·        The charter commission is a nine-member body of citizens elected by the voters. Their task is to evaluate the current structure of town government and determine whether any substantive changes in government are needed.

·        A group of volunteers collected signatures from at least 15 percent (1242) of registered Hopkinton to place the question of creating a charter commission on the ballot at the annual town election on May 17, 2004.

·        The ballot question asked voters if they want the town of Hopkinton to form a charter commission.

·        The names of candidates for election to the charter commission also appeared on the ballot.

·        A majority voted to establish a charter commission, the nine candidates receiving the highest number of votes were elected.

·        Within 20 days of the election, the town treasurer credited the charter commission’s account with $5000. The funds may be used for legal, research and clerical assistance; reimbursement of expenses incurred by committee members in performance of their duties; printing and other necessary expenditures.

·        The charter commission held a public hearing within 45 days of its election (June 23, 2004). The purpose of this hearing and others hearings is to solicit the views, comments, opinions and proposals from the public for consideration by the charter commission.

·        The time and place of the initial public hearing and all future public hearings must be posted in a local newspaper with general circulation at least ten (10) days prior to each hearing.

·        Within 16 months after the election, the charter commission must prepare and publish a preliminary report. The report must be published in a local newspaper. The town clerk must have enough copies to distribute to registered voters who request them. The charter commission must deliver two (2) copies of the report to the attorney general and two (2) copies to the Department of Housing and Community Development.

·        Within four (4) weeks, the charter commission must hold one or more public hearings on the preliminary report. Notice of the hearing must be posted in a local newspaper with general circulation at least ten (10) days prior to each hearing.

·        Within four (4) weeks after receiving the preliminary report, the attorney general must furnish the charter commission with a written opinion regarding any provisions in the preliminary report that may be in conflict with the state constitution or General Laws. The attorney general does not have the authority to approve or disapprove a charter. The attorney general provides an opinion.

·        The Department of Housing and Community Development has no review authority, but serves as a clearinghouse for all home rule charters. The files are open for inspection.

·        Within 18 months after its election, the charter commission must submit a final report to the Board of Selectmen.

·        The final report must include:
q       The full text of the proposed charter with explanations and other information the charter commission chooses to include.
q       An explanation of the major differences between the current (if any) and proposed charter.
q       A minority report (if any) of not more than 1000 words.

·        A copy of the final report must be sent to the attorney general and Department of Housing and Community Development.

·        The Board of Selectmen must order the charter proposal to appear on a ballot at the next regular town election. At least two (2) months must elapse between the election order and the town election.

·        The Board of Selectmen must see that the charter commission’s final report is printed and distributed to each residence with one or more registered voters at least two (2) weeks before the election. Additional copies of the final report must be provided to the town clerk, and made available for distribution to registered voters.

·        Voters will approve or disapprove the charter proposal at that election.

·        If a majority of voters approve the charter, the charter becomes effective on the date specified in the charter. If no date is specified, the charter is effective upon voter approval.