MassVoter.com← Hopkinton Select BoardHopkinton Select Board · 2020–2021 Board · Regular meeting
April 6, 2021
14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Brendan Tedstone, Irfan Nasrullah, Brian Herr, Mary Jo LaFreniere, Amy Ritterbusch
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
CALL to Order
Enter into executive session to consider approving executive session minutes of March 16, 2021; pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(Purpose 3), to to consider strategy with respect to collective...
To enter into executive session to consider approving executive session minutes of March 16, 2021; pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(Purpose 3), to to consider strategy with respect to collective bargaining relative to DPW, Police, Fire and Library 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 3) to discuss strategy for an Open Meeting Law Complaint concerning the March 2, 2021 Select Board meeting and Main Street Corridor Project, because discussing the same in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Town's litigation strategy; to allow Norman Khumalo and Elaine Lazarus to participate in the discussion, and to reconvene in Open Session at the conclusion of Executive Session. Mr. Herr asked if Town Counsel has reviewed the need for an Executive Session discussioni concerning the Open Meeting Law complaint, and Mr. Khumalo replied yes
Yes: Herr, Nasrullah, TedstoneThe roll call does not list Amy Ritterbusch and Mary Jo LaFreniere, who were at the meeting; they are not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to enter into executive session to consider approving executive session minutes of March 16, 2021; pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(Purpose 3), to to consider strategy with respect to collective bargaining relative to DPW, Police, Fire and Library 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 3) to discuss strategy for an Open Meeting Law Complaint concerning the March 2, 2021 Select Board meeting and Main Street Corridor Project, because discussing the same in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Town's litigation strategy; to allow Norman Khumalo and Elaine Lazarus to participate in the discussion, and to reconvene in Open Session at the conclusion of Executive Session. Mr. Herr asked if Town Counsel has reviewed the need for an Executive Session discussioni concerning the Open Meeting Law complaint, and Mr. Khumalo replied yes. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-3, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Herr)
Application for Alteration of Premises
Close the public hearing
To close the public hearing
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to close the public hearing. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Approve the application for Alteration of Premises to increase the area of the permanent outdoor seating area as proposed, for Start Line Brewing at 151R Hayden Rowe
To approve the application for Alteration of Premises to increase the area of the permanent outdoor seating area as proposed, for Start Line Brewing at 151R Hayden Rowe
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to approve the application for Alteration of Premises to increase the area of the permanent outdoor seating area as proposed, for Start Line Brewing at 151R Hayden Rowe. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Herr)
Consent Agenda
Approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the March 16, 2021 and March 23, 2021 Select Board meetings; and 2) accept a $100 gift to the Fire Department from Tom and...
To approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the March 16, 2021 and March 23, 2021 Select Board meetings; and 2) accept a $100 gift to the Fire Department from Tom and Marie Hegarty
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of: 1) approval of the Minutes of the March 16, 2021 and March 23, 2021 Select Board meetings; and 2) accept a $100 gift to the Fire Department from Tom and Marie Hegarty. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Board/Committee Appointments
Appoint Gale Levine to the Council on Aging, to a term expiring 6/30/2021
To appoint Gale Levine to the Council on Aging, to a term expiring 6/30/2021
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to appoint Gale Levine to the Council on Aging, to a term expiring 6/30/2021. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Appoint Jack Nealon to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, to a term expiring 6/30/2022
To appoint Jack Nealon to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, to a term expiring 6/30/2022
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to appoint Jack Nealon to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, to a term expiring 6/30/2022. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Appoint Kathy Yang to the Sustainable Green Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
To appoint Kathy Yang to the Sustainable Green Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to appoint Kathy Yang to the Sustainable Green Committee, to a term expiring 6/30/2023. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Annual Town Meeting
Approve the four ballot questions, as follows: QUESTION 1: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to...
To approve the four ballot questions, as follows: QUESTION 1: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund construction, reconstruction, renovation, alteration, and associated improvements of the Marathon School, including any planning, design, engineering, original equipment, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 2: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund the installation of control systems for the Hopkinton Middle School HVAC Renewal and Digital Control Upgrade, including any planning, design, engineering, original equipment, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 3: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund the partial roof replacements at the Hopkins and Hopkinton Middle Schools including any planning, design, engineering, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 4: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund for the roof replacement at the Police Station, including any planning, design
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to approve the four ballot questions, as follows: QUESTION 1: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund construction, reconstruction, renovation, alteration, and associated improvements of the Marathon School, including any planning, design, engineering, original equipment, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 2: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund the installation of control systems for the Hopkinton Middle School HVAC Renewal and Digital Control Upgrade, including any planning, design, engineering, original equipment, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 3: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund the partial roof replacements at the Hopkins and Hopkinton Middle Schools including any planning, design, engineering, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? QUESTION 4: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to fund for the roof replacement at the Police Station, including any planning, design, engineering, or associated costs or expenses related thereto? Mr. Khumalo explained that the borrowing for the four projects would be exempt from Proposition 2 ½, which means that if Town Meeting approves them, then the additional taxes raised is only for the project, then it comes off the tax rolls when it is paid off. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Question 4
Recommend approval of the following articles: 1. Acceptance of Town Reports 2. FY2021 Supplemental Appropriations & Transfers 3. Unpaid Bills from Previous Fiscal Years 4. Excess Bond Premium 5....
