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Hopkinton Select Board
How the Hopkinton Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Mary Jo LaFreniere, elected in May 2019, joined the board; Claire Wright left it (her last meeting was May 15, 2019). On May 28, 2019 the board chose Brendan Tedstone as Chair and John Coutinho as Vice Chair (each 4-0, before Ms. LaFreniere arrived). The board was renamed from the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board in spring 2019. Because of COVID-19 this board served until the delayed June 2020 election. Covers 35 meetings, May 28 to June 25, 2020.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetYour Hopkinton ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
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Members
Brian HerrMember · At-large · at 31 of 35 meetingsMary Jo LaFreniereMember · At-large · at 31 of 35 meetingsIrfan NasrullahMember · At-large · at 29 of 35 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Hopkinton Select Board minutes (the board was called the Board of Selectmen until spring 2019) from January 16, 2018 through September 15, 2026: 278 meetings and 2,338 votes. The town keeps the board’s minutes in its Laserfiche public portal back to 2002 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on); they are typed documents with searchable text. Not here: executive-session minutes, except on 8 dates where the town has posted only the released executive-session minutes and no open-session minutes (May 9, June 6, July 20, September 5 and December 5, 2023; February 8, April 16 and May 21, 2024; shown with a note); about 20 meetings since 2023 that have a posted agenda but no minutes (for example January 2, January 16 and March 19, 2024, September 4, 2025 and March 26, 2026; some may have been cancelled); and meetings after September 15, 2026 (not posted yet). Most votes are recorded as a count (“Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0”), and since 2020 often with a roll call naming each member (“ROLL CALL: Amy Ritterbusch-Yes, Shahidul Mannan-Yes, Brian Herr-Yes, Joe Clark-Yes, Matthew Kizner-No”); split votes name who voted each way. We show each member’s vote as recorded. Where only a count is given, a count that matches the members present with no one voting no is shown as every member present voting yes; when the minutes say a member arrived late, left the room, stepped off the board or did not vote, and the count matches the members still voting, that member is left out with a note. Where a roll call lists a member twice, names a member the minutes do not show as present, or does not match its stated count, or a split count does not name who voted no, we show the count only, with a note. Town Meeting article recommendations made under a standing motion are listed one by one. At joint meetings, only the Select Board’s own votes are shown; where both boards voted together (for example to fill a vacancy), we show the Select Board members’ votes and give the combined count in a note. Motions that were withdrawn or got no second, with no vote recorded, are not listed. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Jun 2Authorize the Town Manager to work with the Town…Motion: to authorize the Town Manager to work with the Town Engineer,…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: LaFreniere
June 2, 2020: Authorize the Town Manager to work with the Town Engineer, DPW Director, Assistant Town Manager, local restaurants and property owners to allow the use of the Town Hall driveway for…
To authorize the Town Manager to work with the Town Engineer, DPW Director, Assistant Town Manager, local restaurants and property owners to allow the use of the Town Hall driveway for outdoor dining if desired, resulting in temporary closure of the driveway. Ms. LaFreniere questioned whether it is necessary, and Mr. Khumalo stated he doesn't know if anyone is interested but it is a potential opportunity, and the Town would be proactive and help restaurants to make up for what was lost
Yes: Coutinho, Herr, Nasrullah, TedstoneAbstained: LaFreniere
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to authorize the Town Manager to work with the Town Engineer, DPW Director, Assistant Town Manager, local restaurants and property owners to allow the use of the Town Hall driveway for outdoor dining if desired, resulting in temporary closure of the driveway. Ms. LaFreniere questioned whether it is necessary, and Mr. Khumalo stated he doesn't know if anyone is interested but it is a potential opportunity, and the Town would be proactive and help restaurants to make up for what was lost. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Abstain. Vote to Approve: Yes-4 (Tedstone, Coutinho, Herr, Nasrullah), No-0, Abstain-1 (LaFreniere)..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
May 19Allow the Town to hire lifeguards/Sandy Beach staff for…Motion: to allow the Town to hire lifeguards/Sandy Beach staff for the…Passed 4–1 · No: Tedstone
May 19, 2020: Allow the Town to hire lifeguards/Sandy Beach staff for the 2020 summer season
To allow the Town to hire lifeguards/Sandy Beach staff for the 2020 summer season
Yes: Coutinho, Herr, LaFreniere, NasrullahNo: Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to allow the Town to hire lifeguards/Sandy Beach staff for the 2020 summer season. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-No; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-1..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Apr 7Accept the resignation of Claire Wright as the Town's…Motion: to accept the resignation of Claire Wright as the Town's representative…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 7, 2020: Accept the resignation of Claire Wright as the Town's representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and Maryanne Chambers from the Hopkinton Historic District Commission
To accept the resignation of Claire Wright as the Town's representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and Maryanne Chambers from the Hopkinton Historic District Commission
Yes: Coutinho, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, TedstoneThe roll call does not list Brian Herr, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to accept the resignation of Claire Wright as the Town's representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and Maryanne Chambers from the Hopkinton Historic District Commission. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Mar 10Accept a $10,000 gift from the New England Laborers'…Motion: to accept a $10,000 gift from the New England Laborers' Training…Passed 3–0 · see note
March 10, 2020: Accept a $10,000 gift from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for the Tax Relief Fund, a $5,000 donation from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for senior…
To accept a $10,000 gift from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for the Tax Relief Fund, a $5,000 donation from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for senior transportation, and donations totalling $495.00 to the Ambulance Fund in memory of Francis J. Pyne
Yes: Coutinho, LaFreniere, TedstoneThe minutes say Brian Herr had not yet arrived or had left the room when this vote was taken; the count (3-0) matches the members in the room, so this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to accept a $10,000 gift from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for the Tax Relief Fund, a $5,000 donation from the New England Laborers' Training Trust Fund for senior transportation, and donations totalling $495.00 to the Ambulance Fund in memory of Francis J. Pyne. Vote to Approve: Yes-3, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Feb 25Approve a Parade Permit for the Global 6K for…Motion: to approve a Parade Permit for the Global 6K for Water…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: 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…
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
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“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..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Coutinho)
Feb 25Having convened in an open meeting on February 25,…Motion: that having convened in an open meeting on February 25, 2020,…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: 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...
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 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
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“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 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..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Feb 25Approve the Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License…Motion: to approve the Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License for…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: Approve the Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License for the Hopkinton Running Club for the Hopkin10K Race on April 11, 2020
To approve the Parade Permit and Special Temporary Alcohol License for the Hopkinton Running Club for the Hopkin10K Race on April 11, 2020
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“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..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Feb 25Approve a special temporary alcohol license for the Shamrock…Motion: to approve a special temporary alcohol license for the Shamrock Shindig…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: Approve a special temporary alcohol license for the Shamrock Shindig on March 12, 2020
To approve a special temporary alcohol license for the Shamrock Shindig on March 12, 2020
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“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..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Feb 25Approve a fee waiver for the applicationMotion: to approve a fee waiver for the applicationPassed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: Approve a fee waiver for the application
To approve a fee waiver for the application
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve a fee waiver for the application. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Feb 25Appoint Peggy Barton, Renee Dean, Paul Gallagher, Amy Groves,…Motion: to appoint Peggy Barton, Renee Dean, Paul Gallagher, Amy Groves, Andrew…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 25, 2020: 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...
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
The count (4-0) does not match the 5 members shown at the meeting, and the minutes do not say who did not vote. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“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..” (Motion: LaFreniere, second: Coutinho)
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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