Select Board-February 26, 2026

City Council
February 26, 2026
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Executive Summary

The Dedham Select Board met on February 26, 2026, to review the Town Manager's Fiscal Year 2027 budget message, which proposes a 4.8% overall increase and a $64.7 million school budget. Key actions included the approval of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, the granting of a common victualler license for a new Japanese restaurant, Umizen, and the review of proposed by-law changes regarding street takeovers and financial thresholds. The Board also conducted an alcohol violation hearing for the Hilton at Dedham Place and issued a one-day suspension sanction for Temazcal Tequila Cantina.

Meeting Information

  • Date: February 26, 2026
  • Governing Body: Select Board
  • Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
  • Attendees:
    • Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
    • Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
    • Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
    • Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
    • Jim MacDonald, Select Board Member
    • Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
  • Absent: Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. (Excused due to family issue)

Dedham Residents Open Discussion

  • Speaker: Keith Shapiro, 363 Mount Vernon (Build Dedham's Future).
  • Summary: Mr. Shapiro advocated for the School Committee's Level 0.5 budget recommendation, expressing frustration over chronic underfunding. He noted that mental health data and academic performance indicate the district is struggling.
  • Key Quote: "We are failing our children if we continue down this path. We should not be placing our teachers, students, and staff in a position of chronic overwork just to maintain the bare minimum."

Town Manager's Report

  • Blizzard Response: Town Manager Goodwin commended the DPW, public safety, and facilities staff for their work during a recent blizzard that dropped 26.5 inches of snow.
  • Snow and Ice Budget: The town has exceeded its budgeted amount for snow removal, which is allowable for deficit spending under Massachusetts General Law. This will be reconciled against free cash next year.
  • Staffing Update: William McGrady has been issued a conditional offer for the position of Building Commissioner, following the retirement of Ken Cimino. McGrady brings over 20 years of experience.

Consent Agenda

  • Official Action: The Board voted to approve the consent agenda.
  • Items Included:
    1. Acceptance of a $3,000 gift from Joseph Mueller in memory of Bill Mueller for the Council on Aging.
    2. One-day beer and wine license and banner permission for the 41st James Joyce Ramble (4/26/26).
    3. Dedham Square Circle permits for the Farmers Market (6/17–10/14) and Summer/Fall Concert Series.
    4. Use of Town Green for International Jazz Day (4/30/26).
    5. Drain Layer Approval for Ed Musto Construction.
  • Vote: 4-0 (Sullivan, Persson Reilly, MacDonald, Boles Welsh in favor; Teehan absent).

Decennial By-law Review Committee Report

  • Presenter: Cecilia Emery Butler.
  • Proposed Changes:
    • Youth Commission: Clarifying language regarding the board versus the department and ensuring gifts are handled per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53 or 53A.
    • Chapter 39 (Finances): Increasing the threshold for debt capital projects from $100,000 to $250,000 and modernizing language for electronic bill approval.
    • Street Takeovers: A new proposed by-law to prevent street racing and stunt riding, providing for $300 fines and vehicle impoundment.
  • Official Action: The Board voted to accept the report and recommendations for presentation at the 2026 Spring Town Meeting.
  • Vote: 4-0.

Hometown Heroes Banner Program

  • Presenters: Joe Campbell (VSO) and Colleen Hines.
  • Program Details: The program will install 2'x4' double-sided vinyl banners on utility lights in Dedham Square and East Dedham Square from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.
  • Financials: Banners cost $147 each, funded through sponsorships and donations via a dedicated gift account. No town funds are requested.
  • Official Action: The Board voted to support the program and authorize the VSO to work with utility companies and the DPW for permits.
  • Vote: 4-0.

Violation Hearing: Hilton at Dedham Place

  • Incident Summary: On November 17, 2025, an underage operative was served a Bud Light without being asked for identification. The bartender was reportedly uncooperative and yelled at the responding officers.
  • Licensee Response: General Manager Bob Capetta and Food & Beverage Manager Mark Bruce stipulated to the report. They confirmed the employee was terminated and that new management protocols, including mandatory ID checks for anyone appearing under 40, are in place.
  • Official Action: The Board voted to take the matter under advisement until the March 12 meeting.
  • Vote: 4-0.

Common Victualler License: Umizen

  • Applicant: Umizen (342 Washington Street).
  • Details: A new Japanese restaurant specializing in ramen and sushi, located in the former Blue Ribbon BBQ space. The owners also operate 29 Bistro.
  • Official Action: The Board voted to approve the common victualler license for Umizen.
  • Vote: 4-0.

FY27 Budget Message Presentation

  • Overview: The proposed FY27 budget is $145.8 million, a 4.8% increase over FY26. This results in an estimated $495 tax bill increase for the average single-family home (valued at approximately $810,871).
  • School Budget: Recommended at $64,714,141 (a 6.33% increase), which funds 18 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to restore services and support student mental health.
  • Municipal Budget: Recommended at a 4.5% increase, which is below the level-service request of 5.1%.
  • Key Drivers:
    • Health Insurance: 7.2% increase.
    • General Liability Insurance: 7.6% increase.
    • Debt Service: 5.4% increase.
  • Structural Deficit: The Town Manager warned that using $1.6 million in excess levy capacity this year leaves only $768,000 for FY28, likely necessitating an operational override or significant service cuts in the future.

Sanctions: Temazcal Tequila Cantina

  • Violation: Sale or delivery of alcohol to a person under 21 (MGL Chapter 138, Section 34).
  • Official Action: The Board voted to find the licensee in violation and issued a three-day suspension.
  • Penalty Details: One day to be served on Monday, March 9, 2026; two days held in abeyance for one year (expiring February 28, 2027).
  • Vote: 4-0.

Old and New Business

  • Mother Brook Elevator: The town is rescinding the authorization for the Mother Brook elevator project as the parties no longer wish to proceed.
  • Upcoming Meetings: The Warrant and Finance Committee will hold an all-day budget hearing on March 7, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

Last updated: Mar 1, 2026

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