Select Board - January 29, 2026

• Governing Body: Select Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Date: January 29, 2026
• Attendees:
  • Erin Boles Welsh, Chair
  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Select Board Member
  • Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
  • Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
  • Jim MacDonald, Select Board Member
  • Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
  • Jeremy Rosenberger, Planning and Zoning Director

• No residents or members of the public came forward for comment during this session.

Snow Removal Operations

• Town Manager Leon Goodwin provided an update on DPW operations following a major snowstorm, which ranked as the 8th largest in Greater Boston history.
• Resource Challenges: The Town currently has 23 contractors available, down from a historical average of 40 to 50. This reduction is attributed to the high cost of insurance and equipment maintenance for vendors during milder winters.
• Budgetary Impact: Snow and ice operations are eligible for deficit spending as an emergency service; the primary constraint is labor and equipment availability rather than funding.

Budget Forum and FY27 Update

• A budget forum was held on January 28, 2026, at the Endicott Estate with approximately 35-40 attendees to discuss the deficit reduction plan and the National Community Survey.
• State Aid Projections: The Governor’s budget (announced January 23) proposes a 2.5% increase in unrestricted aid and a 1.2% increase in Chapter 70 school funding. After accounting for chargebacks, the net state aid increase is approximately 1%.
• Pending Figures: The Town is awaiting final health insurance, liability insurance, and debt service numbers, expected in February.

• Action: The Board moved to approve the consent agenda.
• Item Included: Acceptance of a $100 gift from the Mullen family to the Dedham Youth Commission.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Licensee: Sri Sai Inc. d/b/a Plaza Liquor Mart, 761 Providence Highway.
• Incident Summary: On November 17, 2025, an underage operative successfully purchased a 12-pack of Bud Light. The employee requested and viewed the operative's vertical under-21 license but proceeded with the sale.
• Licensee Defense: Attorney Edward J. Richardson stated the employee was a temporary fill-in for the manager and lacked proper training. The licensee proposed that all fill-in staff be required to complete online TIPS certification.
• Action: The Board moved to close the public hearing and take the matter under advisement.
• Vote: Decision scheduled for the February 10, 2026, meeting.

• Licensee: Tavern in the Square Dedham, LLC, 985 Providence Highway.
• Incident Summary: On November 17, 2025, an underage operative was served a "High Noon" alcoholic beverage. The bartender checked the operative's vertical under-21 license but failed to verify the date of birth.
• Licensee Defense: Attorney Stephanie Boudreau and Manager Tom Weedlock noted a zero-tolerance policy. The bartender involved was terminated. This is the establishment's first liquor violation in two years of operation.
• Action: The Board moved to close the public hearing and take the matter under advisement.
• Vote: Decision scheduled for the February 10, 2026, meeting.

Grant Acceptance

• Action: The Board voted to accept a $105,000 state grant from the FY26 Community One Stop for Growth Program.
• Purpose: To update zoning in the Legacy Boulevard area to promote economic growth and address housing needs while maintaining a stable commercial tax base.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

Advisory Committee Appointment

• Action: The Board moved to appoint a member to the 11-member Legacy Boulevard Mixed-Use District Plan Advisory Committee.
• Appointment: Michelle Persson Reilly was appointed to the committee.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Planning Director Jeremy Rosenberger provided updates on recent business transitions:
  • Closings: Uno Pizzeria & Grill, El Centro, and Blue Ribbon Barbecue have announced departures.
  • New Openings: Prest Cafe is currently building out the former TGI Fridays location on Route 1. First Watch (breakfast/lunch) is planned for the location next to Panera.
• Despite recent closings, meals tax revenue remains at record levels, and new tenants are already lined up for the Dedham Square spaces.

• The Board considered three candidates for one open seat: Emily O'Connell, Tim Kozen, and Nick Iandolo.
• Vote Results:
  • Emily O'Connell: 3 votes (Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Jim MacDonald, Dimitria Sullivan).
  • Tim Kozen: 2 votes (Michelle Persson Reilly, Erin Boles Welsh).
• Outcome: Emily O'Connell was appointed to the Sustainability Advisory Committee.

• Member Jim MacDonald noted his son Rory's 21st birthday.
• The Board briefly discussed future agenda items regarding the role of the Economic Development Director.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a unanimous vote.