HomeMy Public PortalAbout20230620 - Select Board - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
Select Board
Meeting Minutes –June 20,2023
18 Main Street,Hopkinton MA -Room 215/216 6:00 PM
Select Board Members Present:Muriel Kramer,Chair,Shahidul Mannan,Vice Chair,Amy
Ritterbusch,Irfan Nasrullah (participating remotely)
Select Board Members Absent:Mary Jo LaFreniere
Officials Present:Town Manager Norman Khumalo,Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus
CALL TO ORDER:Muriel Kramer called the public meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Town
Hall.She stated that the public has the option of attending the meeting in person or via Zoom,
and the meeting is being recorded.Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM:Chuck Dauchy,25 Sanctuary Lane,speaking as a private citizen and not as
a member of the Trail Coordination and Management Committee,provided the following
comments on the public survey about the Upper Charles Trail distributed by the Board:1)an
ENF is only required if the project meets certain thresholds which would only be triggered by a
paved Trail;2)the survey states that physical attributes of the Trail will be considered by future
committee,but then it asks about physical attributes,and the responses may not be useful.
Muriel Kramer provided a Proclamation to the Select Board,which she received on behalf of the
Board at the recent Timlin race.She stated the race organizers expressed their appreciation for
the Town’s support over the years.She congratulated the race organizers on a wonderful
community event.
Ms.Kramer presented a Pride banner that she obtained for the Board to use at future Pride
Parade events and to display in the meeting room.
WATER AND SEWER RATES SETTING:Eric Carty,Water/Sewer Manager,and Elizabeth
Rourke,Senior Accounting Manager,appeared before the Board.Mr.Khumalo referred to the
information reviewed at the last meeting on water and sewer rates,and noted that the rates are
largely determined by the budget and capital projects approved at Town Meeting.A question was
asked as to whether the Board could set the rates before Town Meeting,and Mr.Khumalo stated
problems may arise if the rates are set before the budget and capital is voted.Ms.Rourke stated
that the Town has been reviewing the numbers with its consultant for the last several months,and
projections are prepared that look ahead 5 years after analyzing items including enterprise funds,
operating budget,and personnel costs.She described the process,and noted that a 17.5%
increase in the water rate is recommended.She stated the projections anticipate costs to connect
to the MWRA,but it doesn’t represent the full funding as there are many unknowns at this time.
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Mr.Khumalo stated the Board is also asked to continue its discounts for water and sewer for
those who qualify.In response to a question about the tiered rates,Mr.Carty stated that the Mass.
Dept.of Environmental Protection requires a tiered rate structure as a water conservation
measure.
Mr.Mannan asked if the water rates include the $25 million for the MWRA connection and the
debt service,and for design costs.Matt Abrahams,Abrahams Group,stated the first debt service
is anticipated in 2026,just under $800,000 in that year and in 2027.He stated once connected to
the MWRA there is an annual assessment for water usage,and that is anticipated to begin in FY
2029,about $1,000,000 in year 2 and double that in the following year.It was stated that some
costs are not yet known.Ms.Ritterbusch asked if increases could be evened out over the next
few years rather than having sharp jumps.Mr.Carty stated that coming along with the projects
mentioned,the Department is struggling to keep up with demand and it’s what funding is needed
to bolster supply and improve quality with respect to iron,manganese and PFAS.
Mary Arnaut,51 Teresa Rd.,asked if the FY24 rates just support the approved budget or if it also
creates surplus funding anticipating future costs.Mr.Khumalo stated there isn’t a goal to create a
surplus.Ms.Rourke stated if there are surplus funds,it becomes retained earnings that can be
appropriated within the enterprise fund in future years.She noted that the enterprise fund is
self-sustaining and has to live within its means.Ms.Arnaut asked if retained earnings can be put
toward future rates,and if anyone has considered having different rates for different tiers.Mr.
Khumalo replied yes,and more analysis would be needed and perhaps it could be looked at next
year.
Barry Rosenbloom,10 Briarcliff Dr.,asked if the rate includes capital or just the operating
budget,and Mr.Khumalo stated it includes both,with one capital item approved at the 2023
annual town meeting.Mr.Rosenbloom asked about the cost of PFAS filtration and if it is
included.Mr.Khumalo stated PFAS filtration is being funded by Town Meeting appropriation
and with ARPA funds,and is fully funded.
