The board approved the sale of $17,118,434.5% General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, which will provide funding for the Elmwood Elementary School project. This decision is part of a broader initiative under General Law chapter 70b to finance school construction projects. In conjunction with this financial strategy, the board also approved the distribution of a notice of sale and preliminary official statement, as well as the establishment of post-issuance federal tax compliance and continuing disclosure procedures. These measures ensure the town’s adherence to federal tax guidelines and transparency in the management of the issued bonds.

In a development for the town’s economic growth, the Select Board discussed a proposal for the creation of an Economic Development Office and Council. The proposal outlined key functions and responsibilities, aiming to enhance strategic planning, business retention, and infrastructure development. The board considered various action steps to address budget constraints and debated the potential structure and composition of the economic advisory council. This included discussions on regulatory streamlining, community engagement, and the interaction with existing entities like the Chamber of Commerce. The town manager emphasized the importance of gathering community feedback and working with related committees to determine the next steps.

Additionally, the board approved the renewal of Verizon New England’s cable TV license, effective July 11th, 2024. The renewed non-exclusive license includes a 30% increase in capital funding, paving the way for the establishment of a high-definition local channel.

In the realm of public safety and services, the board deliberated on a memorandum of agreement with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for the Keep Safe program. This agreement would allow the Hopkinton Police Department to use a regional pre-arrangement safekeep holding facility for short-term detention. Some board members requested additional details regarding the necessity and scope of the facility, prompting a decision to postpone the discussion to the next meeting for further clarification.

The town’s administrative affairs also saw progress, with the appointment of new town employees, including Sam Gutell as a public safety dispatcher and Roberta Anderson as a senior library assistant. The qualifications and backgrounds of these individuals were discussed, and their appointments reflect the town’s efforts to strengthen its services.

During the meeting, the board also addressed the ongoing hiring processes for important positions within the town government, including the Deputy Fire Chief, Deputy Police Chair, and Town Manager. A representative from Community Paradigm Associates provided an update on the Town Manager search, detailing the screening committee’s work and the anticipated selection timeline. The firm’s outreach efforts were noted, and the board discussed the logistics of a candidate meet and greet event, exploring the use of feedback surveys from the event for decision-making.

Furthermore, the board tackled the topic of water and sewer rates, considering several rate adjustment options to ensure the self-sustainability of the town’s Enterprise funds. The proposed rate increases sparked a discussion about the potential impact on residents and the need for a strategic approach to managing water and sewer issues, including legislative involvement.

The meeting concluded with an update on an investigation into a town payroll issue, highlighting the corrective actions taken by the finance department and plans to prevent future incidents. The board also reviewed staffing updates and debated a potential extension of the July 4th holiday closure to provide employees with additional time off.