Select Board - October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025
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Town of Dedham Select Board Meeting Minutes

Governing Body: Dedham Select Board Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: October 9, 2025, 12:00 AM 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), Kathy Marino (Resident), Paul Munchback (Town Clerk), Ken Cimino (Building Commissioner), Rana Monadorfer (Assistant Finance Director), Leo (Planning and Zoning and Natural Resources Department).

Executive Summary: The Select Board addressed ongoing community concerns regarding creosote-soaked railroad ties and noise pollution from National Grid operations, with the Town Manager committing to a future update. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to departmental updates from the Town Clerk and Building Commissioner, highlighting operational changes, historical data, and future plans, including the Building Commissioner's upcoming retirement. The Board also discussed the Climate Leader Community certification, with the Sustainability Advisory Committee providing clarifications on its benefits and financial implications.

1. Public Comment

  • Kathy Marino (6 Benjamin Street, Dedham):
    • Expressed continued concern about creosote-soaked railroad ties, noting that while some have been removed, many remain, causing strong odors. Provided photos as evidence.
    • Highlighted ongoing noise pollution from National Grid operations, which has disrupted the neighborhood for nearly four years, including during evening and early morning hours.
    • Requested an update from the Board on steps taken to resolve these issues and any communication with the involved companies or the City of Boston.

2. Town Manager's Report

  • MBTA Site & National Grid: Town Manager Leon Goodwin will provide a detailed update at the next meeting regarding ongoing dialogues with the state, National Grid, and MBTA.
    • The Health Department frequently monitors the creosote ties, reminding National Grid to keep them covered, though this remains a challenge.
  • MWRA Water vs. Dedham-Westwood Water District:
    • MWRA water is approximately twice as expensive as well water, posing a significant financial consideration for the Dedham-Westwood Water District.
    • The Water District Board is actively considering options and planning future infrastructure improvements. Residents are encouraged to attend their meetings.
    • The Select Board could schedule a conversation with the Water District regarding their plans.
  • Street Takeovers:
    • Acknowledged widespread disruption from "street takeovers" over the past weekend, involving loud music, stunt driving, and large gatherings of cars, often by non-Dedham residents.
    • Police Department is working with neighboring law enforcement agencies and state police to monitor and plan for these regional events, which can involve 200-300 cars and overwhelm local departments.
    • A meeting was held in Boston a few weeks prior, and another with Norfolk police agencies and federal agencies occurred this week in Dedham, focusing on social media data to identify organizers.
    • The Police Department plans to issue a public communication.
    • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Select Board Member): Emphasized the public safety risk, referencing a past homicide related to a street takeover in a BJ's parking lot. Called for an urgent regional meeting of law enforcement, including Boston Police and State Police, to address the organized nature of these events.
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Agreed with the urgency, highlighting the long-standing issue in Riverdale and the danger posed to officers by large crowds. Suggested involving state senators and representatives, and exploring legal avenues regarding social media posts.
    • The Town Manager noted that the Chief of Police met with Town Counsel to explore adopting a bylaw similar to Boston's, which provides more enforcement tools.
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Suggested discussing the issue with the Metro team, a collaboration of police departments in the I-95 belt.

3. Consent Agenda

  • Motion: To approve the consent agenda, including:
    • Banner for Dedham Junior Women's Club Annual Craft Fair.
    • Block Party on Stony Lea Road (10/25/25, 4-7 PM).
    • Block Party on Lincoln Street (10/31/25, 6-9 PM).
    • Gift Acceptance: $11,000 from Petruzziello Properties for the Council on Aging Holiday Party.
    • Approval of Signs for MBACC Winter Open Studios (12/6/25, 11 AM - 5 PM).
  • Discussion:
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Raised concerns about the timely removal of temporary signs, suggesting a need for clearer policy on removal deadlines (e.g., X number of business days) to prevent signs from lingering.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Agreed, flagging this for future policy discussion.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).

4. Conservation Commission Candidate Statements

  • Lee Halfrey (Incumbent):
    • Presented his application for renewal, noting this would be his third term.
    • Highlighted his experience and contributions to the Commission, including work on the Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee.
    • Defined the Commission's goals broadly as "sustainability," encompassing stormwater management, permitting for new construction, and addressing climate change impacts.
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Asked about how the Commission gathers community input and acknowledged his time constraints.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Thanked him for his willingness to serve a third term, recognizing the significant commitment involved.
  • The second candidate will be available at the October 23rd meeting.

5. Discussion and Vote: Select Board Designate to the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee

  • The Board needs to appoint a Select Board member to the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee, following the approval of its governance and RFP in September.
  • Motion: Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. nominated Dimitria Sullivan.
  • Second: Michelle Persson Reilly.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).
    • Dimitria Sullivan (Select Board Member): Accepted the nomination, expressing enthusiasm for the important process.

6. Public Hearing: Proposed Changes to License Fee Schedule

  • This public hearing was held to gather public opinion on proposed changes to the license fee schedule, which were presented at the previous meeting.
  • Public Comment: No members of the public spoke.
  • Motion: To close the public hearing.
  • Second: Michelle Persson Reilly.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).
  • Motion: To approve the adoption of the new fee schedule for all licenses within the jurisdiction of the Select Board, effective immediately and to be implemented for 2026 renewals.
  • Discussion:
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Inquired if any negative feedback had been received.
    • Nancy Baker (Assistant Town Manager): Confirmed no negative feedback was received. The changes were advertised in the Dedham Times and communicated to all license holders via the OpenGov licensing software.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).

7. Departmental Updates

7.1. Town Clerk - Paul Munchback

  • Department Overview:
    • Emphasized the Town Clerk's office as the "heartbeat of local government" and the first point of contact for many residents.
    • Introduced key staff: Kristen Morse (Assistant, 13 years), Anita Nyland (Election Specialist), Jeanette Gibbons (Election Specialist).
    • Board of Registrars: Paul Munchback (Democrat), Cheryl Schoenfeld (Democrat), Robert Zocker (Republican), Elaine de Grandis (Republican - stepping down end of year).
    • Paul Munchback has served as Town Clerk for 19 years.
  • Core Functions:
    • Vital Records: Marriages, births, deaths (95 marriages, 296 births, 370 deaths in 2025; numbers increased due to NewBridge facility).
    • Election Administration: State, federal, local elections, regulated by federal/state laws and local bylaws.
    • Annual Census: State-mandated, mailed to ~11,000 households annually, with ~5,000 changes requiring manual updates.
    • Dog Licenses: 1,731 issued as of today.
    • Public Records Management: Custodian of all town records (town meetings, election records, minutes, vital records), some dating back to 1636.
    • Ethics Training & Compliance: Administers training for elected/appointed officials.
    • Business Certificates, Marriage Licenses, Town Meeting Support, Oath of Office.
    • Genealogy Research: Works with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Museum and Archive, and historical organizations. Possesses records dating back to 1636, including the original covenant.
    • Underground Storage Permits: Processes state-regulated permits for gas stations.
  • Financial Reimbursement: Secured $47,658 in election cost certification reimbursement from the State Auditor's Department, representing over 12% of the department's budget.
  • Key Statistics:
    • Population: 25,364 (2020 Federal Census).
    • Elections (Past Year): 6 elections.
      • Presidential Primary: 30% turnout.
      • Town Election: 23% turnout.
      • State Primary: 19% turnout.
      • Presidential Election: 77% turnout.
      • Special Tech Town Election: 28% turnout.
      • Town Election (April): 22% turnout.
    • Early Voting (Presidential): 2,605 in-person early votes.
    • Early Voting (Special/Town Elections): 705 (special), 698 (town) over two days.
    • Town Meeting Turnout: Average 234 representatives (86% turnout) for the last three meetings, highest in the state.
  • Upcoming Initiatives:
    • Mini Town Meeting: Monday, November 10th.
    • Fall Town Meeting.
    • 2026 Election Season: Annual Town Election (Saturday, April 11th), Spring Annual Town Meeting (Monday, May 18th), State Primary (Tuesday, September 1st), State Election (Tuesday, November 3rd), Fall Town Meeting (TBD by Select Board).
    • Continued community outreach for elections and voter registration (online registration and RMV integration have changed outreach methods).
    • Review and update of Town Clerk fees (public hearing to be held).
    • Implementation of OpenGov for online licensing (dog licenses, vital records, business certificates) to improve efficiency and online payments.
    • Maintaining service levels within budgetary needs and securing grants/reimbursements.
    • Utilizing the Next Request portal for public record requests, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
  • Partnerships: Collaborates with other town clerks, Secretary of State's office (elections, public records, IT, cybersecurity), Attorney General's office (Open Meeting Law), Campaign Political Finance, State Ethics Commission, State Auditor, Division of Local Mandates, Department of Revenue, Department of Vital Records, State Medical Office/Examiner, State Lottery (raffle permits), State Legislature, and Norfolk County government (Registry of Deeds).
  • Discussion:
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Asked about the preservation technology for historical documents. Paul Munchback confirmed climate-controlled safes, specialized shelving, and ongoing preservation efforts with the Dedham Museum and Archive, including annual book binding.
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Inquired about digital storage of everyday records. Paul Munchback stated that while some older records were digitized, a comprehensive digitization of all records is a future goal, with cost estimates over $100,000. State vital records are digitized up to certain years. Discussed internal electronic communication improvements via OpenGov, already in use with the Planning Office and Board of Health, with plans for the Building Department.
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Praised the department's accessibility and service.
    • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Select Board Member): Asked about notary public services. Paul Munchback clarified that while internal town documents are notarized, public notary services are limited due to liability concerns and lack of a fee schedule.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Commended the office's efficiency and the safeguarding of historical documents, noting the privilege of having records from the 1600s.
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Asked about the impact of early voting and mail-in ballots on turnout. Paul Munchback stated that these methods have not significantly changed overall turnout percentages but have shifted how people vote. Ballot questions consistently increase turnout.

7.2. Building Commissioner - Ken Cimino

  • Department Overview:
    • Ken Cimino: Building Commissioner.
    • James Sullivan: Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer.
    • Fred Johnson: Assistant Building Commissioner.
    • Gail Capone: Administrative Assistant (manages OpenGov permitting).
    • Common Daliocono: Electrical Inspector.
    • James Craig: Plumbing and Gas Fitting Inspector.
  • Seal of Weights and Measures: Being transitioned to Norfolk County following a Town Meeting action, with OpenGov being used for fee and bookkeeping finalization.
  • OpenGov Implementation:
    • Implemented March 15, 2023, a "complete game changer" for permitting.
    • Replaced paper-based system with digital applications, reviews, comments, and inspection entries.
    • United permitting across multiple departments (Board of Health, Conservation, Stormwater, Planning and Zoning, ZBA, Engineering, Public Works, Town Manager), allowing real-time access to permit and license records.
    • Transferred 50,000 permits from the old Energo system.
    • Archived paper plans (from late 1800s) and building permit records (from 1941) are still in physical form, with ongoing efforts to digitize them.
  • Permitting Activity (Fiscal 2025):
    • 1,067 Building Permits.
    • 287 Roofing, Siding, Window Replacement Permits.
    • 930 Electrical Permits.
    • 426 Plumbing Permits.
    • 281 Gas Fitting Permits.
    • 86 Mechanical Permits.
    • 74 Sheet Metal Permits.
    • 18 Tent Permits.
    • 60 Sign Permits.
    • 13 Trench Permits.
    • Total: 3,242 permits issued.
  • Periodic Inspections: Conducts regular inspections of places of assembly (schools, churches, daycare centers, restaurants, theaters, large apartment buildings), including comprehensive life safety checks.
  • Town Projects:
    • Town Green: Permit issued for canopy portion (Phase 2) yesterday.
    • Incinerator and Smokestack Demolition: Permit application under review, close to issuance.
  • Retirement Announcement:
    • Ken Cimino announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2025, after 39 years of service.
    • Started in September 1986 as Assistant Building Inspector.
    • Appointed Acting Building Commissioner in 2005, then Building Commissioner in 2006.
    • Reflected on significant changes in Dedham since 1986, including the lifting of a residential construction moratorium (1988) and the growth of the Planning Department.
    • Noted the evolution from using approvals to limit development to finding development that best serves the town.
    • Town Meeting appropriated funds for a Building Department evaluation to improve operations and digitalization.
    • Highlighted the increasing complexity of building codes (from 4th to 10th edition of MA State Building Code), energy codes, and zoning requirements.
    • Emphasized the department's commitment to safety and service.
  • Discussion:
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Congratulated Ken on his retirement, thanked him for his historical perspective, and praised his focus on safety and solutions.
    • Michelle Persson Reilly (Select Board Member): Thanked Ken for his responsiveness, insight, and fairness, acknowledging the difficulty of the job. Appreciated the department's accommodating nature for residents.
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Thanked Ken for his long service and dedication, noting his reputation for being tough but fair and honest, prioritizing safety.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Expressed gratitude for his dedication to a safe and lasting community and wished him well in retirement.