Mr.Khumalo stated that enterprise funds are allowed to build a reserve for future capital costs,
but the decision in the past has not been to do that.
Robert Klocek,8 Jamie Lane,asked how decisions are made as to what funding to use for capital
projects.Ms.Rourke stated that retained earnings are considered part of the Town’s undesignated
fund balance,and is looked at as one-time money and as such,should not be used to fund
operating costs.She stated that therefore,it is typically used for capital projects,to reduce the tax
levy,or or put into an infrastructure stabilization fund,for example.
A caller asked when the Town will know more about financing the MWRA connection and
whether federal money is available,and Mr.Khumalo stated all possible sources of funding are
under consideration.
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Mr.Mannan asked about establishing a water infrastructure stabilization fund.Mr.Khumalo
stated the Board discussed it in the past but was not interested.Mary Arnaut suggested that
surplus funds could go to people who are buying bottled water due to the PFAS problem.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to set water rates for fiscal year
2024 with an increase of 17.5%effective July 1,2023,as follows:
0-1,000 cubic feet $37.27 dollar minimum
1,001-8,000 cubic feet at $4.35 per 100 cubic feet
over 8,000 cubic feet at $9.44 per 100 cubic feet
ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to set sewer rates for fiscal year
2024 with a decrease of 5%effective July 1,2023 as follows:
0-1,000 cubic feet at $10.62 per 100 cubic feet
1,001-8,000 cubic feet at $12.60 per 100 cubic feet
Over 8,000 cubic feet at $15.58 per 100 cubic feet
ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to implement a discount of up to
$200 per year on Sewer Enterprise bills for residential sewer system users who receive property
tax exemptions from the Hopkinton Board of Assessors under clauses 17,22,37,and 41 of
section 5 in chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws,for FY 2024,effective July 1,2023;
and for residents who receive the Hopkinton Means-Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax
Exemption tied to the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.ROLL CALL:Muriel
Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to implement a discount of up to
$200 per year on Water Enterprise bills for residential water system users who receive property
tax exemptions from the Hopkinton Board of Assessors under clauses 17,22,37,and 41 of
section 5 in chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws,for FY 2024 effective July 1,2023;
and for residents who receive the Hopkinton Means-Tested Senior Citizen Property Tax
Exemption tied to the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.ROLL CALL:Muriel
Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
CONSENT AGENDA:MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to
approve the Consent Agenda,consisting of the following items:1)a recommendation to abate
outstanding real estate taxes for four properties acquired by the Town as follows:0 Cedar St.,0
Greenwood Rd.,0 Mayhew St.,0 McDermott Ln.,total amount $3,089.97;2)accept a gift of
$4,800 from the Friends of Hopkinton Seniors,Inc.to the Hopkinton Senior Center to cover the
cost of subsidizing the prepay lunch ticket program at the Senior Center from February 2022
through April 2023;3)accept a gift of $600 from the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors,Inc.to
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the Senior Center to cover the expenses related to hosting the Memory Cafe during 2023;and 4)
accept a gift of $500 from Asian/Pacific American Librarians to the Young Adult librarian to use
for programming.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy
Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
SPECIAL TEMPORARY ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION -GREYHOUND
FRIENDS,167 SADDLE HILL ROAD:Theresa Shepard,Executive Director,Veronica Zolina
and Michael Simon,Greyhound Friends,appeared before the Board and described the event on
June 24,2023 from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m.outdoors at their 167 Saddle Hill Rd.facility.It was stated
there would be a tent and 65 to 70 people at the most would attend.MOVED by Mr.Mannan
and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to approve a special temporary alcohol license for
Greyhound Friends for an event on June 24,2023 from 4 p.m.to 7 p.m.at 167 Saddle Hill Road.
ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
SPECIAL TEMPORARY ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATIONS -HOPKINTON
CENTER FOR THE ARTS,98 HAYDEN ROWE:Kelly Grill,Executive Director,Hopkinton
Center for the Arts (HCA),described the request for 12 special temporary alcohol licenses for 12
events from June to September,all from 6:00 p.m.to 8:30 p.m.at 98 Hayden Rowe.She noted
that it has been difficult to get caterers with alcohol sales for individual events,and packaging all
of these events together has made it more attractive to a vendor.She stated the HCA intends to
apply for an on-premises alcohol license in the fall.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED
by Ms.Ritterbusch to approve special temporary alcohol licenses for the HCA for the events as
described in the applications on June 30,2023,July 1,2023,July 8,2023,July 14,2023,July 15,
2023,July 21,2023,July 22,2023,July 28,2023,July 29,2023,August 18,2023,September 1,
2023,and September 2,2023.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy
Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS -BOARDS,COMMITTEES,COMMISSIONS,AND
OFFICIALS:The Board reviewed the list of annual appointments contained in the meeting
materials.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to appoint Miyares &
Harrington LLP as Town Counsel and Mirick O’Connell as Labor Counsel from 7/1/2023 to
6/30/2024.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;
Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to appoint Mary Jo LaFreniere
as the Chair ’s designee to the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board for the next
year.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to confirm the Town Manager ’s
1 year appointments of the following Town officials:
Inspector of Animals -Elizabeth Jefferis
Animal Control Officer -William Proctor
Fence Viewer -Ed Harrow
Plumbing &Gas Inspector -Charles Dabritz
Assistant Plumbing &Gas Inspector -Peter
Zereski
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Assistant Plumbing &Gas Inspector -Dan
Hunt
Wiring Inspector -Kevin Bouret
Person to cut wire in case of fire -Kevin
Bouret
Assistant Wiring Inspector -Jonathan
Shepard
Sealer of Weights and Measures -Louis
Sakin
Public Weigher -John Palmer
Public Weigher -Jaynne Adams
Public Weigher -Jaime Wright
Public Weigher -Colleen Roy
Public Weigher -Thomas J.McIntyre
ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
PARKS &RECREATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENT/JOINT MEETING WITH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION:Parks and Recreation Commission members
Dan Terry,Laura Hanson,Amy O’Donnell and Ravi Dasari joined the Select Board;Chair Dan
Terry called the meeting to Order.Ms.Kramer asked each candidate to describe their interest in
serving on the Parks &Recreation Commission.Liisa Jackson,8 Cross Street,stated she
previously served 3 terms on the Commission and is familiar with the programs and services
provided.Vikasith Pratty,33 Hayward Street,stated he currently serves on the Planning Board
and is interested in being more of a part of the community.Seth Kenney,110 Hayward Street,
stated he lives on Lake Maspenock,which is a great resource for the Town that he uses daily,and
he is interested in giving back to the community.
Mr.Nasrullah asked each candidate what their vision is for the Commission going forward.Mr.
Kenney stated making sure we have all the programs people want,that the facilities are the best
around,and Sandy Beach is maintained as one of the Town’s best resources.Mr.Pratty agreed,
and added he would like to see more programs at Hopkinton State Park.Ms.Jackson stated in
addition to what has been said,a strategic planning process with a 10 year look ahead at
community needs would be a goal.
Ms.Kramer asked each if they would be willing to run for office at the next annual town election
to serve the remainder of the term.Mr.Pratty replied yes,Ms.Jackson stated she would consider
it but she travels frequently,and Mr.Kenney replied yes.
Ms.Kramer asked each member which candidate is preferred.Responses were:
Liisa Jackson -Ritterbusch,Dasari,Mannan
Seth Kenney -Hanson,O’Donnell,Terry,Nasrullah,Kramer
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Hanson to appoint Seth Kenney to the Parks
and Recreation Commission,to a term expiring at the 2024 annual town election.ROLL CALL:
Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes;Dan
Terry-Yes;Laura Hanson-Yes;Amy O’Donnell-Yes;Ravi Dasari-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-8,
No-0.
MOVED by Ms.O’Donnell and SECONDED by Ms.Hanson to adjourn the Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.Parks and Recreation Commission members voted
unanimously in favor.
