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CSCT Believes Harvey Lacks Necessary Permit

Editor:
 

Our organization applauds recycling efforts. However, when it comes to the proposed E. L. Harvey & Sons Hopkinton expansion, many people recognize the threat this plant will impose upon sensitive conservation resources and adjacent residences. It is unclear why a “ground breaking” was held at the Company property today.

E.L. Harvey executive’s set out to deliver the distinct impression that it has permission to break ground and begin construction. In fact, an Executive Vice President of the Company declared “…we have all the permits and permissions to start”. Unfortunately for the Company these statements are untrue and its “ground breaking” is misleading.

A review of the facts informs us the Company does not have permission to construct. E.L. Harvey is without a required state Department of Environmental Protection permit; well known in the solid waste industry, as an Authorization to Construct. The application requires extensive DEP engineering reviews and allows for public comment. E.L. Harvey does not have the permit. How could the Company, its engineer, and attorney possibly miss this step? “Ground breaking” indicates the start of construction. Does E.L. Harvey intend to start construction without a DEP permit?

Congratulatory unsuspecting Legislators in attendance (Honorable Reps Polito and Peterson) and Chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen must not have understood the nature of their own contributory misleading support.

Finally, we ask, why would the Company hold a ground breaking and claim they have “…all the permits and permission to start…” without in fact holding the critical permit? Whom are they trying to convince and what timetable are they attempting to justify?

Thank you,
Paul Graham
Cedar Swamp Conservation Trust
Westborough, Massachusetts

June 27, 2008

HEF Thanks Supporters

Editor:

On behalf of The Hopkinton Education Foundation, I would like to thank our community for their enthusiasm and generosity toward our inaugural Golf Ball Drop fundraising event. Sponsored by RE/MAX Executive Realty, the “Drop” was a huge success bringing in $6500 that will be used toward funding the next cycle of educational grant awards to the Hopkinton Public Schools.
 

Congratulations go to our grand prize winner, Anand Singla of Hopkinton. His ball, lucky number 697, was the only one to land in the hole. The consolation prize for the ball that landed the furthest from the “pin” was awarded to Christina Mastrogianis, also of Hopkinton.
 

While high winds did not allow the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon to be utilized for the event as planned, the golf balls were dropped from a lift donated by Consigli Construction of Milford and Equipment for Rent of Boston. The crowd of over 100 people enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, balloons, face painting provided by the HMS Communiteen Club, and a photo opportunity standing inside the RE/MAX balloon basket.
 

We extend our thanks to everyone in the community that supported the event by purchasing or selling tickets for the Golf Ball Drop and the many individuals that donated their time and energy toward making the event a success. Specifically we would like to recognize Andrew Wailgum and Greg Cohan, the HEF Board Members that organized the event; Chuck Joseph and the RE/MAX Executive Realty team for the event sponsorship; Equipment for Rent for donating the use of their lift and Consigli Construction for providing the lift operator, Todd Drew, for our ‘plan B’; Francesca Casasanta, Jacqueline Disch, Soumya Mehrotra, and Kate Satterfield of the HMS Communiteen Club; Al Rogers, HPS Director of Buildings & Grounds; and the many HEF volunteers.
 

We look forward to expanding this event next year to include more festivities for Hopkinton to enjoy.
Thank you,
Kim Pucci
President, Hopkinton Education Foundation

June 11, 2008

Crosswalk Safety Needs to be Addressed

To the Editor:

The topic of crosswalk safety on the HopNews discussion page prompts me to write this letter. (DRC Chair, Anne Mattina, left)

Over the past year, the Downtown Revitalization Committee has focused much of its effort on pedestrian safety in the downtown business district. Our reasoning is based on 2 factors, one - safety is important and two - if we truly wish to make downtown a destination for people, then we should do as much as we can to make it a safe and accessible place to visit, park, walk and shop.

From our first meeting in September 2007 with representatives of the Police Department, the DPW and the Board of Selectmen, our goal remained the same. After many, many meetings and discussions we arrived at the sponsorship of 2 articles at Town Meeting - one asking for money to repair downtown sidewalks, especially those on the north side of Main St., from the Respite Center down to Cedar St. The second article was for crosswalk improvement including visibility. Unfortunately, the town finances being what they are, we were unable to secure support from Capital Improvements, the Board of Selectmen or the Appropriations Committee. All agreed that our desire to make downtown safe and accessible were worthy goals but they withheld their support because of financial reasons. Also, more than once during meetings with just about everyone, we were told to wait until the Legacy Farms traffic study was completed before moving forward.

That report was not made final until April. If you are familiar with the Town Meeting calendar, articles for the warrant must be presented by early March in order to be included in the warrant. Our decision to go ahead with our articles on town meeting floor despite lack of support was based on our belief that the town needs to deal with these issues BEFORE someone gets seriously injured. Additionally, there is significant proposed development in the works for those several blocks between Hayden Rowe and 85 - which will increase both auto and pedestrian traffic in that area.  We decided to withdraw the sidewalk article from the floor and see if we could get an amendment through on the crosswalk article, focusing our efforts on what is the busiest and most dangerous crosswalk in downtown - that of the corner of Church and Main.

We were going to propose a pedestrian light, which stops traffic only when someone pushes the button. The total amount requested was to be $37,000 - a pole-type pedestrian light plus engineering and installation costs. We knew it was a long-shot on Town Meeting floor, but we thought the issue was important enough to try and get out there. The TM voted for the Appropriations Committee recommendation not to support the original article and that was that.

 I would suggest from the number of responses  to Ms. Ward 's study (who generously shared her research with the DRC) and the number of times previously crosswalk safety has come up on the discussion page, and discussions many of us have had with both residents and visitors to the downtown area that this is an important issue and one that the town needs to address. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to. 

Respectfully,

Anne Mattina, DRC Chair

May 28, 2008

Thanks and Advice

Editor:

I want to thank everyone whose advice, support and encouragement enabled the designation of the north end of Wilson Street as a scenic road, connecting Wilson's south end and Howe Street in Ashland which are both previously designated scenic roads.

In particular, the members of town meeting who stayed to the end, planning office and town staff, Planning Board, Historical Commission, DPW, petitioners, Muriel Kramer, Matt Zettek, all the abutters and area residents, town organizations, and others who gave their time generously.

I would like to share what I’ve learned with anyone in town who might consider submitting a petition for designation of other roads. This would be an excellent project for families with older children, involving map reading, measurement, history, research, math, computer  skills, photography, letter writing, and civic and community involvement, along with the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of our historic roadways.

There are quite a few roads in town which fulfill the requirements of designation and are not scenic roads. For example, Frankland Road which, if my memory serves me, is the oldest road in Hopkinton. There is a list of scenic roads and more information on the town website at www.hopkinton.org/gov/planning/scenic_roads.htm. Please feel free to contact me, I am pleased to offer my help.

Julia Linnell
5 Reservoir Road

May 18, 2008

Liisa Jackson for Muriel Kramer

Dear Editor

To Hopkinton Residents. I am writing this letter to lay out the reasons why you should vote for Muriel Kramer for the Board of Selectmen on May 19th:

Muriel's leadership qualities are incredible, in her current term as Selectman she has brought civility and respect back too the Board of Selectmen. Muriel has set a wonderful example on how to have local government work collaboratively and come to consensus.

Muriel’s commitment to the Town of Hopkinton has been amazing she a working mother and she has always devoted an amazing amount of time to educate herself about current issues and to insure that the citizens of Hopkinton have proper and fair representation from her as member and chair of the Board of Selectman

Muriel has represented and promoted fiscal responsibility this has been very difficult given the fact that the cost of community services continues to raise at a very rapid pace in Hopkinton. She has strived to continue to meet the needs of the community given the fiscal restraints we are facing.

 We need Muriel to continue to represent the wishes of Hopkinton residents by exercising strict fiscal responsibility and a continue working with Hopkinton Government in a collaborative way.

I feel privileged to have her representing Hopkinton and I want to ask you to vote for Muriel Kramer on May 19^th.

Liisa Jackson

8 Cross Street

Hopkinton

May 16, 2008

Ken Weismantel for RJ Dourney

Dear Editor,

I have served with RJ Dourney on the Planning Board and the Zoning Advisory Committee for the last year.  During that time I have closely observed his analysis of complex issues, his leadership style, his commitment to preserve the environment of Hopkinton, his fairness to everyone speaking at public hearings, and his ability to bring the committee to vote for the best interests of Hopkinton. 

His contribution to the Legacy Farms OSMUD zoning change is just one example of his record of advocating for what is best for Hopkinton.

I am pleased to endorse RJ Dourney for Selectman and urge you to vote on Monday, May 19^th.

Ken Weismantel

145 Ash Street

May 15, 2008

Mathew Zettek for Muriel Kramer

Letter To The Editor

While knowing that both candidates for the Board of Selectmen are good people, I wanted to state some of the top reasons I’ll be casting my vote for Muriel Kramer next Monday, May 19, 2008. I grew up in Town and, upon returning with my wife and son nearly four years ago, found that folks were tired of the way the Board of Selectmen was conducting the business of the Town. Now, after having served for nearly a year on that same Board, I believe we have made marked headway in restoring respect and balance and Muriel deserves a significant amount of credit for making that happen.

We now have civil, productive Selectmen meetings where a diversity of opinion is encouraged. Her ability to not only accept, but encourage input from all of us, helps us make better decisions and move forward together as a Board once a vote is taken.

Muriel does her research, makes all the meetings and takes a thoughtful and long term approach when addressing complex issues. She understands that a two pronged approach of seeking cost efficiencies as well as revenue enhancements is needed to ensure our fiscal sustainability. When I disagree with her, there is never a thought about any possible ramification.

She’s lived here awhile with her family and has a healthy respect for both the type of town we used to be and the Hopkinton we’ve become as a result of the major growth spurt of the last fifteen years. This allows her to incorporate the perspectives of a variety of folks, from those who have lived here for decades, to those who have only recently moved to town, while making decisions to move the town forward.

Her experience is needed especially at this time as we continue implementing the Town Manager form of government and supporting the sustainable development of Legacy Farms. Her long standing involvement in the community, including her role on the Master Plan Committee, combined with the last three years as Selectmen, gives her the necessary experience and unique perspective to continue helping with the transition to our new form of government. In order to help us continue to move forward together, please consider voting for Muriel Kramer this Monday.

Matt Zettek
16 Wilson Street
May 15, 2008

From Candidate Muriel Kramer

Editor, HopNews:

Friends, please remember to vote on Monday May 19, 2008, and please vote Muriel Kramer for Selectman.  I am running for a second term on the Board of Selectmen, and I would greatly appreciate your vote.

For three years, I have worked for Hopkinton as Selectwoman, twice as the Chairwoman, and have been challenged often but also deeply gratified by what the Board of Selectmen has achieved.  The Board’s successes are not mine alone, but it has been my privilege to play a role in all that we have worked to achieve.  To be sure there are still challenges ahead, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to tackle those.  The current Board will continue to work with a unified approach across Town government focusing on the “One Hopkinton” theme, maintaining a professional tone at all times and collaborating across all departments to manage our growth and maintain a sustainable financial strategy.

In the last three years, we have successfully managed the integration of the Charter, hiring our first Town manager and subsequently the Chief Financial Officer.  We have transitioned to a law firm that is experienced in Municipal Law offering the town better service at lower cost.  Additionally we all worked well together during adversity when the Town Manager had his accident and successfully transitioned back upon his return.  Lastly, managing a successful response to the sale of the Weston Nurseries property and subsequent planning opportunity for Legacy Farms was an enormous challenge and as a Board, I believe we served Hopkinton well.

The key ingredient in our recent success has been the respectful and open debate established and maintained by this Board of Selectmen.  Hopkinton today is served by five unique individuals, all committed to Hopkinton as the first priority without deference to any special interest group.  Today in Hopkinton every voter and every voter group has a voice in town government, and that is something we can all be proud of.  Most importantly, it is why Hopkinton can meet the various challenges we face and successfully overcome them.

