Executive Summary
The Dedham Select Board met on August 20, 2026, to address several municipal priorities, including the swearing-in of Police Sergeant Brian Crump and the approval of the inaugural 'No Quig Deal Four on the Fourth Road Race' for 2027. The Board received significant updates on the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan, the Historic Districts Commission, and a new $250,000 private inflow removal program aimed at mitigating sewer surcharging in the Manor neighborhood. Additionally, the Town Manager reported a projected $2 million annual structural deficit for the FY28 budget, prompting discussions on future revenue and expenditure adjustments.
Meeting Overview
- Date: August 20, 2026
- Governing Body: Dedham Select Board
- Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
- Attendees: Jim MacDonald (Chair), Dimitria Sullivan, Michelle Persson Reilly, Erin Boles Welsh, and Leon Goodwin (Town Manager).
Dedham Citizens Open Discussion
- No Quig Deal Four on the Fourth Road Race: Representatives proposed a new four-mile road race to take place on July 4, 2027, starting and ending at Fairbanks Park. The race honors the late Sergeant Jim Quigley and follows the route of the former 'Rally for Sally' race.
- Action: The Board moved to approve the race.
- Vote: Unanimous approval (Aye).
Town Manager's Report
- Facilities Master Plan: The steering committee will meet on August 24, 2024, to continue work on municipal and educational facility models.
- Short-Term Rentals (Airbnbs): The Building Commissioner has successfully resolved a complaint on Westfield Street; the town is exploring proactive regulations via Town Meeting.
- PILOT Program: Ongoing discussions with non-profits regarding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) commitments for future fiscal years.
- FY28 Budget Forecast: Finance Director Brady Winston will provide a quarterly update soon. Current projections indicate a $2 million annual structural deficit, requiring potential solutions such as expenditure reductions, revenue increases, or increasing levy capacity.
Consent Agenda
- Approved Items:
- 14th Annual Trunk or Treat (10/24/26).
- Fall Yoga and Zumba on the Town Green (Sept/Oct 2026).
- Block Parties: Barrow Street (9/11/26) and Taylor Ave (9/12/26).
- Bike to the Beach (9/19/26).
- Motherbrook Arts and Community Center (MBACC) signs and pottery sale (9/26/26).
- One-Day Liquor Licenses: Spin the Brook (9/18/26) and Sullivan Rep Fundraiser (8/28/26).
- Gift Acceptances: $200 from Ron and Michelle Wiley; $5,000 from Ash Ferry, Herb Chambers Automotive for the Council on Aging (COA) 2026 holiday party.
- Run for the Fallen (9/12/26) and DEF-5K (10/4/26).
- Vote: Unanimous approval (Aye).
Official Swearing-In: Sergeant Brian Crump
- Promotion: Chief D'Entremont presented Brian Crump for promotion to Police Sergeant, filling the vacancy left by the late Sergeant Jim Quigley.
- Background: Crump is a 27-year veteran of the Dedham Police Department, having served as a traffic officer, child safety seat technician, and field training officer. He received the 2015 Officer of the Year Award.
- Action: Sergeant Crump was officially sworn in by Tom Cook-Munchback.
Health Department: Proclamations
- International Overdose Awareness Day: Observed August 31, 2026. A display of purple flags will be placed at Barnes Memorial Park starting August 24.
- National Recovery Month: The Board proclaimed September 2026 as National Recovery Month in Dedham.
- Scheduled Events: 'What is a Recovery Coach' (9/15/26) and Naloxone training (9/24/26).
Public Hearing: Change of Manager - The Golf Lounge
- Application: Request for a change of manager for 18 Dedham LLC, d/b/a The Golf Lounge, located at 765 Providence Highway.
- Action: Motion to approve the change of manager from Christopher Abadi to Joseph Cavallari.
- Vote: Unanimous approval (Aye).
Human Rights Commission (HRC) Update
- 10th Anniversary: Chair Lance Hartford and Maureen Hurley reviewed the commission's history since its establishment in 2017.
- Collaboration Goals: The HRC requested collaboration with the Select Board on public statements regarding human rights and initiatives to diversify town boards and committees.
- Action: The Board discussed potential workshops to establish a baseline for committee diversity.
Historic Districts Commission Update
- Current Status: Chair Tara Ikenoi provided an update on Dedham's three local historic districts (Franklin Square, Connecticut Corner, Federal Hill) and two national districts.
- Future Projects: The commission is working on transitioning to the OpenGov digital permitting system and exploring a National Register listing for the Powder House (built 1766).
Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Update
- Plan Details: Environmental Specialist Leo and Ron Wiley presented the 2026 OSRP update, which is valid for 10 years and essential for state grant eligibility.
- Accomplishments: New splash pad at Condon Park, Dolan Center kayak rentals, and the Saar Mill Park pollinator pathway.
- Action: The Board will vote on a formal letter of support for the plan on September 9, 2026.
Private Inflow Identification and Removal Policy
- Project Scope: Director of Engineering Jason Mamone presented a plan to address sewer surcharging in the Manor neighborhood (Bonham Road/Greensboro Road area).
- Funding: $250,000 has been allocated to assist 50 identified properties in removing illegal connections (sump pumps, floor drains) that contribute 350,000 gallons of peak inflow.
- Action: The Board concurred with the action plan to begin sending notification letters to homeowners in September.
Traffic Regulation: Caldwell Drive
- Regulation: Amendment to parking restrictions near Green Lodge School to improve public safety during drop-off and pick-up.
- Action: Adopted 'No Parking' Monday through Friday, 8:15–8:45 a.m. and 2:45–3:15 p.m. on both sides of Caldwell Drive from the north intersection with Greenlodge Street to Bonny Lane.
- Vote: Unanimous approval (Aye).
Old and New Business
- Facilities Update: A community listening session for municipal buildings is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. at 310 Sprague Street.
- 9/11 Remembrance: A 20th-anniversary vigil will be held at Barnes Memorial Park on September 11 at 7 p.m.
- E-Scooter Safety: The Board and Police Department emphasized that Massachusetts law requires operators of motorized scooters/e-bikes to be at least 16 years old and wear helmets. Enforcement will increase near middle schools.