Hopedale public meetings in 2025

School Committee

The Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Budget Subcommittee announced a series of public meetings to review preliminary FY2027 budget items. The agenda outlines reviews of staffing costs, administration and fixed charges, other school services, facility operations, fixed‑asset acquisition, instructional programs, and revenue projections, culminating in a consensus vote on the budget. No decisions are made at this posting; it sets the schedule for upcoming discussions.

• First review of Salary & Wage & Fringe Benefits and instructional/non‑instructional staffing (FTEs)
• First review of Administration (1000) and Fixed Charges (5000) functions
• First review of Other School Services (3000) and Facility/Plant Operations (4000)
• First review of Acquisition of Fixed Assets (7000) and district‑wide technology
• Review of revenue projections from State Aid and consensus vote on FY2027 budget

School Committee

The School Council will meet to review the latest MCAS performance report and competency determinations. The meeting also includes a discussion on an AI initiative and updates on student events.

• Review of MCAS performance report
• Discussion of AI initiative
• Review of November 4, 2025 minutes
• Student update on CDMASC Conference

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board. The agenda includes an executive session to discuss litigation strategy.

• Executive session regarding litigation: Ruscitti v. Hazard, Ruscitti v. Town of Hopedale, and Hopedale Water Sewer Commissioners

Assessors

The Hopedale Board of Assessors will review a packet for classification hearing changes and sign the FY 25 Pro Forma warrant and notice of commitment. The board will also move into executive session to discuss confidential matters such as abatements, exemptions, and chapter‑land. After the executive session, the board will vote on adjournment.

• Review packet for classification hearing changes
• Sign warrant for FY 25 Pro Forma
• Sign notice of commitment for FY 25 Pro Forma
• Enter executive session to discuss confidential matters (abatements, exemptions, chapter‑land)
• Motion for adjournment

The Board of Assessors reviewed and signed the FY 2025 warrant for the Pro Forma and its notice of commitment. They agreed to hold the next Board of Assessors meeting on January 9, 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 12:44 pm.

• Reviewed and signed FY 2025 warrant for Pro Forma (approved)
• Set next Board of Assessors meeting for Jan 9, 2026 (scheduled)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:44 pm (adjourned)

CMMPO

The CMMPO is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and new Critical Rural & Urban Freight Corridors. The meeting will discuss funding adjustments and scheduling changes for several regional highway and bridge projects.

• I-290 over East Central Street superstructure replacement: cost increase of $4,808,426 for a total of $35,738,187
• Mill Street bridge replacements in Southbridge: cost increase of $1,239,170 for a total of $11,232,073
• Homeward Avenue over Providence Railroad bridge replacement in Uxbridge: proposed $3,741,988 funding
• Pleasant Street pedestrian and bicycle improvements in Worcester: updated total cost of $4,158,179
• Oxford Street over Kettle Brook bridge replacement in Auburn: moved to FFY 2029 with total cost of $19,577,600

Administrator - Select Board

The Hopedale Select Board approved a bond anticipation note, accepted a $58,858.12 legal fund donation, and authorized a letter of support for GLP1, each unanimously (3-0). The board also approved license renewals for Cumberland Farms and Costa Brothers, and hired BSC Group as the town’s contract planner, all by a 3-0 vote. Several motions to enter executive session for litigation, real‑estate, and bargaining strategies were adopted, with two unanimous (3-0) and one by a 2-1 vote. The meeting was adjourned after these actions.

• Approved bond anticipation note (3-0)
• Accepted legal fund donation check of $58,858.12 (3-0)
• Authorized GLP1 support letter (3-0)
• Approved license renewals for Cumberland Farms and Costa Brothers (3-0)
• Approved hiring BSC Group as contract planner (3-0)
• Entered executive session on litigation strategy (3-0)
• Entered executive session on real‑estate negotiations (3-0)
• Entered executive session on bargaining strategy (2-1)

School Committee

The School Committee will hold a planning session with MASC regarding the superintendent search. The discussion will cover the search committee makeup and the project timeline.

• Planning session with MASC for superintendent search process
• Determination of search committee makeup
• Establishment of search timeline

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee will review the FY26 budget status and approve several donations. Members will vote on revisions to the admissions policy and on the initial approval for a senior foreign trip to Italy in April 2027. A vote will also be taken on the FY27 freshman class size. Additional reports and updates will be presented but are not votes.

• FY26 Budget Status (report) – Business Manager N. Ferguson
• Donation approvals: Gift Cards (D. Fields, Sutton), UniBank, Blissful Meadows
• Admissions Policy Revisions (Policy JF-Admissions) – vote
• Foreign Trip – Italy April 2027 (Initial Approval) – vote
• FY27 Freshmen Class Size – vote

Council on Aging Board

The Hopedale Council on Aging Board will approve the November 2025 meeting minutes and hear the director’s and outreach reports. The board will discuss updates on the director position search, the departing director’s final day and pending project assignments for January 2026, and will set the interim director’s pay rate and schedule for 2026. Additional items include reviewing revolving account balances, turnovers from Hopedale Friends of Elders, and planning the January 2026 activity calendar and board meeting date.

• Approve November 2025 meeting minutes
• Director position search update
• Set interim director’s pay rate and schedule for 2026
• Review revolving account balances
• Plan January 2026 activity calendar and board meeting date

The board voted unanimously to hire Carole Mullen as a contract worker for ten hours a week at $42 per hour for January and February. The board also voted unanimously to name Cheryl Moreci and Bob Casali as the members authorized to sign payroll. The vote on the November meeting minutes was postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved hiring Carole Mullen as contract worker (10 hrs/week, $42/hr Jan–Feb) – unanimous
• Approved appointment of Cheryl Moreci and Bob Casali as payroll signers – unanimous
• Postponed vote on November meeting minutes to next meeting

CMMPO

The committee will approve the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes and invite public comment. It will consider releasing Proposed Amendment #2 to the FY 2026‑2030 Transportation Improvement Program highway project listing, and a set of new rural and urban freight corridors, each for a 21‑day public review period. Presentations will include updates on the Safe Streets for All program, the Vernon Connected Transportation Study, and a housing‑and‑transportation study.

• Approval of October 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Potential action: release Proposed Amendment #2 to the FFY 2026‑2030 TIP Highway Project Listing for a 21‑day public review
• Potential action: release proposed new rural and urban freight corridors for a 21‑day public review
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) update presentation
• Vernon Connected Transportation Study update presentation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Hopedale Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing on an application by Andy Clark of Expose Signs & Graphics, Inc. to expand standing signage at 1 Airport Drive Extension. The board will also hear public comments on the same site, discuss upcoming 40B housing provisions and ZBA fee structures with counsel, and review a draft Noise Ordinance. Minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting will be accepted before adjourning.

• Public hearing on Andy Clark's request to add two standing signs at 1 Airport Drive Extension
• Public comments regarding 1 Airport Drive Extension
• Discussion with In-House Counsel Gerry Moody on upcoming 40B and ZBA fees
• Review of proposed draft Noise Ordinance
• Acceptance of meeting minutes for November 19, 2025

The board voted to continue the sign‑relief hearing for Andy Clark to Jan. 21, 2026. It approved the recommended changes to the fee schedule, setting both the application fee and per‑unit fee at $150. The board also accepted the Comprehensive Permit Regulations presented by counsel. All motions passed unanimously.

• Continued sign‑relief hearing to Jan 21, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved ZBA fee schedule change: application fee $150 (unanimous)
• Approved ZBA fee schedule change: per‑unit fee $150 (unanimous)
• Accepted Comprehensive Permit Regulations (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Nov 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:35 PM (unanimous)

Assessors

The Hopedale Board of Assessors will review a packet of classification hearing changes and make a recommendation. The board will also consider a motion to enter Executive Session under Purpose 7 to discuss confidential matters such as abatements, exemptions, and Chapter‑land. Votes will be taken on the Executive Session motion and on adjournment.

• Review and recommendation on classification hearing changes (packet)
• Motion to enter Executive Session for confidential matters (abatements, exemptions, Chapter‑land)
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Chair to call meeting to order and roll call
• Motion for adjournment

Housing Authority

The Hopedale Housing Authority Board will approve the November 13 meeting minutes. It will also approve bills submitted between November 13 and December 8, 2025. A fee accountant will present the balance statement ending October 31, 2025, and the Executive Director will give a report on correspondence and vacancy/wait‑list status.

• Approval of minutes – November 13, 2025 Regular Meeting
• Approval of bills – from November 13, 2025 to December 8, 2025
• Fee Accountant Report – Balance Statement ending October 31, 2025
• Executive Director’s Report – correspondence and vacancy/wait‑list review
• Next meeting scheduled for January 8, 2026

Road Commissioners

The Hopedale Road Commissioners will meet to approve minutes, discuss budget and maintenance updates, and vote on increasing hourly pay rates for plowing contractors. The board will also consider a playground renovation road cut permit and address a letter regarding a Golf Club fence on Mill Street.

• Approval of November 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to increase hourly rate for plowing contractors
• Playground renovation road cut permit
• Golf Club fence on Mill Street
• 2026 Road Commissioners meeting schedule

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Hopedale Water & Sewer Commission will hold a hybrid meeting to discuss a revised management authority, rate studies, and well repairs. The agenda also includes updates on PFAS and copper removal projects, as well as an executive session regarding legal strategy.

• Revised Water & Sewer Management Authority discussion
• Rate study update
• Well repairs
• Cross charges / water bill new town hall
• Executive session on legal strategy

The Commissioners unanimously approved the November 12, 2025 meeting minutes. They also unanimously approved sending a letter to the Town Administrator and the Selectboard regarding the reporting authority of the Water & Sewer Management Authority. The board decided the next meeting will be held in the evening to allow a public hearing on the upcoming rate study. No other motions were voted on.

• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter to Town Administrator and Selectboard (unanimous)
• Decided to hold next meeting in the evening for a public hearing (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:37 A.M. (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board approved the Host Community Agreement with Fresh Ones, LLC and accepted a donation of equipment from the Hopedale Village Cemetery. All three town licenses (common victualer, liquor, Class II auto) were renewed. The board entered executive session, voted to support the police department’s staffing search, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Host Community Agreement with Fresh Ones, LLC (3-0)
• Accepted equipment donation from Hopedale Village Cemetery (3-0)
• Renewed common victualer, liquor, and Class II auto licenses (each 3-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (3-0)
• Supported HPD staffing search to reduce overtime expenses (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:16 pm (3-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review year-to-date expenditures for fiscal year 2026. The body will also begin preparations for the fiscal year 2027 budget.

