapter 61A tax program to a solar farm use, triggering a
right of first refusal on the part of the Town to purchase the land at fair market value, for land at
5 and 0 Mechanic St. and 0 Wood St. It was stated that in this case, the owner will be leasing the
land for the solar farm. It was stated that the steps in the 120 day process for the Town, acting by
and through the Select Board are: 1) seek input from town departments, 2) if there is a desire to
exercise its right of first refusal, hold a public hearing and take a vote, 3) seek a town meeting
vote to authorize appropriation, and 4) send a notice of exercise signed by the Select Board to the
owner.
Norman Khumalo referred to the feedback received from town boards and departments, which
was included in the meeting packet. He stated the Board needs to decide whether to proceed with
a public hearing based on the feedback received. Muriel Kramer stated there did not seem to be a
lot of enthusiasm to pursue acquisition. Mary Jo LaFreniere referred to the comment from the
Conservation Administrator relative to the low conservation value of the land. Muriel Kramer
noted that she would have preferred it if the notice to convert had been submitted before the solar
farm was permitted. The Board discussed whether the Town would be able to keep its right of
first refusal relative to this parcel in the future. Mary Jo LaFreniere noted that if the Town is paid
the back taxes, then it would not be likely to get the rights back. Amy Ritterbusch noted that the
solar farm application was not controversial when it was permitted by the Planning Board.
MOVED by Muriel Kramer and SECONDED by Brendan Tedstone to schedule a public
hearing on the Chapter 61A Notice of Intent to Convert.ROLL CALL:Amy Ritterbusch-No;
Brendan Tedstone-No; Mary Jo LaFreniere-No; Muriel Kramer-No.Vote to Approve :Yes-0,
No-4.
Irfan Nasrullah returned to the Board at this time.
BOARD/COMMITTEE ORIENTATION HANDBOOK:Elaine Lazarus described a new
Board/Committee Orientation Handbook which generally covers administrative and process
matters that boards and committees commonly deal with. She thanked those who assisted with
the project, and noted that there would be some changes to the draft in response to Ms.
Ritterbusch’s comments. Board members expressed appreciation, and indicated that the
publication will be very helpful to Town boards and committees.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT: Norman Khumalo stated that with respect to the Main Street
Corridor Project, they will be able to keep two lanes of traffic open during the undergrounding
work this week. Brendan Tedstone stated he would like the contractor to keep an eye on the
trenches and make an effort to keep the pavement smooth. John Westerling, Director of Public
Works, acknowledged the request, and added that South Street will be paved by Eversource soon.
Mr. Khumalo stated that the FY23 budget guidance has been sent out to Town departments, with
the deadline for submission on November 1.
Mr. Khumalo noted that there was national media coverage relative to PFAS today, and he
anticipates that more standards may be coming in the future. John Westerling stated that the
5
Town has sent information out to all water customers, and the DPW is responding to calls and
email questions, and the most common are:
1.Does my water come from well #6? Response - All water gets combined into one system,
so it is not possible to tell.
2.Do people on private wells have to be concerned? Response - They can get their wells
tested if they want to; if they are concerned, they can use bottled water if they are in the
sensitive population categories.
Mr. Westerling stated if there is one more test above 20 parts per trillion, then the Town will be
in violation of drinking water standards. He stated there will be a public informational meeting
on October 26 at 5:30 pm. Amy Ritterbusch suggested partnering with the Sustainable Green
Committee on an initiative where residents can get rid of items with PFAS in them. Norman
Khumalo stated the EPA will be releasing new guidelines on PFAS, recognizing that it is very
present in common items in the home.
LIAISON REPORTS/BOARD INVITES: Muriel Kramer stated she attended a Budget
Advisory Group meeting this week and looks forward to more. Mary Jo LaFreniere commended
the Marathon Committee and the BAA on the 125th Boston Marathon. Amy Ritterbusch stated
that at a recent meeting of the special committee that appoints the Appropriation Committee,
new members were appointed and now there is a full board. Brendan Tedstone stated that Ms.
LaFreniere did a great job representing the Board at the Bobbi Gibb statue dedication, and it was
a wonderful event.
FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS:BAA Invitational Entry Policy and Process (Muriel
Kramer).
MOVED by Brendan Tedstone and SECONDED by Mary Jo LaFreniere to adjourn the
meeting.ROLL CALL:Irfan Nasrullah-Yes; Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Brendan Tedstone-Yes;
Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes; Muriel Kramer-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-5, No-0.
Adjourned: 7:54 PM
Approved: November 9, 2021
Documents used at the meeting:
●Minutes of the September 28, 2021 and October 5, 2021 meetings
●Cover Letters and Resumes of Jessica Miller, Karen Cooprider, and Shannon Beloin
●Draft New Precinct Map, undated
●Letter dated August 31, 2021 to Select Board from John H. Larter and Pamela J. Larter, Re: Notice of
Intent - Conversion of Use, with attachments
●Parcel U-16-21-0 and 5 Mechanic St., Wood St., Aerial Photo, Town of Hopkinton, MA September
10, 2021
●Ch. 61A Notice of Intent - Conversion of Use - 0 and 5 Mechanic St. & 0 Wood St., Town
Department and Board/Committee Feedback
6
●Town of Hopkinton Board/Committee Orientation Handbook, dated September 30, 2021
●Town of Hopkinton Application Forms from James Burton and Ron Priefer
●Memo dated 10/14/2021 to Select Board from Norman Khumalo, re: Staff Report - Select Board
October 19, 2021 Meeting
●Script & Motions for Hybrid Meeting, Board in Person, Public in Person & Via Zoom; Select Board
10/19/2021
7