Select Board - July 23, 2026

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jim MacDonald. A moment of silence was held for Jerry Pacheco, a dedicated town volunteer and employee of 32 years who served as the elected Town Clerk from 1997 to 2005 and was a member of the Council on Aging board.

Health Director Sam Menard provided an update on a cyanobacteria bloom affecting the Charles River. * Origin: A dog death due to liver failure was reported at Millennium Park in West Roxbury. * Affected Areas: Riverdale Park and Cutler State Park in Dedham. * Public Health Advisory: Residents are advised to avoid all contact with the water and keep pets away. * Testing Results: DPH samples showed toxin levels at 0.5 parts per billion, which is below the 14 ppb threshold for an automatic advisory; however, the advisory remains in effect due to the 'benthic' nature of the bloom (mats forming on the river bottom) and recent rain interference. * Management: The advisory will remain until two rounds of samples, taken one week apart, show safe levels. Blooms typically persist for 42 to 45 days.

The Board announced events for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. * Display: Purple flags will be displayed at Barnes Memorial Park from August 24-31, each representing a life lost to overdose in Massachusetts in 2025. * Vigil: A Remembrance Vigil will be held on August 31 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. * Support: Community members can dedicate flags starting August 1 via the Health Department or town website.

The Board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the consent agenda. * Block Parties: Paul Street (August 29, 2-8 PM); Chester and Winfield Streets (September 12, 12-5 PM); Upland Road (September 19, 12-5 PM). * Events: Bikes Not Bombs bike ride on October 4, 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. * Gifts: Acceptance of a $50 gift from George Bandelli to the Council on Aging in memory of Mrs. Bandelli.

Finance Director Brady Winston presented a request for interfund borrowing to facilitate capital projects approved at Town Meeting. * Action: The Board voted unanimously (4-0) to 'approve a request for up to an interfund borrowing of up to $3,225,000 for various projects or purchases approved at the spring 2024 and 2026 town meetings and shown on the schedule provided by the Treasurer Collector.' * Process: Funds are transferred from the stabilization fund to the capital projects fund and repaid once debt is issued in the spring.

The Board interviewed and reappointed four members to the Commission on Disability for three-year terms expiring in 2029. * Appointees: Bernadette 'Bernie' Cherokas (Chair), Ellen Conway, Heather Sutcliffe, and Melissa Aber. * Vote: Approved 4-0. * Vacancy: One position remains vacant following the retirement of Vicki Berg.

A public hearing was held regarding a petition from Eversource Energy and Verizon New England. * Project: Installation of a new pole on Booth Road to eliminate an existing aerial trespass wire crossing. * Action: The Board voted 4-0 to approve the placement of the new pole.

The Board held a public hearing for Whole Foods Market Group (300 Legacy Place). * Request: Change of corporate name from Whole Foods Market Group, Inc. to Whole Foods Market Group, LLC, and a change of officers/directors to LLC managers. * Action: The Board voted 4-0 to approve the corporate structure and name changes.

The Board discussed the renewal of the Inter-municipal Agreement (IMA) with the Town of Westwood for animal control services. * Financials: Westwood will contribute $10,000 annually, with assessments adjusted annually based on Westwood's proportional share of the workload. * Term: July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. * Action: The Board voted 4-0 to approve the renewal.

The Board established the schedule for the Fall Annual Town Meeting. * Meeting Date: Monday, November 16, 2026. * Warrant Closing: The Board voted 4-0 to close the warrant at the close of business on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Legal counsel from KP Law provided an overview of the town's liquor licensing authority. * Available Licenses: The town currently has two (2) All-Alcohol On-Premise licenses, one (1) Wine and Malt On-Premise license, and one (1) Wine and Malt Off-Premise license available. * Ballarin Factors: Counsel advised the Board to use the 'Ballarin factors' (public need, neighborhood concentration, traffic, and applicant reputation) when evaluating new applications. * Target Zones: The Board discussed creating economic target zones to encourage development in specific areas like East Dedham or Riverdale. * Pocket Licenses: The Board directed staff to send formal letters to businesses with inactive licenses to initiate the six-month 'use it or lose it' clock required for cancellation.

The Board voted by roll call to enter Executive Session to discuss strategy regarding pending litigation and school transportation contract claims. * Roll Call Vote: Boles Welsh (Yes), Teehan (Yes), Persson Reilly (Yes), MacDonald (Yes). The Board adjourned directly from the Executive Session.