The Hopkinton Select Board convened for a notably active session covering several high-impact issues relevant to the town’s business and civic environment. Key items on the agenda included regulatory compliance for local businesses, public safety matters, and ongoing planning for staffing and budgeting.
Public Forum Comments
Crust & Company Licensing Concerns
Beth Malloy criticized the board’s approval process for Crust & Company’s common victualer license, noting that the business opened without proper licensing. She expressed disappointment that the board didn’t follow board member Matt Kizner’s recommendation to ensure all inspections were complete before approval.
Malloy submitted documents indicating the former Hiller’s Pizza Corporation remains registered under Petro Sismanis’s name at 77 West Main Street, raising questions about actual ownership changes.
Hopkinton Child Safety Coalition Testimony
Three representatives from the Hopkinton Child Safety Coalition delivered detailed testimony regarding systemic failures in the licensing and oversight process for Hiller’s Pizza. Key points included:
- John Waskcowski reported that Petro Sismanis accumulated a 114-page police record over 28 years, yet continued to receive annual license renewals.
- Alyssa McGinty detailed the common victualer licensing process and criticized gaps in inspection procedures and oversight.
- Marie Lascowski questioned why Police Chief Joe Bennett never informed the Select Board about Sismanis’s criminal history during annual license renewals.
- The coalition requested an independent audit of the Hopkinton Police Department’s background checks and licensing inspections from 2016 to 2024.
Other Public Comments
Patrick O’Brien reported on the successful Family Day event, thanking various town departments for their support.
Karen Crumb provided an analysis of the town’s legal counsel selection process, recommending KP Law based on her review of the interviews.
Dangerous Dog Hearing
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a formal hearing regarding a dangerous dog (“Thor”) at 50 Hayward Street. Testimony from the Animal Control Officer and several affected residents documented four incidents involving attacks on neighboring pets and livestock. The owner, Gabriel Kenupe, acknowledged the dog’s repeated escapes and ongoing behavior training.
After weighing all perspectives, the board voted unanimously to designate Thor as a dangerous dog under Massachusetts law. Immediate measures were imposed, including specific restraint requirements, a mandated leash standard, and ongoing oversight by animal control, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for late October.
Municipal Staffing and Administrative Updates
- Aneri Patel was appointed as Principal Planner.
- Jed Fenneuff was promoted to Water and Sewer Manager, recognizing his 14 years of service.
- The Woodville Rod and Gun Club received board approval for a change in alcohol license management to Stephanie Garner.
Historic Preservation and Community Recognition
The board approved a plan for the disposition of the historically significant McFarland Sanger House, subject to preservation restrictions, ensuring continued protection for the 18th-century structure.
Additionally, the board reached a consensus on the placement of a memorial plaque in Town Common to honor enslaved individuals who lived in Hopkinton during the 18th century, following input from the Historical Society and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Budget and Legal Counsel Deliberations
Preliminary budget discussions with the School Committee, Appropriation Committee, and Capital Improvement Committee underscored a projected $2 million deficit for FY27, with department budgets currently planned for a 2% increase over the prior year.
The board also narrowed its search for new legal counsel to three finalists—KP Law, Mead, Talerman & Costa, and Harrington Heap—with further evaluation forthcoming.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus reported on several key issues:
- Crust & Company opened without completing the required building inspections, which was confirmed (violating their conditional approval). The business was immediately notified and closed until inspections were completed. The board will consider scheduling a hearing regarding potential fines.
- First Amendment auditors to Town Hall: Employee training will be provided to ensure the proper handling of public filming rights while maintaining workplace safety and HIPAA compliance.
- Main Street Corridor Project: Verizon pole removal is underway, with completion expected by the end of October. West side paving is scheduled around Halloween, and landscaping installation is planned for this fall. East side paving postponed until spring 2026.
- Building Collapse Investigation: Findings from the municipal inspection director regarding the August wall collapse at 52 Main Street were provided. The cause remains unclear, possibly due to inadvertent contact with supporting elements during the demolition process. Enhanced demolition permit processes now include multi-department review.
Board Goals Discussion
Board members outlined priorities for the coming year:
- Matt Kizner: Algorithmic water/sewer rate setting process; establishment of town events committee.
- Amy Ritterbusch: Clean water as priority; continuation of existing goals.
- Shahidul Mannan: Strategic water/MWRA planning; comprehensive town strategic plan.
- Brian Herr: Balanced budget with minimal tax impact; capital planning without overrides.
- Joe Clark: Clean water priority; balanced financial management.
Meeting Conclusion
The meeting adjourned after addressing liaison reports and future agenda items, including upcoming discussions on e-bike regulations and improvements to the business licensing process.