• FY2026 Expenditures YTD
• Prep for FY2027 budget

Planning Board

The Planning Board is reviewing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) application for 267 South Main Street. The Water & Sewer Department has notified the board that the current site plan lacks the required separate water service connection.

• ADU application for 267 South Main Street
• Requirement for separate water service connections from the water main
• Note that the property uses a septic system rather than municipal sewer

The board approved the ANR subdivision plan for 160 Mill Street on Kings Way, creating three lots on the 9.58‑acre parcel. It also approved the ANR boundary‑adjustment plan for 12 Mill Street, moving the line between houses 6 and 12. The board approved the construction of a 692‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit over the garage at 267 South Main Street, with conditions set by the water and sewer department. The board postponed further discussion of the Performance Bond for 75 Plain Street to the January 7, 2026 meeting.

• Approved ANR subdivision for 160 Mill Street (Kings Way) – all in favor
• Approved ANR boundary adjustment for 12 Mill Street – all in favor
• Approved construction of 692 sq ft ADU over garage at 267 South Main Street – all in favor
• Approved minutes from November 5 2025 meeting – all in favor
• Postponed Performance Bond discussion for 75 Plain Street to Jan 7 2026 – all in favor
• Adjourned meeting at 7:36 pm – all in favor

Planning Board

The Hopedale Planning Board will review a definitive subdivision plan for the Spooner Woods Estates area, covering lots 1 through 9. The plan proposes a 12‑foot wide gravel driveway with no sidewalks, private wells for water service, and no fire hydrants. It includes storm‑drainage provisions such as catch basins at 300‑foot intervals and 8" PVC pipe culverts. The subdivision is subject to covenant conditions set forth in deeds revised on January 12, 1988.

• Definitive subdivision plan of land for Spooner Woods Estates (lots 1‑9)
• Proposed 12‑foot wide gravel driveway with no sidewalk
• No fire hydrants or water mains; individual private wells to serve lots
• Storm‑drainage plan: catch basins every 300 feet and 8" PVC pipe culverts
• Covenant conditions required by deed revisions dated Jan 12 1988

Community Preservation Committee

The Hopedale Community Preservation Committee will meet on December 3, 2025 via Zoom. The committee will discuss and decide on approving the $875 payment for the Massachusetts Community Preservation Committee membership fee. No other agenda items are listed.

• Approve payment of $875 MassCPC membership fee

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee will approve the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes and consider several financial votes, including budget transfers and a $2,000 grant from Analog Devices for the DECA program. The committee will also review policy readings, provide updates on the FY27 budget process and the superintendent search, and receive reports on facilities, school calendar, and special education. Audience comments are invited throughout the meeting.

• Approve School Committee meeting minutes from November 4, 2025
• Vote on budget transfers
• Vote on $2,000 grant from Analog Devices for DECA
• Second reading of IHAIA Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Update on FY27 budget process

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The Hopedale Library Board of Trustees will consider the approval of the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Trustees will hear the Director’s Report, which includes building updates, a draft FY27 budget, and information about the Holiday Stroll. The agenda includes a review of the library’s budget and an update from the Friends of the Hopedale Library. The meeting also provides time for new business and public comments.

• Approve November 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Director’s Report covering building updates, FY27 budget draft, and Holiday Stroll
• Review of the library’s FY27 budget
• Friends of the Hopedale Library update (Chris Seaver)
• New Business (unspecified topics)

The trustees voted unanimously to accept the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes. No other formal motions were passed. Trustees were asked to complete a staff evaluation and explore a weather‑closure policy before the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

• Accepted November 4, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:05 p.m. (all voted in favor)

Board of Health

The Hopedale Board of Health will hold a budget workshop on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The agenda lists a call to order, a discussion of the FY2027 budget, and adjournment. The meeting is open to the public and follows the Open Meeting Law.

• FY2027 budget discussion

The Hopedale Board of Health met on December 2, 2025 to discuss the FY2027 budget, but no votes were taken on the budget. A motion to adjourn was moved by Jason MacDonald, seconded by Mary Watson, and all members voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

• Adjournment motion approved (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is meeting via Zoom to conduct business. The primary item for discussion and approval is the payment of a membership fee.

• Payment of MassCPC membership fee of $875

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a resource area delineation request and review a notice of intent for residential construction. The body will also receive updates on three separate site visits.

• Public hearing for Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) at 300 South Main Street
• Notice of Intent for single-family homes and septic systems at 4 Overdale Parkway, lots 1 and 2
• Site visit update for 50 Plain Street
• Site visit update for 134 Mill Street
• Site visit update for 86 Plain Street

The Conservation Commission voted to continue the hearing on the 300 South Main Street ANRAD request to the December 16, 2025 meeting. It also moved the hearings for the 4 Overdale Parkway Lot One and Lot Two Notices of Intent to the same December date. The board approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting and then adjourned.

• Continued 300 South Main Street ANRAD hearing to Dec 16, 2025 (motion passed)
• Continued 4 Overdale Parkway Lot One NOI hearing to Dec 16, 2025 (motion passed)
• Continued 4 Overdale Parkway Lot Two NOI hearing to Dec 16, 2025 (motion passed)
• Approved minutes of July 8, 2025 (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:21 PM (motion passed)

Water & Sewer Department

The Water and Sewer Commissioners, in joint session with the Select Board, will discuss the extension of remote meeting provisions authorized by Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023. The extension continues the remote meeting allowances of the March 12, 2020 Executive Order until March 31, 2025. The discussion covers both public access through alternative means and public participation remotely.

• Extension of remote meeting provisions (Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023) until March 31, 2025

The Board discussed the waived $200,000 GFI payment and the water‑sewer organization structure, but counsel advised the items not be addressed in open session. The topics were not discussed and no actions or votes were recorded.

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board will consider a Host Community Agreement between the Town of Hopedale and Fresh Ones A.C.E., LLC for a Marijuana Delivery Operator license. The agreement sets out compliance requirements, a Community Impact Fee of up to 3% of gross sales, and other fees, taxes, and security obligations. If the company does not obtain a final state license and begin operations within twelve months, the agreement will automatically expire.

• Approval of Host Community Agreement for a Marijuana Delivery Operator at 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11(K)
• Community Impact Fee provision limited to 3% of the company’s gross sales
• Requirement for the company to pay generally occurring municipal fees and applicable taxes
• Security cooperation obligations with the Hopedale Police Department
• 12‑month expiration clause if a final license is not obtained

The board voted 3‑0 to accept the Board of Assessors’ recommendation of a 1.5% tax rate, raising average residential taxes by $199 and commercial taxes by $400. It approved two donation checks—$8,000 from Hopedale Friends of Elders and $5,750 for the Legal Fund—unanimously. The board took no action on two National Grid pole requests, rescinded a motion to approve a cannabis delivery agreement, and entered executive session unanimously.

• Accepted assessors' 1.5% tax rate recommendation (3-0)
• Approved $8,000 donation from Hopedale Friends of Elders (unanimous)
• Approved $5,750 Legal Fund donation (unanimous)
• No action taken on National Grid pole relocation on Plain St
• No action taken on National Grid pole installation on Warfield St
• Rescinded motion to approve Fresh Ones, LLC cannabis delivery agreement
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (unanimous)
• Terminated firefighter JC DaSilva (action recorded)

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review departmental bills and a classification hearing packet to make a recommendation. The board will also enter executive session to discuss confidential matters including abatements, exemptions, and chapter-land applications.

• Review of classification hearing packet for recommendation
• Review of departmental bills
• Discussion and vote on abatements and exemptions
• Review of Chapter land applications

The Board approved the open‑meeting minutes and the executive‑session minutes from the November 7, 2025 meeting unanimously. They agreed to hold the next Board of Assessors meeting on January 9, 2026 at noon. The Board then entered executive session under Purpose 7, also unanimously.

• Approved open‑meeting minutes from Nov 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved executive‑session minutes from Nov 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Board of Assessors meeting for Jan 9, 2026 at noon
• Entered executive session under Purpose 7 (unanimous)

Council on Aging Board

The Hopedale Council on Aging Board meeting on November 20, 2025 will review several agenda items. It will discuss updates on the director position search, a proposed increase to the tax credit program abatement, and a change to the transportation fee policy. The board will also consider the December 2025 activity calendar and set the date for the next board meeting. All items may be subject to a vote.

• Director Position Search Update
• Tax Credit Program Abatement Increase
• Transportation Fee Policy Change
• December 2025 Activity Calendar
• December 2025 COA Board Meeting Date

The board unanimously approved a $25 fee for longer trips and a $10 fee for shorter trips. Nancy was approved to work from home one day per week in December. The October meeting minutes were accepted. The next board meeting was set for December 18.

• Approved $25 fee for longer trips and $10 fee for shorter trips (unanimous)
• Approved Nancy to work from home one day per week in December
• Accepted October meeting minutes
• Scheduled next meeting for December 18

Board of Health

The Hopedale Board of Health will discuss the FY2027 budget proposal and review waste‑related actions. It will also receive updates on trash and recycling expenses, animal‑control programs, and other reports. Action items include dumpster regulations and orders for 201 Hopedale Street.

• FY2027 Budget Proposal
• Dumpster Regulations
• 201 Hopedale Street Orders
• FY2026 Trash & Recycling Expenses To Date
• Blackstone Valley Animal Control Program Updates

The Board of Health approved the proposed dumpster regulations with fees and a Jan 1 2026 start date. It also ordered the owner of 201 Hopedale Street to remove vehicles within 90 days. The FY2027 budget proposal will be discussed at a workshop on Dec 2 2025. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved September 18, 2025 meeting minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved dumpster regulations to take effect Jan 1 2026, with specified permit fees (all voted in favor)
• Ordered removal of vehicles from 201 Hopedale Street within 90 days (all voted in favor)
• Scheduled FY2027 budget workshop for Dec 2 2025 (consensus decision)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:10 p.m. (all voted in favor)

Road Commissioners

The Road Commissioners will approve the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. They will receive updates on the town's budget to date and on roadway maintenance. The board will also consider the pay rate for plowing contractors carried over from previous business.

