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Committee launches resident survey following input from town leadership

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Charter Review Committee is seeking resident feedback on features of the town’s current charter as it moves further along in the review process.

According to Town Clerk Connor Degan, who also is chair of the committee, the need for resident input comes after an earlier round of surveys with town leadership. “We had an initial survey that went out to folks that are in management positions in town, as well as to boards and committees,” Degan explained. From this feedback, the committee has been looking at possible policy changes it can recommend.

Residents can provide their thoughts to the Charter Review Committee via a Google Form it recently published. Degan said that, as of now, there is no end date or response quota for the survey. He noted that the committee has an interest in having the survey coincide with public forums it intends to hold in the next few months.

Areas of concern for the committee, as highlighted in the survey, include town manager appointments and employee reporting policies. Also included is a question about the Department of Public Works.

“It’s the only department that has its whole outline and all of the rules related to it listed in the charter,” Degan explained. He said that including it in the survey would give the committee a sense of whether there are opportunities to move the DPW’s governing policies into the town’s bylaws or keep them where they are.

The committee hopes to get a better sense on a number of questions related to elected boards and committees as well. Degan said that the Charter Review Committee has been evaluating whether certain boards and committees should continue to be elected, or if the town should consider alternate ways of filling those boards as it has the authority to within the charter. The survey notes that some elected boards historically struggle with a lack of candidates and attendance issues that impacts quorum and the ability to conduct regular business.

In the survey, respondents have an opportunity to look at a handful of town boards and committees and give feedback on what processes should be used to fill vacancies — whether roles should stay elected, be appointed by the town manager or Select Board, or be reassigned to town employees.

Data gathered from residents’ feedback will help inform the Charter Review Committee on policy changes it will recommend later in the year. Degan noted that there likely will be a Special Town Meeting in the fall or winter about potential recommendations. The town will vote on changes to the charter at Town Election next year.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows seven homes sold, including two for more than $1 million.

The latest Professional Insights from Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes details changes from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that impact condominium associations and co-ops.

The Hopkinton Chinese American Association and the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton will host Yoga, Tai Chi and Tea on the Town Common this Saturday in celebration of Asian American Heritage Month.

Town meetings tonight include the Commissioners of Trust Funds (5), Parks & Recreation Commission (6), Hopkinton Youth Commission (6:30) and Permanent Building Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Hopkinton High School lacrosse player Siya Bonala carries the ball during a recent game.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO