Select Board

The Hopkinton Select Board meeting held on September 9, 2026, included significant discussions on procurement and governance matters. Key procurement-related actions included the confirmation of new town employees, such as an executive assistant to the police chief, and the acceptance of easements and donations for town departments. The board also reviewed and approved several appointments to town boards and committees. A major focus was on the termination of a contract with Flock for automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras due to concerns over transparency, privacy, and procurement processes. Residents voiced strong opinions about surveillance technology, emphasizing the need for public trust, proper oversight, and clear policies. The board committed to reviewing and improving procurement and governance procedures related to surveillance technologies. Additionally, the Charter Review Committee provided updates on potential amendments to the town charter, including discussions about elected versus appointed positions and board structures, with a public forum scheduled for further community input. The meeting also addressed town communication strategies, highlighting gaps in current outreach and the potential need for a dedicated communications role. Budget and staffing updates were provided, noting vacancies in key town positions and ongoing capital projects. The board approved posting for several critical vacancies and discussed future agenda items, including strategic planning and performance reviews for town leadership.