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.

Updated interagency agreement helps establish ‘working partnership’ with other police departments

The Select Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to allow Town Manager Elaine Lazarus to sign a memorandum of understanding accepting an updated mutual aid agreement for police officers.

Lazarus explained to the board that the Massachusetts Interagency Mutual Aid Agreement allows the town to send and receive police officers to provide law enforcement assistance as necessary. “[It] also establishes a working partnership to address public safety concerns and other matters,” she said.

The aid agreement is no cost to the town. Lazarus told the board that the one she was requesting a vote for is an update to a prior agreement signed in 2013. Once signed, the agreement will remain in place “for an indefinite period of time.”

Mutual aid for police officers is allowed under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 8G. According to Lazarus, the town adopted the provisions of this law in 1977.

The Select Board appeared open to adopting the updated agreement. “It’s a great benefit to the town, so I’d certainly recommend we continue it,” said member Amy Ritterbusch.

Member Brian Herr was in favor of the agreement but questioned how jurisdiction and chain of command function under it. “Does this … allow other police organizations to come into the town of Hopkinton without an invitation and take action, or do they have to go through the police to come into town?” he asked.

Ritterbusch noted that the agreement dictates that officers that come into the town must report to the commanding officer as soon as possible. Chair Joe Clark also expressed confidence in the Hopkinton Police Department’s command in the event the agreement is utilized.

“I don’t think that at any point our town loses control of the situation,” said Clark. “They should be in control the whole time.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Conservation Commission on Tuesday continued a hearing on a proposed North Mill Street development project to allow the town’s wetlands consultant time to review updated plans for the site.

The Commission on Disability on Monday discussed its future goals and expanding the scope of its activities.

This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Bailey, a 5-year-old dog who has an easygoing, friendly manner and is described as “equal parts playful and snuggly.”

Our latest Business Profile highlights Scott Septic, a multi-generational family business based in Hopkinton that aims to treat all its customers with respect and works to meet any type of septic system need.

Photo of the Day

Railing bars make for an interesting view from the stairs to the lower level of Hopkinton Middle School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR