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 to hold first Saturday ATM since bylaw change

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus is optimistic about the town’s new weekend format for Annual Town Meeting.

“I’m excited for the Saturday Annual Town Meeting, and I hope others are too,” Lazarus stated in an email. “I think there will be a nice sense of community.”

This year’s meeting breaks from the previous format outlined in the town’s bylaws. The town voted at last year’s Annual Town Meeting to move it from the first Monday in May to the first Saturday in May in a 97-39 vote. Town Clerk Connor Degan brought the article to the town after discussion with town clerks in other communities. One reason cited for moving the meeting was greater accessibility for older residents and people with disabilities.

Lazarus stated she was unsure of whether the date shift would encourage more residents to attend. “I know people have other commitments,” she noted. Lazarus also estimated that, depending on how vigorous participation is, a meeting of this length could be handled in about four hours.

The warrant includes 39 articles covering everything from the fiscal year 2027 budget to requests for water and sewer improvements. Articles that could warrant greater discussion this year include a speed limit for e-bikes on shared use paths, proposed fingerprinting for common victualer license applicants, revised MBTA Communities zoning and funding for the Center School reuse project.

“It’s always hard to predict what will generate a lot of discussion,” noted Lazarus. She also expressed confidence in the town’s FY 27 budget and the overall Annual Town Meeting warrant. “[It] represents a good cross-section of the services, activities and day-to-day operations that are undertaken by local government over the course of a year,” she stated.

Given the change in the meeting date and time, Lazarus recommended residents to be prepared for the day. She explained that the town moderator does not intend to have a meal break, so residents may want to bring food. No food is allowed in the auditorium, but the school cafeteria will be open. Lazarus added that school organizations and/or Hopkinton Scouts will have food for sale, though that is not yet confirmed.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Planning Board on Monday voted to continue hearings regarding the subdivision of a property with historic structures on Clinton Street.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe shared plans with the Board of Health on Monday to request a waiver opting Hopkinton out of the commonwealth’s new cannabis delivery laws.

The Hopkinton Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale May 9 at the Town Common.

Photo of the Day

Members of Hopkinton High School’s Invention Convention program recently competed in the Massachusetts State Championship, which was hosted by HHS. At the event, Roma Abraham won a Hologic Science of Sure Award; Dylan Andreola, Chavdar Kamenarov and Ries Amigud earned invitations to the National Innovator Challenge; and Evan Mathur, Vaishnavi Kanakamedala and Ashwika Penmatsa advanced to the Henry Ford Nationals.