MassVoter.com← Hopkinton Select BoardHopkinton Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
November 5, 2019
14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Brendan Tedstone, John Coutinho, Brian Herr, Irfan Nasrullah, Mary Jo LaFreniere
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
CALL to Order
Approve executive session minutes; to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with the DPW, Fire and Dispatch Communications unions because the Chair declares that discussion in an...
The Chair entertained a motion to approve executive session minutes; to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with the DPW, Fire and Dispatch Communications unions because the Chair declares that discussion in an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town; to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, a Class Action Notice - Opioids Negotiation Class, because the Chair declares that having such discussion in Open Session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town; to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land Court Case 19 TL 000692 regarding a sewer betterment collection, because the Chair declares that having such discussion in Open Session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town; to allow Norman Khumalo to participate in the discussion; and to convene in Open Session after the conclusion of Executive Session
Yes: Coutinho, Herr, LaFreniere, NasrullahThe roll call does not list Brendan Tedstone, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“The Chair entertained a motion to approve executive session minutes; to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations with the DPW, Fire and Dispatch Communications unions because the Chair declares that discussion in an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town; to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, a Class Action Notice - Opioids Negotiation Class, because the Chair declares that having such discussion in Open Session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town; to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land Court Case 19 TL 000692 regarding a sewer betterment collection, because the Chair declares that having such discussion in Open Session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town; to allow Norman Khumalo to participate in the discussion; and to convene in Open Session after the conclusion of Executive Session. MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere. ROLL CALL: Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: LaFreniere)
New Town Employees
Confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Mauro as Public Health Nurse
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Mauro as Public Health Nurse
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Mauro as Public Health Nurse. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Pemberton as Administrative Assistant
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Pemberton as Administrative Assistant
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Ms. Pemberton as Administrative Assistant. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Jessica Lewerenz to the position of Administrative Benefits Support
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Jessica Lewerenz to the position of Administrative Benefits Support
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Jessica Lewerenz to the position of Administrative Benefits Support. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Consent Agenda
Approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the 10/22/19 Select Board meeting; 2) accept a gift of $52.92 from Amy Ritterbusch on behalf of her son, who received extra...
To approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the 10/22/19 Select Board meeting; 2) accept a gift of $52.92 from Amy Ritterbusch on behalf of her son, who received extra donations for his Eagle Scout Project, with the funds donated to the Town's General Fund; 3) to approve a request for a waiver for the fees associated with the Special Temporary Alcohol License for the Annual Diwali Gala; 4) approve a 4' x 40' banner across Main Street in advance of the Holiday Stroll, with the banner up between November 24, 2019 and December 7, 2019; and 5) approve a Parade Permit for the REMAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation road race on 11/23/19 beginning and ending at the Hopkinton Country Club
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the 10/22/19 Select Board meeting; 2) accept a gift of $52.92 from Amy Ritterbusch on behalf of her son, who received extra donations for his Eagle Scout Project, with the funds donated to the Town's General Fund; 3) to approve a request for a waiver for the fees associated with the Special Temporary Alcohol License for the Annual Diwali Gala; 4) approve a 4' x 40' banner across Main Street in advance of the Holiday Stroll, with the banner up between November 24, 2019 and December 7, 2019; and 5) approve a Parade Permit for the REMAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation road race on 11/23/19 beginning and ending at the Hopkinton Country Club. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Hopkin10k/Andy Welzel Scholarship Road RACE
Approve a Special Temporary Alcohol License and a Parade Permit for the Hopkin10K/Andy Welzel Scholarship Road Race on December 7, 2019
To approve a Special Temporary Alcohol License and a Parade Permit for the Hopkin10K/Andy Welzel Scholarship Road Race on December 7, 2019
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to approve a Special Temporary Alcohol License and a Parade Permit for the Hopkin10K/Andy Welzel Scholarship Road Race on December 7, 2019. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: LaFreniere)
Grill
Approve a Change of Manager for the 110 Grill at 1 Lumber Street, from Gene Ryan to Steven Melendez, Jr
To approve a Change of Manager for the 110 Grill at 1 Lumber Street, from Gene Ryan to Steven Melendez, Jr
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to approve a Change of Manager for the 110 Grill at 1 Lumber Street, from Gene Ryan to Steven Melendez, Jr. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Means Tested Senior Citizen Property TAX Exemption
Set the exemption amount at 200% of the circuit breaker number
To set the exemption amount at 200% of the circuit breaker number
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Mr. Coutinho to set the exemption amount at 200% of the circuit breaker number. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: Coutinho)
New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC D/B/A AT&T
Open the public hearing
To open the public hearing
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to open the public hearing. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: LaFreniere)
Close the public hearing
To close the public hearing
From the minutes
“MOVED by Ms. LaFreniere and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to close the public hearing. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: LaFreniere, second: Herr)
Grant locations for and permission to construct and maintain telecommunications wires and wireless attachments and appurtenances, including fiber optic cable, remote nodes and pole top antennas,...
To grant locations for and permission to construct and maintain telecommunications wires and wireless attachments and appurtenances, including fiber optic cable, remote nodes and pole top antennas, to be attached to Eversource Energy utility poles, located upon, along and under the public ways within the Town, as shown on the plans filed with the petition for Park Street and the corner of Grove St. and Maple St., subject to the following condition: The Wireless Small Cell Facilities shall not be installed on the new utility poles until the old poles have been removed
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to grant locations for and permission to construct and maintain telecommunications wires and wireless attachments and appurtenances, including fiber optic cable, remote nodes and pole top antennas, to be attached to Eversource Energy utility poles, located upon, along and under the public ways within the Town, as shown on the plans filed with the petition for Park Street and the corner of Grove St. and Maple St., subject to the following condition: The Wireless Small Cell Facilities shall not be installed on the new utility poles until the old poles have been removed. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: Nasrullah)
Town Manager Report
Call a special town meeting for Monday, December 9, 2019 at 7:00 PM, to include the article in the citizens petition, to open the warrant tonight and to close the warrant on November 21, 2019 at...
To call a special town meeting for Monday, December 9, 2019 at 7:00 PM, to include the article in the citizens petition, to open the warrant tonight and to close the warrant on November 21, 2019 at the close of the Town Hall business day; and to schedule a special Select Board meeting at 7:00 AM on November 22, 2019 to sign the special town meeting warrant. Mr. Herr stated this is bad practice for the Town of Hopkinton, and to his knowledge there has never been a time when a previously voted article was reversed this way, and there could be consequences with others bringing in any other articles they want to reopen. He stated it is governing through the rear view mirror, it sets a precedent, and if it becomes the norm, then it will be difficult. He stated he hopes the Town can get through it with cooler heads prevailing, considering the potential disruption. Mr. Coutinho agreed, noting it could have a major financial impact on the Town if this continues. Mr. Nasrullah stated it sets a poor precedent when people proceed under a town meeting vote and then someone later pulls the rug out from under them. Ms. LaFreniere stated there was a lot of discussion at town meeting at the time this was voted, and she hates to see re-doing old things at the last minute. She stated it will cost a lot, not only in terms of money. She stated that Main Street will need to be re-graded and re-paved by the Town if this project doesn't happen, and it won't save any money. Mr. Tedstone stated it is
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to call a special town meeting for Monday, December 9, 2019 at 7:00 PM, to include the article in the citizens petition, to open the warrant tonight and to close the warrant on November 21, 2019 at the close of the Town Hall business day; and to schedule a special Select Board meeting at 7:00 AM on November 22, 2019 to sign the special town meeting warrant. Mr. Herr stated this is bad practice for the Town of Hopkinton, and to his knowledge there has never been a time when a previously voted article was reversed this way, and there could be consequences with others bringing in any other articles they want to reopen. He stated it is governing through the rear view mirror, it sets a precedent, and if it becomes the norm, then it will be difficult. He stated he hopes the Town can get through it with cooler heads prevailing, considering the potential disruption. Mr. Coutinho agreed, noting it could have a major financial impact on the Town if this continues. Mr. Nasrullah stated it sets a poor precedent when people proceed under a town meeting vote and then someone later pulls the rug out from under them. Ms. LaFreniere stated there was a lot of discussion at town meeting at the time this was voted, and she hates to see re-doing old things at the last minute. She stated it will cost a lot, not only in terms of money. She stated that Main Street will need to be re-graded and re-paved by the Town if this project doesn't happen, and it won't save any money. Mr. Tedstone stated it is a slippery slope, and the 2018 annual town meeting warrant was advertised and the article was voted. He stated there are many things that could be re-voted and it takes power away from town meeting. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
For the Chair to send the document out to media outlets to enhance the discussion around the project and the facts pertaining thereto
For the Chair to send the document out to media outlets to enhance the discussion around the project and the facts pertaining thereto
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere for the Chair to send the document out to media outlets to enhance the discussion around the project and the facts pertaining thereto. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: LaFreniere)
Adjourn
To adjourn the meeting
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to adjourn the meeting. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
From the Hopkinton Select Board’s official minutes in the town’s Laserfiche document archive (Agendas & Minutes). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Hopkinton Independent (photos by John Cardillo): Brian Herr and Joe Clark (May 2024), Shahidul Mannan and Matthew Kizner (May 2025); Amy Ritterbusch, Hopkinton Independent candidate questionnaire (June 2020).
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