Select Board- December 3, 2025

December 3, 2025
Watch Video View Transcript
AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

Podcast Summary

Subscribe to AI-generated podcasts:
RSS Spotify Apple Podcasts

Meeting Minutes: Dedham Select Board

Governing Body: Dedham Select Board Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: December 03, 2025

Attendees:

  • Leon Goodwin, Town Manager
  • Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., Select Board Member
  • Dimitria Sullivan, Select Board Member
  • Michelle Persson Reilly, Select Board Member
  • Erin Boles Welsh, Select Board Member
  • Nancy Baker, Assistant Town Manager
  • Richard Schoenfeld, Chair of the Board of Assessors
  • Kevin Doyle, Assessor
  • Paul D'Olimpio, Assessor
  • Sue Munchback, Assessor
  • Colleen McGordy, Assessor
  • Derek Sergi, Assessor
  • Michael Polito, Vice Chair of the Board of Assessors
  • George Panagopoulos, Secretary of the Board of Assessors
  • Tim Angiolillo, Operations Manager for Boots & Beer, LLC
  • Justin Peirce, Counsel for Mr. George Panagopoulos
  • George Panagopoulos, Applicant for Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen
  • Robert Alexander, Dedham-Westwood Water District Board Member
  • Eric Merithew, Dedham-Westwood Water District Board Member

Executive Summary

The Dedham Select Board convened on December 3, 2025, addressing several key town matters. The meeting included updates on significant town retirements, approval of a liquor license alteration for Boots & Beer LLC, and a public hearing for an all-alcohol license for Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen. The Board also approved the annual renewal of all town licenses for 2026 and scheduled compliance failure hearings for five establishments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the FY26 Tax Classification Hearing, where the Board voted to continue classification and apply the maximum 1.75% shift to commercial, industrial, and personal property. The Dedham-Westwood Water District provided an update on their 2025 accomplishments and 2026 plans.

Dedham Citizens Open Discussion

  • No public comments were made during this session.

Town Manager's Report

  • Fire Chief Retirement: Town Manager Leon Goodwin reported that the current Fire Chief will be retiring in the spring. The recruitment process through civil service is underway, with three internal applicants registered for the exam.
  • Building Commissioner Retirement: Ken Cimino, the Building Commissioner, will retire at the end of December after 39 years of service. The process to fill this position is also in progress.
  • Select Board members acknowledged the significant contributions of both retiring individuals to the community.

Consent Agenda

  • Motion: To approve the consent agenda, including:
    • Gift acceptance of smoothies from Tropical Smoothie for an Animal Control meeting.
    • Lighting of the Menorah on December 18, 2025, at 5:45 p.m.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To take an item not on the agenda.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To approve a request for a holiday block party on Van Brunt Avenue on December 20, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. commented on the Menorah lighting, calling it "one of the nicest events we do every year" and encouraging public attendance.

Alteration of Premises for Boots & Beer LLC

  • Applicant: Tim Angiolillo, Operations Manager for Boots & Beer, LLC.
  • Request: An adjustment to the square footage of the licensed premises at 204 Legacy Place, Dedham. The original beer and wine license was for 180 square feet (bar area only), and the alteration corrects it to 1,792 square feet to include the lounge seating area.
  • Public Hearing: Opened for public comment. No public comments were made.
  • Motion: To close the public hearing.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To approve the request from Boots & Beer LLC for an alteration to the licensed premises at 204 Legacy Place, Dedham.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Mr. Angiolillo thanked Nancy Baker and her office for their assistance.

All Alcohol License for Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen

  • Applicant: George Panagopoulos, represented by counsel Justin Peirce.
  • Location: 449 and 551 High Street in Dedham Square (formerly Pancho's Taqueria).
  • Business Name: Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen.
  • Request:
    • Issuance of an all-alcohol restaurant license to Mediterranean Dining Group Incorporated.
    • Approval of George Panagopoulos as manager of record pursuant to special legislation chapter 107 Act 2014.
  • Applicant Presentation:
    • Mr. Panagopoulos, owner/operator of Dedham House of Pizza, described Mezzo as a "fast fine" dining concept offering high-quality Mediterranean cuisine.
    • Anticipated alcohol sales are 1-3.5% of total sales, compared to 0.47% at Dedham House of Pizza.
    • Anticipated hours of operation: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Certified letters were sent to abutters; no schools, churches, or chapels within a 500-foot radius.
    • All employees handling alcohol are TIP certified.
    • Two ID scanners are available, with one for backup, and will be used at Mezzo.
    • Mr. Panagopoulos will manage both businesses, splitting his time between them due to their close proximity.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Select Board members expressed excitement for the new restaurant and the diversity it brings to Dedham Square.
    • Mr. Panagopoulos confirmed a single prior beer and wine license violation in 2009, which was used as a training opportunity.
    • Select Board Member Dimitria Sullivan suggested using ID scanners at both restaurants.
    • Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. expressed enthusiasm for the concept and offered to test the food.
    • Mr. Panagopoulos detailed his plan to split time between the two locations, involving managers and family members.
  • Public Hearing: Opened for public comment. No public comments were made.
  • Motion: To close the public hearing.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To approve the issuance of an all-alcohol restaurant license to Mediterranean Dining Group, Inc. DBA, Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen, 449-551 High Street.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To approve the appointment of George Panagopoulos as Manager of Record for Mezzo Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen, 449-551 High Street.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Mr. Panagopoulos requested the Board consider temporary parking spaces in Dedham Square, similar to previous discussions, suggesting distribution on Washington Street. Town Manager Leon Goodwin confirmed that the Director of Engineering, Jason Momoni, will review the square for parking solutions.

New Year's Eve Extension

  • Motion: To authorize a one-hour extension from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. for all licensed establishments serving alcohol for consumption on premises on New Year's Eve.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)

Renewal of All Licenses for 2026

  • Motion: To approve the renewal of all licenses for calendar year 2026 in the following categories:
    • All-alcohol restaurant and package store licenses
    • Wine and malt restaurant and package store licenses
    • Innholder, veterans, and club licenses
    • Common victual licenses
    • Class one, two, and three licenses
    • Secondhand dealer licenses
    • Sunday and secular day music and dancing licenses
    • Entertainment licenses
    • Automatic amusement licenses
    • Theater licenses
    • Fortune teller licenses
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)

Compliance Failure Hearings

  • Motion: To call for compliance failure hearings, with dates and times to be determined, for the following establishments:
    • El Centro
    • Tavern in the Square
    • Plaza Liquor Mart
    • Tamezekal Tequila Cantina
    • Hilton at Dedham Place
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)

FY26 Tax Classification Hearing

  • Presenters: Richard Schoenfeld (Chair, Board of Assessors), Kevin Doyle (Assessor), and other members of the Board of Assessors.
  • Purpose: To consider tax rate options and determine whether to distribute the tax levy equally or shift the burden to commercial, industrial, and personal property (CIP).
  • Key Information:
    • Tax Levy: The total amount of money the town is authorized to raise through property taxes for FY26 is approximately $119,937,666, an increase of approximately $4,558,558 (3.95%) from FY25. This represents about 75% of the town's budget.
    • Property Valuation (FY26):
      • Residential: $6.8 billion (83% of total value), up $439 million.
      • Commercial: $1.1 billion (13% of total value), up $53 million.
      • Industrial: $68 million (1% of total value).
      • Personal Property: $270 million (3% of total value).
      • Total Property: $8.2 billion.
    • Average Single-Family Home Assessment (as of 1/1/25): $810,871, up 6.4% from $761,990 in the previous year.
    • Average Commercial Industrial Property Assessment (as of 1/1/25): $3,226,520, up 5.35% from $3,062,815 in the previous year.
    • Tax Shift: Massachusetts communities can shift up to 175% of the residential tax burden to CIP properties. Historically, Dedham has voted for the maximum shift.
      • Without classification (single tax rate): $14.57 per thousand.
      • With classification and maximum shift (split tax rate):
        • Residential rate: $12.30 per thousand.
        • CIP rate: $25.51 per thousand.
    • FY25 Tax Information: The Select Board voted to continue classification and shift to the max of 175%. The residential rate was $12.62 per thousand, and the CIP rate was $26.20 per thousand. The average single-family home tax bill was $9,616, up $372 (4%) from FY24.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Town Manager Leon Goodwin explained that the tax levy is determined by Town Meeting, adhering to Proposition 2 1/2 limits (2.5% plus new growth).
    • Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. emphasized that the classification hearing determines how the existing tax levy is distributed, not its total amount. He highlighted that commercial properties already pay a disproportionately higher share due to the shift and cautioned against the misconception that the Assessors can arbitrarily increase commercial taxes.
    • Assessor Kevin Doyle clarified that the town budget is approximately $162 million, with $42 million from local receipts and other revenues, leaving $120 million to be raised through property taxes. He explained the assessment process, noting that residential values are based on sales data, while commercial values consider income, vacancy, expenses, and market cap rates. He also noted Dedham's limited industrial base compared to neighboring towns.
    • Select Board Member Dimitria Sullivan expressed concern about potential future commercial property value declines, as seen in Boston, and the impact on the tax rate. She stressed the importance of careful spending and budget management.
    • Select Board Member Erin Boles Welsh appreciated the explanation of the assessment process and the importance of the tax shift. She emphasized the need to continue exploring all strategies for budget management and tax relief for struggling residents, including senior tax programs and the Tax Aid Committee.
    • Select Board Member Michelle Persson Reilly noted the increase of 17 residential parcels and one commercial parcel, with zero new industrial parcels, highlighting the town's reliance on residential property values. She commended the year-round budget discussions and the efforts to balance affordability with services.
    • Kevin Doyle explained that the residential values have increased more significantly in recent years, partly due to COVID-related housing market dynamics, which has shifted more of the burden to residential properties even with the maximum commercial shift. He also detailed the abatement process and the Tax Aid Fund, encouraging residents to donate.
  • Public Hearing: Opened for public comment. No public comments were made.
  • Motion: To close the public hearing.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To continue the classification in the Town of Dedham.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • Motion: To use the maximum shift of 1.75.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)

Dedham-Westwood Water District Update

  • Presenters: Executive Director and Board Members Robert Alexander and Eric Merithew.
  • 2025 Regulatory Items:
    • Drought Plan and Water Restrictions: 2025 was the first year following state-mandated drought plans, requiring Level 2 restrictions (watering one day a week) for four months (April, May, September, October).
    • Service Line Inventory: Completed 95% identification of 13,325 service line materials (district-owned and private portions) as part of EPA's lead and copper rule revisions. The $900,000 project was 100% funded by a Massachusetts Clean Water Trust State Revolving Fund grant. Phase 2 and 3 will continue.
  • 2025 Water Main Projects:
    • East Street: Replaced water main in two phases, involving new corridor and above-ground bypass. Extensive public outreach included public meetings and weekly email updates.
    • Milk Street (Westwood): Completed water main replacement for 10 residents.
    • Both projects were completed before town paving to save costs.
  • PFAS Upgrade Project:
    • Kicked off PFAS upgrade at White Lodge Treatment Plant to comply with new EPA requirements for PFOA and PFOS (down to 4 parts per trillion).
    • Project cost: $15.55 million, funded by a 0% interest, 20-year loan from the Massachusetts State Revolving Fund. Activation expected early 2027.
  • Other Accomplishments:
    • New Garage and Site Improvements (50 Elm Street): Completed a four-bay, 4,500 sq ft garage to house equipment, improved drainage, and reconfigured customer parking for safety.
    • New Billing Software: Successfully transitioned to a new billing software program in November, resulting in new account numbers, an updated online portal, and new payment software (Invoice Cloud).
    • Leak Detection Monitors: Received a $42,000 grant to purchase 550 leak detection monitors for fire hydrants to identify leaks early.
    • 3M PFAS Settlement: Awarded over $4.9 million in settlement funds, with an estimated $3.6 million in cash after fees. This helps but does not fully cover the PFAS treatment costs.
    • Newman Water Works Association Award: Will receive the 2025 Distinguished Drinking Water Public Involvement Award for public outreach efforts.
  • 2026 Plans:
    • Schoolmaster Lane Water Main: Install a new 1,000+ foot water main to loop the system from Country Club Lane to West Street, improving water quality, fire protection, and redundancy.
    • Riverside Drive Water Main: Replace a 100-year-old water main before DPW paving. Public outreach and community meetings will be held.
    • Burgess Ave. Pumping Station (Westwood): Replace the existing station with a new above-ground pumping station, providing fire flow, backup power, and improved employee safety.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Select Board members commended the new building and improved communication from the District.
    • Select Board Member Dimitria Sullivan inquired about the MWRA's proposed dumping into the Charles River; the District confirmed they handle water, not sewerage, but would investigate due to proximity of wells.
    • Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. praised the leak detection monitors and the professionalism of the District's service staff. He advised residents with high water bills to contact the District, noting that toilet flapper leaks are a common cause.
    • Select Board Member Erin Boles Welsh congratulated the District on the communications award and smooth software transition.
    • Select Board Member Michelle Persson Reilly acknowledged the scope of the projects, particularly the treatment center upgrade, and thanked the District for coordinating with town paving projects.

Old/New Business

  • Governor's Visit to Dedham High School: Select Board Member Michelle Persson Reilly commended the successful visit by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and their education team to Dedham High School. She thanked Town Manager Leon Goodwin, school staff, facility staff, police department, and communications team for their efforts in organizing the event.
  • Holiday Events and Volunteer Opportunities: Select Board Member Dimitria Sullivan announced the Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.) and the Blue Hills Regional Technical Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She encouraged residents to volunteer for community organizations like the Council on Aging, Youth Commission, libraries, and Animal Control, noting that Animal Control is collecting food donations.
  • Veterans Holiday Luncheon: Select Board Member Dennis J. Teehan, Jr. acknowledged the successful holiday luncheon for veterans and their families at the American Legion, thanking organizers and local restaurants. He also praised the holiday lights in Dedham Square and on the Town Green.

Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Aye: 5, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0)
  • The meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Dec 8, 2025

Back to Meetings