Needham Select Board 12/16/25

Meeting Date: December 16, 2025 Governing Body: Needham Select Board Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Catherine Reid Dowd, Katie King, Joshua Levy, Kevin Keane, Marianne Cooley, Heidi Frail, Karis Lustig, Paul Good, Chris, Reg Foster, Dave Davidson, Liz LaRose, Cecilia Simchak, Gabby Queenan.

Executive Summary: The Needham Select Board addressed several critical town matters, including the Stephen Palmer tenant relocation assistance program, approving an expansion of eligible reimbursement categories to include first and last month's rent. The Board voted to decline the Safe Streets for All grant for the Envision Needham Center pilot due to updated federal conditions that restricted its utility. Discussions also covered the feasibility study for a culvert at the golf course to mitigate train horn noise, a proposed dedication of a celebration bench, and updates on the Tree Preservation Planning Committee's progress. The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan and the FY2026 Sewer Rate Relief application.

• Carol Roskam (83 Pickering Street, Apartment 207, Needham): Expressed high stress and anxiety among Stephen Palmer residents due to displacement. Requested the Select Board to:
  1. Reverse the decision to force residents out of Stephen Palmer.
  2. Expand the definition of "local preference" for affordable housing to include displaced Stephen Palmer residents.
  3. Revisit the bid for a different property management company to allow residents to stay.
  • Noted that a consultant in October stated the building is structurally sound, and the Housing Working Group recommended the building remain for housing two years prior.
  • Highlighted difficulties in finding new housing, including discrimination from real estate agents and the high cost of moving.
  • "We are all highly stressed, highly anxious, extremely depressed."
  • Mentioned a neighbor paying $7,000 for movers to Waltham, contrasting with the $10,000 relocation assistance.
• Kerry Cronin (Stephen Palmer Resident): Described the relocation process as extremely stressful, despite assistance from "Homes to House."
  • Cited three-year waits for available housing and landlords not accepting low-income individuals.
  • Expressed fear of homelessness at 70 years old, emphasizing the need to remain close to her job at the hospital.
  • Reported being scammed twice during background checks and application processes.
  • Found a place on Hamlin Lane, requiring a $4,000 upfront payment, and anticipates high moving costs.
  • Questioned the adequacy of the $10,000 assistance given inflation and the cost of moving.
  • "You should be doing something about developing affordable housing for people because if it's not me today, it's somebody you might know tomorrow or next summer or next winter because this is real."
  • Stated other residents are too exhausted to speak publicly.

• Discussion: Town Manager Katie King explained that initial reimbursement requests from Stephen Palmer tenants highlighted a need to explicitly include first and last month's rent in eligible categories. The Finance Committee had approved a $50,000 reserve fund transfer for assistance, covering rent differential (up to four months), security deposit, moving costs, and application fees.
• Motion (Joshua Levy): "That the Select Board establish a tenant relocation assistance program with the following terms: The town shall reimburse up to $10,000 per unit to eligible individuals for eligible relocation costs. Reimbursement to multiple residents of the same unit shall not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate. Individuals eligible for tenant relocation assistance are residents of Stephen Palmer Apartments at 83 Pickering Street, Needham, Mass. 02492 as of October 20, 2025. Eligible reimbursement costs include: the rent differential between future and current rent up to four months, security deposit, moving costs, application fees, the full amount of the first month's rent, and the full amount of the last month's rent if it is required upfront for payment. Costs eligible for reimbursement must be incurred between October 21, 2025, and February 28, 2026. Receipts can be submitted until May 31, 2026. Housing to Home will administer the tenant relocation assistance program on behalf of the town."
  • Discussion on Motion: Select Board members noted discrepancies in dates with previously communicated guidance to Housing to Home. It was suggested to hold the full policy vote until the next meeting to allow for review. However, there was consensus to immediately address the need for first and last month's rent reimbursement.
• Motion (Heidi Frail): "I move that the board vote to include in the list of Stephen Palmer tenant relocation expenses that are eligible for reimbursement 'the full amount of the first month's rent,' and 'the full amount of the last month's rent if it is a required upfront payment to secure a new apartment.'"
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes. The eligible reimbursement categories for Stephen Palmer tenants are expanded to include the full amount of the first month's rent and the full amount of the last month's rent if required upfront.

• Context (Katie King): The town secured $320,000 from the Federal Highway Administration's Safe Streets for All grant for a demonstration project to pilot road safety changes. Federal Highway changed grant conditions, requiring the removal of items involving vehicle capacity reduction (e.g., lane reductions) by the end of the calendar year. This decision is needed before the Envision Needham Center working group finalizes layout options.
• Karis Lustig (Director of Public Works):
  • The grant initially aimed to pilot a "road diet" with bike lanes, which is easily reversible.
  • New conditions restrict piloting to changes that do not reduce vehicle capacity or parking.
  • The four-lane option for Envision Needham Center, which resembles the current design, would not benefit from a pilot.
  • Piloting features like slip lane removal in a four-lane scenario would require significant demolition and relocation of infrastructure (e.g., existing island, signal structure), making it impractical for a temporary pilot.
  • Piloting pedestrian paths would require temporary ADA ramps extending into traffic lanes if no lane reduction is allowed.
  • Small-scale piloting (jersey barriers, cones) would involve minimal costs, not requiring the grant's substantial funding.
  • The town explored using the grant for other roads but found no suitable projects.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Catherine Reid Dowd: Emphasized that the Board kept the grant open-minded until external decisions changed its utility.
  • Joshua Levy: Agreed that if the grant only supports piloting the existing four-lane configuration, it's not useful.
  • Heidi Frail: Noted consensus at the Envision Needham meeting that the four-lane option doesn't need a pilot.
  • Marianne Cooley: Raised concerns about a memo regarding the grant being shared publicly before the Board's discussion, emphasizing proper public records request procedures.
• Motion (Joshua Levy): "I move that the board approve the town manager's recommendation to decline the Safe Streets for All grant due to the updated grant conditions."
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes. The Select Board will decline the Safe Streets for All grant.

• Context (Katie King): This item addresses the private at-grade crossing at the golf course, which is separate from the five public crossings included in the Quiet Zone initiative. The estimated cost for the Quiet Zone is $7 million.
• Karis Lustig (Director of Public Works):
  • Previous solutions like gates or quad gates are not feasible due to golf carts being plastic and not triggering electromagnetic signals.
  • A former bridge over the tracks was removed when MBTA started running double-decker trains.
  • Discussions with the golf course about a culvert underneath the tracks were challenging due to the size of their equipment, requiring a bridge-like structure.
  • After a diagnostic review meeting, the golf course indicated willingness to plate their equipment and use Great Plain Avenue instead of the culvert, making a culvert more feasible.
  • Ty and Bond were engaged for a feasibility study. A study is needed before design due to unknowns (e.g., 9-foot vs. 8-foot culvert, location at high point vs. more topographically suitable areas).
  • The requested amount for the feasibility study is higher than Ty and Bond's initial proposal ($44,000) to account for quality control and additional meetings, with any unused funds returned.
  • MBTA is expected to be cooperative as eliminating grade crossings is a safety priority.
• Marianne Cooley (Quiet Zone Working Group Chair):
  • The proposal was discussed at the Quiet Zone Working Group meeting last night.
  • The committee is not yet ready to recommend action to the Select Board and FinCom, preferring to re-meet with consultants to answer questions.
  • The study is important to gather information on potential solutions for the golf course crossing.
  • The discussion about funding (reserve fund transfer vs. Capital Improvement Plan) will occur after more information is available.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Joshua Levy: Suggested funding through the Capital Improvement Plan rather than a Reserve Fund Transfer, as it's not an unforeseen expenditure.
  • Katie King: Explained that the initial thinking for a Reserve Fund Transfer came from the FinCom chair.
  • Kevin Keane: Supported the project as it would eliminate a grade crossing, improving safety and reducing train horn noise.
  • Heidi Frail: Inquired about the "tree yard" concept, which is defined by zoning setbacks.
• Outcome: No vote was taken. The Quiet Zone Working Group will continue to gather information and will bring a recommendation back to the Select Board at a future meeting.

