HomeMy Public PortalAbout20230207 - Select Board - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON
Select Board
Meeting Minutes –February 7,2023
18 Main Street,Hopkinton MA -Room 215/216 6:00 PM
Select Board Members Present:Amy Ritterbusch,Chair,Mary Jo LaFreniere,Vice Chair,Irfan
Nasrullah,Muriel Kramer (6:56 PM),Shahidul Mannan
Officials Present:Town Manager Norman Khumalo,Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus
CALL TO ORDER:Chair Amy Ritterbusch 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.
The Chair requested a motion to enter executive session pursuant to M.G.L.c.30A,§21(a)
(purpose 3)to consider strategy with respect to collective bargaining relative to Police,Fire and
Communications Unions because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the
negotiating position of the Board;Pursuant to M.G.L.c.30A,§21(a)(purpose 2)to consider
strategy with respect to negotiations with non-union personnel (Police Chief and Town
Manager);to approve executive session Minutes,to allow Norman Khumalo and Elaine Lazarus
to participate in the discussion,and to reconvene in Open Session after the conclusion of
Executive Session.MOVED by Mary Jo LaFreniere and SECONDED by Shahidul Mannan.
ROLL CALL:Amy Ritterbusch-Yes;Mary Jo LaFreniere-Yes;Irfan Nasrullah-Yes;Shahidul
Mannan-Yes.Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
CALL TO ORDER -REOPEN OPEN SESSION:Amy Ritterbusch called the open session to
Order at 6:36 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC FORUM:Kimberly Clark,24 Mayhew St.,stated she is opposed to the Regional
Emergency Communications Center (RECC).Frank Bozyczko,84 Hayward St.,stated he is
opposed to the RECC and it should go to Town Meeting.Ronda Bengiovanni,192 Spring St.,
stated she is opposed to the RECC.Karen Lowell,45 Hayden Rowe,stated she is opposed to the
RECC.Nancy Cavanaugh,25 Priscilla Rd.,speaking as a parent of a student in the class of 2023
and not a School Committee member,stated she is aware of the staff concerns raised relative to
the application for a car parade for graduating seniors.She stated the car parade is a positive
outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic,and she believes that the concerns raised can be addressed.
Tim Brennan,151 Spring St.,stated he is a Hopkinton Police Officer and is opposed to the
RECC.He stated he has not heard any positive comments from colleagues who have experienced
moving to a RECC.He stated the current level of service provided to the Town is fine.Lynn
Arena,100 Front St.,stated she is opposed to the RECC.Tom Pratt,106 Fruit St.,stated he is
opposed to the RECC and each town should have its own dispatchers.Pat O’Brien,13 Ray St.,
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stated the police officers and firefighters should have been involved in the RECC process,and
only management was consulted.He stated the involvement of those out on the street would have
been valuable.He stated each of the four towns have posted different versions of the IMA,and
asked for clarification of a provision regarding business calls.Chuck Wallace,57 Pinecrest
Village,noted the answer as to whether the IMA needs to go to Town Meeting has changed
during this process,and referenced law changes in 2015.He stated this is not the time to make
the change to a RECC.
CONSENT AGENDA:Ms.LaFreniere noted that Julia Harris was the Town nurse in Town Hall
several years ago,she was a wonderful person who will be missed,and thanked the Curtis Rd.
neighborhood for their donation.She thanked those who are resigning from Town boards for
their participation.MOVED by Mr.Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr.Mannan to approve the
following Consent Agenda items:1)approving the Minutes of the January 24,2023 meeting;2)
accepting an Ambulance Fund Gift of $115 from the Curtis Rd.neighborhood in memory of
Julia Harris;3)accepting a donation of $1,227 for the Hopkinton Public Schools from the
residents of Legacy Farms North phase 3 that was raised through the Diwali event;4)accepting
the resignations of Carly Grant from the Youth Commission and Peter Johnson from the Upper
Charles Trail Committee (associate member).Vote to Approve:Yes-4,No-0.
REGIONAL EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (RECC):Joseph Crean,
Director of Special Projects,Massachusetts 911 Program,joined the Board remotely.Mr.
Mannan asked about the cost of a RECC and projected cost savings.Mr.Khumalo stated that
some costs can be identified,such as the development grants the district can apply for if it moves
forward.He stated the other side is a cost benefit analysis,and this exercise has not been done
because there isn’t enough information.Mr.Mannan stated information pertaining to cost should
be removed from the documents because it is misinformation.
Ms.Kramer arrived at this time.
Mr.Crean stated the 911 Department doesn’t collect the financial data of individual regional
communication centers.He suggested that the Town could reach out to the towns in RECCs for
the data.Mr.Nasrullah asked about information on improved service through regionalization.
Mr.Crean stated that data is not provided to the State in this regard,but provided anecdotal
information based on his personal experience working in a RECC that there were savings.Mr.
Nasrullah noted it has been stated that the familiarization of dispatchers with the Town would be
lost,and asked about that issue.Mr.Crean stated that there is technology to compensate for the
loss,and it is a myth that dispatchers won’t know where people are.He stated loss of local
knowledge can be combated with a ride along program for employees,for example.Ms.
Ritterbusch asked if all communities will eventually be forced to join a RECC and if so,when is
the deadline.Mr.Crean stated it is not mandated,but it is incentivised.He confirmed that there is
a grant round each year.Ms.LaFreniere asked what the advantage to the Town is for joining a
RECC.Mr.Crean stated he can’t speak to Hopkinton’s circumstances,but to some,the
replacement of aging equipment could be a plus.Mr.Mannan asked how many towns have left
RECCs.Mr.Crean stated that Beverley changed its mind after it signed an intermunicipal
agreement (IMA)and there was ensuing litigation regarding costs;and Mendon and Millville left
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one that they formed themselves and joined a different RECC.Ms.Kramer asked about the
common challenges and benefits when considering joining a RECC.Mr.Crean stated he is
working on a study to that effect now,noting that tough questions should be asked when
considering it.He noted that common concerns are lack of local knowledge,and what’s in it for
us.He stated there are benefits in communities where there is only one person on duty,where
they need to do all call taking and dispatch at the same time.He noted it is community
dependent,and aging infrastructure can also be a reason.Ms.Kramer stated the lack of
comparable data is a big issue,and Mr.Crean recommended working with the Collins Center to
see if additional data can be provided.Ms.LaFreniere asked about the size of towns that join
RECCs.Mr.Crean stated there are a lot of communities served by RECCs in western
Massachusetts,where communities are smaller and some use the State Police for local law
enforcement.He noted there are large communities too,with the number in western and central
Mass.growing the most,and there is new interest on the Cape.
Shannon Casey,speaking on behalf of the Communications Union,stated they are opposed to
joining a RECC.She stated that most residents are opposed and the Town shouldn’t rush into it.
She stated there are no problems with Hopkinton’s system,and there have been problems in
RECCs with some communities who regret joining.She stated Hopkinton has the same
technology that RECCs do,and there is a heavy workload and high turnover at RECCs.She
stated Hopkinton has some long time employees.She stated there are dark station concerns with
no solutions proposed,and with the lack of data and answers,the Town should not move
forward.
Mr.Khumalo reviewed changes to the IMA including an acknowledgement of high levels and
quality of service currently provided to the community;language providing for time to go to
Town Meeting with the ability to withdraw by the end of June;new language regarding transition
to the RECC requiring new equipment;and revised language acknowledging there are alternate
public safety answering points to allow for additional types of calls to be answered.He stated
additional changes include stating that Westborough will support the financial needs and
procurement during transition,then it will move to the new District.Ms.Ritterbusch noted that it
offers preference in hiring for current employees of the four towns.Mr.Khumalo stated he does
not expect any additional substantive changes,but there may be housekeeping changes.
Mr.Nasrullah noted that the question of whether the town meeting vote would be binding should
be provided before the Board votes at the next meeting.Mr.Mannan asked what the advantage is
of joining now versus later,and Ms.Ritterbusch stated there is preference in hiring if the Town is
in at the beginning.Ms.LaFreniere asked Mr.Crean if other towns can be used to provide
backup emergency response or only those in the RECC,and Mr.Crean stated who responds to
emergencies is not affected by the existence of a RECC.He referred to standard procedures used
by Police and Fire Departments in this regard.
PARADE PERMIT APPLICATION -HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL CAR PARADE:
Shelby Jones,5 Courtney Cir.,and Daniel D’Alleva,43 Blueberry Lane,applicants,appeared
before the Board.They described the application for a Parade Permit for a car parade on June 3,
2023 for graduating Hopkinton High School seniors.They stated they are the last class who
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experienced the Covid-19 pandemic,and want to tie that experience together.They stated that a
survey of students indicates that 89%want the parade this year.They stated that in response to
review comments,the route was modified and shortened to 4.2 miles.It was stated that use of
some main roads has been eliminated,and there are no left turns.It was stated that the parade
should last for 1 hour.
Bill Miller,Fire Chief,stated that the event originated during the Covid-19 pandemic when there
was no graduation ceremony,so it was a replacement.He stated his concerns are for road
congestion because the parades have been long.He stated he also has concerns with using Ash
St.,which is narrow,and he thinks the parade will last 1 to 2 hours.He stated one year this
impeded public safety equipment from getting through,and he is concerned it may happen again.
Joe Bennett,Police Chief,stated there were very angry motorists interacting with the detail
officers last year,and that it causes massive traffic disruption.
Ms.LaFreniere stated this was a Covid-related activity and as this is the last class affected,she
would like this year to be the last for the event.Ms.Kramer stated she loves the parade,and is
aware of the safety concerns.She stated there are other events in Town that affect traffic and she
would like it to continue into the future.Mr.Nasrullah stated he agrees it is a great event,but
public safety is a concern and the pandemic is over.Mr.Mannan stated it is a wonderful event
and a nice tradition and would like it to continue with the safety concerns addressed.Ms.
Ritterbusch stated the safety concerns are serious,and it could be OK this year but it should be
the end.Mr.Mannan asked how it is different than the Horribles Parade or the Boston Marathon.
Chief Miller stated a lot of planning goes into the Boston Marathon,with many additional safety
personnel brought in and other public safety measures taken.He noted that the Horribles Parade
has been short,no more than 30 minutes.Mr.Mannan stated he wants to craft something that
works going forward.The applicants confirmed that detail officers would be hired for the event.
MOVED by Ms.Kramer and SECONDED by Mr.Mannan to approve the Parade Permit for the
car parade with no conditions.Vote to Approve:Yes-2 (Kramer,Mannan),No-3 (LaFreniere,
Ritterbusch,Nasrullah).MOVED by Ms.LaFreniere and SECONDED by Ms.Ritterbusch to
approve the parade permit for the car parade with the condition that it be the last year for this
event.Mr.Mannan asked if the vote would be binding,and Ms.Ritterbusch stated she wants to
set the expectation that it’s not going to continue,however someone could still apply.Vote to
Approve:Yes-4 (Ritterbusch,LaFreniere,Kramer,Mannan),No-1 (Nasrullah).Ms.Kramer
stated a future board can’t be bound by the vote,and this raises concerns.
CHANGE OF MANAGER -SECTION 12 ON-PREMISES ALCOHOL LICENSE -110
GRILL LLC,1 LUMBER ST.:Anthony Carlucci,110 Grill,described the request for a Change
of Manager for the alcohol license to him,adding that he is the new manager of the location.Mr.
Khumalo noted a background check yielded no adverse comments.MOVED by Ms.LaFreniere
and SECONDED by Mr.Mannan to approve the Change of Manager for 110 Grill to Anthony
Carlucci.Vote to Approve:Yes-5,No-1.
