Amending the charter of the town of Hopkinton to correct a statutory reference
Impact
If enacted, the bill will have a direct impact on the governance of the town of Hopkinton by updating its charter to reflect current state law. This amendment is likely to facilitate smoother administrative operations as town officials will be operating under a corrected and more precise charter. Furthermore, it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of local governance structures, thereby reinforcing the importance of accurate legal references in municipal documents.
Summary
House Bill H4847 seeks to amend the charter of the town of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, specifically to correct a statutory reference within its governance framework. The proposed change involves replacing the text 'M.G.L. c.41 §97' with 'M.G.L. c.41 §97A'. This amendment is necessary to ensure that the charter remains consistent with updated legal standards and references that govern municipal structures. Such clarity is essential for effective governance and adherence to state laws, as municipal charters must accurately reflect the applicable state statutes to avoid confusion or legal discrepancies.
Contention
While bills of this nature are typically less controversial than more significant legislative changes, they may still face scrutiny from some residents or local officials who might have concerns regarding the implications of modifying charter provisions. However, as this bill is focused on a clerical correction rather than substantial changes to governance authority or structure, it is expected to receive local approval, having already been voted favorably by the town's constituents.
Authorizing the town of Hopkinton to take by eminent domain certain easements in the town of Milford for the repair and maintenance of the Lake Maspenock Dam
Amending the town charter in the town of Grafton relative to appointments by the town select board and the town administrator and the reference to the town’s website