[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6115720,"mediaKeyId","2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3","parentId",2737204,"title","Hopkinton council approves several motions, including land-trust bond question; tables water contract to April 7","audioSeconds",1529,"startMs",1559000,"endMs",3088000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3&start=1559&end=3088","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3/thumbnail_1559000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115720/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Hopkinton-council-approves-several-motions-including-land-trust-bond-question-tables-water-contract-to-April-7","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115720-efacdd5bf0b85b88231da784049e1aae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094080&Signature=C4wHzJqdukvPhP~M6oVKZ8ka7L4jhzOQHYnmvuFNv4zA84099YDgeiCOZUAzYhVtnEGpX2JZc-~SNIU3~7970-AXHjOyAnB~c0RDxqyJSQRGN9SMiheHTiMvim51MKDd7YwKouKtvD20bdrXvTFsJpdQsqeboBqIf9G6NRCG01oFU4-mU00TdIsgujjhF~fDvFQ-YswEMpnDmsSpK6LXZ--xgWeSNDJblK3AEww0aMDgYDECCEizRvpveAgjJ0IRZGp~eUSj5b2BXE77nzpKFAUGx7pLCZhhfQb1xZCaffB4r7IKk3O6bmxD0X82tT2Yu8oasT5Hw6noIm30bZ1cLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Hopkinton Rhode Island - Public Meeting","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Hopkinton Town Council on March 17 recessed to an executive session to discuss threatened litigation, voted to seal those executive-session minutes, agreed to put a Hopkinton Land Trust bond question on the ballot, authorized sending a memorandum of understanding to the regional school district about a former school building, and tabled a proposed contract award for water-system management until April 7.

The council recessed to executive session under Rhode Island General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) to discuss possible litigation “threatened by Shauna Parent,” and later voted to seal the minutes of that session in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws 42-46-4(b). The session and sealing motion were taken by recorded voice votes at the meeting; no votes taken in executive session were disclosed.[1]

Other formal actions taken at the meeting (motions, vote tallies, outcomes):

- Recess to executive session (reason cited: litigation threatened by Shauna Parent). Vote recorded in open session: Councilor James — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Burns — yes. Outcome: approved (motion and second recorded during the meeting). Notes: council later moved to seal the minutes of that executive session under the statute cited above.

- Motion to seal executive-session minutes. Vote recorded in open session: Councilor James — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Burns — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Consent agenda approval (minutes and routine reports). Vote recorded: Councilor James — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Burns — yes; Councilor Gary — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Approve placing Hopkinton Land Trust bond question on the ballot. Motion: allow the Hopkinton Land Trust to place a bond question on the ballot. One councilor announced they would abstain/recuse (recorded as “recused” in the meeting); recorded yes votes: Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Burns — yes; Councilor Gary — yes. Tally: 4 yes, 1 recused/abstain. Outcome: approved. Notes: a councilor explicitly recused from this matter on the record; the meeting transcript did not identify which councilor recused by full name.

- Motion to send a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from Hopkinton to the regional school district concerning a former school property. Vote recorded: Councilor James — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Burns — yes; Councilor Gary — yes. Outcome: approved.

- Motion to discuss, consider and possibly award a contract for water-system management to Northeast Water Solutions Inc.; council voted to table that award until the next meeting on April 7. Vote recorded: Councilor James — yes; Councilor Davis — yes; Councilor Roy — yes; Councilor Burns — yes; Councilor Gary/Jerry — yes. Outcome: tabled to April 7, 2025.

- Motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Ruth James. Vote recorded: unanimous in favor. Outcome: approved; meeting adjourned.

Why this matters: the ballot decision allows a land-trust funding question to proceed to voters; tabling the water-system award keeps a decision about routine but legally constrained utility management open while councilors review contract documents and pending Department of Health testing requirements. The sealed executive-session minutes and the litigation discussion are consistent with the town’s invocation of state open-meeting statutes on litigation exceptions.

No additional votes taken in executive session were disclosed at the meeting. The council set its next meeting items to include the water-system contract discussion on April 7, 2025, when members asked for more time to review the bid materials.

Votes at a glance (short reference):
- Executive session recess (litigation) — approved (4–0 recorded in open session).
- Seal executive-session minutes — approved (4–0 recorded in open session).
- Consent agenda (minutes/reports) — approved (5–0).
- Hopkinton Land Trust bond question on ballot — approved (4 yes, 1 recused/abstain).
- Send MOU to regional school district re: former school property — approved (5–0).
- Table award of water-system management contract to Northeast Water Solutions Inc. — tabled to April 7 (5–0).
- Adjourn in memory — approved (unanimous).

[1] The council cited Rhode Island General Laws 42-46-5(a)(2) when entering executive session and Rhode Island General Laws 42-46-4(b) when discussing disclosure of votes taken in closed session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle"," Hopkinton Town Council Meeting Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Hopkinton Town Council on March 17 recessed to an executive session to discuss threatened litigation and approved several motions including placing a Hopkinton Land Trust bond question on the ballot and tabling a proposed water-system management contract until April 7.","taxTitle","Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79578,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115705,"Residents criticize council conduct at school meeting; call for response from councilors",296,3589000,3885000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3&start=3589&end=3885","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3/thumbnail_3589000.jpg","/articles/6115705/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Residents-criticize-council-conduct-at-school-meeting-call-for-response-from-councilors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115705-060c7eedbc8ecd23cbed0c0fdf9171ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094080&Signature=czv8A3PCYnirRnmyjdoEkfyAOxxzeUGU5P1B35HFOgDnted0CcL0IEd8cXMkmqdZrR8b6CSLk5urr50ZPAN7xQMwRYCKbdgtA6qcxeLkSL0CZ0n0rtfcvpKj1X3hx7BEF5gTnuOiJ-K1kSUbCW9PhgF4xAuKrX8mOXDKK7Bro0tpFlJ7OIKdEtBi-6KRzUPLsHA7pmO7efQX8vRrPIAu6T17CrfNYUWU-j7oYxc-M16mPxODlDmPABcMOY9XZOdszo5D8Lt7MV-FCl9VraRdEdHsBNt~p~JTj1XUDBX-y2quGRdzerjz~xXxI4uDGqL2e1ljAte1ryqXfzBdZd7Z1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment at the Hopkinton Town Council meeting on March 17, residents Justin Bentley and Joe Morrow urged the council to address what they described as inappropriate behavior by Councilor Roy at a March 11 school committee meeting.

Justin Bentley, of Ashaway, told the council he watched the school‑committee video and emailed council members with a time stamp showing an incident near the 2 hour, 19 minute mark. Bentley said the video shows Councilor Roy turn, point and shout at a family walking out of the meeting and that he found that conduct \"absolutely reprehensible.\" He asked whether the other council members condoned the behavior and asked for a response by email, saying an apology to the citizens of Hopkinton and the Cherryhope community could be appropriate in the future.

Joe Morrow said he had not known about the incident until Bentley raised it and said he believed the reported behavior by an elected official was \"outrageous\" and sent the wrong message about the town. Morrow told the council he has known Bentley since 2018 and supported the request for a response from the council.

Council did not take formal disciplinary action during the March 17 meeting; the item was raised during the public‑comment period and several residents asked for an email response or apology rather than an on‑the‑spot reply. The council president acknowledged public comment and moved on to the agenda; no council motion followed specific to the accusations during the meeting.

Why this matters: accusations about an elected official’s conduct at another public meeting can affect public trust and expectations of impartiality from representatives. Public commenters requested a written response or apology and asked the council to clarify whether members condoned the behavior.

Next steps: residents asked that councilors respond by email to the complainant; no formal council action was recorded on March 17.","Two residents urged the Hopkinton Town Council to address alleged conduct by a councilor at a March 11 school committee meeting, calling the behavior \"reprehensible\" and asking for an apology or response by email.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115710,"Hopkinton tables award of water-system management contract amid testing and billing questions",975,4333000,5308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3&start=4333&end=5308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3/thumbnail_4333000.jpg","/articles/6115710/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Hopkinton-tables-award-of-water-system-management-contract-amid-testing-and-billing-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115710-e88b7fcfefce3d33c3c133f091048c7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094080&Signature=F9hGlaroRT7ifBUyIaODt28Nm~4yw34u5z585uIoJv7qXAdr81wdBqBlRaw2mPNfYtULv2ZKVooBfOWxX3L7CQF-~D1ZcA0-AEHmsANub~ljP7aGElp9vRN9PhXO5pEqRkzyhD8V~CGgRboNXZliUiY6w~LByJQOp45kUIqpw9i-ar-jaHsKT4B6UUEUBtMgTeKxcGHvHkqbBWg~98GdFSerIuITsc1rrUorfT98DNyAijCFs8QF2MyWkGfhlsZtHwbYzA5hDOK6kWp40T7DBqjTQN8zAvwV0nORoWtDCL3RejCqRdRh9El5aZm-m71y3ru-ANpiR3Iwgjb9xGiL1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hopkinton Town Council on March 17 voted to table consideration of awarding the town’s water‑system management contract to Northeast Water Solutions Incorporated until its next meeting on April 7.

Town staff described the town’s three independent water systems — Bridal/Bridal Field, the Waterline served from Richmond, and Town Hall/Crandall House — and said state Department of Health testing requirements, a recent lead finding at the Crandall House and an outstanding relationship for capital costs with Richmond prompted caution before awarding a new contract.

Staff told councilors the Crandall House currently faces an elevated testing schedule because of a lead finding; the bid packet cited a current-year testing estimate for the Crandall House of $14,503 if the town must continue biweekly (26 tests per year) testing indicated by the Department of Health. Other testing (lead/copper, fluoride, nitrate and synthetic-organic compounds) is performed on multi‑year cycles; if subsequent clean reports are obtained, the town could return to quarterly testing and materially reduce testing costs. Staff also noted a possible PFAS testing requirement that, if triggered, would add roughly $1,500 annually for quarterly PFAS testing.