FY24 BUDGET &CAPITAL HEARINGS:John Westerling,Director of Public Works,
reviewed the Dept.of Public Works (DPW)budget request for FY24,noting that salary increases
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are primarily contractual obligations.He noted there are increases in costs for trash removal and
for water.He stated that with respect to trash removal,the Town now has to pay for the
processing of recycling.He stated the water increases are primarily due to electricity and PFAS
filtration.He reviewed capital requests,including vehicle replacements.In response to a
question,Mr.Westerling stated that the end market for recycling changes often,but E.L.Harvey
assures the Town they are processed in an environmentally friendly and appropriate manner.He
stated that the Town is currently in contract negotiations with E.L.Harvey.He stated that
challenges with changing to other companies include the need for all new bins which could be
costly,and there would not be a recycling center in Town.Mr.Nasrullah stated that research
indicates that most plastic is not actually recycled,and asked if E.L.Harvey could provide
statistics on how much is actually recycled.
Ms.Lazarus,Gary Trendel,Planning Board Chair,and John Gelcich,Principal Planner,appeared
before the Board.Ms.Lazarus described the operating budget request for the Land Use,Planning
and Permitting Dep.,noting the majority of the budget is employee salaries,with the increase
shown due to pay increases in FY23.She stated the Dept.requested an additional $25,000 to
fund year 2 of the regional Shared Housing Services Office (SHSO),although there is a
possibility that the CPA funds appropriated in FY23 can be extended to cover the cost.Mr.
Trendel described capital requests for two sidewalk projects,on Chestnut St.and connecting
EMC Park to Blueberry Lane which connect neighborhoods to the existing sidewalk network.
Ms.Kramer asked if the $25,000 would be an annual request,and Ms.Lazarus replied yes,
although the amount may change due the proportion of consultant services used by the Town.
Ms.Kramer asked if the Affordable Housing Trust Fund could be used for the funding.Mr.
Gelcich stated the Trust Fund Board is just getting going,and it is possible they may fund the
SHSO,however it may wish to fund development of new affordable housing.Mr.Mannan asked
about a larger plan for pedestrian connectivity,and Mr.Trendel stated planning is ongoing and
new sidewalk funding options will be considered in the future.Mr.Khumalo stated that the Town
has sought federal and state funding for sidewalks.
Sean McAuliffe,Public Health Director,described the Health Dept.budget request.He reviewed
the Department’s service areas,noting the Department would expand public health nursing
services to the community,improve environmental services including food safety,and would
enhance the level and quality of public health services at no cost to the Town through grants.He
referred to salary increases,noting that they reflect FY23 increases and changing a contracted
position to a town employee.
Jay Guelfi,Parks &Recreation Director,reported that summer recreation program registration
opened on Feb.1 and there has been a big response to date.He stated overall,there is a need for
gym space,playing fields and classroom space for recreation programs,and the need to
accommodate the cricket community and senior residents.He stated that most operating funds
are from a revolving fund.
Nanci Hill,Library Director,described the FY24 budget request.She stated most of the budget is
funded by State Aid and trust funds.She stated that new personnel costs are for the four positions
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voted at the last annual town meeting,and wage increases.She noted that new Sunday hours are
coming soon.
Dawn Alcott Miller,Director of Youth &Family Services,reviewed the Department's strategic
goals.She described the budget request,noting that several grants have been received to fund
programs,and they expect that to continue.She reviewed an increase in personnel costs and the
contract with Interface,which is due to the Town’s utilization of the service by residents.
Timothy O’Leary,Chief Financial Officer,described the Finance Department's service areas and
the 5.1%budget request for FY24.He noted that the cost for Assessor ’s appraisal services will
be $182,000.
Liz Rourke,Senior Accounting Manager,reviewed the budget request for the Accounting,
Grants &Procurement Department.She highlighted an increase due to contracted services for
OPEB review.
Josh Grossetti,Technology Director,described the Information Technology Dept.request,noting
that operating expense decreases are due to several factors including cost containment through
contract negotiations and found efficiencies.He noted cost drivers are licensing,salary increases
in FY23,and public safety IT support.He described capital requests for end user hardware
refresh,camera replacement,upgrade and enhancement,and network switching and Wifi
upgrades.
Maria Casey,Human Resources Director,described the vision of the Human Resources
Department and its strategic priorities.She noted that with the exception of personnel services,
the budget is level funded,with the salary increases reflecting FY23 changes.