8. Follow-up Discussion: Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) - Climate Leader Community Distinction, Status, Certification

  • Presenters: Rana Monadorfer (Assistant Finance Director, on behalf of SAC), Leo (Planning and Zoning and Natural Resources Department).
  • Purpose: To discuss the Climate Leader Community (CLC) certification and address previous questions.
  • Key Points from Memo (October 1st):
    • CLC Certification: Described as "Green Communities 2.0 but on steroids," offering significantly more funding (up to $1 million per application vs. $200,000 for Green Communities) for similar energy efficiency projects.
    • Commitments: Dedham's 2010 Green Community pledges (20% municipal energy reduction within 5 years) are still followed. CLC would require recertification every three years, with an option to opt out.
    • Financial Burden: No cost to join. Provides access to additional state funding for clean energy and climate resilience. Early adoption is advantageous while the pool of certified communities is small.
    • Electric Bills: CLC does not mandate actions that would directly raise residential electric bills.
    • Funding: Offers Technical Support Grants ($150,000 per applicant for studies) and Accelerator Grants (for construction).
    • Consequences of Not Pursuing: Dedham would miss out on these funding opportunities, though it would remain a Green Community and continue to pursue those grants (awarded $428,000 to date).
    • Facilities Master Plan: The decarbonization roadmap (a list of suggestions) can be adopted independently of the new Facilities Master Plan, as it aligns with ongoing capital improvement needs (HVAC, windows, insulation).
    • Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Policy: Clarified exemptions for heavy-duty vehicles (DPW, fire) and police vehicles. Noted flexibility from the Green Communities coordinator for non-heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., F-150 Lightnings).
    • Superchargers: Grants are available to pursue more Level 3 superchargers.
  • Discussion:
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Indicated he had follow-up questions but would discuss them offline for the sake of time.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Asked about the grant limits (per application, not per year) and the funding source (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, not federal, so not subject to federal clawbacks).
    • Jim MacDonald (Select Board Member): Asked about the $428,000 in Green Communities grants (since 2010) and whether they were matching grants (no, but reimbursement-based). Noted the 10% match for CLC grants is reasonable.
    • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Expressed interest in researching the return on investment beyond just dollar figures, considering long-term costs of climate change and the benefits of early investment (e.g., $1 spent now saves $13 in future damages).
    • Rana Monadorfer encouraged sending further questions to the Town Manager for a more robust discussion at the next meeting.

9. Approval of Minutes

  • Motion: To approve the meeting minutes from 7/16/25, 7/21/25, and 9/25/25.
  • Second: Michelle Persson Reilly.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).
  • Erin Boles Welsh (Select Board Member): Appreciated the Town Manager's office efforts to bring the minutes up to date.

10. Old/New Business

  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Select Board Member): Wished DT4 a Happy 8th Birthday, noting its popularity in Dedham.

11. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Second: Michelle Persson Reilly.
  • Vote:
    • Motion: Approved.
    • Outcome: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0).

Last updated: Dec 8, 2025

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