Select Board - January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026
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AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

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Executive Summary

The Dedham Select Board met on January 15, 2026, to address several key municipal items, including the final report and dissolution of the Town Green Working Group, updates on the FY26 and FY27 budgets, and the selection of a mitigation strategy for the Manor Inflow Study. The Board approved a traffic regulation for Caldwell Drive to improve school-zone safety and appointed Jeff Klaus to the Taxation Aid Committee. Additionally, the Board interviewed candidates for the Sustainability Advisory Committee and received comprehensive department updates from the Endicott Estate and Parks and Recreation. Select Board member Dennis Teehan announced he would not be seeking re-election.

Meeting Information

  • Date: January 15, 2026
  • Governing Body: Select Board
  • Location: Dedham, MA
  • Attendees:
    • Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
    • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Select Board Member
    • Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
    • Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
    • Jim MacDonald, Select Board Member
    • Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
    • Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager

Public Comment

  • Matthew Brophy (36 Button Street, Precinct 2):
    • Commended the Town Manager's office on the deficit reduction process.
    • Requested a clear timeline for the Spring Town Meeting in May and encouraged transparency regarding budget meeting dates.
    • Suggested considering a 6:30 PM start time for future Town Meetings.
    • Proposed exploring creative revenue streams, such as adult education programs similar to those in Needham.
    • Inquired about the status of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program for non-profits.

Town Manager's Report

  • Deficit Reduction: A community meeting was held on January 8, 2025, at the Dedham Public Library. A second meeting is scheduled for January 28 at 6:30 PM at the Endicott Estate to discuss the deficit reduction study and Polco survey results.
  • Senior Center: Launched a "Lunch and Learn" series featuring department heads. Town Manager Leon Goodwin will participate on February 11.
  • PILOT Program: The Select Board adopted the policy in October. A draft letter to non-profits is being finalized for distribution in the coming months to initiate payment conversations.

Consent Agenda

  • Gifts and Grants Approved:
    • Endicott Estate: $300 from Fairbanks Garden Club and $100 from National Association of Retired Veteran Railway Employees.
    • Youth Commission: $23,000 from Ripples of Hope; total 2025 holiday program donations reached $61,175.
    • Friends of Dedham Library: $250 for promotional stickers and $750 for theater rentals.
    • Dedham Library Innovation Team: $3,500 to Dedham Public Schools ($500 per school library) for Dedham Reads 2026.
  • Drain Layer Approvals: Approved for 15 contractors including Boston Pipe, Pelotoni Brothers, and Welsh Corp.
  • One-Day Liquor License: Approved for MBACC on February 7, 2026.
  • Event Approval: Green Lodge Fun Run scheduled for May 3, 2026.
  • Action: The Board moved to approve the consent agenda.
  • Vote: 5-0-0 (Unanimous).

Recognition of Municipal Partner: Carol Reed

  • The Board recognized Carol Reed, retired SAPC coordinator for the Town of Needham, for her years of collaboration with Dedham on substance misuse prevention.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Assisted in securing federal drug-free community grants.
    • Organized TIPS training for liquor license holders to prevent underage drinking.
    • Facilitated regional coordination for alcohol compliance checks and social worker grant applications.
  • Direct Quote (Carol Reed): "The leadership that you have is a catalyst for good change in Dedham... Dedham has a lot to be proud of."

Sustainability Advisory Committee Candidate Interviews

  • The Board interviewed three candidates for one unexpired term:
    1. Tim Kozin: Professional background in renewable energy operations; emphasized balancing sustainability goals with community practicality.
    2. Nick Iandolo: Marketing and communications professional; focused on community engagement and his experience with the Friends of the Blue Hills.
    3. Emily O'Connell: Registered Nurse and MBA candidate; emphasized the intersection of public health and sustainability, specifically waste diversion and responsible procurement.
  • Action: No vote was taken; the Board will vote at a future meeting.

Taxation Aid Committee Appointment

  • Candidate: Jeff Klaus (540 Washington Street).
  • Background: Finance professional with an MBA; former President of Dedham Youth Hockey.
  • Action: Motion to appoint Jeff Klaus to the Taxation Aid Committee for a three-year term expiring in 2028.
  • Vote: 5-0-0 (Unanimous).

Department Update: Endicott Estate

  • Director Erin Perron reported:
    • Greenhouse Agreement: A formal legal agreement for the Endicott Community Greenhouse is being finalized after 30 years of informal operation.
    • Financials: FY25 revenue totaled $324,125 from 55 weddings and 65 other paid events.
    • Facilities: The main entrance ramp was replaced. Future needs include new drapes for the ballroom.
    • Barn Reconstruction: Currently on hold due to plumbing code changes requiring bathroom facilities in structures where employees work, which significantly increases costs.

Department Update: Parks and Recreation

  • Director Bob Stanley and Debbie Anderson reported:
    • Revenue: 2024 revenue reached $664,000, a significant increase from previous years, driven by the Dedham Pool and program participation (3,700 participants).
    • Budget Challenges: The department is managing a $130,000 budget reduction by increasing program fees and implementing a $10/hour field use fee for youth groups.
    • Field Use: Reported a 60% drop in field bookings following the implementation of fees, though this may be due to the elimination of "blanket permitting."
    • Upcoming Projects:
      • New splash pad at Condon Park (opening Spring 2026).
      • Dolan Center study: Recommending demolition of the current building for a smaller structure and expanded dog park/pickleball courts.
      • Memorial Park Playground: Seeking capital funding for a $100% accessible renovation.

Traffic Regulation Amendment: Caldwell Drive

  • Issue: Safety concerns at the intersection of Caldwell Drive and Green Lodge Street during school pick-up/drop-off times due to illegal parking narrowing the roadway.
  • Action: Amend Traffic Regulations Part 1, Schedule 1 to adopt "No Parking" on both sides of Caldwell Drive from Green Lodge Street to Bonnie Lane, Monday through Friday, 8:45–9:15 AM and 2:45–3:15 PM.
  • Vote: 5-0-0 (Unanimous).

Manor Inflow Study Update

  • Director of Engineering Jason Mammone reported:
    • Survey Results: 18 of 39 affected property owners on Bonham Road responded. 9 preferred a low-pressure sewer system, 8 preferred backflow preventers, and 1 preferred neither.
    • Decision: The town will pursue the low-pressure system mitigation option.
    • Financials: Estimated infrastructure cost of $1–$1.5 million, plus $1 million to outfit private properties. The town is developing an assistance program to minimize the financial burden on homeowners.
    • Timeline: Design in 2026, construction in 2027.

Town Green Working Group Final Report

  • Chair Mike Butler presented the final report:
    • Total Project Cost: $3,991,000.
    • Funding Sources: $2.5M Town Meeting appropriation, $573,000 private fundraising, $776,000 in grants.
    • Remaining Funds: ~$35,000 to be used for benches, boulders, and historic panels.
    • Programming: Dedham Square Circle hosted 20 concerts and various fitness classes, reporting significant positive economic impact on local businesses.
  • Action: Motion to dissolve the Town Green Working Group.
  • Vote: 5-0-0 (Unanimous).

2026 Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant

  • Action: Motion to close the warrant for the Spring Annual Town Meeting (scheduled for May 18, 2026) at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • Vote: 5-0-0 (Unanimous).

FY26 Q2 Budget Update and FY27 Budget Outlook

  • FY26 Q2 Status: General fund revenues are 5% higher than last year. Departmental budgets are 49% expended. Public safety overtime is being closely monitored (Fire at 54%, Police at 40%).
  • FY27 Outlook:
    • Level Service Request: Projected 5.1% budget increase.
    • School Department: Level service budget requested at 5.29%; "Sustaining" budget requested at 8.78%.
    • Cost Drivers: Health insurance is projected to increase by 14–15% ($14% to 15%).
    • Revenue Concerns: Local meals tax and room occupancy tax are showing volatility due to restaurant closures (Uno’s, Blue Ribbon BBQ) and hotel stock changes.

Town Manager Evaluation

  • The Board presented a highly favorable evaluation of Town Manager Leon Goodwin.
  • Score: Between "Excellent/Outstanding" and "Meets Expectations."
  • Key Findings: Commended for exceptional fiscal leadership during the deficit reduction process and successful management of the Town Green project. Areas for growth include continued staff development and community engagement.

Old/New Business

  • Facilities Master Plan: The working group selected "Our Street" as the consultant for the master plan.
  • Announcement: Select Board member Dennis Teehan announced he will not seek re-election this spring after 12 years of service. He will pull papers for Town Meeting representative instead.

Last updated: Jan 29, 2026

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