• Approve minutes of October 8, 2025 meeting
• Review budget to date
• Review roadway/maintenance updates
• Consider pay rate for plowing contractors (old business)

The board approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the budget report, both unanimously. They decided to table the vote on raising the plow contractors' hourly rate until the December meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted budget report (unanimous)
• Tabled vote on increasing plow contractor hourly rate to December meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a special permit application. The board will determine if a standing sign may be installed at a specific location.

• Case #06-2025: Special permit request by Power Brothers, LLC for a standing sign at 277 Mendon Street

The board approved a variance allowing a 10' × 16' shed at 5 Gaskill Circle with a 3‑4 foot setback relief. It denied the application for a 3' × 4' standing sign at 227 Mendon Street and continued the hearing for a sign at 1 Airport Drive Extension to Dec 17 2025. The board also approved the revised ZBA fee schedule and moved discussion of the draft noise ordinance to the Dec 17 2025 meeting.

• Approved variance for 5 Gaskill Circle shed (all in favor)
• Denied 3'x4' standing sign at 227 Mendon St (all in favor)
• Continued hearing for sign at 1 Airport Drive Extension to Dec 17, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved ZBA fee schedule (all in favor)
• Moved draft noise ordinance discussion to Dec 17, 2025 (all in favor)
• Accepted minutes of Oct 15, 2025 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:38 PM (all in favor)

Historical Commission

The Hopedale Historical Commission will review updates on several projects, including the pending $97,000 request for Little Red Shop Museum foundation repairs pending voter approval. Other agenda items include a status report on the Wayside Panel Project, a review of volunteer hours valued at $54,736.50, and a request to cancel the December 2025 meeting. The commission will also note that the SHRAB Fellowship Grant was not awarded.

• LRSM foundation repair funding request of $97,000 awaiting voter approval
• Wayside Panel Project update – potential new design and cost approach
• Volunteer hours logged for Blackstone Heritage Corridor (1,303.25 hrs, $54,736.50 value)
• SHRAB Fellowship Grant submitted on Oct 10, 2025 – not awarded
• Treasurer’s Report: Comcast fees $100.85 each for two periods, pest contract $92.25, cash donation $425

Finance Committee

The Hopedale Finance Committee will meet on November 18, 2025 at the Hopedale Community House. The committee will continue reviewing the STM warrant, with a possible vote, and discuss the 2025 Special Town Meeting. It will also review year-to-date expenditures for fiscal year 2026. Additional time is set aside for any unexpected topics the chair may raise.

• Continued review of the STM warrant (potential vote)
• Discussion of the 2025 Special Town Meeting
• Review of FY2026 expenditures year-to-date

Town Clerk

The Town approved a $600,000 acquisition of condominium units at 54 Hopedale Street and authorized borrowing the same amount. Annual spending limits for FY2026 revolving funds and several water‑department transfers were approved unanimously. Requests for planning services, assessor mapping upgrades, and FY2026 budget supplements were passed over. A petition to increase the Select Board from three to five members was rejected after a failed voice vote and a denied ballot request.

• Approved $600,000 condo purchase and $600,000 borrowing (2‑1 vote)
• Approved annual FY2026 revolving fund limits (unanimous)
• Approved $22,000 water department vehicle maintenance transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $97,000 Little Red Shop Museum repair transfer (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 transfer to OPEB trust fund (unanimous)
• Passed over planning services request for 150‑154 Mendon Street (unanimous)
• Passed over assessor mapping upgrades request (unanimous)
• Rejected petition to expand Select Board to five members (voice vote failed, ballot denied)

Housing Authority

The Hopedale Housing Authority Board will examine the FY 2026 budget, the balance statement, quarterly report, and modernization report ending September 30, 2025, and sign the end‑of‑year reports. The meeting will also approve the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting and approve bills dated October 9 to November 10, 2025. An Executive Director’s report will cover correspondence and the vacancy/wait‑list status.

• Review FY 2026 budget and financial statements (balance, quarterly, modernization) ending 9/30/2025
• Approve minutes from October 9, 2025 regular meeting
• Approve bills from October 9, 2025 to November 10, 2025
• Executive Director’s report on correspondence and vacancy/wait‑list
• Schedule next meeting for December 11, 2025

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Water & Sewer Commission will approve the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will discuss the sanitary survey results and water usage data. Updates on the PFAS project and the copper removal pilot study will be presented. The meeting includes a managers’ report and a period for public and board member comments.

• Approve minutes of October 20, 2025
• Review sanitary survey results
• Discuss water usage
• PFAS project update
• Copper removal pilot study update

The commissioners approved the minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting after two edits, with a unanimous vote. They also voted unanimously to adjourn the November 12, 2025 meeting at 6:22 PM. No other motions were adopted.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:22 PM (unanimous)

Hopedale Cultural Council

The Hopedale Cultural Council will meet to approve grant applications and review old and new business. The meeting will be held at the Bancroft Library.

• Approval of October 22, 2025 minutes
• Review of grant applications and approvals
• Treasurer's report
• Old Business review
• New Business discussion

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board is preparing for a Special Town Meeting to discuss moving excess levy capacity to stabilization and a citizen's petition to expand the board from 3 to 5 members. The board also managed the transition to new Town Hall offices at 54 Hopedale Street.

• Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 18 at 7pm at The Community House
• Accepted Legal Fund donations totaling $109,360.48
• Awarded Town Park project bid to Mountain View Landscape
• Opened new Town Hall offices at 54 Hopedale Street on October 27
• Held public hearings for Comcast and Verizon license renewals

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 14 and 27 meetings. It approved a one‑day liquor license for The Black Harp, LLC for the Holiday Stroll and accepted a legal fund donation of $34,241.75. The board also appointed three career firefighters—Anna Micelotte, Kyle Cedrone and John Thomas—effective Dec. 1, 2025, and moved to enter an executive session.

• Approved minutes from 10/14/2025 and 10/27/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for The Black Harp, LLC (unanimous)
• Accepted legal fund donation of $34,241.75 (unanimous)
• Appointed Anna Micelotte as career firefighter (unanimous)
• Appointed Kyle Cedrone as career firefighter (unanimous)
• Appointed John Thomas as career firefighter (unanimous)
• Entered executive session pursuant to MGL c.30A s.21 (unanimous)

Assessors

The Hopedale Board of Assessors will review departmental bills paid since the last meeting and sign the 2025-05 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Notice of Commitment, Warrant, and monthly abatements list for September and October 2025. The board will receive an assessor update on the RRC proposal and a Department of Revenue report on a classification hearing. A motion will be taken to enter Executive Session to discuss confidential abatements and exemptions. Routine items include approval of September 12, 2025 meeting minutes and discussion of future meeting dates.

• Review departmental bills paid since last meeting (no vote)
• Sign 2025-05 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Notice of Commitment and Warrant (no vote)
• Sign monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements for September and October 2025 (no vote)
• Discuss next proposed Board of Assessors meeting dates, including Special Town Meeting and Classification Hearing (no vote)
• Motion to enter Executive Session to discuss confidential abatements and exemptions (vote taken)

The Board unanimously approved the September 12, 2025 regular and executive session minutes. It tabled a request to increase pay for senior work‑off workers to the December agenda. The Board agreed to continue with RRC for FY 2027 personal property data work and set the next BOA meeting for November 24, 2025 at 6 pm. A motion to enter Executive Session under Purpose 7 passed unanimously.

• Approved September 12, 2025 regular minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 12, 2025 executive session minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled senior work‑off workers pay increase request to December agenda
• Agreed to continue RRC data work for FY 2027 personal property provisions
• Set BOA meeting for Nov 24, 2025 at 6 pm
• Entered Executive Session under Purpose 7 (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss the 2025 STM warrant. It will receive updates on ongoing projects for FY2026. The committee will also discuss the process for preparing the FY2027 budget. No other items are listed.

• STM 2025 warrant discussion
• FY2026 ongoing project updates
• Discussion of FY2027 budget preparation process

Planning Board

The Hopedale Planning Board meeting on November 5, 2025 will review several land use applications. Items include two administrative notices of rezoning (ANR) for properties on Hill and Mendon Streets and Overdale Parkway, a possible site plan modification for 50 Plain Street, a special permit request in the Marijuana Overlay District for 2 Evergreen Lane Unit 11, a revision to an approved plan for 229 South Main Street and Plain Street, and a performance bond for 75 Plain Street. The board will also approve the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting and address any other topics raised by the chair.

• ANR – Land off of Hill and Mendon Streets
• ANR – 4 Overdale Parkway
• Possible Site Plan Modification – 50 Plain Street
• Application for Special Permit in Marijuana Overlay District – 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11
• Performance Bond for 75 Plain Street

The Planning Board endorsed the ANR project for Hill and Mendon Streets and for 4 Overdale Parkway, each with unanimous support. It approved the withdrawal of a special permit application for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11. The board also approved revised ANR plans for 229 South Main Street and Plain Street, with one member abstaining and the rest in favor.

• Endorsed ANR plan for Hill and Mendon Streets (all in favor)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 4 Overdale Parkway (all in favor)
• Approved withdrawal of special permit application for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 (all in favor)
• Approved revised ANR plans for 229 South Main Street and Plain Street (one abstention, others in favor)
• Approved minutes of October 1, 2025 meeting (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:40 pm (all in favor)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The trustees accepted the October 7, 2025 meeting minutes and unanimously approved the FY27 Action plan. They authorized the purchase of a new library PC for $900 and ordered a compliant front‑door grab handle. Carpet cleaning was completed by Lovejoy Carpet, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted October 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 Action plan (unanimous)
• Purchased new PC for $900
• Ordered front‑door grab handle (compliant with historic register)
• Completed carpet cleaning by Lovejoy Carpet
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee will meet virtually at 12:15 p.m. for an executive session. The session is a strategy meeting to prepare for upcoming negotiations with non‑union personnel. No decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Executive strategy session for negotiations with non‑union personnel

Park Commission

The Hopedale Park Commission will review updates to the town park renovation schedule, discuss Lot A and related work at Draper, and consider a vote on heating for the park bathhouse. Additional items include correspondence about a geocache placement at Draper and employment options for a staff member. The meeting also includes a review of bills and invoices and a public comment period.

• Bathhouse heating vote
• Town park renovation schedule updates
• Lot A discussion and work updates at Draper
• Correspondence regarding placement of a geocache at Draper
• Employment options for Colton, including potential highway salary assistance

The Park Commission approved the September 18, 2025 minutes by unanimous consent. The town voted unanimously to sell 30 acres in front of the Water Sewer Commission for a housing complex and a multipurpose field with a track. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Voted unanimously to sell 30 acres for housing complex and multipurpose field
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining, litigation, and negotiations with non-union personnel. These items will be addressed in executive session.

• Executive session regarding collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• Executive session regarding negotiations with non-union personnel

Administrator - Select Board

The Board will discuss how to handle the $200,000 that was waived from the Plain St warehouse project but was earmarked for the Freedom Street Water Storage tank. Options include appropriating the amount via a levy, borrowing against the enterprise fund, or assessing a quarterly user fee of about $3‑4 per quarter. The timing of any action—whether to place it on the Fall Town Meeting warrant or wait for Spring 2026—will also be considered.

• $200,000 commitment waived for the Freedom Street Water Tank project
• Need to transfer the $200,000 to the Water Department to offset tank debt service
• Proposed funding options: levy appropriation, enterprise‑fund borrowing, or $3‑4 quarterly user fee
• If placed on the Fall Town Meeting warrant, it cannot be a borrowing article
• If not approved in Fall, the item may be deferred to the Spring 2026 Town Meeting

The Select Board unanimously closed the public hearing on Comcast and Verizon license renewals. It tabled the consent item to approve the October 14 minutes pending further review. The board unanimously appointed Kyle C. e. Drone to the Hopedale Call Fire. Finally, the board voted unanimously to move into Executive Session to consider real‑property transactions.

• Closed Comcast and Verizon license renewal hearing (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of 10/14 minutes (Chair tabled)
• Appointed Kyle C. e. Drone to Hopedale Call Fire (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session to consider real‑property matters (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on October 27, 2025, to determine whether to issue cable television licenses to Verizon and Comcast. The board also approved a warrant for a Special Town Meeting on November 18, 2025.

• Public hearing on Verizon and Comcast cable television licenses
• Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 18 at 7pm
• Citizen petition to increase Select Board size from 3 to 5 members
• Acceptance of Legal Fund donations totaling $109,360.48
• Town Hall relocation to 54 Hopedale Street

Council on Aging Board

The Hopedale Council on Aging board will discuss funding matters involving Sally Decelles and Tara Taglianetti‑Chambers. The board will receive updates on the director position search and recent conversations with outreach worker Nancy Mosher and administrative assistant Jen Bethel. New business includes reviewing the November 2025 activity calendar and setting the date for the next board meeting. All listed agenda items may be subject to a vote.

• FOE/COA funding discussion with Sally Decelles and Tara Taglianetti‑Chambers
• Director position search update
• Conversation with outreach worker Nancy Mosher
• Conversation with administrative assistant Jen Bethel
• Review of November 2025 activity calendar

The board accepted the September meeting minutes after correcting the dates for flu clinics. Friends of Elders officers Tara Taglianetti‑Chambers and Sally Decelles announced their resignations. After discussion, the council voted unanimously to move the Friends treasury balance of $17,184 into the council’s gift account. The next meeting is scheduled for November 20.

• Accepted September minutes with date correction (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $17,184 from Friends of Elders treasury to council gift account (unanimous)

Hopedale Cultural Council

The Hopedina Cultural Council will approve the September 15, 2025 minutes, hear the treasurer's report, review the DIP survey, and discuss a de‑brief of the upcoming Town of Hopedale Zoom meeting on the DIP program.

• Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s report
• Review of the DIP survey (old business)
• De‑brief of the upcoming DIP Zoom meeting (new business)

The council accepted the September 15, 2025 minutes and the treasurer's report. A unanimous motion transferred $1,439 from the Friends of HCC account to the HCC Grant funding account, raising the grant balance to $6,800. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted September 15, 2025 minutes (motion passed)
• Accepted Treasurer's report (motion passed)
• Approved $1,439 transfer to HCC Grant funding account (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Hopedale Water & Sewer Commission will meet to approve minutes, discuss a copper removal pilot study, and review financial commitments and debt services for the current year and FY27.

• Approve minutes from August 14, 2025, and September 11, 2025
• Update on copper removal pilot study
• Review of financial commitments and debt services
• FY27 budget planning
• Hydrant painting volunteer (Tom Sager)

The Water & Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes of the August 14, 2025 meeting. They also unanimously approved the minutes of the September 11, 2025 meeting. The board then adjourned the session at 11:04 A.M. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes of August 14, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 11, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:04 A.M. (unanimous)

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee meeting on Oct. 17, 2025 is dedicated to a professional development retreat for staff. No other agenda items or decisions are listed.

• Professional Development Retreat

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Hopedale Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding three property variance requests. The board will also discuss revisions to zoning by-laws.

• Variance request for a shed at 137 Dutcher Street
• Request to erect a fence higher than seven feet at 18 Highland Street
• Continued hearing for Expose Signs & Graphics, Inc. to add two signs at 1 Airport Drive Extension
• Discussion of revisions to Zoning By-laws

The board unanimously approved a variance allowing Ann Fahey to place a shed at 137 Dutcher Street, relieving the 10‑foot setback requirement. The board also unanimously approved the installation of an 8‑foot, 35‑foot L‑shaped fence at 18 Highland Street. The minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting were accepted, and the hearing on additional signage at 1 Airport Drive Extension was continued to the November 19, 2025 meeting. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved 137 Dutcher St. setback variance (all in favor)
• Approved 8‑ft, 35‑ft L‑shaped fence at 18 Highland St. (all in favor)
• Accepted September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Continued signage hearing for 1 Airport Dr. Extension to Nov 19, 2025 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

Town residents will vote on several financial articles, including budget supplements and capital requests. The meeting includes a citizen petition to increase the size of the Select Board. Other items involve property acquisitions and veterans' tax abatements.

• Proposal to increase Select Board membership from three to five members
• Authorization to purchase condominium units at 54 Hopedale Street
• Transfer of $22,000 from Water Department Certified Retained Earnings to Vehicle Maintenance
• Establishment of an Other Post Employment Benefit Trust Fund with a $5,000 transfer from Free Cash
• Funding requests for 150-154 Mendon Street planning, Little Red Shop Museum repairs, and assessor mapping upgrades

Housing Authority

The Hopedale Housing Authority board will meet on October 9, 2025. The board will approve the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes and the bills from September 11 to October 9, 2025. It will receive a fee accountant balance statement ending August 31, 2025 and an executive director report on correspondence and vacancy/wait‑list matters. The agenda also sets the next meeting for November 13, 2025.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of bills from September 11 to October 9, 2025
• Fee Accountant report – balance statement ending August 31, 2025
• Executive Director report on correspondence and vacancy/wait‑list

Road Commissioners

The Board of Road Commissioners will approve the minutes from the September 17, 2025 meeting. They will receive updates on the town's road budget to date and on roadway maintenance. The meeting will also consider any new business, any old business carried over from the previous meeting, and any other topics raised within 48 hours of the meeting.

• Approval of September 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Budget to date update
• Roadway/maintenance updates
• Consideration of new business items
• Consideration of old business items

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Community House request to close Hope Street for parking line painting. They also approved the September 17, 2025 meeting minutes and the current budget as presented. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Community House request to close Hope Street for parking line painting (all in favor)
• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved budget as presented to date (all in favor)

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee will approve September 9 meeting minutes, hear the superintendent’s report, and vote on several financial items including accounts payable and payroll warrants and budget transfers. It will also consider two public gift donations—a $9,400 grant from the One8 Foundation and a $303 donation from Kathleen Kavanaugh. A field trip request to Washington, DC will be voted on. Additional updates on transportation, family engagement, and program calendars will be discussed.

• Vote on Monthly Report of Accounts Payable Warrants
• Vote on Monthly Report of Payroll Warrants
• Vote on Budget Transfers
• Public Gift Donation/Grant of $9,400 from One8 Foundation for year 2 of ALLI Cohort
• Field Trip Request to Washington, DC – vote required

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The Trustees voted to accept the September 7, 2025 library minutes, with all members in favor. They then moved to adjourn the October 7 meeting, which also passed unanimously. No other actions requiring a vote were taken.

• Accepted September 7, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:05 p.m. (all voted in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss legal strategy regarding three specific court cases. The meeting is scheduled for an executive session to avoid detrimental effects on the Town's litigation positions.

• Litigation strategy for Town of Hopedale v. Jon Delli Priscoli
• Litigation strategy for Reilly v. Town of Hopedale
• Litigation strategy for Grafton & Upton Railroad v. Town of Hopedale

The board approved the minutes from September 8 and September 22, 2025 and accepted three legal‑fund donations totaling $109,360.48. It approved and posted the Special Town Meeting warrant, which includes a citizen petition to expand the board from three to five members. A motion to appoint Mr. Donohue as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals was denied. The board also awarded the Town Park contract to Mountain View Landscape and voted to retain Sally Decelles for 10 hours a week.

• Approved 9/8/2025 & 9/22/2025 minutes (3-0)
• Accepted legal‑fund donations of $3,700; $13,650; $92,010.48 (3-0)
• Approved and posted Special Town Meeting warrant (3-0)
• Appointment of Mr. Donohue as Zoning Board alternate denied (2-1)
• Awarded Town Park project to Mountain View Landscape (no vote recorded)
• Supported retaining Sally Decelles 10 hrs/week (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to seek preliminary approval for collection, accession, and deaccession policies and a Deed-of-Gift form. The body will also receive updates on the Little Red Shop Museum foundation repair and various digitization projects.

• Preliminary approval of Collection, Accession + Deaccession policies and Deed-of-Gift form
• Update on RFP for Little Red Shop Museum foundation repair
• Update on digitization of Draper Company/Corporation Cotton Chats and residential listings
• Hopedale Walking Tour scheduled for October 25th
• BHC Hike in the Parklands scheduled for November 8th

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a possible 40‑unit (40B) development off Route 16. The board will continue the hearing on the site‑plan approval for Hopedale Town Park and consider a potential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project for the Town Hall. It will also review a special permit application in the Marijuana Overlay District at 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11, and a requested Agricultural‑Preservation (ANR) endorsement for 4 Overdale Parkway.

• Possible 40B development off Route 16
• Continued hearing on site‑plan approval for Hopedale Town Park
• Potential TIF project for Town Hall
• Special permit application in Marijuana Overlay District – 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11
• Requested ANR endorsement – 4 Overdale Parkway

The board approved the site plan for the new Town Park, adding a hitting board to at least one tennis court, with a unanimous vote. It declined to endorse the ANR application for 4 Overdale Parkway due to possible wetlands and grade issues, also unanimously. The board continued the special permit hearing for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 to November 5, 2025, and approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0).

• Approved Town Park site plan with hitting board amendment (unanimous)
• Declined to endorse ANR plan for 4 Overdale Parkway (unanimous)
• Continued special permit hearing for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 to Nov 5 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved September 3 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0 vote)

Administrator - Select Board

The joint meeting of the Hopedale Select Board and Planning Board will consider three items. Board members will discuss the proposed Route 16/40b project. They will also review the Town Hall TIF (Tax Increment Financing) project and the final site plan for the town park.

• Route 16/40b proposal discussion
• TIF project for Town Hall
• Final site plan review for Town Park

Administrator - Select Board

The provided document is a Talent Bank Form and resume for Ralph Tiede, who is applying for a position on the Board of Registrars. There is no formal meeting agenda listed.

• Application for Board of Registrars by Ralph Tiede

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to discuss the search process for a Director position. The board will also review the October 2025 calendar of activities and the placement of a Hopedale High School intern at the Senior Center.

• Director position search process
• Hopedale High School intern at Senior Center
• October 2025 calendar activities
• Welcome of new board member Judy Pagnini

The board welcomed new member Judy Pagnini, replacing Karen Kulagowski. It approved using Canva for future newsletters and scheduled flu clinics for Oct 9 and Oct 30, an art show and a Yoga Nidra sound bath for Oct 30, and the annual Veterans Day program for Nov 6. The board directed posting the new director position in early October and planning a meeting with Friends of Elders regarding the Curiosity Shop location.

• Welcomed new member Judy Pagnini, replacing Karen Kulagowski
• Approved transition of newsletter design to Canva, with intern Emma Friesema creating a template
• Scheduled flu clinics for October 9 and October 30
• Scheduled art show display on October 30 in Community House main hall
• Scheduled Yoga Nidra sound bath on October 30 at 4 pm in Community House
• Directed posting of new director position on MMA and town website in early October
• Set Veterans Day program for November 6
• Planned meeting with Friends of Elders to discuss Curiosity Shop location issue

Park Commission

The Hopedale Park Commission will discuss updates to the Town Park renovation schedule and a study by Tighe and Bond regarding the number of little league fields at Lot A. The body will also address maintenance requests and staffing funds.

• Tighe and Bond study of Lot A regarding little league fields
• Town Park renovation schedule updates
• Request for access to Overdale Parklands entrance by Lou Arcudi
• Discussion on funding for long-term employment of Colton
• Work updates for Draper and Lot A regarding Leone's completion timeline

The commission voted to approve the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. After completing agenda items, the board motioned to adjourn, which was also approved unanimously. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the September 18, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Hopedale Board of Health will discuss dumpster regulations and the cost of town trash bags. It will also review and decide on renewing the Waste Zero contract. Additional informational items include mosquito control updates.

• Dumpster Regulations (discussion item)
• Cost of Hopedale Trash Bags (discussion item)
• Waste Zero Contract Renewal (action item)
• Mosquito Control Information (informational item)

The Board of Health unanimously approved the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting. It also voted to renew the Waste Zero trash‑collection contract and authorized the chair to execute the agreement. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided; several items were deferred to future meetings.

• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Waste Zero contract renewal (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Road Commissioners

The Board will approve the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes, receive updates on the current road budget and maintenance status, and consider where future meetings will be held after the Town Hall moves. No other specific items are on the agenda.

• Approve minutes of July 9, 2025
• Review budget to date
• Review roadway/maintenance updates
• Discuss location of future meetings due to Town Hall relocation
• Old business carried over from last meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Hopedale Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an application from Andy Clark of Expose Signs & Graphics, Inc., seeking relief from Hopedale Zoning Bylaw section 7.4(d) to add two additional standing signs at 1 Airport Drive Extension. The board will also hear public comments regarding the same site. Additional agenda items include routine procedural matters such as accepting the May 21, 2025 minutes and a motion to adjourn.

• Public hearing on Andy Clark's request to expand signage at 1 Airport Drive Extension
• Public comments regarding 1 Airport Drive Extension
• Acceptance of meeting minutes for May 21, 2025
• Convene in open session
• Motion to adjourn

The board voted to open the public hearing for Expose Signs & Graphics and then to continue that hearing to October 15, 2025. The minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting were approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

• Opened public hearing for Expose Signs & Graphics (unanimous)
• Continued hearing to October 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved May 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 p.m. (unanimous)

Hopedale Cultural Council

The Hopedale Cultural Council is meeting to review preparations for the Day in the Park event and a fundraiser. The body will discuss event logistics, vendor coordination, and marketing.

• Papa Gino’s Fundraiser on September 17, 2025
• Day in the Park event on September 20, 2025 at Hopedale Community House
• Day in the Park marketing plan by Hopedale High School Student Intern
• Day in the Park vendor coordination for food, art show, and entertainment
• Approval of August 18, 2025 minutes

Assessors

The Hopedale Board of Assessors meeting on September 12, 2025 will approve minutes from the June 13, 2025 meeting, review departmental bills, and sign the April 2025 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Notice and Warrant. The board will also examine lot split requests and new address changes, and hear a Department of Revenue report on the gateway and upcoming classification hearing. A motion will be taken to enter executive session to discuss confidential matters such as abatements and property income disclosures. The meeting will conclude with a motion for adjournment.

• Approve minutes of June 13, 2025 regular and executive sessions
• Sign 2025-04 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Notice and Warrant
• Review lot splits and new address changes
• Department of Revenue report on gateway and upcoming classification hearing
• Motion to enter executive session on confidential matters

The Board unanimously approved the regular and executive session minutes. It agreed to request funding from the Select Board for near‑maps imaging. The Board also approved a flex‑hour schedule for town‑hall hours. The next Board meeting was set for October 27, 2025.

• Approved regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved executive session minutes (unanimous)
• Requested funding for near‑maps imaging (agreed by all)
• Approved flex schedule for town‑hall hours (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned Executive Session (unanimous)
• Set next meeting date for Oct 27 2025 (agreed)

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Hopedale Water & Sewer Commission will approve the minutes from its August 14, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will receive updates on water restrictions, the flushing distribution system, a copper removal pilot study, the sludge thickening project, and PFAS treatment at the water treatment plant. The agenda also includes a discussion labeled “40 N.” Public comments will be taken after the reports.

• Approve minutes of August 14, 2025
• Update on water restrictions and flushing distribution system
• Discussion of “40 N”
• Copper removal pilot study update
• Sludge thickening project update

The commissioners decided to flush the entire water distribution system over about ten nights and will revisit the watering ban at the next meeting. They also confirmed the town will not receive the expected $200,000 for the 75 Plain Street storage tank and voted not to install the planned Plain Street water main. Billing of $237,000 to 75 Plain Street for I&I removal was noted. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Flush entire water distribution system (≈10 nights) – decided
• Cancel receipt of $200,000 for storage tank at 75 Plain Street – decided
• Vote not to install water main on Plain Street – decided
• Bill 75 Plain Street $237,000 for I&I removal – noted
• Motion to adjourn – unanimous

Housing Authority

The Hopedale Housing Authority will hold its regular monthly board meeting on September 11, 2025. The board will approve minutes from June 12 and August 14, 2025, and approve bills covering the period from August 14 to September 11, 2025. A fee accountant will present balance statements ending July 31, 2025, and the fire chief will discuss the Fire Department Master Boxes.

• Fire Chief Daige to discuss the Fire Department Master Boxes
• Approval of minutes for June 12, 2025 and August 14, 2025 meetings
• Approval of bills from August 14, 2025 to September 11, 2025
• Fee Accountant report – balance statements ending July 31, 2025
• Executive Director report on vacancy and wait list

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will receive the treasurer’s report and review updates on numerous preservation projects. It notes that the town approved a $62,500 capital request for the Little Red Shop Museum foundation repair at the May 20 Annual Town Meeting. The commission will consider seeking an additional $97,000 for remaining museum repairs at a later Special Town Meeting. The board will also discuss upcoming events, a pest‑control service schedule, and a $37.50 donation for an auction item.

• $62,500 capital request approved for Little Red Shop Museum foundation repair (May 20 Annual Town Meeting)
• Plan to request $97,000 for additional LRSM repairs at a later Special Town Meeting
• Robert Goss donation of $37.50 for LRSM auction victrola
• Dewey Pest Control routine interior service scheduled Sep 22, 12‑3 p.m.; coverage needed
• Participation in WWII in the Blackstone Valley event on Sep 14, Worcester

Road Commissioners

The Board of Road Commissioners will meet to approve minutes from July 9, 2025, and review budget and roadway maintenance updates. The meeting will also cover new and old business items.

• Approval of July 9, 2025 minutes
• Review of budget to date
• Review of Roadway/Maintenance updates
• New Business discussion
• Old Business discussion

The Road Commissioners approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes and a budget‑review motion unanimously. They agreed to install a crosswalk at Memorial School and to line parking spaces on Hope Street in the spring. Immediate actions include filling a sidewalk hole on Dutcher Street and removing a misplaced barrel on Progress Street before winter plowing.

• Approved July 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved budget‑review motion for Chapter 90 account (unanimous vote)
• Agreed to line parking spaces on Hope Street in spring
• Agreed to install crosswalk at Memorial School entrance in spring
• Stan to fill sidewalk hole on Dutcher Street (immediate action)
• Barrel on Progress Street to be removed before winter plowing
• Highway to provide trash barrels, cones, signs and two vehicles for Day in the Park event
• Stan to seek Town Administrator approval to move future meetings to the Highway Garage

School Committee

The Hopedale School Committee will review school preparation and the first day of school reports. The body is deciding on FY25 year-end budget transfers and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Department.

• FY25 Year-End Budget Transfers
• Memorandum of Understanding with Police Department
• $35,000 DESE Grant 422A for Innovation Career Pathways
• $3,000 donation from Imperial Cares for school supplies
• Authorization of Principals to receive and disburse Student Activity Funds

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The trustees accepted the August 5, 2025 minutes. They reallocated $1,000 from the adult print‑books budget to the Overdrive budget. The board voted to update the Child Safety Policy to allow staff to contact police for disruptive behavior or unattended children, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted August 5, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Reallocated $1,000 from adult print books to Overdrive budget
• Approved update to Child Safety Policy (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all voted in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board discussed a complaint alleging an Open Meeting Law violation at the August 4, 2025 meeting. The Board denied the allegation, stating the meeting notice was sufficient and no OML violation occurred.

• Response to Open Meeting Law complaint from Kenneth Manning
• Discussion of tree removal at 87-89 Hopedale Street
• Review of meeting notice posted for August 4, 2025

Planning Board

The board voted to continue the site‑plan hearing for Hopedale Town Park to October 1, 2025. It also continued the special‑permit hearing for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 to the same date. The minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting were approved, with one member abstaining. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Continuance of Town Park site‑plan hearing to Oct 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Continuance of special‑permit hearing for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 to Oct 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved August 18 2025 meeting minutes (2 in favor, 1 abstain)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:05 pm (unanimous)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to discuss the search process for a Director and a current board member vacancy. The board will also review budgets for FY’26/FY’27 and September programming.

• FY’26/FY’27 Budgets
• Director position search process
• COA Board member vacancy discussion
• MWRTA “Catch Connection” activity
• September calendar activities

Park Commission

The Hopedale Park Commission will review the status of the Town Park renovation project, including a bid process scheduled for August 15, and vote on allocating funds for Varsity Baseball at Draper Field and Little League fields at Lot A. The meeting will also address a request for park access and discuss the long-term employment of a staff member.

• Town Park renovation bid process scheduled for Aug 15
• Vote to allocate funds for Varsity Baseball at Draper Field
• Vote to allocate funds for Little League fields at Lot A
• Request for access to Overdale Parklands entrance
• Discussion on employing Colton long term

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from July 22 and August 7, 2025. They gave Mitch the green light to clear Lot A and moved Lou Arcudi's access‑point request to the September meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved July 22 and August 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Deferred Lou Arcudi access‑point request to September meeting
• Approved clearing of Lot A (green light given, no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board approved the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes with all members voting in favor. It upheld a $1,000 fine for A‑Z Smoke Shop and reduced the suspension to one day, also unanimously. The disposal works/septic plan for 334 South Main Street was approved by unanimous vote.

• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Upheld $1,000 fine and reduced suspension to one day for A‑Z Smoke Shop (all in favor)
• Approved disposal works/septic plan for 334 South Main Street (all in favor)

Hopedale Cultural Council

The council is meeting to discuss the logistics for the Day in the Park event scheduled for September 20, 2025. Members will review band concerts and coordinate event details at the Hopedale Community House.

• Planning for Day in the Park on September 20, 2025, at Hopedale Community House
• Review and input regarding band concerts
• Discussion of vendors, art, attractions, and entertainment for Day in the Park
• Coordination of shuttle bus, signage, and volunteer sign-ups
• Review of marketing plan involving a Hopedale High School student intern

The council accepted the July 21, 2025 meeting minutes in two separate motions. Members voted favorably to implement a parking signage plan for upcoming events. The meeting was formally adjourned.

• Accepted July 21, 2025 minutes (motion by Kelly, seconded by Dee) – passed
• Accepted July 21, 2025 minutes (motion by Gail, seconded by Kelly) – passed
• Approved parking signage plan – committee voted favorably (no vote count provided)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Kelly, seconded by Gail) – passed

Planning Board

The board voted to postpone the hearing on the Town Park site‑plan application to the September 3, 2025 meeting. It also approved the minutes from the July 9 and August 6 meetings. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:06 pm.

• Continued Town Park site‑plan hearing to Sep 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:06 pm (unanimous)

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The commissioners approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes and re‑appointed Ed Burt as chair of the Water & Sewer Board. They reconfirmed project liaisons and voted to have Chairperson Burt send a letter to Town Administrator Mitch Ruscitti regarding $200,000 already used for a new water tank. The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 P.M.

• Approved minutes of July 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Re‑appointed Ed Burt as Chair of the Water/Sewer Board (unanimous)
• Reconfirmed project liaisons (unanimous)
• Decided Chairperson Burt will send letter to Town Administrator Mitch Ruscitti about $200,000 water‑tank funding (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:22 P.M. (unanimous)

Park Commission

The commission decided that Phase 1 of the Town Park renovation will be put out to bid on August 15. The meeting was then adjourned with all members in favor of the motion.

• Set Town Park Phase 1 renovation to be bid on August 15 (no vote recorded)
• Adjourn meeting unanimously (all in favor)

Planning Board

The board approved the site plan modifications for 75 Plain Street, including the requested financial changes, with a 3‑yes, 1‑no, 1‑abstain vote. It also approved a continuation hearing for the special permit at 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11, moving it to September 3, 2025, and scheduled a special meeting on August 18, 2025 to continue the town‑park site‑plan hearing. Additionally, the board nominated Christopher Chase as the town’s delegate to the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Committee.

• Continued Special Permit hearing for 2 Evergreen Lane, Unit 11 to Sep 3 2025 (unanimous)
• Moved Site Plan Modification agenda for 75 Plain Street to 7:30 pm (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meeting Aug 18 2025 at 7 pm to continue Town Park site‑plan hearing (unanimous)
• Nominated Christopher Chase as delegate to CMRPC (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 75 Plain Street site‑plan modifications (unanimous)
• Approved 75 Plain Street site‑plan modifications with financial changes (3‑yes, 1‑no, 1‑abstain)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:04 pm (unanimous)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The Board accepted the July 1, 2025 minutes. It approved spending approximately $4,000 of library donations to purchase new Vox books for the Children’s room. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Accepted July 1, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved $4,000 purchase of Vox books for Children’s room using donations (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all voted in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board unanimously approved six actions: opening and closing a public hearing and authorizing removal of four hazardous Norwich maples at 87‑89 Hopedale Street; accepting the June 23 minutes; granting a one‑day liquor license for Rushford and Son Brewhouse on August 16; signing a Massachusetts Health Officers Association MOU for a sustainable tobacco‑control program; appointing Bernard Stock as the town’s delegate to the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission; and entering executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining and litigation matters.

• Authorized Tree Warden Chris Larson to remove 4 dangerous trees (3‑0)
• Approved minutes from 06/23/2025 (3‑0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Rushford and Son Brewhouse, Aug 16 2025 (3‑0)
• Approved signing MOU with Massachusetts Health Officers Association for tobacco‑control program (3‑0)
• Appointed Bernard Stock as delegate to Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (3‑0)
• Moved to enter executive session to discuss collective‑bargaining and litigation (3‑0)

Park Commission

The commission unanimously approved the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes. They also approved a catch‑and‑release fishing derby at Hopedale Pond. Finally, they approved forming a committee to plan the Town Park opening celebration.

• Approved June 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fishing derby at Hopedale Pond (unanimous)
• Approved committee to plan Town Park opening event (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board approved a donation of up to $184,000 to the West Street Legal fund. The motion was made by Glenda Hazard, seconded by Bernard Stock, and passed unanimously. The board also adjourned the meeting at 5:04 p.m. by a motion from Hazard, seconded by Stock, which passed unanimously.

• Approved donation up to $184,000 to West Street Legal fund (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:04 p.m. (2-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved disposal and septic plans for 50 Plain Street and 12 Charlesgate Road, and approved a new MHOA Memorandum of Understanding. The board agreed to send a follow‑up violation notice to A Z Smoke Shop citing the $1,000 fine and 3‑day closure.

• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved disposal/septic plan for 50 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Approved disposal/septic plan for 12 Charlesgate Road, using Presby Environmental Inc. system with 2‑ft offset (unanimous)
• Approved new MHOA Memorandum of Understanding (unanimous)
• Decided to send additional violation letter to A Z Smoke Shop citing $1,000 fine and 3‑day closure, via regular, certified and hand delivery (consensus)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board adopted a procedure that all legal invoices are sent to the Town Administrator, who will forward them to the donor's representative, while donation checks must be sent only to the Town Administrator and mailed to town hall. The motion, amended by Chair Savage, passed 2‑1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. by a unanimous 3‑0 vote.

• Adopt invoice and check handling procedure (2-1)
• Adjourn meeting (3-0)

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The Water & Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting and a 36‑hour vacation carryover for Robert MacElhaney. They also approved a motion to investigate a pilot test to address copper issues in the wastewater treatment plant. The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 P.M. by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes of May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved carryover of 36 vacation hours for Robert MacElhaney (unanimous)
• Approved motion to look into a pilot test for copper removal at the WWTP (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:56 P.M. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The board endorsed two ANR requests for 167 South Main Street and 11 Plain Street. It approved a conceptual plan for the Town Park renovation, pending detailed plans. It also postponed the 75 Plain Street water‑tank modification discussion and set a new hearing date for a cannabis delivery permit.

• Endorsed ANR request for 167 South Main Street – approved, all members in favor
• Endorsed ANR request for 11 Plain Street – approved, all members in favor (Chair abstained)
• Approved conceptual Town Park project – approved, all members in favor
• Postponed discussion of 75 Plain Street water‑tank modification to next meeting – approved, all members in favor (Chair abstained)
• Continued special permit hearing for cannabis delivery at 2 Evergreen Lane to Aug 6, 2025 – approved, all members in favor
• Approved minutes of June 11, 2025 – approved, all members in favor
• Closed public hearing – approved, all members in favor
• Closed joint meeting with Select Board – approved, all members in favor

Road Commissioners

The Road Commissioners approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. They accepted the FY26 budget as presented. They also voted to cancel the scheduled August meeting due to board members' vacation plans.

• Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Accepted FY26 budget as presented (all in favor)
• Cancelled August Road Commissioners meeting (all in favor)
• Adjourned the July 9 meeting (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the Order of Condition for the project at 50 Plain Street. The commission also unanimously approved the minutes from the June 3, 2024 meeting (with an edit noting an abstention) and the minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

• Approved Order of Condition for 50 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 3, 2024 with edit on Scott Ellis abstention (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:13 p.m. (unanimous)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The board approved the minutes from the June 3, 2025 meeting unanimously. Trustees voted unanimously to close the library early on the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. The proposed schedule of future trustee meetings was approved by all members. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 5:10 p.m.

• Approved June 3, 2025 board minutes (unanimous)
• Approved early library closures before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve (unanimous)
• Approved proposed trustee meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:10 p.m. (unanimous)

Park Commission

The Park Commission approved the May 22, 2025 meeting minutes. The members agreed to keep Mike Costanza as Chair of the commission. They also approved Amy Leone's kickball fundraiser to be held at Draper Field on July 12, 2025. The remainder of the meeting consisted of discussion about park renovation and playground design, with no formal decisions made.

• Approved May 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mike Costanza as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved Kickball Fundraiser on July 12, 2025 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board approved the minutes from the May 15 meeting and several disposal works/septic plans. It also approved a contract with Salmon Home Care LLC and a 4% increase in staff hourly rates for FY2026. No action was taken on the A‑Z Smoke Shop violation, which was placed on the next agenda.

• Approved May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved Disposal Works/Septic Plan for 328 South Main St Lot #1 (2‑0‑1)
• Approved Disposal Works/Septic Plan for 328 South Main St Lot #2 (2‑0‑1)
• Approved Disposal Works/Septic Plan for 332 South Main St (2‑0‑1)
• Approved Disposal Works/Septic Plan for 86 Plain St (all voted in favor)
• Approved Salmon Home Care LLC dba VNA Hospice of Greater Milford contract (all voted in favor)
• Approved FY2026 Board of Health staff hourly rates – 4% increase (all voted in favor)
• No action taken on A‑Z Smoke Shop violation; deferred to next meeting

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission closed the public hearing for 86 Plain Street and approved its Order of Conditions, setting a three‑year effective period. The hearing for 50 Plain Street was also closed, and the commission will draft its Order of Conditions within 21 days. A payment of $475 for dues to the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions was approved. All motions passed unanimously.

• Closed public hearing for 86 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Approved Order of Conditions for 86 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Set three‑year term for Order of Conditions at 86 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 50 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Approved $475 payment for Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions dues (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The board opened, closed, and approved the removal of a dead shade tree on Dutcher Street (3‑0 vote). It also approved the prior meeting minutes, a FY25 energy‑account transfer request, and the annual board appointments (each 3‑0). The board entered executive session to discuss contract negotiations and emerged with agreement on a new five‑year contract for the Town Administrator. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. (3‑0).

• Open public hearing on Dutcher Street shade tree removal (approved 3‑0)
• Close public hearing on Dutcher Street shade tree removal (approved 3‑0)
• Approve removal of Dutcher Street shade tree (approved 3‑0)
• Approve minutes from 5/19/2025 and 6/9/2025 (approved 3‑0)
• Approve FY25 End‑of‑Year Transfer Request for Energy accounts (approved 3‑0)
• Approve annual board appointments, Part 2 (approved 3‑0)
• Enter executive session to discuss negotiations (approved 3‑0)
• Agree on new five‑year Town Administrator contract (unanimous agreement)

Road Commissioners

The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from May 21 and June 5, 2025. They also approved the FY2025 budget as presented. Additionally, they approved the Cultural Council's request to close Draper Street for the Day in the Park event on September 20, 2025 and to add handicap parking spaces on Hope Street.

• Approved May 21 and June 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY2025 budget as delivered (unanimous)
• Approved request to close Draper Street for Day in the Park on Sep 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved addition of handicap parking spaces on Hope Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:55 PM (unanimous)

Town Clerk

The Select Board was authorized to purchase Unit 1 and Unit 103 of the Hopedale Professional Building Condominium at 54 Hopedale Street for town office use. The town appropriated $600,000 for the acquisition and authorized the Treasurer, with Select Board approval, to borrow that amount. The Finance Committee recommended favorable action. A motion to dissolve the meeting warrant was also carried.

• Authorized purchase of two condo units for town offices and appropriated $600,000 (2/3 vote)
• Motion to dissolve the meeting warrant carried

Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the regular and executive session minutes from May 2, 2025. They entered an executive session to discuss confidential matters and adjourned it unanimously. The Board also agreed to hold its next meeting on September 12, 2025.

• Approve regular meeting minutes (May 2, 2025) – unanimous
• Approve executive session minutes (May 2, 2025) – unanimous
• Enter Executive Session under Purpose 7 – unanimous
• Adjourn Executive Session – unanimous
• Set next Board of Assessors meeting for September 12, 2025 – agreed
• Review and sign Preliminary Notice of Commitment and Warrants – action taken
• Review and sign monthly motor vehicle excise abatements list (May 2025) – action taken
• Sign letter of authorization for Assessor to submit information to DOR – action taken

Council on Aging Board

The board reported outreach calls to seniors, a change allowing dual MassHealth and MSP coverage, and the operation of the new Milford‑Hopedale transportation service. Members discussed making the director position full‑time, beginning a search for a replacement in October, replacing seven‑year‑old computers, and the impact of a possible Town Hall relocation on the Friends of Elders thrift shop. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded; the next meeting is set for August 21.

Planning Board

The board closed the public hearing on the 50 Plain Street site plan and voted to approve the plan after confirming compliance with zoning bylaws. The motion to approve the site plan was adopted unanimously. The board also approved the May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (four members in favor, one abstention) and set a July 9, 2025 meeting to review the draft decision.

• Closed public hearing for 50 Plain Street site plan (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 50 Plain Street (unanimous)
• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (4 in favor, 1 abstain)
• Scheduled July 9, 2025 meeting to review draft decision and other items
• Adjourned meeting at 7:51 pm (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The board approved the minutes from the April 14 and May 5 meetings, ratified the town's Permanent Fire Local 2225 contract, and approved the annual board appointments. The meeting was then adjourned. Other items such as the West Street report and park updates were discussed but no formal actions were taken.

• Approved 4/14/2025 minutes (2-0-1)
• Approved 5/5/2025 minutes with edit (3-0-0)
• Ratified Hopedale Permanent Fire Local 2225 contract (3-0-0)
• Approved annual board appointments (3-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The trustees unanimously accepted the May 6, 2025 minutes. They voted to change future trustees’ meetings to start at 4:30 p.m. and approved closing the library on July 5, 2025 (in addition to the July 4 holiday). The board also noted that a policy on out‑of‑state library cards will need to be drafted and approved.

• Accepted May 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Updated Trustees meeting start time to 4:30 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved library closure on July 5, 2025 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted to postpone the public hearings for the Notice of Intent at 86 Plain Street and 50 Plain Street to June 24, 2025. It also approved the renewal of Keolis' five‑year vegetative spraying plan for the Charles River railbeds. The Order of Condition for 134 Mill Street was signed and approved, and the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting were adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

• Approved continuation of public hearing for 86 Plain Street to June 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of public hearing for 50 Plain Street to June 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of 5‑year Keolis railbed spraying plan (unanimous)
• Approved Order of Condition for 134 Mill Street (4‑0‑1)
• Approved minutes from May 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:46 p.m. (unanimous)

Park Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting unanimously. They agreed to defer the vote on the proposed $1,500 bathhouse baseboard heating upgrade until the June meeting. The request for Larry Olson's 5K event was also moved to the July meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed bathhouse heating upgrade vote to June meeting (unanimous)
• Moved Larry Olson 5K request to July meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Road Commissioners

The Road Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting. They also approved the budget report as presented. A motion to keep the board’s structure unchanged after the May 13 elections was carried. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved April 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved budget report as presented (unanimous)
• Kept board structure as is after election (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board opened and then closed the public hearing for the 50 Plain Street application. It unanimously approved the special permit to create a contractor’s yard at that address. The board also accepted the February 19, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting. The clerk will email a copy of the 2015 minutes requested by a resident.

• Opened public hearing for 50 Plain Street (all members in favor)
• Closed public hearing for 50 Plain Street (all members in favor)
• Approved special permit for contractor’s yard at 50 Plain Street (unanimous yes)
• Accepted minutes of February 19, 2025 (all members in favor)
• Adjourned the meeting (all members in favor)
• ZBA clerk will email resident a copy of the November 18, 2015 minutes

Town Clerk

The Annual Town Meeting unanimously approved the FY2026 operating budget and a series of departmental budgets, salary adjustments, fund transfers, and capital equipment purchases. The Town Clerk's salary was fixed at $81,106 effective July 1, 2025. Additional appropriations were made for water, sewer, community preservation, and equipment for highway, police, and fire departments.

• Fixed Town Clerk salary at $81,106 effective July 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 operating budget appropriation of $32,515,279 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 Water Department budget of $1,676,767 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 Sewer Department budget of $1,914,731 (unanimous)
• Transferred $23,028 to Water Department Reserve Fund (unanimous)
• Transferred $10,859 to Sewer Department Reserve Fund (unanimous)
• Appropriated $9,614 from Community Preservation Act fund for committee operations (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Highway Department equipment (Chevrolet 3500 Dump Truck) for $89,300 (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The board elected Scott Savage as the new chair. It approved a Class II license for Superior Auto and Detailing. The Hopedale clerical contract and an updated agreement with High Hopes LLC were ratified and executed. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Class II license for Superior Auto and Detailing (Savage Aye, Hazard Aye, Stock Aye)
• Approved motion to close the public hearing (Savage Aye, Hazard Aye, Stock Aye)
• Elected Scott Savage as chair of the Select Board (Savage Aye, Stock Aye, Hazard Aye)
• Ratified Hopedale clerical contract (Savage Aye, Hazard Aye, Stock Aye)
• Executed updated HCA with High Hopes LLC (Savage Aye, Hazard Aye, Stock Aye)

Board of Health

The Board of Health appointed Ms. Watson as chair and Mr. MacDonald as vice chair, with all members voting in favor. The board approved the FY2026 meeting schedule and issued a 3‑day suspension to A‑Z Smoke Shop, each decision receiving unanimous support. Minutes from the April 17 and April 24 meetings were also approved unanimously.

• Appointed Ms. Watson chairperson (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Mr. MacDonald vice chairperson (all voted in favor)
• Approved April 17, 2025 meeting minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved April 24, 2025 meeting minutes (all voted in favor)
• Issued 3‑day suspension to A‑Z Smoke Shop (all voted in favor)
• Approved FY2026 Board of Health meeting schedule (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all voted in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the Notice of Intent to build a single‑family home at 134 Mill Street. The public hearing on that project was closed, and the updated Operations and Maintenance Plan will be recorded with the deed. The commission also unanimously continued the hearing on the 50 Plain Street project to the next meeting, approved the April 15, 2025 minutes, and adjourned.

• Approved continuation of the 50 Plain St public hearing to the next meeting (unanimous)
• Closed the public hearing for 134 Mill St (unanimous)
• Approved the Notice of Intent for a single‑family home at 134 Mill St (unanimous)
• Approved the minutes from April 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Town Clerk

The town recorded 343 ballots cast, a 7.69% turnout of 4,460 registered voters. Four absentee ballots were mailed and all four were returned; 339 residents voted in person. Vote totals for each board and committee were listed in the official results. No other actions or decisions were taken.

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the joint finance meeting minutes from March 13 and the April 10 meeting minutes. They voted to release 31 acres of surplus land adjacent to the sewer plant to the town. The Water Department budget of $1,676,767 and the Sewer Department budget of $1,914,731 were both approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.

• Approved joint finance meeting minutes of March 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the April 10, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Released 31 acres of surplus land to the town (unanimous)
• Approved Water Department budget of $1,676,767 (unanimous)
• Approved Sewer Department budget of $1,914,731 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted to continue the site‑plan hearing for 50 Plain Street until June 11, 2025 at 7 pm. The Board also approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:11 pm.

• Continuance of 50 Plain Street site‑plan hearing to June 11, 2025 approved (all in favor)
• April 9, 2025 meeting minutes approved (all in favor)
• Meeting adjourned at 7:11 pm approved (all in favor)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The trustees voted to accept the April 1, 2025 library minutes, with all members in favor. They then moved to adjourn the May 6 meeting, also unanimously approved. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted April 1, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all voted in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board approved several consent items, including minutes, a donation, a letter of donation, and a highway and water sewer contract. It accepted two fire‑fighter resignations and appointed a new police officer and a fire department member. The Board voted to enter two executive sessions, one to discuss litigation strategy and another to discuss public‑employee bargaining strategy.

• Approved minutes from 3/10/2025, 3/24/2025 and 4/7/2025 (3‑0)
• Accepted $37,668.28 donation for GURR legal expenses (2‑1)
• Approved letter of Loom Donations (3‑0)
• Ratified Hopedale Highway and Water Sewer contract FY26‑FY29 (3‑0)
• Accepted resignations of Call FF Dalton Ionson and Call FF Ronan Kast (3‑0)
• Appointed Kyle Dupuis to Hopedale Police Department (3‑0)
• Entered executive session to discuss litigation strategy (2‑1)
• Entered executive session to discuss bargaining strategy (3‑0)

Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved both the regular and executive session minutes from May 2, 2025. It reviewed and signed the preliminary notice of commitment, warrants, departmental bills, and the May motor‑vehicle excise abatements list. The Board agreed to hold its next meeting on September 12, 2025 and authorized the Assessor to submit information to the Department of Revenue. An executive session was entered and later adjourned, with both motions passing unanimously.

• Approved regular meeting minutes from May 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved executive session minutes from May 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Signed Preliminary Notice of Commitment and Warrants for real and personal property
• Signed monthly list of motor vehicle excise abatements for May 2025 (no vote)
• Agreed on next Board of Assessors meeting date: September 12, 2025
• Signed letter authorizing Assessor to submit information to DOR
• Entered Executive Session under Purpose 7 to discuss confidential matters (unanimous)
• Adjourned Executive Session (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Hopedale Board of Health met on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Draper Room, Town Hall. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, moved by Mr. Swift, seconded by Ms. Watson, and approved by all members. No other decisions or approvals were recorded.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging Board

The board approved the March meeting minutes. It agreed to form a committee to conduct the search for a new director. The May meeting was cancelled and the next meeting was set for June 12. No vote counts were recorded.

• Accepted March minutes
• Formed a committee to conduct the new director search
• Cancelled May meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for June 12

Park Commission

The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes and authorized the Larry Olson 5k race, with the exact location to be decided later. It also approved school‑day usage requests for 4th‑grade (June 11), 5th‑grade (date corrected) and 6th‑grade (May 19) events. Additionally, a contract was signed with Water & Wetlands for weed treatment in the park.

• Approved April 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Larry Olson 5k race, location to be determined (unanimous)
• Approved 4th‑grade day in the park on June 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved 5th‑grade day usage after correcting dates (unanimous)
• Approved 6th‑grade day in the park on May 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Signed contract with Water & Wetlands for weed treatment

Board of Health

The Hopedale Board of Health approved the FY2026 Annual Permit Fee Schedule, the Annual Recycle Center Fee Schedule, and the release of a long‑outstanding trash collection bond. All three items were adopted with unanimous votes. The board also approved the minutes from the March 20, 2025 meeting and adjourned the session.

• Approved FY2026 Annual Permit Fee Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved Annual Recycle Center Fee Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved release of 1990s trash collection bond (unanimous)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted to continue the public hearing on the Notice of Intent for 50 Plain Street until May 13, 2025. It also voted to continue the hearing for the revised plans at 134 Mill Street to the same date. The commission approved the minutes from the December 17, 2024, March 18, 2025, and April 1, 2025 meetings, and then adjourned.

• Continued hearing for 50 Plain St to May 13, 2025 (all in favor)
• Continued hearing for 134 Mill St to May 13, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Dec 17, 2024 (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Mar 18, 2025 (all in favor)
• Approved minutes from Apr 1, 2025 (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:18 pm (all in favor)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board voted to place all items except one on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant, removing the proposed Redevelopment Authority article. No vote tally was recorded. The board also approved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

• Approved placement of all but one items on 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant; article creating Redevelopment Authority removed (vote not recorded)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting at 8:17 p.m. (motion by Chair Stock, seconded by Hazard, passed)

Water & Sewer Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the March 13, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn the April 10 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled.

• Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:03 PM (unanimous)

Planning Board

The board unanimously approved and recommended the amendment to Section 10 of the Zoning Bylaws to increase daily fines for violations to $300. It also unanimously accepted the proposed floodplain map amendments to Section 14 for recommendation at the May 20 town meeting. The board endorsed the ANR plan for 328 & 332 South Main Street and postponed the site‑plan hearing for 50 Plain Street to May 7, 2025. Minutes from the February 5, 2025 meeting were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Approved recommendation of Section 14 floodplain map amendments (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Section 10 raising fines to $300 per day (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 328 & 332 South Main Street (unanimous)
• Continued site‑plan hearing for 50 Plain Street to May 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 pm (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board approved the April meeting minutes and an extension of the Asphalt Purchasing Consortium contract. It also approved support for upcoming patriotic events and shortened the town election hours on May 13. The board awarded the Town Park Retaining Wall contract to Leones Landscaping Inc. and voted to proceed with MGL 32B chapters 21‑23 for a health‑insurance deductible change. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

• Approved April meeting minutes (1/13/2025‑2/24/2025) (3‑aye)
• Approved Asphalt Purchasing Consortium contract extension (3‑aye)
• Approved support for Mr. Beder’s Memorial Day Parade & Flag Day events (3‑aye)
• Approved shortening Town Election hours to 12:00‑20:00 on May 13, 2025 (3‑aye)
• Awarded Town Park Retaining Wall contract to Leones Landscaping Inc. (no vote recorded)
• Approved moving forward with MGL 32B §§21‑23 for health‑insurance deductible change (no vote tally)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:51 p.m. (3‑aye)

Bancroft Memorial Library / Board of Trustees

The trustees voted to accept the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. They then voted to adjourn the April 1, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

• Accepted March 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted to continue the public hearing for the proposed single‑family home at 134 Mill Street to April 15, 2025 at 6:30 pm, with the applicant’s agreement. The motion was made by David Guglielmi, seconded by Bernie Stock, and passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 7:31 pm.

• Continued public hearing for 134 Mill St to April 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:31 pm (unanimous)

Administrator - Select Board

The Select Board approved several items, including entering executive session to discuss ongoing lawsuits. It accepted a $4,000 donation from Hopedale Friends of Elders, approved a one‑day liquor license for the Blackstone Valley Curling Club, and approved an accountant departmental transfer request. The board also accepted the resignations of On‑Call Firefighter Murphy and SRO Mario Sousa Jr. All motions passed unanimously (3‑0).

• Approved entry into executive session for litigation discussion (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 10/28/24, 12/9/24, 12/23/24 (3-0)
• Accepted $4,000 donation from Hopedale Friends of Elders (3-0)
• Accepted resignation of On‑Call Firefighter Murphy effective 3/10/25 (3-0)
• Accepted resignation of SRO Mario Sousa Jr. effective 4/1/25 (3-0)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Blackstone Valley Curling Club (3-0)
• Approved accountant departmental transfer request (3-0)
• Approved discussion of potential impact on 15th Annual Larry Olsen 5K (3-0)

Council on Aging Board

The board accepted the February meeting minutes. It unanimously approved a revised weekly schedule for the senior center, setting specific opening times for each weekday. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Accepted February minutes (unanimous)
• Approved senior center operational hours: Mon 8:30‑4, Tue 8:30‑5, Wed‑Thu 8:30‑4, Fri 8:30‑12 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The board approved the February 27, 2025 meeting minutes, authorized the Massachusetts Health Officers Association as inspectors, and appointed Kevin Sullivan as the town’s Inspector of Animals. It also set the recycle center’s operating season from April 5 to October 25, open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.–12 p.m. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved Massachusetts Health Officers Association as inspectors (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Kevin Sullivan as Inspector of Animals (all voted in favor)
• Set recycle center schedule: April 5–Oct 25, Sat & Sun 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (consensus)
• Scheduled meeting with Finance Committee to review FY 2026 budget (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:41 p.m. (all voted in favor)