MassVoter.com← HopkintonMunicipal votes · 2020–2021 Board
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. The 2020 town election was held in June because of COVID-19. Amy Ritterbusch joined the board; John Coutinho left it (his last meeting was June 25, 2020). On July 2, 2020 the board chose Brendan Tedstone as Chair (4-0, Tedstone abstaining) and Irfan Nasrullah as Vice Chair. Most meetings in this term were held remotely. Covers 36 meetings, July 2 to May 18, 2021.
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 36 of 36 meetingsMary Jo LaFreniereMember · At-large · at 33 of 36 meetings
Amy RitterbuschMember · At-large · at 36 of 36 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.
May 18Advance the evaluation form to the Human Resources Director…Motion: to advance the evaluation form to the Human Resources Director with…Passed 4–1 · No: Tedstone
May 18, 2021: Advance the evaluation form to the Human Resources Director with an overall rating of Exceeds Expectations Regularly and to authorize the Chair to sign the final document
To advance the evaluation form to the Human Resources Director with an overall rating of Exceeds Expectations Regularly and to authorize the Chair to sign the final document
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, RitterbuschNo: Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Brian Herr and SECONDED by Amy Ritterbusch to advance the evaluation form to the Human Resources Director with an overall rating of Exceeds Expectations Regularly and to authorize the Chair to sign the final document. ROLL CALL: Nasrullah-Yes; Herr-Yes; LaFreniere-Yes; Ritterbusch-Yes; Tedstone-No. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-1..” (Motion: Herr, second: Ritterbusch)
Apr 20Approve the name "Hoyt Way" for the Hopkinton Village…Motion: to approve the name "Hoyt Way" for the Hopkinton Village Center…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 20, 2021: Approve the name "Hoyt Way" for the Hopkinton Village Center residential development in the location depicted on the submitted plan
To approve the name "Hoyt Way" for the Hopkinton Village Center residential development in the location depicted on the submitted plan
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, RitterbuschThe roll call does not list Brendan Tedstone, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Ms. LaFreniere and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to approve the name "Hoyt Way" for the Hopkinton Village Center residential development in the location depicted on the submitted plan. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: LaFreniere, second: Ritterbusch)
Apr 20Approve the submission of an application to the MAAB…Motion: to approve the submission of an application to the MAAB for…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Tedstone
April 20, 2021: Approve the submission of an application to the MAAB for a time variance to delay the installation of a lift to the second floor of the farmhouse
To approve the submission of an application to the MAAB for a time variance to delay the installation of a lift to the second floor of the farmhouse
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, RitterbuschAbstained: Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Ms. Ritterbusch and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to approve the submission of an application to the MAAB for a time variance to delay the installation of a lift to the second floor of the farmhouse. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Abstain. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0, Abstain-1..” (Motion: Ritterbusch, second: LaFreniere)
Feb 9Accept the resignation of John Palmer from the Tax…Motion: to accept the resignation of John Palmer from the Tax Relief…Passed 4–1 · No: Tedstone
February 9, 2021: Accept the resignation of John Palmer from the Tax Relief Committee
To accept the resignation of John Palmer from the Tax Relief Committee
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, RitterbuschNo: Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to accept the resignation of John Palmer from the Tax Relief Committee. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-No. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-1..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Feb 9Appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to…Motion: to appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a…Passed 5–0 · see note
February 9, 2021: Appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
To appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Irfan Nasrullah yes, Brian Herr yes, Amy Ritterbusch yes, Brendan Tedstone yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Feb 9Approve the hiring of an Administrative Assistant, FinanceMotion: to approve the hiring of an Administrative Assistant, FinancePassed 5–0 · see note
February 9, 2021: Approve the hiring of an Administrative Assistant, Finance
To approve the hiring of an Administrative Assistant, Finance
The minutes give the count as 5-0, but the roll call reads: Irfan Nasrullah yes, Brian Herr yes, Amy Ritterbusch yes, Brendan Tedstone yes. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Ms. Ritterbusch and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to approve the hiring of an Administrative Assistant, Finance. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Ritterbusch, second: Nasrullah)
Feb 2Appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to…Motion: to appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 2, 2021: Appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
To appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
Yes: Herr, Nasrullah, Ritterbusch, TedstoneThe roll call does not list Mary Jo LaFreniere, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to appoint Barbara Kessler to the Tax Relief Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Jan 26Include a Tree Protection bylaw placeholder. In response to…Motion: to include a Tree Protection bylaw placeholder. In response to a…Failed 1–4 · No: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, Tedstone
January 26, 2021: Include a Tree Protection bylaw placeholder. In response to a question of Mr. Nasrullah, Mr. Khumalo stated that the Board can withdraw an article any time before it signs the…
To include a Tree Protection bylaw placeholder. In response to a question of Mr. Nasrullah, Mr. Khumalo stated that the Board can withdraw an article any time before it signs the warrant. Mr. Tedstone stated he is concerned about putting it on the warrant without input from those affected by it. Ms. Ritterbusch stated she anticipates the draft will be rewritten as a General Bylaw and then circulated for comment. She stated the issue has been debated for over 2 years by the public and the Planning Board, and people shouldn't have to wait longer. Mr. Nasrullah stated that the article should be sponsored by the Planning board, and Mr. Tedstone agreed
Yes: RitterbuschNo: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Ms. Ritterbusch and SECONDED by Mr. Nasrullah to include a Tree Protection bylaw placeholder. In response to a question of Mr. Nasrullah, Mr. Khumalo stated that the Board can withdraw an article any time before it signs the warrant. Mr. Tedstone stated he is concerned about putting it on the warrant without input from those affected by it. Ms. Ritterbusch stated she anticipates the draft will be rewritten as a General Bylaw and then circulated for comment. She stated the issue has been debated for over 2 years by the public and the Planning Board, and people shouldn't have to wait longer. Mr. Nasrullah stated that the article should be sponsored by the Planning board, and Mr. Tedstone agreed. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-No; Mr. Herr-No; Ms. LaFreniere-No; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-No. Vote to Approve: Yes-1, No-4..” (Motion: Ritterbusch, second: Nasrullah)
Dec 15Renew the Common Victualler license for Hiller's PizzaMotion: to renew the Common Victualler license for Hiller's PizzaPassed 4–1 · No: Tedstone
December 15, 2020: Renew the Common Victualler license for Hiller's Pizza
To renew the Common Victualler license for Hiller's Pizza
Yes: Herr, LaFreniere, Nasrullah, RitterbuschNo: Tedstone
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Tedstone and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to renew the Common Victualler license for Hiller's Pizza. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-No. Vote to Approve: Yes-4, No-1..” (Motion: Tedstone, second: LaFreniere)
Oct 20Support the application to the CPC for Covid-19 related…Motion: to support the application to the CPC for Covid-19 related emergency…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: LaFreniere
October 20, 2020: Support the application to the CPC for Covid-19 related emergency housing relief
To support the application to the CPC for Covid-19 related emergency housing relief
Yes: Herr, Nasrullah, RitterbuschAbstained: LaFreniereThe roll call does not list Brendan Tedstone, who was at the meeting; this member is not shown as voting. The minutes note: Brendan Tedstone (not voting, as the minutes say).
From the minutes
“MOVEDby Ms. Ritterbusch and SECONDEDby Mr. Herr to support the application to the CPC for Covid-19 related emergency housing relief. ROLL CALL:Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Abstain; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes. Mr. Tedstone was not present. Vote to Approve: Yes-3, No-0, Abstain-1..” (Motion: Ritterbusch, second: Herr)
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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