For the past two years I have had the pleasure of working with Muriel on the Board of Selectmen.  Always the consummate leader, she restored credibility to a Board previously torn by partisanship.  Not afraid to take a stand regardless of the political consequences, Muriel refuses to make deals outside of the public process and allows anyone to speak their mind during open meetings.  A “breath of fresh air”, Muriel represents politics as it should be, “by the people”.         Michael Shepard, Hopkinton Selectman (2006-present)

Muriel Kramer has proven her leadership ability again and again.  She listens to all sides on every question and isn’t afraid to make the difficult choices she feels are best for Hopkinton.  I am proud to support Muriel Kramer for Selectman.       Sandra King Altamura, Hopkinton Planning Board (1995-present)

Selectmen Mary Pratt, Mike Shepard and Matt Zettek endorse Muriel Kramer for re-election.  For more information, please log on to www.murielkramer.blogspot.com.

Please encourage your friends to vote for Muriel Kramer, May 19, 2008.

Thank you,

Muriel Kramer

11 North Street

May 15, 2008

5/14/2008

Dr. Duffy Offers Challenge

Letter to the Editor, HopNews

In his campaign literature, RJ lists four advantages of "my financial plan." On his HopNews website RJ states that he has the "skills and expertise to formulate a strategic financial plan for the Town." As one who has been involved for most of the past 40 years in Hopkinton's municipal finance, I hope that RJ will now make public the details of his financial plan.

John H Duffy
175 Hayden Rowe Street
May 14, 2008

Two families For RJ Dourney

Dear Editor,

     Over the last few years, we have seen a deterioration of the services provided by the different departments in Hopkinton. Whether it’s the roads that are so difficult to drive on, or the loss of 16 school teachers and staff, you can’t help but be disturbed by what is happening in town. We have seen constant increases in property taxes and we are getting less and less for them. That is why we are supporting RJ Dourney for Selectman.

      It is clear that different town leadership is needed to keep our schools and our other services moving forward, not backward. RJ is the candidate who will provide this leadership.

      With his business expertise and his considerable experience as a member of town boards, he understands how to help Hopkinton be the town we know it can be. We agree with his goal to get the waste water treatment facility constructed so we can bring in more commercial revenue to reduce our tax burden.  However, RJ makes it very clear that he wants the right kind of business to come to Hopkinton. He believes strongly in bringing in green business – making sure that our corporate citizens are responsible members of the community.

      We are confident that RJ will bring the necessary leadership to the Board of Selectmen. So please join us in voting for RJ Dourney on May 19^th.

Thank you!

Sue & Jerry Lampert                                                                                                                                                     5 Wellington Way   

Lynne & David Auslander                                                                                                                                                 6 Hearthstone Road

May 14, 2008

Votes For RJ Dourney

Dear Editor,

     Town Elections are one week away.  As you know there is one contested seat for Board of Selectman.  We are kindly asking you to consider putting your support behind RJ Dourney. We believe that he has the skill base, integrity and people skills to bring stronger leadership to our BOS.  

     With Legacy Farms now heading in the right direction and the wastewater treatment plant on the cusp of moving forward, we need RJ to keep things on track instead of someone who will continue to stall progress, which has been what we've seen the past couple of years.  

     We need to stop raising property taxes and generate revenue from fiscally responsible development that maintains the integrity of Hopkinton.   We also need a leader who places Education as one of their top priorities.  That's why we’re sending this out.  It's important to all of us.

       PLEASE VOTE FOR RJ!!  We're so, so fortunate that he's a candidate to choose from!!

Sincerely,

Leda Arakelian

228 Hayden Rowe St.

Cindy Bernardo

5 Susan Dr.

Selina Paolucci

53 Greenwood Rd.

May 13, 2008

Kramer Supporter Lists Reasons

Editor:

Here are some of the reasons we are voting for Muriel Kramer for the Board of Selectmen:

Leadership
Muriel's leadership qualities were apparent to other board members from the start of her term as selectman. In her first term, she assumed the chairmanship of the board. Under Muriel’s leadership, the Board of Selectmen has encouraged “full and fair” debate on all issues of concern to the residents of Hopkinton. As a seasoned chairperson of the Board, she has always encouraged different points of views so as to put issues in their proper perspective, while, at all times, considering what is best for the well-being of all Hopkinton residents. She tends to reduce the issues to their content and not their politics. There is none of the trade-offs of normal political fare.

Commitment
She puts in the time and effort each day calls for. Her commitment is strong and sincere. However, she is all business and tries to keep discussion focused. She has a large family to care for, so you can be sure time management is a positive quality. She has made a commitment to the town and meets all expectations. Her record will show attendance at
not only BOS meetings, but various other meetings held weekly and bi-weekly around town. She has a need to understand the issues as best she can, and this is one of her ways of doing that.

She has a good working relationship with other elected and appointed officials, no matter what their party affiliation. She has a no-nonsense approach which does lead to conflicts at times; however, it is usually recognized that this an attempt to focus on just the issue and achieve a result which offers a good solution for the whole town without the politics.

Balance
Muriel has recognized the need and is attempting to move the town to a balanced budget approach based on existing income. Hopkinton has borrowed substantial amounts in recent years and the result has been somewhat like a child in a toy store with a credit card. Borrowing should be for special projects and town emergencies and not as a routine
part of the budget process. Muriel has recognized this. The BOS has taken a stand on responsible financial management. Every issue cannot be resolved by borrowing approved by a vote.

In the hard times to come, strict financial management and fiscal responsibility is an essential characteristic in a selectman for Hopkinton. Muriel has shown the leadership and strength to take a stand on this issue. We need this kind of responsible leadership now. We also need balance such that the politically strong organizations do not starve out other less influential but legitimate and important needs. Muriel has shown that she understands that the town has many interests all of which need consideration. Muriel has the strength of leadership to ensure every organization has an opportunity for funds.

