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.

Select Board approves redaction policy, agrees to review later next year

Town counsel Bryan Bertram proposed the redaction policy to the Select Board during a previous meeting this year.

During Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting, town counsel Bryan Bertram presented a new draft of the town’s redaction policy.

“I think we’re really into the fine details at this point,” said Bertram.

Bertram and the town have been working on the redaction policy over the last several months. Once finished, it will help guide the redaction and disclosure of town records with several levels of review and approval prior to public release.

The impetus for the policy came after an insufficiently redacted document related to child rape allegations against former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter was released on the HPD’s blog earlier this year. The improperly redacted document revealed identifying information about Porter’s alleged victim.

During the meeting, Bertram reviewed changes he had made to the policy based on feedback from the Select Board. He also recommended the town begin implementing this version of the policy and revisit it later in 2025.

“We’re going to have to test stuff out as we go along,” said Bertram.

“I suspect I didn’t get everything right in this policy,” he added. “We’re going to have to think about making some changes to it to make it even better.”

Bertram went on to assert that town officials are more aware of how to redact documents, but it will be a learning process with the new redaction policy.

The board agreed with Bertram’s perspective on the matter.

“We are pioneers in this, basically,” said member Mary Jo LaFreniere. “Being the first, we are going to run into changes, and the policy’s going to change as we go forward.”

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus called it “a great place to start.”

Prior to the board approving the redactions policy, chair Brian Herr expressed optimism but emphasized caution.

“I know we’re going to be super, extra careful as we go through the process of implementing this,” he said.

Latest News

Ultra Music recording artist and Hopkinton High School graduate Emilia Ali combines EDM, folk, and pop influences to create music in a genre she calls “weird pop.”

The Select Board voted 4-0 Tuesday night to promote Lt. Scott van Raalten to the position of Deputy Chief of the Hopkinton Police Department.

Vertex project manager Christopher Eberly reported to the Elementary School Building Committee that an obstruction was discovered as crews were drilling for geothermal tests at the site of the proposed Charleswood School.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of a panhandler at Alltown Fresh, a drone in the skies above Blueberry Lane, and a possible fire at the recycling center on Wood Street.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (7) and the Community Preservation Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

The gazebo on the Town Common is lit up with an array of holiday lights to celebrate the season.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR