Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Size, intensity of January snowstorm affected DPW operations, says director

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

During the town manager’s report at the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, member Matt Kizner expressed frustration over the state of the town’s roads following a major winter storm.

“I got a number of complaints about the state of our roads,” said Kizner. He also claimed that his own road had not been plowed.

“There are an awful lot of short, dead-end and non-arterial roads in town that were ultimately left pretty fallow here,” he continued. “I do think we need to acknowledge … this missed the mark.”

Kizner explained his concern was less about assigning blame and more aimed toward illuminating any deficiencies in funding or staffing that impacted snow clearing activities.

Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed told the Independent that, while more plow contractors would have helped with cleanup, her department did the best it could operationally to keep up.

Reed also noted that the size and intensity of the storm impacted the DPW’s plowing efforts. According to CBS Boston, the Jan. 25 storm was the eighth biggest snowstorm in Boston’s history, blanketing the city in 23.2 inches of snow.

“There were 1-3 inches of snow falling an hour, which is very challenging,” Reed said. She went on to state that complaints regarding snow cleanup likely were influenced by the fact that residents had not seen a snow event like that in “a really long time.”

She added that the DPW’s plow operators worked for about 30 hours continuously to make sure Hopkinton’s roads were clear.

“It was a very challenging snow event … [that] takes several days to recover from,” concluded Reed.

Reed admitted that the DPW does have some staffing issues — including a need for a new mechanic — and a salt shortage, but believed her department has done a great job with snow recovery.

“It’s a huge effort,” said Reed. “It shows the dedication of our folks.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The School Committee was informed on Thursday that former Elmwood School principal Anne Carver would be joining Marathon School as substitute assistant principal.

Cynthia Brigham, 71, of Hopkinton passed away Feb. 1.

Jean Kindstedt, 75, a former Hopkinton resident, died Jan. 10.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host its next monthly walk on Sunday, and it will start at HALT’s Whitehall Conservation Area.

Town meetings tonight include the Planning Board (7) and Commission on Disability (7).

Photo of the Day

State Rep. James Arena-DeRosa (in tie) speaks to attendees at Friday’s Veterans Breakfast at the Hopkinton Senior Center.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO