The Hopkinton Town Council opened a public hearing Feb. 3 on an amendment to the town code to change membership and organization rules for the Economic Development Commission. The proposed ordinance would allow the council to appoint up to 10 members, require no fewer than five members at any time, require annual organization of the commission, require members be residents, and set staggered five-year terms with no more than four terms expiring in any year.

Councilor Burns introduced the amendment and said the change follows attorney recommendations and is intended to expand volunteer participation on the commission. Etta Salaszlaw, who identified herself as a member of the Economic Development Commission and a Hopkinton resident, urged the council to accept the recommendation, saying the commission “needs more people” and has significant work ahead.

After public remarks, Councilor (unnamed) moved to close the hearing and set Feb. 18 as the date for the council’s vote. The motion to close the hearing and set the Feb. 18 vote carried on a roll-call voice vote with councilors James, Davis, Roy and Brian recorded as voting in favor.

If approved on Feb. 18, the ordinance amendment would change the commission’s membership cap and quorum rules and adopt the listed organizational and term provisions.