MassVoter.com← Hopkinton Select BoardHopkinton Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
April 7, 2020
19 recorded votes, 6 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
State of Emergency
Declare a State of Emergency in Hopkinton, as follows: TOWN OF HOPKINTON DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS, the 2019 novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") is a highly contagious and potentially fatal...
To Declare a State of Emergency in Hopkinton, as follows: TOWN OF HOPKINTON DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS, the 2019 novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") is a highly contagious and potentially fatal respiratory disease, the prevalence of which is increasing rapidly throughout the world, inclusive of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; WHEREAS, COVID-19 has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization; WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor declared a State of Emergency to mobilize the Commonwealth's resources needed to address this public health crisis; WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency to similarly mobilize national resources; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued emergency orders requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide "COVID-19 Essential Services" to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of March 24, 2020 until May 4, 2020; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued emergency orders suspending normal operations at schools and non-essential day care facilities until May 4, 2020; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued various additional emergency orders on different dates substantially altering the operations of state and local government in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency; WHEREAS, the General Court of the Commonwealth has enacted legislation specific to the COVID-19 public heal
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to Declare a State of Emergency in Hopkinton, as follows: TOWN OF HOPKINTON DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS, the 2019 novel Coronavirus ("COVID-19") is a highly contagious and potentially fatal respiratory disease, the prevalence of which is increasing rapidly throughout the world, inclusive of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; WHEREAS, COVID-19 has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization; WHEREAS, on March 10, 2020, the Governor declared a State of Emergency to mobilize the Commonwealth's resources needed to address this public health crisis; WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency to similarly mobilize national resources; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued emergency orders requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide "COVID-19 Essential Services" to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of March 24, 2020 until May 4, 2020; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued emergency orders suspending normal operations at schools and non-essential day care facilities until May 4, 2020; WHEREAS, the Governor has issued various additional emergency orders on different dates substantially altering the operations of state and local government in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency; WHEREAS, the General Court of the Commonwealth has enacted legislation specific to the COVID-19 public health emergency to postpone annual town meetings and elections and otherwise altering the operation of various state and local government functions; WHEREAS, the residents and businesses of Hopkinton are in immediate and serious risk of suffering personal and financial losses as a result of COVID-19's current and ongoing threat to public health and safety; WHEREAS, the ordinary resources of Hopkinton are expected to be insufficient to meet the needs of its residents and businesses in coping with the public health, safety, and economic impacts of COVID-19; WHEREAS, the Hopkinton Select Board has determined that immediate public action is needed in order to prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 by and among the people of Hopkinton; and WHEREAS, it is critical to take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of the people of Hopkinton; THEREFORE, the Select Board, pursuant to its authority under Section 4.7.4.1 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (January 2019) and any other applicable law, inclusive of M.G.L. c.44, §31 and St. 1950, c.639, hereby declares a State of Emergency in the Town of Hopkinton as a result of the threat of COVID-19 as recognized by global, national, and state health officials. This declaration of a State of Emergency is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until is rescinded by the Select Board or the Governor's declaration of emergency is rescinded, whichever comes first. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: Nasrullah)
Police Chief Appointment
Accept te Human Resources Director's screening report and appoint Joseph Bennett to the position of Police Chief for the Town of Hopkinton, subject to successful contract negotiations; and to...
To accept te Human Resources Director's screening report and appoint Joseph Bennett to the position of Police Chief for the Town of Hopkinton, subject to successful contract negotiations; and to authorize the Town Manager and town legal team to commence negotiations
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to accept te Human Resources Director's screening report and appoint Joseph Bennett to the position of Police Chief for the Town of Hopkinton, subject to successful contract negotiations; and to authorize the Town Manager and town legal team to commence negotiations. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Public Hearing, Petition to Relocate and ADD Utility Pole on West Elm Street
Open the public hearing
To open the public hearing
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Mr. Tedstone to open the public hearing. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: Tedstone)
Consent Agenda
Approve the Minutes of the March 12, 2020 and March 17, 2020 Select Board meetings
To approve the Minutes of the March 12, 2020 and March 17, 2020 Select Board meetings
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 approve the Minutes of the March 12, 2020 and March 17, 2020 Select Board meetings. 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)
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)
Request for Remotely HELD Community Outreach Meeting
Approve the request to hold the Community Outreach Meeting remotely
To approve the request to hold the Community Outreach Meeting remotely
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve the request to hold the Community Outreach Meeting remotely. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Towne Pound, West Main Street
Approve the proposed work at the old Town Pound as described in the materials submitted, and to pay for the sign. Mr. Khumalo asked about the timeline and which Town department would pay for the...
To approve the proposed work at the old Town Pound as described in the materials submitted, and to pay for the sign. Mr. Khumalo asked about the timeline and which Town department would pay for the sign. Ms. Moran stated she would like the Select Board to pay for the sign and the goal is to have the project completed by June, 2020
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to approve the proposed work at the old Town Pound as described in the materials submitted, and to pay for the sign. Mr. Khumalo asked about the timeline and which Town department would pay for the sign. Ms. Moran stated she would like the Select Board to pay for the sign and the goal is to have the project completed by June, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Herr)
Annual Town Meeting Update and Annual Town Election DATE
Postpone the date of the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on May 18, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that election to June 29, 2020
To postpone the date of the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on May 18, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that election to June 29, 2020
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, TedstoneThe roll call does not list John Coutinho, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Herr and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to postpone the date of the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on May 18, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that election to June 29, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Herr, second: Nasrullah)
Postpone the date of the Democratic Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 10, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that...