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ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS -BOARDS,COMMITTEES,COMMISSIONS,AND
OFFICIALS:The Board continued its review of annual appointments,and reviewed a list of
uncontested seats on boards and committees.Dan Eversole,16 Thayer Heights Rd.,described his
interest in serving the Town and reviewed his background and experience.Samuel Docknevich,
8 Erica Dr.,stated he would like to be reappointed for a second term on the Council on Aging,
noting he has been involved in the age-friendly and dementia-friendly certified community
programs.Ms.Ritterbusch expressed interest in reappointment to the Hopkinton Historic District
Commission.Stacy Spies,16 Alexander Rd.,stated she is a professional historical preservation
consultant,and would like to be reappointed to the Hopkinton Historic District Commission.Dan
McIntyre,30 Elm St.,stated he would like to be reappointed to the Permanent Building
Committee as there are many important projects underway.Deena Baker-nel,2 Connelly Hill
Rd.,and Amit Tandon,3 South Mill St.,expressed interest in serving on the Sustainable Green
Committee.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to make the
following appointments:
●Daniel Eversole to the Capital Improvement Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Mohammed Haider to the Capital Improvement Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Kenna Sullivan to the Council on Aging,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Samuiel Docknevich to the Council on Aging,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Amy Ritterbusch (at-large)to the Hopkinton Historic District Commission,term expiring
6/30/2026;
●Beth Watson (at-large)to the Hopkinton Historic District Commission,term expiring
6/30/2026;
●Stacy Spies (Historical Society nominee)to the Hopkinton Historic District Commission,
term expiring 6/30/2026.
●Curtis Smithson to the Permanent Building Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Dan McIntyre to the Permanent Building Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Christine Lambert to the Personnel Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Paul Gallagher to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Christine Coffman to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Geoff Rowland to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Peggy Barton to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Donald Sutherland to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Amy Groves to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Deena Baker-nel to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Daniel Eversole to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Amit Tandon to the Sustainable Green Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Lucia Lopez to the Tax Relief Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Susan Kurys to the Tax Relief Committee,term expiring 6/30/2026;
●Sharon O’Reilly (Realtor)to the Woodville Historic District Commission,terms expiring
6/30/2026;
●Paul Larter (Resident of District)to the Woodville Historic District Commission,terms
expiring 6/30/2026;
●Tiana C.Liu to the Youth Commission,term expiring 6/30/2026.
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ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
The Board reviewed applications for an at-large position on the Community Preservation
Committee,submitted by Christopher Alicandro and Daniel Eversole.Mr.Eversole stated he is
satisfied with his two appointments earlier this evening.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and
SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to appoint Christopher Alicandro to the Community
Preservation Committee (at-large)to a term expiring 6/30/2026.ROLL CALL:Muriel
Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
The Board reviewed applications for Conservation Commission submitted by Daniel Eversole
and Carl T.Barker-Hook.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to
appoint Carl T.Barker-Hook to the Conservation Commission to a term expiring 6/30/2026.
ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan
Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
Marathon Committee applicants Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace,Robert Levenson and Bob McGuire
appeared before the Board;applicant Joe Altman was not present.Ms.Ferriter-Wallace described
the institutional knowledge that long time members of the Committee have,noting that the
Boston Marathon is more than just the starting line.She stated there are a lot of opportunities for
people in Town to volunteer,and encouraged them to contact the Boston Athletic Association
which has an open process for that.Mr.Levenson stated he volunteered for 20 years before being
appointed,and requested reappointment.Mr.McGuire noted his involvement began with his
service on the Parks &Recreation Commission and requested reappointment.MOVED by Mr.
Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to appoint Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace,Robert
Levenson and Bob McGuire to the Marathon Committee,to terms expiring 6/30/2026.ROLL
CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.
Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
MOVED by Ms.Kramer and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to appoint the following Town
department liaisons to the Marathon Committee,to terms expiring 6/30/2024:Joseph Bennett
(Police Department);Gary Daugherty (Fire Department);Tim Persson (School Department);
Mike Mansir (Department of Public Works).ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul
Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
UTILITY POLE PUBLIC HEARINGS -VERIZON &NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY
DBA EVERSOURCE ENERGY -HAYDEN ROWE:Ms.Kramer called the public hearing to
Order,noting that a petition for Walcott Street had been withdrawn.Don Voner,Verizon,
described the petition to relocate a pole 60 feet off Main St.,stating that the old pole would be
removed shortly after all the wires are transferred.There was no public comment.Ms.Kramer
closed the public hearing.
MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to approve the relocation of one
jointly owned pole numbered T.1/E.1 to a point on the southwest side of Hayden Rowe
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approximately 120 feet southeasterly from the centerline of Main St.ROLL CALL:Muriel
Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to
Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
SELECT BOARD GUIDELINES FOR PARADES,EVENTS,MEETINGS AND
GATHERINGS:Linda Chuss,Sustainable Green Committee,described the proposed
sustainability guidelines for events,noting it will help to meet the Town’s goals.It was noted that
they would be provided to people seeking information on applying for event related permits,and
there is an interest in tracking performance over time.Mr.Mannan asked if there would be a cost
to organizations,and Ms.Chuss stated they don’t expect people to follow all of them,and would
suggest picking one or two,get used to it,then pick another one,etc.She noted that it is
voluntary.Mr.Nasrullah stated he likes that it encourages people to think about the event in a
different way.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to approve the
Guidelines for Parades,Events,Meetings and Gatherings,for Town events and those requiring
permits and licenses from the Board.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;
Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
POLICE CHIEF UPDATE:Police Chief Joseph Bennett reviewed a list of ongoing initiatives
in the Police Department,including policy review due to the changes in accreditation standards,
the POST compliance for all officers,ongoing training,station rebuilding following water
damage,and replacement of tasers at end of life.He noted that body cameras will be coming,and
he stated that recruiting is ongoing.He noted that the Department is currently without a
Lieutenant and a Deputy Chief,so the Sergeants have stepped up to work on these and other
initiatives.Mr.Khumalo stated there are immediate needs to move some projects forward,and he
is thinking that people might be able to come in and help while the Department does that.Chief
Bennett reviewed proposed changes to the staffing model,noting that bringing in someone
experienced at a senior level would be helpful,and there are funds in the budget to accommodate
that.He noted that people are working on projects in teams,which is one way to build shared
knowledge and help with succession planning as leaders emerge.Chief Bennett described the
policy review process,which is labor intensive and some require reviews by other Town
departments and the Police union.He noted that with body cameras,data storage and software
needs will be important.
FIRE CHIEF UPDATE:Interim Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr.stated that as of today,the
Department is fully staffed.He reviewed call volume data,noting that 61%of calls are medical.
He stated that there are 1.5 simultaneous calls a day on the average,and the number of triple
calls are increasing.Mr.Mannan asked for data on average response time.
Mr.Daugherty reviewed community risk reduction efforts,which is a way to reduce call volume.
He noted that CPR classes are held every week,and the Dept.can go into businesses and give
classes if requested.He stated that “stop the bleed”classes are given at the High School,and
home safety inspections for the elderly look at things such as trip hazards,bathroom safety and
fall prevention.He stated that the Town’s emergency management plan is due to be updated
soon.He stated that automatic mutual aid may need to be increased beyond Ashland,due to the
increased call volume.He reviewed initiatives conducted with the Health Department,including
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fall clinics,noting that 21%of medical calls this year to date are for falls.He reviewed initiatives
for FY 2024 including reducing the cancer risk for firefighters.Board members expressed
appreciation for all the work underway,and asked the Chief to reach out if resources are needed.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT:Mr.Khumalo referred to his memo to the Board,noting that
there will be substantial completion of the Main Street Corridor Project this fall,and MassDOT
confirms the project is on schedule.He stated that items such as moving utility poles and
finishing some sidewalk work may be pending after that.He stated that a transformer shortage
may mean more time is needed to connect undergrounded buildings.
Mr.Khumalo stated the contractor installing the PFAS treatment facility is requesting an
extension of the contract schedule,and the Town is reviewing the request.
Mr.Khumalo stated that discussions on the MWRA connection have been delayed due to the
DPW Director vacancy,but work is still ongoing.
