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.

Town begins new charter review cycle, looks for committee applicants

The town has begun the process for reviewing the town charter and is looking for volunteers to help.

A notice sent out by the Town Manager’s office earlier this month informed residents that the Charter Review Committee is looking for residents to join in the review process. According to the charter, a special committee must “make a report, with recommendations, to the Town Meeting concerning any proposed amendments … that said committee may determine to be necessary or desirable” once every 10 years.

The last charter review occurred in 2016, and recommended changes were accepted at Annual Town Election in 2017. Town Manager Elaine Lazarus anticipated this upcoming review could take up to two years to complete.

“It’s estimated to take a couple of years because the process involves both … Town Meeting and the subsequent election to make changes,” said Lazarus.

She went on to explain that the committee will initiate public hearings and interview several town officials in order to gather a range of ideas and suggestions. “It’s a public process,” Lazarus said. “They’ll be soliciting ideas from as many people as possible.”

“People can suggest whatever they feel needs to be looked at,” she added.

The Charter Review Committee will have seven members, three of which are appointed by the Select Board, School Committee and Appropriation Committee. The remaining four members are appointed by a committee consisting of the previous three boards, along with the town moderator and the town clerk.

Lazarus said there are no eligibility requirements for the Charter Review Committee. Those interested in participating are asked to submit an application on the town website.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Former Hopkinton Middle School custodian Benjamin Hogan pleaded guilty to charges of possession of child pornography on Monday.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five homes sold, including one for $2.4 million.

The Hopkinton Country Club Charitable Foundation will host a casino night fundraiser at Hopkinton Country Club this Saturday.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30), Tax Relief Committee (6) and Economic Development Advisory Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Halloween decorations light up a house on Hayden Rowe Street.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE