Select Board - May 28, 2026

• Date: May 28, 2026
• Governing Body: Select Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
  • Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Select Board Chair
  • Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
  • Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
  • Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
  • Rana Monadorfer, Assistant Finance Director
  • Jeremy Rosenberger, Planning Director

Town Manager Leon Goodwin provided several updates regarding town initiatives and upcoming events:

• Pride and Juneteenth Events: The Pride flag will be raised at Town Hall on June 1st. A joint Juneteenth and Pride event is scheduled for June 20th at Memorial Field.
• PILOT Policy Update: Following the adoption of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) policy, the town has received inquiries from several non-profits. One organization has already committed to a payment.
• Condon Park Splash Pad: A soft opening is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for late June.
• Technology Updates: The town website domain will be updated in late June to match the email domain (dropping the hyphen). A new text-based notification system using keywords is also being implemented.
• Outdoor Dining Aesthetics: The Board discussed the appearance of Jersey barriers used for outdoor dining in Dedham Square. The Town Manager will research design guidelines and examples from other communities, such as Arlington, to improve visual uniformity while maintaining safety.

The Board considered several requests for town property use and licenses.

• Approved Items:
  • Use of Town Green: Revit Network (July 19, 2026) and Dedham Hometown Heroes (June 10, 2026).
  • Yoga and Parades: DSC Freed Fall Yoga (June 7, 13, 28 and July 12).
  • One-Day Licenses: Entertainment License for BSAAC (July 12) and Liquor License for NBACC (June 12).
  • Block Parties: Alpine and Winthrop Streets (June 6) and Richards Street (June 26).
  • Gift Acceptance: $1,200 from Dedham Women's Exchange for the Dedham Youth Commission.

Vote: Moved by the Board to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion passed unanimously (4-0).

The Board held a public hearing for a Class I license application by Rivian, LLC for an electric vehicle (EV) showroom at 250 Legacy Place.

• Discussion: Representatives Brian Reed and Ariana explained that the site is a showroom rather than a traditional dealership. All purchases must be completed online. The site will feature two display vehicles and four vehicles for 20-minute demonstration drives.
• Board Comments: Member Erin Boles Welsh raised concerns regarding traffic congestion at Legacy Place. The applicant noted that parking spots for demos and charging have been specifically negotiated with mall management.

Vote to Close Public Hearing: Moved and seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Vote on License: Moved to approve the issuance of a Class I license to Rivian, LLC at 250 Legacy Place. Motion passed unanimously.

Assistant Finance Director Rana Monadorfer presented two grant awards for Board acceptance:

1. Community Compact Cabinet IT Grant Program ($130,000): Funds will be used to digitize permanent, historic, and frequently requested documents to create a searchable archive for residents.
2. FY26 FIFA World Cup Funding ($6,905.48): Provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety to fund police overtime for monitoring high-traffic areas during World Cup events.

• Financial Note: The FIFA grant was significantly reduced from an initial estimate of $200,000 because team officials are no longer expected to stay in Dedham hotels, removing the need for 24/7 security.

Vote: Moved to accept both grants as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board reviewed a request for a transfer of stock and new stockholder for Abbey's Beverly Inc., located at 545 High Street.

• Details: Yingling purchased the 50% interest previously held by Hua Pan, becoming the 100% sole shareholder and director. No changes to operations or trade names were proposed.

Vote: Moved to approve the transfer of stock for Abbey's Beverly Inc. Motion passed unanimously.

Planning Director Jeremy Rosenberger and the Board discussed the selection of artwork for the Sawmill Lane pathway, funded by a $30,000 grant.

• Project Scope: The project involves planting native species and installing 40 artistic tiles along the pathway near Mother Brook.
• Selection Process: Over 100 submissions were received. The Board reached a consensus on the top 40 pieces through individual reviews coordinated by the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center.

Vote: Moved to accept the 40 selected pieces of artwork. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board heard statements from four incumbents seeking reappointment to the Commission on Disability:

• Bridget Driscoll: Highlighted her work on inclusion subcommittees and sensory-friendly supports for Parks and Rec events.
• Mary Nicolaitis: Emphasized her role in overseeing high school scholarships and advocating for the elderly population.
• Matthew (via Zoom): Discussed the "Inclusion Training Initiative" piloted at the local library.
• Sherry (via Zoom): Shared her lived experience as a parent and her 16-year career as a state social worker.

Vote: Moved to accept the candidates for reappointment. Motion passed unanimously.

• Facilities Master Plan: Member Dimitria Sullivan reported that the steering committee is reviewing existing building conditions and recently closed a community survey with 464 responses. A public meeting is scheduled for June 15th at the middle school.
• Commuter Rail Disruptions: Member Steven (Select Board) noted that the Franklin-Foxborough commuter rail line will be suspended on FIFA World Cup match days (including June 13, 14, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29, and July 9). Residents are encouraged to check the MBTA website for alternatives.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Puppy Adoption Meet and Greet: Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM at the Town Green.
  • Flag Day Parade: June 14th at 5 PM.
  • Fire Chief Swearing-in: Chief DeVincent, Saturday at 4:30 PM at the Public Safety Building.

The Board moved to enter Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a), Exemption 3, to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining and litigation.

Roll Call Vote:

• Erin Boles Welsh: Yes
• Steven: Yes
• Michelle Persson Reilly: Yes
• Dimitria Sullivan: Yes
• Dennis J. Teehan, Jr.: Yes

Outcome: The Board entered Executive Session with the intent to adjourn directly therefrom.