Mr.Khumalo described the MassCall Part B Grant for Prevention received by the Town,and
thanked the Youth &Family Services team for having successfully executed Part A.He stated
that $500,000 will be divided into two years to fund programs that prevent and/or reduce
substance use,and is awarded to communities that have the capacity and infrastructure to
undertake the project.MOVED by Ms.Ritterbusch and SECONDED by Mr.Mannan to
authorize the Town Manager to execute the contract for the Mass.Collaborative for Action,
Leadership and Learning Grant.ROLL CALL:Muriel Kramer-Yes;Shahidul Mannan-Yes;
Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
LIAISON REPORTS/BOARD INVITES:The Board reviewed the draft list of FY24 Liaison
Assignments.It was suggested that the Board assign an alternate for the Budget Advisory Group
because meetings can occur during work hours.It was determined that Ms.Ritterbusch will be
the alternate.The Board added the Hopkinton Housing Authority to the liaison list,and Ms.
Kramer will be the liaison.MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to
approve the FY24 Liaison Assignments as discussed,and to make the following appointments:
●Irfan Nasrullah to the Irvine-Todaro Properties Advisory Group;
●Mary Jo LaFreniere to the Pratt Farm Master Plan Team;
●Muriel Kramer to the Open Space Preservation Commission,to a term expiring
6/30/2026;
●Shahidul Mannan to the Affordable Housing trust Fund Board,to a term expiring
6/30/2026.
Ms.Ritterbusch reported that the Upper Charles Trail Committee Survey is online and available
to be completed.Ms.Kramer reminded boards and committees that an announcement must be
made when meetings are being recorded,and requested that this be communicated to
board/committee chairs.She noted that boards must also approve minutes in a timely manner and
provide them to the Town Clerk.
FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS:Update on Legacy Farms North gas lamps (Kramer).
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MOVED by Mr.Mannan and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to adjourn the meeting.ROLL
CALL Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
Adjourned:9:34 PM
Approved:July 11,2023
Documents used at the meeting:
●Memo to Select Board from Elizabeth Rourke dated 6/14/23 Re:Water and Sewer User Fee Rate
Adjustment Recommendation
●Memo to Select Board from John Neas received 6/14/23 Re:Request to Abate Taxes,with
attachments
●Special Temporary Alcohol License Application dated 5/24/23 from Theresa Shepard,Greyhound
Friends,with attachments
●Twelve Special Temporary Alcohol License Applications dated 5/25/23 from Kelly Grill,Hopkinton
Center for the Arts,for events on 6/30/23,7/1/23,7/8/23,7/14/23,7/15/23,7/21/23,7/22/23,7/28/23,
7/29/23,8/18/23,9/1/23,9/2/23,with attachments
●Application Form and resume from Liisa Jackson dated 5/19/23
●Application Form from Vikasith Pratty dated 6/1/23
●Application Form and resume from Seth Kenney dated 6/1/23
●FY2024 Town Manager and Select Board Appointments,June 20,2023 Select Board Meeting
●Board/Committee Appointments -Select Board Meeting 6-20-2023
●Application Forms submitted by Amit Taqndon,Amy Groves,Amy Ritterbusch,Beth Watson,Carl T.
Barker-Hook,Christine Coffman,Christine Lambert,Christopher Alicandro,Curtis Smithson,Daniel
Eversole,Daniel McIntyre,Deena B.Baker-nel,Donald Sutherland,Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace,Geoff
Rowland,Joe Altman,Kenna M.Sullivan,Lucia V.Lopez,Mohammed Haider,Paul Larter,Paul
Gallagher,Peggy Barton,Robert Mcguire,Robert Levenson,Danuel Docknevich,Stacy Spies,Susan
Kurys,Tiana Liu
●Letter dated 5/22/23 to Board of Selectmen from Verizon re:Petition for Verizon job #4A0PE6A,
Hayden Rowe Street,with attachments
●Hopkinton Select Board,Guidelines for Parades,Events,Meetings,Gatherings (Draft),Adopted June
___,2023
●Powerpoint Slides -Hopkinton Police Strategic Update,June 20,2023
●Powerpoint Slides -Hopkinton Fire Department
●Memo dated 6/15/23 to Select Board from Norman Khumalo re:Staff Report -Select Board June 20,
2023 Meeting,with attachments
●Select Board Liaisons List FY2023
●Select Board Proposed Liaison Assignments FY24
●Script and Motions for Hybrid Meeting,Select Board 6/20/23
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