The Hopkinton Town Council voted April 21 to table a proposed amendment to Chapter 17 (Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places) that would define sidewalk snow- and ice-removal responsibilities and penalties.

Councilors debated whether the ordinance, as drafted, would place undue burden on elderly residents or on private property owners, and whether the town or the state would be responsible for clearing certain sidewalks. One councilor argued for additional outreach and detail, saying the council needed to “figure out a way around some of those avenues before we push this forward.”

The motion to table included a date for further review. Councilors approved adding August 4, 2025, as the target date to revisit the draft. The roll call approving the date was recorded as: James (yes); Davis (yes); Roy (yes); Burns (yes).

Councilors directed staff to gather additional information on enforcement options, locations of concern (including ball fields and school bus routes), and how sidewalk responsibility would be split where state and town rights-of-way intersect. The planner and staff will also work with police on enforcement mechanics and return with recommended language ahead of the August discussion.

No penalties or specific numeric requirements were adopted; the item was explicitly tabled to allow time to develop exemptions and operational details.