Ken and Chris Dietz
44 Alexander Rd.

May 13, 2008

Letter in support of the re-election of Muriel Kramer for Selectman

Editor:
 

When I ran for Selectman two years ago I did so for one reason only. At the time, the Board was the subject of much ridicule and, more often than not, the subject of a Metro-West News article that was most often an embarrassment to our Town. It appeared that decisions were made not in the clear light of day and they were therefore suspect. I love Hopkinton and if fortunes are kind enough to me and my family we will remain here forever.

During my first year, Muriel was Chair and some of the same name calling and innuendos were still present. Muriel was always polite, although at times frustrated by the infighting on the Board. Progress was made, the Whitehall property purchased, the Town Manager appointed in accordance with the charter and we were well on our way into the Weston Nurseries issues. Muriel is a process person. Issues must be fully vetted in front of the public, and be absolutely transparent, before action is taken. The appeals that have stymied the Fruit Street project have been frustrating for Muriel as well as the rest of us and are the result, at least in my opinion, of the way things were done in the past.

Muriel has a good sense of what is right or wrong and is not bashful to share this with her fellow Board members. She may not always agree but is always gracious in defeat. She works tirelessly and has been instrumental in integrating the Town Manager into the everyday running of the Town. Muriel is absolutely crystal clear and works to get issues before the people so that the community can decide important issues. The Weston Nurseries project is a case in point. The subject was thoroughly vetted over the past two years and just as she said, all parties would not get everything they wanted, but they were assured of the opportunity to comment and make their concerns known.

Muriel has made us a much more professional Board. We each have our own ideas and we share them with each other during the meeting process and even though our side might not prevail we all recognize that it’s the Board’s vote that is important, not our own personal opinion. Please support Muriel’s run for re-election and keep us on the path of prosperity, dignity, concern for all and respect among our adjacent communities.

Michael Shepard

11 Hill Street

May 13, 2008

Support Muriel Kramer

Editor:
 

We support the re-election of Muriel Kramer to the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen.  Three years ago when Muriel ran for her first term, her campaign slogan was "Bring Balance Back".  She has definitely succeeded in doing just that.  Muriel threw the doors of Town Government wide open, and many of us gratefully walked right in.

The keyword for her current campaign could very well be "Consensus".  Muriel has the gifts of listening objectively to all points of view and articulating these without prejudice, thereby allowing consensus to be reached through active and respectful discussion.

Please vote for Muriel's re-election and let your voice continue to be heard.

Jeff Furber
Gail Clifford
Wood Street

May 2, 2008

Legacy Project Manager Responds

Editor:

As the project manager for Legacy Farms, I wish to respond to Ms. Lund’s call for more project study.

Jennifer begins her note outlining environmental concerns. We share Ms. Lund’s concerns for the environment. For this reason, we have designed Legacy Farms considering the United States Green Building Council LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program. A number of LEED project criteria are fulfilled by our attempt to create what Sasaki Associates has coined our “build green” approach. We have also been involved in Low Impact Development long before it became a catch phrase.

Ms. Lund’s characterization that the Transportation analysis falls short of our neighboring communities is not true. The data gathering and analysis for this activity stretched well into Ashland, Southborough and the balance of Hopkinton.  Hopkinton, Ashland and Southborough have also all had the opportunity to review our Transportation consultants’ work.

As it relates to Fiscally positive nature – Hopkinton’s consultant, Ms. Judi Barrett, can affirm this fact as well as we can. All one has to do is review the Hopkinton Appropriations Committees submittals to understand that the OSMUD will have a significant cash flow, net of costs.

The question of process raised by Ms. Lund is an important one. Please realize that adopting the OSMUD means simply enabling zoning. The Developer will then need to approach a significant process of Master Plan Special Permit with the Planning Board, a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission, and once those activities are finished; further Planning Board site plan review. The Commonwealth will also be involved with both MEPA and DEP oversight.

The decision to adopt the OSMUD and its Legacy Farms is up to Hopkinton Voters to decide at Town Meeting on Tuesday May 6 with a vote on Article 29. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the Community in developing the OSMUD and Legacy Farms.

Steven N. Zieff

21 Center Street

Weston, MA

May 1, 2008

Demand Further Study

Editor:

Hopkinton is not ready to vote on the OSMUD’s legacy of eternal traffic. We know too little about the impact. No one has forecast the health impact of the air pollution. No one has looked at the backup getting onto Route 9.

I used to live on a busy street near Brookline. The windows washers did not “wash.” They razor-bladed to remove the soot. Thousands more idling cars, waiting in line, will contribute unknown tons of poisons and particulates into our air, raising childhood asthma, and respiratory ailments of the elderly. This is inevitable – we just don’t know if it’s 1 or 100 cases. It is irresponsible to compromise the health of our children and seniors in pursuit of a dangling fantasy of revenue. If you didn’t know that air pollution causes asthma, Google it. On the bright side, the four-lane intersection planned for the center of town will make the town center less friendly for pedestrians, so perhaps we'll prevent some exposure there.

The traffic study mysteriously stops a few miles from the town center. Why is that? The border of Hopkinton is not a commuter destination. I assume the traffic study stopped because there is no possible remediation for the backups getting onto Route 9 and the Turnpike. Boulder Capital can’t offer any kind of bypass to shrink the 20-minute wait we currently have there. Those intersections are backed up at 7AM. Hundreds of more cars will reduce Hopkinton’s desirability as a commuter location.

We’ve seen spiraling increases in taxes from recent development. We don’t want spiraling increases in lung disease or spiraling decreases in property values. Don’t close your eyes and vote. Demand further study.
 
Jennifer J. Lund
15 College St
Hopkinton, MA 01748

April 30, 2008

Current Enrollments are Level

Editor,
Inaccurate information about school enrollments and budget cuts has recently appeared in various public forums. The School Committee wants to make sure that the facts are clear to everyone.*

A key area of misinformation deals with student enrollment. Contrary to what was written, enrollment in the Hopkinton public schools has not been declining; it has been virtually flat for the past four years. The enrollment figures for the last four years (FY05-FY08) have been 3461, 3470, 3453, and 3454 inclusive of vocational and out-of-district special education students. The forecast for next year (FY09) is 3434, only 20 fewer students than we currently have. The mis-information about declining enrollment was used to justify a $700,000+ cut from the amount required for level services in the FY09 school budget. However, the forecasted enrollment decline does not even equate to the loss of a single classroom.

It was also misstated that the School Committee had not cut positions to match this so-called declining enrollment. In fact, the original School Committee budget did cut 3 full-time equivalents (FTE) in conjunction with re-engineering of information technology and special education service delivery models. The final budget, matched to Town revenue, reduces school department staffing by 16 FTE.

Looking at a two-year time frame, school department staffing will go from a budgeted 455.9 FTE in FY07 to 422.4 FTE in FY09. The reduction of 33.5 FTE represents a staffing decline of 7.3%. By comparison, the FY09 enrollment forecast is 19 students less than the FY07 actual enrollment and represents a decline of merely 0.6% (six-tenths of 1%). Of the positions eliminated, 18.7 FTE -- a little over half -- are teachers. This is a reduction of almost 1 teacher per student in this “declining” enrollment.

Significant enrollment decreases are not forecasted to begin until FY10 when they will average 60 students per year over the next 10 years, according to the latest forecast from the New England School Development Council (NESDEC). This does not account for the impact of Legacy Farms which is expected to bring 236 students into the system during its build-out and will, therefore, make the enrollment decreases less than 60 students per year on average

Tight budget situations over the past two years would have reduced the school department staff by more than the current 33.5 FTE had the School Committee decided not to add new fees and increase existing fees. Fees that directly affect students and parents are now assessed to 1) groups who use our facilities, 2) students participating in athletics, 3) students parking at the high school, and 4) students riding the bus (except for K-6 students living more than 2 miles from their school since state law requires that they be provided with transportation). Over the past two years, we have increased these fees to generate approximately $250,000 more in payments. Next year we anticipate total fee payments to exceed $650,000.

If anyone has questions about school department operations, please contact the Superintendent’s office or a member of the School Committee. Doing so will assure that you get accurate information.

Sincerely,
Hopkinton School Committee:
Rebecca Robak, Chair
Nancy Burdick, Vice Chair
Lyn Branscomb
Dave Stoldt
Phil Totino

*Ms. Robak made it clear in an email that she was in no way referring to anything in HopNews.

Mary Pratt Endorses Fellow Selectman Muriel Kramer

Dear Editor,
    In the hierarchy of Old Englands, were layers of importance known as the ESTATES, the  Press being  the 4th Estate. The printed word was elevated to a high place in History. "The Power of the Press" with outreach to millions. Tragically it has become  more combative than educational, hurting many people and their families.*  But we too get rebuttal time. My point is that has Members of the 5th Estate, the Media, have grown far beyond the lowly newspapers and it's positions often opinionated and biased,  going far beyond the independent  publication of facts and figures.

     There are few towns that vote locally as Party oriented. It has it's advantages and disadvantages. But the utter mean and pettiness toward Hopkinton residents of all parties who run for elections or serve on Boards is deplorable. No one  is perfect and cannot please all. We endeavor to see the issues as they Are and not as we wish they could be. I've been around a long time and have a tougher hide than most so I take it from whence it comes. But there are many great persons who refuse to get involved because they cannot tolerate the ridicule and nastiness. Case in point:

     The July 4th parade which used to be fun and hilarious but is  now  vindictive and mean. For all of the above let me say that I have served on the BOS for eight years and the election of Muriel Kramer and finally Mike was to me a breath of Fresh air. Thankfully with Matt and Brian it has continued.
     Do we all ? Agree H--- no. We argue, etc., but at the end of the day we get along famously. I meet people and get calls about how refreshing the BOS has become. Muriel and the BOS  have taken steps that many do not like and sadly we have
not wanted to take them either, but like parents who hate to say "NO" but must, we too have had to take that stand.
     What is truly tragic is that we now are not only losing the original people of Hopkinton, but now have residents who cannot pay their taxes and some with sewer payment problems. ONE MILLION DOLLARS ,$1,000,000  in taxes was not collected this year and we are trying to find a means to collect them. Any override, means more uncollected taxes next year.

      I disagree with the comments about new business. TIF's do not increase our Tax line, and do not allow the collection of Personal Property taxes. Legacy Farms will be a long time before we see a high positive return . We are trying to get development there that will be at least Revenue Neutral.

     We cannot allow the town's services, roads and sidewalks to decay; and need to ull up our boot straps, sacrifice the illusions of "a rich Town" and face the facts . There is NO money and we have spent far beyond our means. Please think of that as you cast your very important vote on May 19th.  
     Stick with the Board that has finally worked together for a better Hopkinton.
 Jim Harvey told Mr. Clark at a BOS Meeting that the first thing he would build here would be a garage, no $400K there. A Sewer Treatment plant could have been built in a less sensitive area for less dollars and have been operating by now. ASK the question, why  IT wasn't .
     Please vote for Muriel Kramer a woman of courage, education and endurance.
 

Respectfully,

Mary C. Pratt

102 Fruit Street

April 26, 2008

* Editor's Note: Mrs. Pratt apparently had another publication in mind regarding this point.

 Green Ribbon Week

Editor:

Several months ago, members from SADD (Students Against Destructive Behaviors), the beFREE! Project and Peer Leaders met to discuss substance abuse prevention. The result of these discussions was the creation of ‘Green Ribbon Week: Hillers Take a Stand Against Substance Use’, which was implemented the first week in April at Hopkinton High School. The timing of this campaign also coincided with the National Alcohol Awareness week.

The purpose of the Green Ribbon Week was to present a visible commitment to a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle. The objectives of the campaign were:
To create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
To support the decision to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle

The following were the week’s activities:

Monday 3/31 -- Grim Reaper Day
SADD coordinated this event to raise awareness of how many teen deaths are caused by drunk driving (1 every 32 minutes).  A message was read at the beginning of the day and a gong sounded every 32 minutes.  Each time the gong sounded, a "Grim Reaper" took a student from class, painted his/her face, gave the student a flower and returned the student to class.  The student was not able to speak for the rest of the day.
 

Tuesday 4/1 -- Green Ribbons and Social Host Law Info
The Peer Leaders handed out cards with info regarding the Social Host Laws to students and parents dropping off/picking up their kids.  The green ribbons are for car antennae. 
 

Wednesday 4/2 -- Banner Signing
Student members of the beFREE! Project had a banner for students to sign during lunch, promising not to drink and drive.  
 

Thursday 4/3 -- Nick Levine Presentation on Addiction 
There was a special presentation to all Junior and Senior students about decision-making regarding alcohol use.  Nick Levine is a HHS graduate whose life was significantly impacted by alcohol and drug use after he went off to college.  He shared his story about addiction so that others may avoid making the same mistakes that he did.
 

Friday 4/4 -- "Did You Know" Facts
The beFREE! Project compiled facts on drunk driving, social host laws and addition that were read at the beginning of each block regarding substance abuse. 
 

These are timely and important messages for our youth.  Parents, please take advantage of this opportunity to open a dialog with your child and talk about ways to avoid substance use. Research has shown that parents are the biggest influence on a child’s decision whether or not to use alcohol or drugs. 

If you’d like more information, please feel free to visit the beFREE! Project website; www.befreeproject.org . Together, we can work to protect the teens of Hopkinton from alcohol and drugs.

Sue Hadley and Jane Roche
Co-coordinators, beFREE! Project
508-497-9820 x1520
Befreeproject@gmail.com

Resident Lauds Selectmen for No Override Vote

~ Decries "Mudslinging"

 Editor:

      The town should recognize the Board of Selectmen for showing leadership in voting against an override.  Hard  decisions are never easy, ask anyone in corporate management.  Past boards have not been able to say “No” to budget increases.  I believe this vote will force every department to take a harder look at what is absolutely necessary. These steps are necessary during times of increased monthly household expenses.  Our food, heating fuel, property taxes, school fees, & gasoline have risen at a much higher rate than our earned wages in just the past 12 months. Many people in town have fixed monthly income or small annual wage increase. Town departments should manage to appropriated funds, not manage to “desired funds."

     To the benefit of all Hopkinton residents, all departments have worked diligently in the past several years to manage expenses.  The appropriations committee has created methods in the form of forums and budgeting tools to assist the town in appropriating funds fairly to all departments. Over the past 10 years, the Town has continuously increased funding for its school system and has successfully and strategically built a “best in class” system.  With that said, the school committee and the school administration are now challenged with enhancing academic programs (especially in Mathematics) using existing funds. The school committee and administration keep touting the “structural deficit”.

     The reason for the structural deficit is because operating costs increase annually more than the 2 ½% tax increase allowed by law.  No new significant revenue generating ideas have surfaced. No override is coming. It is time to look at operating expenses and create strategic plans for reducing expenses.

      Strategically sourcing insurance was a great example. Perhaps more cooperative buying or outsourcing non-academic functions can help.  Do we need an independent 3^rd party to assess what the administration has put into place, to determine if there are other ways of delivering a world class program for less money?  Are preventive maintenance and energy efficiency programs in place?  Are all schools consistent in program delivery? Is there any way to reduce our debt burden? Residents need to support commercial building that is environmentally friendly since the Town generates approximately $3-$4/Sq Ft on commercial property.  Increasing fees is not the answer.  Look what happened when we introduced bus fees, we now have more people driving their children to school, causing traffic congestion and all the associated environmental problems that go along with it. The current focus is on expense reduction not revenue generation. 

       Let’s stop slinging mud towards the BOS and get on with the task at hand.

Rick Odell

64 East Street

Hopkinton

March 26, 2008 

Editor's  note: Mr. Odell is a former member of the Appropriations Committee

Hopkinton High School Alumni Athletes

To the Editor:

    As I read in Hopnews.com  about the most recent, former Hopkinton track star earning collegiate All-American status (Tiana Riel of Boston College), I couldn't help but remember Hopkinton's first track star earning All-American honors - Christine Moschella. Christine went on to excel at arguably the best track and field program in the nation and an elite institution, Stanford University. Christine earned collegiate All-American honors all four years at Stanford as a sprinter and member of NCAA champion relay teams.

    I also thought about the current crop of Dick Bliss's high school All-American golfers now starring at the national collegiate level. Remarkably they all played on the same team and earned a state title. It is almost unthinkable to have three athletes performing simultaneously at the highest collegiate level from one team and certainly not from a small school like HHS.

• Keegan Bradley - a senior at St. John's University and two time Massachusetts high school golfer of the year and now #1 golfer at St. John's

• Jon Curran - a junior at Vanderbilt who achieved All-American status last year and is the #1 golfer on the nationally ranked Vandy team

• Kim Donovan - the only freshman on the Duke University golf team which is ranked #1 nationally and defending NCAA champions

Hats off to all these athletes and many others who are participating at the collegiate level, all proud alumni of HHS. Apparently there are many good things to say about the Hopkinton school system that often get lost in the political shuffle in Town.

Dick Gooding

Shrewsbury, MA
HHS, Class of 1963

March 20, 2008

$5,000 for Food Pantry

To the Editor:
     The Hopkinton Women's Club Spring Fashion Show was held at the Hopkinton Country Club on March 11th. The event raised over $5,000 for the Hopkinton Food Pantry which is managed within Project Just Because for residents of
Hopkinton.
     On behalf of the Hopkinton Women's Club, many thanks to the businesses who were the ad sponsors, and those that gave us gift certificates, discounts or services in support of the Fashion Show.
     Many thanks to the wonderful Hopkinton models and all the attendees for making the fashion show another fun, successful, and memorable evening.
     For more information about the Hopkinton Women's Club, its fundraising and social activities, please visit the Women's Club website.*
Our sincere thanks to all!!
 

Most Sincerely,
Pamela McPherson and Phyllis Couglin, CoChairperson
Kathy Yankee, President

March 16, 2008

NOTE: * Visit HopNews Community Page (Link on Page 1) for the Women's Club website.

Accountability and Consequences

Editor:

     Recent events in town demonstrate the challenges parents face in keeping their kids safe from drugs and alcohol. We have new data now that demonstrates the risks for teens who use alcohol or drugs. It should not be seen as simply ‘a rite of passage for teens’. Consider these facts:
     • The younger kids start drinking, the more likely they are to become addicted
     • Kids who drink are far more likely to drive drunk, have sex, and experiment with other drugs.
     • More than 65% of all sexual assaults and date rape of teens and college students involve alcohol
     • Regular marijuana use causes memory problems and increases the risk of developing a serious mental illness.
     • Alcohol is the leading killer of teens.

As parents, we need to do everything we can to protect our children from alcohol and drugs. If and when they make the wrong decision, they need to be held accountable for their actions so that they learn there are consequences for those actions. The Hopkinton Police Department and the Hopkinton School staff are committed to work in partnership with parents to help keep our kids safe.

Research confirms that parents are the biggest influence on a child’s decision whether or not to use alcohol or drugs. This is an appropriate time to make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your children. Here are some suggestions:
     • Make sure your kids know that you do not want them to use alcohol or drugs. Say it often.
     • Do not leave your teen alone home overnight no matter how responsible they are. Make sure they are staying with an adult you trust.
     • Let the police know if you are going to be away, ask them to check your home, and let your child know that you have informed the police.
     • Secure your liquor. A large percentage of kids get liquor from their own homes.
     • Supervise all youth gatherings in your home, check in regularly.
     • Know where your kids are. Don’t be afraid to call and check up on them
     • If your kids make the wrong decision, support the police department and schools in the consequences they assess.

As parents, we need to make drug and alcohol prevention a part of our regular conversation and work together to combat this problem. Here are two ways you can help:
 

1. Hopkinton has begun a series of informal gatherings with parents on the topic of youth alcohol and drug prevention. Parents have found the information presented and the discussion with other parents very interesting and helpful. If you are interested in hosting a small, informal parent coffee, or participating in one, please contact Jane Roche at janeroche@aol.com  or 497-9820 X1520.
 

2. We would also welcome your participation in the beFree! coalition which is a community wide coalition to prevent youth alcohol and drug abuse. Check us out at www.befreeproject.org  or call Jane Roche or Sue Hadley, beFree directors. At 497-9820, X1520.

Jane Roche & Sue Hadley
Directors, beFree! Project

March 16, 2008

LMPA Vows To Oppose Rezoning

Editor:

“The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, LMPA, is very disappointed that the owner of the property on Hayward Street would blatantly disregard the wishes of the very neighborhood that will be adversely affected by his proposed development.

It was obvious from the hearings earlier this winter that the Lake Maspenock neighborhood is strongly against this development as evidenced by the petition that was signed by numerous area residents voicing their opposition to this project. At the public hearing held on February 4th, the Planning Board unanimously voted against this proposed zoning change to be included in the town meeting warrant. Members of that board labeled this proposal as nothing more than “ZONING CREEP” and could set a poor precedent for other residential areas of town.

The Lake Maspenock neighborhood already has trash issues on our streets and at Sandy Beach. Employees of area businesses, who do not have an investment in the area, already drive through our streets, near where children are playing and our residents are out walking or jogging, and they often don’t think twice about speeding or throwing trash out the windows. This kind of blatant disregard for our home environment will only increase with another retail development. .

The LMPA and the neighborhood at large intend to come together and exercise our will at town meeting and vote in opposition of this zoning change that would allow this project to proceed.”

Julie Crawley

LMPA President

March 7, 2008

Editor's Note: The following is a response from Town Manager Anthony Troiano to an opinion piece by an Editor of the MetroWest Daily News, Jim Klienkauf, who did not express very high opinions of anyone in Hopkinton. Although much of the referenced letter can be inferred by Mr. Troiano's response, it is in the town's interest for HopNews to give it any more legs. However, our Town Manager has not seen fit to take it lying down.

Town Manager Shares Letter to MetroWest Daily News

Mr. Kleinkauf,

Having never met you, I really can’t comment on your motivations for writing an article based solely on subjective opinion.  However, I don’t subscribe to one sided partisanship, and never will. I took offense at your characterization of town leaders,  including the Board of Selectmen,  Planning Department, Legal Team, and myself. To my recollection, you have never attended a meeting where I was present,  and you have never called me for info or my opinion on any topic. 

You insinuate that :

1.       I’m somehow in the Selectmen’s pocket

2.       That I have no experience in town government

3.       That I’m not a real Town Manager

4.       That I’m trying to extort money from Boulder Capital

5.       That the town has no real leadership

6.       That our Planning Board is inept.

If you truly were visible and attending meetings over the last three months you would see that things are very different.  Change in town government is slow, evolution to a town manager form of government has growing pains.  My peers and mentors all agree that the first town manager in a community faces many hurdles.  Engrained institutional  behavior has to be modified and refined with patience, finesse, and honesty.  I doubt that any of the Selectmen I have worked with would characterize me as weak, or afraid to speak my piece.  Quite honestly, I’ve worked very hard at listening to everyone.  Characterizations are easy to spin, they have no depth, and create more misinformation then good. 

The comments about Boulder Capital could not be further from the truth.  Our legal counsel and Planning Director have served in a very honorable fashion alongside me on the negotiation team.  They deserve credit for pointing out the issues and concerns which we need to know before we sign any agreements.  It is easy to say that we’re obstructionist, but who will be held accountable for agreements which cost the town millions in the future if all concerns aren’t addressed.  Oh, I know, then you can write that our leadership was too weak to take on developers, or was in their pocket, or failed to gain concessions.  You can’t have it both ways. To list a few issues; well agreements, host community agreements, traffic,  wastewater, project scoping,  build out phasing, abutters, and water quality, are just some of the issues we must understand.  It would show a lack of leadership for me to agree to anything without keeping the interest of the citizens of Hopkinton front and center.

Boulder Capital has an aggressive plan, and we have spent, and will continue to spend time working through issues with them.  The purpose of the negotiation team was to take politics out of the process as much as possible.  The host community agreement is not extortion, it is a non-regulatory method of making sure we address all concerns outside of the normal permitting  process.  Boulder Capital’s  Open Space Mixed Use Development District, which will appear as an article on Town Meeting floor at some point, hopefully May fifth,  will pass or fail based on its own merits.  A two thirds vote is difficult to attain, and needs the support of everyone if it is to pass. 

As far as the Board of Selectmen, you owe them an apology.  They have worked hard to transition to a new form of government. I have appointed a Treasurer, Finance Director, and Human Resources Director under them.  If you recall last year the combined efforts of the selectmen, school committee, appropriations committee , and staff presented a balanced budget in five months  instead of the usual eight.  We have revamped the way we approach legal services in the Town, and the Selectmen, to their credit,  looked to me for leadership in this endeavor.  The Selectmen have supported and encouraged me to attend  board and committee meetings as much as possible, have worked closely with the finance team to map out long term borrowing strategies, and  worked  with the Appropriations Committee as they redefine their role.  The selectmen have supported and pushed me to initiate change, contrary to your stated comments. Your statement that the moratorium article was, as some believe “handed down from higher up” , is a misrepresentation, lacks integrity, and doesn’t have a shred of truth to it.

I invite you to stop and see me, call me, question, and then form an opinion.  I think you would be surprised to see that I live and breathe my job, have conviction,   and an open mind.  I like to describe myself as someone who characterizes the statement, what you  see is what you get.  My door is open, I return phone calls, and I will defend the Town of Hopkinton.  Maybe you could come to a few meetings when you have a chance, and ask your questions first,  you might be surprised to find that integrity in government is alive.  I hope you see this as leadership.  

Sincerely,

Anthony  J. Troiano

Town Manager

Town of Hopkinton

Hopkinton, MA 01748

P: 508-497-9700 F: 508-497-9702

February 27, 2008

School Committee Move to Decrease Expenses, Increase Revenue

Editor,

Over the past several years, the School Committee has watched as pressures have mounted on schools to meet higher standards along with increasing state mandates, all while state funding and aid to all communities have gone down.

In trying to meet these higher standards within fiscal restraints the School Committee, over the years, has cut programs, reduced staff and increased fees.

The Massachusetts Department of Education recently issued a preliminary report on the fiscal condition of Massachusetts School districts. It validated our experience in Hopkinton. Since 2002, academic expectations and challenges mandated by education reform have increased, but state aid has gone down. It said that across the state, local property taxes and user fees are higher to make up for the loss of state aid. Finally, the study concluded that the quality of education is at risk if the funding formulas and methods are not changed.

Even as this tide continues, the Hopkinton School Committee and school administration are working to continue to offer a strong educational experience to all students at all levels and abilities. Now, and in past budgets, we have found ways to save money to avoid overrides and fee increases, and also to avoid reductions in service levels. Last year we had to cut 17.5 positions to meet our budget constraints. Continued cutbacks will severely erode the quality of the education that we can offer.

Here are some examples of what we’ve done, in the past few years, to meet budget constraints:

1   To reduce the burden on all taxpayers, the schools began charging fees for buses, student parking and sports teams.
2   To reduce health insurance costs, we negotiated agreements with our teachers and custodians to change some of the parameters of the health insurance plan. We have also increased the number of hours a part-time person must work each week to be eligible for benefits.
3    The school district has moved from print ads to electronic ads to recruit new teachers and staff, resulting in recruitment cost savings of 10 – 15%.
4    The school district has developed in-house Special Education programs so that fewer students need to be sent to other districts or private schools at the taxpayers’ expense. Besides saving on tuition, we also save on transportation costs.
5     Each year the school district purchases fuel, utilities, office and classroom supplies, and custodial supplies at discounted prices through an education collaborative (TEC). This collaborative is able to bargain for deep discounts, because of the number of school districts participating.
6.    Through special funding approved by Town Meeting, the district has replaced the Middle School roof and Center School boiler. We are anticipating energy savings as a result of these projects.
7.    Through the use of technology, the district has been able to improve mandated student data reporting, food service operations, transportation planning, and communication with parents without adding staff at the schools or Central Office.

The school district continues to look for ways to increase revenues and decrease costs. As a follow-up to the recommendations of the town-wide Financial Plan Working Group report last October, we are studying the following ideas:

1.  Selling advertising in the schools, and selling naming rights for buildings, halls and fields.
2.  Admitting school choice students.
3.  Combining common town government and school operations for efficiencies and savings.
4.  Renegotiating facility use charges for after school programs.
5.  Bringing in special education students from out of district on a tuition basis.
6.  Offering our classes to other districts through on-line learning.
7.  Developing sustainable energy capabilities in our buildings, like wind and solar power.

As we work with the Town manager and Board of Selectmen to fine-tune the budget for the 2008-09 school year, the School Committee will advocate for what is best for the students of the district, within the constraints of what the taxpayers are willing to support. Through creative and innovative thinking and continual review of our programs and operations, we will strive to continue to offer a quality education for all of our students.

Hopkinton School Committee:
Rebecca Robak, Chair
Nancy Burdick, Vice-Chair
Lyn Branscomb
Dave Stoldt
Phil Totino

Building a Strong Community

To the Editor:

     Something really special took place in Hopkinton yesterday when hundreds of young people and adult volunteers from numerous community groups joined together to participate in Hopkinton’s first annual MLK Day of Giving Back; instead of a day off, they all had a day “on” in service to their community. Organizers from the Youth Commission and the BeFree coalition are to be congratulated for organizing such a terrific event that put fun and meaning into a day spent working together—shoulder to shoulder, the young and the not so young, from all corners of Town—working together to build a stronger community for all.