Connor Degan,Town Clerk,described the FY24 request for the Town Clerk &Elections
budgets,noting that the Town Clerk office request includes funding for additional training.He
noted that the elections budget includes an increase due to the special town meeting and special
election planned for late in the year,and the increase in minimum wage.He noted that the Town
is not opting out of voting by mail and early voting in local elections.
Mr.Khumalo described the Town Manager ’s office FY24 budget request,which includes the
Select Board,Legal,Town Hall,Animal Control and Employee Benefits &Insurance.He noted
that the compensation contingency was increased last year due to new union contracts
anticipated,and it has been decreased for FY24 to previous levels.
The Board discussed whether it would invite the School Committee to review its FY24 budget
request at a Select Board meeting.It was determined to schedule a joint meeting later in the
process.Ms.Kramer asked about the $1,000,000 budget gap and what the number is that
represents something sustainable into later years.Mr.Khumalo stated the number isn’t known
yet.Mr.Mannan stated the anticipated student growth numbers could be used to project into the
future and connect to other town increases.He suggested prioritizing debt exclusion items.Mr.
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Khumalo noted the future $300,000,000 debt identified now does not include Center School or
the impact of an MWRA connection on water customers.
LIAISON REPORTS/BOARD INVITES:Mr.Mannan stated the ESBC will meet on Feb.14
and 28,a 2-4 grade configuration was chosen for the new school,and traffic experts are
scheduled to discuss traffic impacts.Ms.Ritterbusch referred to an invitation to attend
multicultural night at the High School on Feb.8.Ms.Kramer stated she will attend the Eagle
Scout court of honor this weekend and will meet with the new Youth Commission Chair soon.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:Ms.Ritterbsuch suggested the Town should start planning for the
future of the Elmwood School site if it is not used for the new elementary school.Mr.Khumalo
suggested that Elmwood School,Center School and the Town’s Fruit St.property should all be
looked at comprehensively.He stated the Permanent Building Committee may be the appropriate
entity to look at that.
MOVED by Mr.Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr.Mannan to adjourn the meeting.Vote to
Approve:Yes-5,No-0.
Adjourned:9:42 PM
Approved:February 28,2023
Documents used at the meeting:
●Draft Minutes of the Jan.24,2023 meeting
●Draft –February 31,2023 Hopkinton Revision to Southborough,Westborough and Grafton Versions,
District Agreement,MetroWest Regional Emergency Communications Center District
●Parade Permit Application dated 1/3/23 from Daniel D’Alleva,re:Class of 2023 Senior Parade,with
supporting documents
●Permitting Team Comments,Parade Permit -HHS Rolling Car Parade Class of 2023,SB Meeting
02/07/2023
●General License Application dated 1/18/2023,from Robert A.Walker,110 Grill,with supporting
documents
●DPW Meeting with the Select Board to Discuss FY 24 Budget REquests February 7,2023
●FY 24 Budget Request -Land Uze,Planning and Permitting
●Health Department FY24 Budget
●Hopkinton Parks &Recreation,FY24 Budget Summary,Select Board Meeting,February 7,2023
●Presentation of the Library FY23 budget request to the Select Board (2/7/23)
●Youth &Family Services
●Finance
●Hopkinton Accounting,Grants &Procurement,FY24 Budget Summary,Select Board Meeting
2/7/2023
●Information Technology Department,FY2024 Budget Discussion,Select Board Meeting February 7,
2023
●Human Resources Budget Presentation to Select Board 2-7-23
●Town Clerk &Elections
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●Town Manager ’s Office,FY24 Budget Request,Select Board Meeting Feb.7,2023
●Untitled,undated document with headings:Org Code,Object,Org Obi Proj,Account Desc,2023
Budget,2024 Request,2024 %Chg,2024 $Chg
●Memo dated 1-20-2023 to Select Board from Norman Khumalo re:Fiscal Year (FY)2024
Comprehensive Budget Transmittal
●Script and Motions for Hybrid Meeting,Select Board 2/7/23
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