The primary topic of discussion revolved around the town’s proposed zero emission vehicle (ZEV) policy. Bill Flannery, a resident involved in several town committees, addressed the board, voicing his concerns about the reliability and cost issues associated with the hybrid vehicles currently used by the police department. Flannery pointed out that both the police chief and deputy chief had reported maintenance and warranty problems with these vehicles, leading to more frequent replacements. He urged the board to reconsider the ZEV policy, particularly its impact on police cruisers. Flannery also noted that some manufacturers were reducing electric model production due to consumer dissatisfaction, raising questions about whether the board had engaged in discussions with other towns regarding their experiences with electric vehicles and whether a cost analysis had been conducted for the necessary charging infrastructure.

Following Flannery’s comments, the board engaged in a discussion on transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) within the town’s fleet. A presenter provided a cost comparison analysis, highlighting that electric vehicles would have lower maintenance and operational costs over their lifetime, supported by various federal and state incentives aimed at offsetting purchase costs. The board expressed support for a phased approach to implementing the ZEV policy, allowing for evaluation and adjustment based on the program’s effectiveness. Concerns were raised about the practicality of electric vehicles for police use, particularly regarding downtime for charging and the lack of existing charging infrastructure. The board acknowledged the need for further consultation with the police chief to address these concerns and ensure that the operational needs of law enforcement are met.

The conversation also touched on the inclusion of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the policy, which can operate on gasoline if their electric charge is exhausted and have shorter charging times compared to fully electric vehicles. While board members recognized the importance of including PHEVs in the policy, they reiterated the need for discussions with the police department to ensure compliance with the new guidelines without compromising public safety and efficiency. The board agreed to continue discussing the ZEV policy in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of having the necessary charging infrastructure in place before fully replacing gas-powered vehicles.

In addition to the ZEV policy, the meeting featured the introduction of two newly promoted members of the Hopkinton Fire Department. Fire Chief Gary Doy introduced Deputy Chief Scott Jurassic and Lieutenant John D Vera, both of whom expressed gratitude for the support of the select board and their families. The board members congratulated the newly appointed leaders, highlighting the fire department’s vital role in the community and acknowledging the significance of these promotions.

The board also addressed the Trails Committee’s initiative to install directional signs for the town’s trails. The committee proposed standard roadside signs to enhance awareness and usage of the trails, which are often underappreciated by residents and visitors. The board approved a trial run of the signs at four locations, with stipulations for design review and compliance with safety and aesthetic standards. The initiative aims to promote community navigation and engagement with the town’s natural resources.

Preparations for the upcoming town meeting were another focal point of the meeting. The board discussed the organization of articles and the need for concise presentations to ensure efficient communication during the meeting. Emphasizing financial prudence, the board noted the importance of maintaining a strong financial buffer for future needs. The town’s Chief Financial Officer, Kyla Laierre, provided updates on warrant articles and motions, reporting that the town was starting with $18.1 million in free cash, with projections for a stable ending balance after allocations to various projects and stabilization funds. The board also addressed logistical aspects of the town meeting, including the submission and approval of presentation slides and the reordering of articles for clarity.