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 to review finalized draft of zero-emission vehicle policy

Town vehicles like this Ford Explorer would be replaced under a proposed zero-emission vehicle policy once the car has reached the end of its life cycle. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

The Select Board is set to consider the adoption of a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) policy for the town of Hopkinton at its meeting tonight.

The policy, which has been in development for some time, would replace an existing efficient vehicle policy the town adopted in 2010 and further amended in 2022. At a Select Board meeting in December, Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, explained the ZEV policy is necessary for Hopkinton to reach its net zero goals by 2045.

If adopted, the policy would set standards for the purchase of municipal and school fleet vehicles. It would apply to all vehicles the town owns except those with a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds — fire engines, ambulances, public works vehicles and so on. Other types exempt include third-party vehicles, those used for snow removal and off-road vehicles.

According to the draft policy included in this week’s Select Board agenda, police vehicles currently are exempt “due to market availability.” Beginning fiscal year 2026, they only will be exempt if fuel-efficient cruisers are unavailable.

When meeting with the Select Board in December, Chun explained the ZEV policy also is a prerequisite for the town earning a Climate Leader Communities designation. This would open up access to grant funding for other energy projects.

If there is an affirmative vote by the Select Board, the policy the would be sent to the School Department for approval. Once that process is complete, the town would need to begin identifying locations in municipal lots to install fleet chargers.

Latest News

Hopkinton residents who completed the 129th Boston Marathon credit the support of the crowd and the good weather as factors in completing the race on Monday.

Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and John Korir won the womens and men’s professional races in the Boston Marathon, while Switzerland’s Marcel Hug and American Susannah Scaroni placed first in the wheelchair divisions.

Hopkinton High School baseball coach Matt Anderson says that despite a younger roster, his team is talented and could compete in the postseason if it can gain enough experience.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows four homes sold in the last week.

This week’s Library Corner features information on a talk with a writer of suspense, an informational event on adoption and a presentation on snakes.

The Friends of Whitehall will host its annual spring trail cleanup at Lake Whitehall on Saturday.

Town meetings tonight include the the Select Board (6).

Photo of the Day

Wheelchair athletes wait for their race to begin at the 129th Boston Marathon on Monday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO