PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron
HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 27 | No. 11 | May 20, 2026
Town input sought during search for new police chief By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
T
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
he Select Board on May 5 voted unanimously to select Public Safety Consultants to assist the town in its search for a new police chief. Discussion centered around including residents as part of this process. Jessica Lewerenz, the town’s human resources director, told the board she sent out a request for quotes (RFQ) to four municipal consulting firms through the procurement and grants manager. This action was prompted by the impending retirement of Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett on June 30. PSC was the only company to respond, she said. “The proposal that was provided met all of the requirements we were looking for [and] fell under the $10,000 quote,” said Lewerenz. She noted that this company assisted the town in its search for the current deputy police chief, Scott van Raalten. This company will work with the town to design a search process
TEST RESULTS
Town Clerk Connor Degan (left) checks the tape from a voting machine at Town Hall during a May 13 test while poll worker Len Holden looks on. For results from the May 18 Annual Town Election, which took place after the Independent’s print deadline, visit HopkintonIndependent.com.
Police chief | 13
INSIDE
Town targets partial demolition of Center School
GOVERNMENT
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Charter Committee seeks residents’ input
T
he Permanent Building Committee on May 6 voted to allow Town Manager Elaine Lazarus and Dave Daltorio, the town engineer/facilities director, to sign a memorandum of understanding for the Center School reuse project. This document would allow the Community Preservation Committee to release funds for the preparation of demolition and construction documents. Chair Dan McIntyre noted that Annual Town Meeting on May 2 approved Article 20. In this article, the CPC recommended $2.4 million for the demolition of Center School’s two rear additions and the removal of hazardous materials.
TOWN MEETING
FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Center School | 7
The Center School reuse project appears ready to move forward.
9WESCOTT.COM
Questions raised about skipping final motions Town seeks legal advice regarding new CV policy
Fine Homes
9
9 Wescott Drive, Hopkinton
JUST LISTED
• Majestic estate in Cranberry Cove
#
• Tuscan gourmet kitchen, separate catering kitchen FOEMMEL
6
SELECT BOARD
• Deeded rights to Lake Whitehall
Hff
2
• 6 bed en suites; 1st fl suite w/separate kitchen/living
• Saltwater pool & hot tub, firepit, 4-car heated garage
1
Agent in Hopkinton for 4 Years 2022–2025 (per mls)
CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR • Kim Foemmel, REALTOR • 508-808-1149 • FoemmelFineHomes.com ®