Executive Summary
The Dedham Select Board met on June 18, 2026, to conduct a variety of municipal business, including the approval of a temporary extension for alcohol service hours to 2:00 AM through July 31, 2026. The Board recognized local athlete Ryan Doyle for his state championship baseball win and received a comprehensive update from the Sustainability Advisory Committee regarding waste reduction and decarbonization initiatives. Other significant actions included authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate an updated inter-municipal agreement with Westwood for animal control services and approving signage for the Sawmill Park Pollinator Pathway.
Meeting Information
- Date: June 18, 2026
- Governing Body: Select Board
- Location: Dedham, MA
- Attendees:
- Jim MacDonald, Chair
- Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
- Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
- Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
- Stephen [Thomas], Select Board Member
- Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
- Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
- Meredith Comfrey, Conservation Agent
- Michael De Winter, Sustainability Advisory Committee Chair
Tributes and Public Comment
- Moment of Silence: The Board observed a moment of silence for Sergeant James Quigley of the Dedham Police Department, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Sergeant Quigley served the department since 2015 and was a noted advocate for domestic violence survivors.
- Dedham Citizen Open Discussion: No citizens came forward for discussion.
Certificate of Achievement - Ryan Doyle
- The Board presented a Certificate of Achievement to Ryan Doyle, a junior at Catholic Memorial and a member of the Division I State Championship Baseball Team.
- The certificate recognized his "outstanding achievement as a member of the Catholic Memorial Division I State Championship Baseball Team."
Town Manager's Report
- Website Transition: The town website will transition to a new URL (dropping the hyphen) on June 30, 2026, at noon.
- Splash Pad Opening: The grand opening for the new splash pad at Condon Park, funded via ARPA, is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
- Campus at 128: The Planning Board will receive an update from the property owner and developer on June 24, 2026. The MEPA process is currently ongoing.
Consent Agenda
- Action: The Board moved to approve the consent agenda.
- Key Items:
- Acceptance of a $500 gift from Dedham Savings to the Human Rights Committee for Juneteenth.
- Drain layer approvals for Buzzy Enterprises and Prime Time Development, Inc.
- Dedham Square Circle: Request to block two spaces on Eastern Ave (July 15-17) and street closure from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the Summer Stroll.
- One-day licenses: Decanted Inc. (June 26), Roundhead Brewing Company (July 16), Paul Street Block Party (July 18), and Dedham Performing Arts (July/August Thursdays).
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Sawmill Park Pollinator Pathway Signage
- Conservation Agent Meredith Comfrey requested approval for educational and plant label signage at 21 Sawmill Lane, funded entirely by a grant.
- Action: The Board moved to approve the signage for the Sawmill Lane Pollinator Pathway.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Sustainability Advisory Committee Update
- Michael De Winter, Chair of the Sustainability Advisory Committee, presented three focus areas:
- Waste Reduction: Launching a "Skip the Stuff" pilot program with Dedham Square Circle to reduce takeout waste (utensils/condiments).
- Decarbonization: Exploring the Mass Save EBCX program for building energy savings and pursuing the Massachusetts Climate Leader Communities Program.
- Communication: Partnering with town staff to publicize events and update the 2020 Climate Action Resiliency Plan.
- Financial Note: The Climate Leader Communities Program offers grants with only a 10% municipal match; 35 communities have already qualified for $4.9 million in total awards.
Inter-municipal Agreement - Westwood Animal Control
- Town Manager Leon Goodwin discussed extending the IMA with Westwood for animal control services.
- Proposed Financials: The cost share is recommended to increase from $4,000 to $7,000 in FY27, and to $10,000 in FY28/29 (representing approximately 10% of salary and benefits).
- Action: The Board moved to authorize the Town Manager to work with the Westwood Town Administrator to update and finalize the terms of the IMA.
- Vote: Unanimous (5-0-0).
Extension of Alcohol Service Hours
- The Board discussed a temporary extension of on-premises alcohol service hours to 2:00 AM, allowed by recent state legislation for the World Cup and other events.
- Action: The Board moved to approve the temporary extension for on-premises licensees to sell alcoholic beverages for one additional hour (up to 2:00 AM) expiring July 31, 2026.
- Vote: 4-1-0 (MacDonald opposed).
- Note: An application from Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill was held as the applicant was not present.
E-Bicycles and Scooters Discussion
- The Board and Police Chief discussed safety concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, specifically lack of helmets and underage operators.
- Key Regulations: Operators must be at least 16 years old for e-scooters, and no passengers are allowed.
- Action: The Board directed the Town Manager and Police Chief to collaborate with the School Department on an educational campaign for the start of the school year in September.
Compliance Hearing and New Business
- Compliance Hearing: The Board moved to schedule a compliance failure hearing for Orchid 7 Fusion Bar and Grill on July 23, 2026.
- Musket Firing: The Board approved a request for a musket volley on the Town Green for the Juneteenth event, with the condition that neighbors and Dedham Square Circle members be notified in advance.
Executive Session
- The Board entered Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy for Ngobi v. Town of Dedham (Land Court Case 21 MISC 000642 and Norfolk Superior Court Case 1982CV00646) and to consider real property matters.