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.

Parks & Rec evaluates rates for Sandy Beach passes, votes for nominal increases

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

After reviewing the existing fee structure for Sandy Beach, the Parks & Recreation Commission on Thursday agreed to nominal increases in both season and day passes.

Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus brought the subject to the commission’s attention in the hopes of generating discussion. He stated that the purpose of raising fees would be to help fund repairs at the town beach.

“What we generate at the beach should be used at the beach,” said Lewitus. “None of [the repair work] is covered by any other department.”

Member Kyle Smith advocated for keeping season passes the same price while raising the daily rates. Other members concurred, though chair Dan Terry expressed concern about the perception over price hikes.

“I don’t want anybody to look at this and think Sandy Beach is a profitable operation,” said Terry. “It’s very much not.”

According to Lewitus, the Parks & Rec Department spends around $37,000 just to staff Sandy Beach annually. The income generated from the beach passes — which totaled around $7,700 last year — goes into the department’s general fund.

After further discussion and an agreement to discuss allocating beach funds with the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, the commission voted unanimously for the following rate hikes: daily beach passes from $10 to $15, daily boat passes from $10 to $50, and season pass add-ons from $10 to $25.

The rate change for daily boat passes was a point of agreement for all commission members. Jet skiers have caused problems around Sandy Beach in recent years.

“I’m almost less concerned with revenue than I am with jet skis,” Terry remarked.

Latest News

Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere is set to appear in Framingham District Court on March 26 for a probable disposition hearing on charges of driving under the influence.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows only one home sold in the last week.

Water-Sewer manager Eric Carty notified residents on Sunday that a water main break on Downey Street is anticipated to affect water quality in the area for several days.

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will be Monday at the Hopkinton Public Library and will feature a presentation on aging well over 50.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6) and the Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Geese check out the icy field behind Hopkinton Middle School over the weekend.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR