Hopkinton Today: Wednesday, Feb. 24

by Jerry Spar | Feb 24, 2021 | Hopkinton Today

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 video or two to brighten your morning.

The Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday not to take action on the proposed amendment to the general bylaw that deals with the discharge of firearms, a proposal that was widely and loudly panned by local hunters. While the board is passing on the proposal for this year, members expressed an interest in discussing it as a potential submission for 2022 Town Meeting, albeit likely with the verbiage substantially different.

Health director Shaun McAuliffe, during his update to the Select Board on Tuesday, said he is conferring with school officials regarding a reopening plan following an announcement from state officials earlier in the day pushing districts to return to full-time in-person learning. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is calling for elementary schools to fully reopen in April, followed by middle schools. The goal for high schools was less firm due to students changing classes throughout the day.

At Tuesday’s Select Board meeting the board continued to hear from department leaders regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Chief financial officer Tim O’Leary requested an additional $30,000 for appraisal services “to continue to engage with Eversource,” the energy company that owns a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in town and has frustrated town leaders on numerous occasions.

Not only does resident and Planning Board member Sundar Sivaraman play tennis outside during the winter, sometimes it requires shoveling (or snowblowing) the playing area. Oh, and he plays against the same opponent almost every time out — for almost 20 years — Ashland resident Rajesh Yadav.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30), Sustainable Green Committee (6:30), Board of Appeals (7) and Trail Coordination and Management Committee (7).

Photo of the Day: A colorful sunset was spotted outside Hopkinton High School on a recent evening.