Councilors also raised billing and capital-allocation issues tied to the waterline that serves Hopkinton customers from the Richmond master meter. The town and Richmond previously agreed that Hopkinton would assume roughly 16.4% of certain Richmond capital costs based on usage; staff warned that if the town’s largest water user (the Hope Valley School, discussed elsewhere in the meeting) were to close, Hopkinton’s share of usage would change and the council should discuss potential rate restructuring so remaining residents will not shoulder disproportionate capital costs.

Councilor questions and one councilor’s request for more time to read bid materials led to a motion to table the award to the April 7 council meeting. Staff reported checking references for Northeast Water Solutions and said Richmond has used that firm for about two years with positive experience; still, members requested additional bid documentation and time to review.

Why this matters: water-system management affects regulatory compliance, testing frequency and town costs. A change in the town’s largest water consumer or additional testing findings could increase annual operating and compliance costs for residents, and the council asked staff to return with detailed bid documents and cost scenarios before finalizing an award.

Next steps: Northeast Water Solutions remains a candidate; the council asked the town manager to provide full bid materials, references and updated cost estimates and to discuss capital‑allocation questions with Richmond’s town manager (Karen Pinch) before the April 7 meeting.","Councilors delayed a decision on awarding water-system management services to Northeast Water Solutions Inc., citing Department of Health testing requirements, a lead finding at the Crandall House and potential rate impacts tied to Richmond master‑meter allocations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115715,"Hopkinton council asks regional school district to clear and return Hope Valley School property",532,4080000,4612000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3&start=4080&end=4612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2737204-4e415afba48302dcc9adcebf73069ef3/thumbnail_4080000.jpg","/articles/6115715/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Hopkinton-council-asks-regional-school-district-to-clear-and-return-Hope-Valley-School-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115715-693dc0cbd2e2ffa9bc167f40ca22e575/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094080&Signature=Wa9szXOf5iLu15DTV3W9~7ol2sljvnQwiZ0T7-mIRRklBSUMPiHNIa6q8HodxHJeRdAcE4rePtEDqAgb4Fm9UtsbAcJ27a48K-OmijBW73rtOiEv~vPilGOARNwQT8tX6asFRMO2ix~00TEskU8bTuLGX0hh~H6amQmQ8S6orax1QL5A73zTHMv7tBrjh8sBCG0x35J9nE0LVL9tKrhi67XIQwvnX2BMQoVA56pMwwR70mtv60hoSgm0ILYw6KfHFzvRCd0fZDByvf7qAkUgHCLT~GgDwc1t-9iyTVnbpNZDCkFFmz6ecZn-w7LNScJQsJVJGPnoBIhYP9NfA2EsdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hopkinton Town Council on March 17 approved sending a memorandum of understanding to the regional school district asking that the former Hope Valley School property be vacated and returned in cleared condition so the town can plan reuse.

Councilors described the draft MOU as a practical request to ensure the town receives the building and grounds in a condition that allows prompt reuse or re‑tenancy. The draft provisions discussed at the meeting asked the district to vacate the premises at lease termination; empty all rooms, hallways, offices, storage areas and outbuildings of contents; pump the septic system prior to turnover; fill the on‑site fuel/oil tank; and transfer keys. The draft also asked that the building be left in “broom‑swept” condition.

Town members noted the request follows earlier problems when a previous building (referred to in the meeting as the 1904 building) was returned with leftover contents that complicated demolition and reuse. Speakers told the council they want to avoid a similar situation at the former Hope Valley School and to make the property ready for whatever the council decides next, including potential tenanting or reuse by the town.

Public commenters raised competing priorities and costs associated with school property reuse. Several residents reminded the council that substantial repairs (HVAC and roof work were cited by speakers) will be required before the site could be repurposed. One resident, Steve Moffat of Diamond Hill Road, told the council the school will likely require significant funding and that a future bond may be needed if the town pursues full rehabilitation. Another resident, Joe Morrow, urged the council to consider whether town offices could be moved into the school property, noting the town already owns the site and that converting it could avoid a larger expenditure elsewhere.

Council action: members moved and seconded a motion to send the draft memorandum to the regional school district; the motion passed on a recorded roll call with all councilors voting in favor.

Why this matters: returning the building in a cleared state affects timelines and costs for any municipal reuse; the MOU’s requirements (septic pumping, removal of contents, fuel-tank handling) remove immediate liabilities and reduce clean-up time for the town. Councilors said the MOU is intended as a starting point and can be edited before final transmission.

Next steps: the town manager (staff) will finalize the memorandum with council edits and send it to the regional school district. Councilors asked staff to follow up on potential capital needs and grant opportunities before deciding on long-term reuse.","Council approved sending a memorandum asking the regional school district to vacate and clear the former Hope Valley School building, require septic pumping, fill on‑site fuel tank and transfer keys before turnover.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hopkinton council approves several motions, including land-trust bond question; tables water contract to April 7

Residents criticize council conduct at school meeting; call for response from councilors

Hopkinton tables award of water-system management contract amid testing and billing questions

Hopkinton council asks regional school district to clear and return Hope Valley School property