To recommend approval of the following articles: 1. Acceptance of Town Reports 2. FY2021 Supplemental Appropriations & Transfers 3. Unpaid Bills from Previous Fiscal Years 4. Excess Bond Premium 5. Set the Salary of Elected Officials 6. Fiscal 2022 Operating Budget 7. Parks & Recreation Revolving Funds 8. FY 2022 Revolving Funds Spending Limits 9. Consumer Price Index for Property Tax Exemptions 10. Chapter 90 Highway Funds 11. Other Post Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund 12. Transfer from the General Stabilization Fund 13. Transfer from the School Department Stabilization Fund to General Fund 14. Transfer from the School Department Stabilization Fund to School Department 15. Transfer from the Capital Stabilization Fund 16. Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund 17. Pay-As-You-Go Capital Expenses 18. Marathon School Addition 19. School HVAC Renewal and Digital Control Upgrade 20. Hopkins & Middle School Roof Replacement 21. Police Station Roof Replacement 22. Pratt Farm Well Field 23. Alprilla Farm Well 24. Grove Street Chlorine Injection 25. Water Main Replacement - Woody Island Road 26. Inflow and Infiltration Investigation 27. Vehicle Replacement 28. Community Preservation Funds 29. Community Preservation Recommendations 44. 148 Lumber Street 45. Teresa Road to Hughes Farm Trail Mr. Herr asked if the debt exclusions are approved, if the tax impact is higher than 2.5%. Mr. Khumalo stated the Town would be within the debt service target
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to recommend approval of the following articles: 1. Acceptance of Town Reports 2. FY2021 Supplemental Appropriations & Transfers 3. Unpaid Bills from Previous Fiscal Years 4. Excess Bond Premium 5. Set the Salary of Elected Officials 6. Fiscal 2022 Operating Budget 7. Parks & Recreation Revolving Funds 8. FY 2022 Revolving Funds Spending Limits 9. Consumer Price Index for Property Tax Exemptions 10. Chapter 90 Highway Funds 11. Other Post Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund 12. Transfer from the General Stabilization Fund 13. Transfer from the School Department Stabilization Fund to General Fund 14. Transfer from the School Department Stabilization Fund to School Department 15. Transfer from the Capital Stabilization Fund 16. Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund 17. Pay-As-You-Go Capital Expenses 18. Marathon School Addition 19. School HVAC Renewal and Digital Control Upgrade 20. Hopkins & Middle School Roof Replacement 21. Police Station Roof Replacement 22. Pratt Farm Well Field 23. Alprilla Farm Well 24. Grove Street Chlorine Injection 25. Water Main Replacement - Woody Island Road 26. Inflow and Infiltration Investigation 27. Vehicle Replacement 28. Community Preservation Funds 29. Community Preservation Recommendations 44. 148 Lumber Street 45. Teresa Road to Hughes Farm Trail Mr. Herr asked if the debt exclusions are approved, if the tax impact is higher than 2.5%. Mr. Khumalo stated the Town would be within the debt service target. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Call a special town meeting for May 8, 2021, open the warrant today, and close the warrant on April 17, 2021. Mr. Herr stated this isn't the best practice, but things like this happen...
To call a special town meeting for May 8, 2021, open the warrant today, and close the warrant on April 17, 2021. Mr. Herr stated this isn't the best practice, but things like this happen occasionally, and the Town has done this before. He stated it is incumbent on Mr. Khumalo and his colleagues not to submit other articles, and requested the same of the community. Ms. LaFreniere stated the article is necessary. The Board stated that the purpose of calling the special town meeting is to authorize the means tested senior citizen tax exemption program
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to call a special town meeting for May 8, 2021, open the warrant today, and close the warrant on April 17, 2021. Mr. Herr stated this isn't the best practice, but things like this happen occasionally, and the Town has done this before. He stated it is incumbent on Mr. Khumalo and his colleagues not to submit other articles, and requested the same of the community. Ms. LaFreniere stated the article is necessary. The Board stated that the purpose of calling the special town meeting is to authorize the means tested senior citizen tax exemption program. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Find that there has not been a violation of the Open Meeting Law and therefore, no remedial action is required; and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to formally notify the...
To find that there has not been a violation of the Open Meeting Law and therefore, no remedial action is required; and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to formally notify the complainant and the Attorney General of this determination
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to find that there has not been a violation of the Open Meeting Law and therefore, no remedial action is required; and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to formally notify the complainant and the Attorney General of this determination. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Herr)
Town Manager Report
Grant a hiring freeze exception to hire an Assistant Senior Services Director and an Outreach Coordinator
To grant a hiring freeze exception to hire an Assistant Senior Services Director and an Outreach Coordinator
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. Ritterbusch to grant a hiring freeze exception to hire an Assistant Senior Services Director and an Outreach Coordinator. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: Ritterbusch)
Approve the 2021 Boston Marathon Invitational Waiver process. Mr. Herr asked if the Town would be receiving the same number of entries as last year, and Mr. Khumalo replied yes
To approve the 2021 Boston Marathon Invitational Waiver process. Mr. Herr asked if the Town would be receiving the same number of entries as last year, and Mr. Khumalo replied yes
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Ms. LaFreniere to approve the 2021 Boston Marathon Invitational Waiver process. Mr. Herr asked if the Town would be receiving the same number of entries as last year, and Mr. Khumalo replied yes. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, second: LaFreniere)
Future Board Agenda Items
Adjourn
To adjourn the meeting
From the minutes
“MOVED by Mr. Nasrullah and SECONDED by Mr. Herr to adjourn the meeting. ROLL CALL: Mr. Nasrullah-Yes; Mr. Herr-Yes; Ms. LaFreniere-Yes; Ms. Ritterbusch-Yes; Mr. Tedstone-Yes. Vote to Approve: Yes-5, No-0..” (Motion: Nasrullah, 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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