Executive Summary
The Dedham Select Board meeting on April 30, 2026, focused on zoning enforcement regarding illegal short-term rentals, municipal financial health, and infrastructure improvements. Key actions included the approval of a $2 million Mass Works grant letter of support for Elm Street signalization, the appointment of Stephen Acosta to the Senior Property Tax Study Committee, and a change of manager for Temescal Tequila Cantina. The Board also reviewed the town's Statement of Net Position and the FY26 third-quarter budget, noting a 4% increase in revenues despite a decline in room occupancy taxes.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Select Board
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Date: April 30, 2026
- Attendees:
- Jim MacDonald, Chair
- Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
- Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
- Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
- Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
- Stephen Acosta, Select Board Member
- Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
- Brady Winston, Director of Finance
Dedham Citizens Open Discussions
- Topic: Enforcement of zoning laws regarding illegal short-term rentals (Airbnbs), specifically at 427 Westfield Street.
- Speakers:
- Richard Lewis (383 Westfield St): Reported that 427 Westfield St is an illegal "party house" causing safety issues, litter, and noise. He noted that while 14 illegal rentals existed in September, there are now approximately 45. Quote: "Short-term rentals like Airbnbs are illegal in Dedham... This is dangerous. It's illegal and it's dangerous and it's against our law, but no one's doing anything about it."
- Louis Diamond (437 Westfield St): Described abuses of a shared easement, including commercial landscapers, trash, and unauthorized parking. He reported a 3:00 AM incident involving a lost renter at his door.
- Jennifer Signore-Diamond: Expressed concerns regarding quality of life and safety, noting an incident where an unleashed pet from the rental was attacked by her dogs.
Town Manager's Report
- Short-Term Rental Enforcement: Town Manager Leon Goodwin apologized for a delay in a previously drafted cease and desist letter. He confirmed the Building Commissioner would sign and mail a cease and desist order to 427 Westfield Street on May 1, 2026. The town will prioritize enforcement for the 45 known operators based on active complaints.
- Town Green Update: The community porch is substantially complete. The "Spring Fling on the Green" is scheduled for Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Fire Chief Retirement: Chief Spillane is retiring after 42 years of service (14 as Chief). A celebration will be held Monday, May 4th, at the Endicott Estate from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Consent Agenda
- Action: The Board voted to approve the consent agenda.
- Items Included: Request for use of Town Green for the Dan O'Neill Juneteenth celebration on June 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Item Not on the Agenda
- Action: The Board voted to take an item not on the agenda.
- Decision: Approved the request to place Facilities Master Plan lawn signs on town property until the plan's completion.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Public Hearing: Change of Manager - Temescal
- Applicant: Rebel Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Temescal Tequila Cantina, 660 Legacy Place.
- Request: Change of Manager from Amy Wagner to Wagner Vieira de Lima.
- Discussion: Attorney Kevin Cloutier introduced Mr. de Lima, noting his 20 years of hospitality experience, primarily as an executive chef. Mr. de Lima emphasized his focus on staff training and coaching for liquor service compliance.
- Action: The Board voted to close the public hearing and approve the change of manager.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Discussion: Statement of Net Position
- Presenter: Mike Butler, former Select Board member.
- Financial Overview:
- Assets: $287 million (FY2024), approximately $11,300 per capita.
- Liabilities: $9,000 per capita (declining from FY2023).
- Net Position: $2,400 per capita (FY2024), rising to $2,700 in FY2025.
- Pension Liability: $829 per capita; Dedham is in a strong position due to early funding and PRIT investment returns.
- OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits): Net liability of $71 million, currently 32% funded. Butler recommended increasing appropriations for FY2027 to maintain intergenerational equity.
- Tax Impact: The average single-family property tax bill is just under $10,000. Butler noted that the town is consuming its unused tax levy, leaving an excess levy of only $768,000 for FY2027.
Third Quarter Budget Update
- Presenter: Brady Winston, Director of Finance.
- Revenue Highlights:
- General fund revenues are 4% higher than the previous year.
- 98% of budgeted local receipts have been collected.
- Building permit revenue and Endicott Estate revenue are lower than projected.
- Expenditure Highlights:
- Departmental budgets are 70% expended.
- Snow and ice removal costs reached over $2 million, with $1.5 million to be funded via free cash.
- Parks and Recreation revolving funds are performing well and do not require supplementary transfers.
- Tax Trends: Room occupancy tax is down 14%, while meals tax is up 1%.
Dedham Mass Works Project - Letter of Support
- Presenter: Jeremy (Town Staff).
- Project: Signalization of Elm Street and National Drive.
- Grant Details: Seeking an estimated $2 million Mass Works construction grant. No financial match is required from the town.
- Action: The Board voted to approve the submission of a letter of support, including a notation regarding the project's proximity to the MBTA Communities district.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Appointment: Senior Property Tax Study Committee
- Action: The Board voted to appoint Select Board Member Stephen Acosta to the Senior Property Tax Study Committee, replacing Jim MacDonald.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Old and New Business
- Facilities Master Plan: Dimitria Sullivan reported 93 participants at the recent community listening session. A survey is currently live on the 'Be Heard' page.
- Community Events:
- Green Lodge 5K: Sunday at 9:00 AM in honor of Mark Carney; proceeds fund AEDs and memorials.
- Inclusive Sports Open House: Sunday at 10:00 AM at Dedham High Track in partnership with Special Olympics.
- National Grid Noise: Residents reported excessive truck noise from the National Grid site (located in Boston but impacting Dedham). Town Manager Goodwin is coordinating with MassDEP and state legislators to address the issue.