To postpone the date of the Democratic Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 10, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that caucus to May 14, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, TedstoneThe roll call does not list John Coutinho, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to postpone the date of the Democratic Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 10, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that caucus to May 14, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Postpone the date of the Republican Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 9, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that...
To postpone the date of the Republican Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 9, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that caucus to May 15, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, TedstoneThe roll call does not list John Coutinho, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to postpone the date of the Republican Party caucus for the Annual Town Election currently scheduled on April 9, 2020 and, after consultation with the Town Manager and Town Clerk, to reschedule that caucus to May 15, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Town Manager Report
Vote to dedicate for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Select Board shown as "TE-57, PUE-39, TE-8, E-27, TE-42, TE-43,...
That the Board vote to dedicate for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Select Board shown as "TE-57, PUE-39, TE-8, E-27, TE-42, TE-43, PUE-37, and TE-65" on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the document entitled "Dedication of Municipal Parcels", and to adopt and to authorize the Chair of the Select Board to execute said "Dedication of Municipal Parcels" on behalf of the Board
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere that the Board vote to dedicate for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Select Board shown as "TE-57, PUE-39, TE-8, E-27, TE-42, TE-43, PUE-37, and TE-65" on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the document entitled "Dedication of Municipal Parcels", and to adopt and to authorize the Chair of the Select Board to execute said "Dedication of Municipal Parcels" on behalf of the Board. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Vote to accept the dedication for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Cemetery Commission and the Park and Recreation...
That the Board vote to accept the dedication for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Cemetery Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission shown as "TE-92, TE-93, TE-70, and TE-73" on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the documents entitled "Dedication of Municipal Parcels" which were executed by the Cemetery Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission, respectively
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere that the Board vote to accept the dedication for the Main Street Corridor Project portions of Town-owned land under the care, custody, and control of the Cemetery Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission shown as "TE-92, TE-93, TE-70, and TE-73" on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the documents entitled "Dedication of Municipal Parcels" which were executed by the Cemetery Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission, respectively. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Vote to adopt and execute the proposed Order of Taking, substantially as drafted, for all permanent and temporary easements required for the Main Street Corridor Project as described on a plan...
That the Board vote to adopt and execute the proposed Order of Taking, substantially as drafted, for all permanent and temporary easements required for the Main Street Corridor Project as described on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the proposed Order of Taking, and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to take any necessary to effectuate these takings. Mr. Miyares noted that one or two parcels may change ownership before the documents are recorded, and that is the purpose of the "substantially as drafted" in the motion
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere that the Board vote to adopt and execute the proposed Order of Taking, substantially as drafted, for all permanent and temporary easements required for the Main Street Corridor Project as described on a plan titled "SHOWING LOCATION OF EASEMENTS FOR THE MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONSTRUCTING MAIN STREET (ROUTE 135)" dated April 1, 2020, prepared by VHB, Inc., to be used for the purposes described in the proposed Order of Taking, and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to take any necessary to effectuate these takings. Mr. Miyares noted that one or two parcels may change ownership before the documents are recorded, and that is the purpose of the "substantially as drafted" in the motion. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Extend the due dates for fourth quarter real estate and personal property taxes from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020
To extend the due dates for fourth quarter real estate and personal property taxes from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to extend the due dates for fourth quarter real estate and personal property taxes from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Extend the application deadline for tax exemptions from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020
To extend the application deadline for tax exemptions from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to extend the application deadline for tax exemptions from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Waive interest or other penalties on any late payment for real estate, personal property, or excise tax as well as betterment assessments or apportionment thereof, and any water rate or annual...
To waive interest or other penalties on any late payment for real estate, personal property, or excise tax as well as betterment assessments or apportionment thereof, and any water rate or annual sewer use added to any tax payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020, so long as payment is made by June 30, 2020
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to waive interest or other penalties on any late payment for real estate, personal property, or excise tax as well as betterment assessments or apportionment thereof, and any water rate or annual sewer use added to any tax payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020, so long as payment is made by June 30, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: Nasrullah)
Authorize the Town Manager to work with public safety officials, the Select Board and others to develop and implement a plan for managing the Boston Marathon start line area on April 20, 2020,...
To authorize the Town Manager to work with public safety officials, the Select Board and others to develop and implement a plan for managing the Boston Marathon start line area on April 20, 2020, including prohibiting access to the start line and parking in the vicinity of the startline
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to authorize the Town Manager to work with public safety officials, the Select Board and others to develop and implement a plan for managing the Boston Marathon start line area on April 20, 2020, including prohibiting access to the start line and parking in the vicinity of the startline. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Allow the placement of a banner across Main Street by the Chamber of Commerce on or about April 20, 2020
To allow the placement of a banner across Main Street by the Chamber of Commerce on or about April 20, 2020
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to allow the placement of a banner across Main Street by the Chamber of Commerce on or about April 20, 2020. ROLL CALL: Mr. Tedstone-Yes; Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Coutinho, second: LaFreniere)
Future Agenda Items
Adjourn
To adjourn the meeting
Yes: Coutinho, Herr, LaFreniere, NasrullahAbstained: TedstoneThe roll call does not list Brendan Tedstone, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting. The minutes note: Brendan Tedstone (abstained, as the minutes say).
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Coutinho and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to adjourn the meeting. ROLL CALL: Mr. Coutinho-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes. Mr. Tedstone abstained from the vote. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, 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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