• Paul Good (Needham Community Revitalization Trust Fund):
  • Presented a proposal for a celebration bench in front of Starbucks, replacing an existing blank bench.
  • The bench honors Fred Cressy, a member of a cycling group ("Knights of the Square Table") who passed away in 2024.
  • The inscription on the plaque will read: "If at first you don't succeed, try first again."
  • The bench is made of powder-coated steel, durable, low-maintenance, and the same style used in other locations (e.g., Green's Field, Memorial Field).
  • The location is well-used and would benefit from a new bench.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Members expressed support for the project and appreciated the inscription.
  • Marianne Cooley: Asked about the color of the bench and potential heat absorption in summer. Paul Good confirmed that the thick powder coating and steel absorption keep it at a modest temperature.
• Outcome: The Select Board will vote on this item at the January 13th meeting, allowing for public comment.

• Motion (Marianne Cooley): "I move the consent agenda."
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Discussion: Miles Tucker confirmed that all necessary documents for alcohol licenses must be submitted for processing.
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes.

• Gabby Queenan (Sustainability Manager), Heidi Frail, Joshua Levy (Committee Members):
  • The committee has been working since March 2025, reviewing prior drafts, other communities' strategies, holding public listening sessions, and meeting with town counsel.
  • Goal: Bring a draft bylaw to October 2026 Town Meeting.
  • Current Status: Draft bylaw is a general bylaw under the Select Board, accompanied by detailed regulations.
  • Applicability: Applies to "protected trees" with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or more, located within the "tree yard" (defined as existing zoning setbacks).
  • Triggers: Demolition permits, new construction permits, or permits increasing impervious surface coverage by 25% or more.
  • Exemptions: Hazardous trees, diseased trees, trees in wetlands (covered by Wetlands Protection Act), town-owned public trees, and emergency projects.
  • Mitigation Options: Preserve and protect, remove and replace, or remove and compensate (fee to the Tree Revolving Fund).
  • Outstanding Items: Mitigation fee schedule, conflicts with existing regulations (e.g., allowed uses within setbacks), enforcement (Building Department vs. other agencies), and subdivisions.
  • Heidi Frail: Emphasized the bylaw's intent to address egregious clear-cutting, not all tree removal, and to balance private property rights with community benefit while minimizing staff burden.
  • Joshua Levy: Stressed the importance of enforceability and striking a balance with staff resources.
  • Marianne Cooley: Shared observations from Wellesley, noting that their limited rebuilding on smaller lots often resulted in clear-cutting, suggesting the bylaw won't be a "panacea."
  • Kevin Keane: Asked about "tree yards" and protection for roots (e.g., from construction vehicles), which is an identified conflict. Noted the stormwater bylaw's tree replacement requirements.
  • Joshua Levy: Explained that the draft bylaw is modeled on Wellesley's but differs in enforcement (general vs. zoning bylaw), required caliper of newly planted trees (1.5 inches vs. 2 inches), and the reviewing entity (Tree Warden/designee with Building Commissioner).
  • Katie King: Noted the need to reconcile with other changing parameters like the stormwater bylaw and MBTA Communities zoning.
  • Dave Davidson: Suggested integrating tree preservation plan requirements into the digital permitting process (e.g., a checkbox in engineering).
• Outcome: The committee will continue its work, incorporating feedback and addressing outstanding issues.

• Katie King (Town Manager):
  • The Needham Housing Authority (NHA) is working to secure financing for the Seabeds Way preservation project (46 affordable housing units).
  • NHA needs three documents from the town for HUD submission next month:
    1. CPA Grant Agreement: Codifies the $3.2 million appropriated by May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. (For reference, not a vote tonight).
    2. Waiver of Future Building Department Fees: For construction, permitting, electrical, and plumbing. Similar waivers have been granted to NHA for other projects (e.g., Linden) and historically.
    3. Agreement Regarding Taxes (PILOT): NHA is exempt from property taxes but has historically made payments (around $68,000 annually) for Seabeds Way and Captain Robert Cook (co-located). The proposal is to replace this with a $1 annual PILOT fee, consistent with the Linden project.
• Chris (Town Counsel): Confirmed the CPA grant agreement is consistent with others, and the PILOT agreement is consistent with the Linden Chambers agreement.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Marianne Cooley: Asked about the impact of the PILOT reduction on the operating budget. Katie King stated it's not a relied-upon revenue source for balancing the budget.
  • Marianne Cooley: Asked who benefits financially from the PILOT reduction.
  • Reg Foster (Chair, Needham Housing Authority):
    • No for-profit entities are involved, only banks loaning money.
    • The town's willingness to reduce the PILOT allows NHA to borrow more money (potentially several hundred thousand dollars) for construction improvements.
    • This additional borrowing helps meet the $20 million total development cost.
    • The benefit is to the Housing Authority, which is a non-profit, and ultimately to the tenants through renovated apartments and long-term preservation of affordable housing.
    • The project involves repositioning from Section 9 to Section 8 public housing, providing a larger, more stable funding stream for permanent financing.
  • Heidi Frail: Expressed strong support, noting Town Meeting's clear support for the project and the need to make it work.
  • Joshua Levy: Supported the waiver as consistent with previous actions for Linden Chambers.
• Motion (Marianne Cooley): "I move that the Select Board approve and sign the agreement regarding taxes and payment in lieu of taxes Seabirds Way and Captain Robert Cook Drive property Needham Housing Authority to be provided to the Needham Housing Authority in connection with the Seabeds Way preservation project and approve the request of the Needham Housing Authority to waive all local permit fees."
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes.

• Katie King (Town Manager) & Dave Davidson (Deputy Town Manager, Director of Finance):
  • This is the third and final presentation of the FY27-31 CIP to the Board.
  • Changes since last meeting:
    • HVAC upgrades and Athletic Facility Improvements (Elliott School grounds renovation) moved from Tier 2 cash to Tier 2 debt. This would be activated if the Quiet Zone cost significantly decreases.
    • Health and Human Services electric bus ($382,800) deferred due to lack of charging stations and potential grant opportunities.
    • This deferral allowed for an increase in DPW vehicles from 3 to 6 in Tier 1.
    • Net effect: Total cash capital for Tier 1 increased by $25,800.
  • Free Cash: Anticipated to still have a few hundred thousand dollars in free cash after these allocations, potentially allowing for some Tier 2 cash capital recommendations later.
  • Pollard School Placeholder: The Pollard School project is in the plan for FY27 but without a specific funding request or detailed operating cost estimates yet. The school department's submission is the same as last year, but public hearings indicate a different project scope and cost. Operating costs will be determined closer to the actual funding request, after a design is finalized.
  • RTS Property Improvements ($240,000): Critical repairs for safety at the tipping floor facility.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Marianne Cooley: Inquired about the "mixed funding source" color for stormwater quality improvements.
  • Catherine Reid Dowd: Asked about the RTS Property Improvements, confirming it's for the tipping floor, not the employee trailer.
• Motion (Marianne Cooley): "That the Board approve the fiscal year 2027 through 2031 capital improvement plan for transmittal to the Finance Committee."
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes.

• Dave Davidson (Deputy Town Manager, Director of Finance):
  • The Commonwealth occasionally provides funding for sewer rate relief (historically up to $50 million, currently $1.5 million).
  • The last two years, funds were not distributed. The last relief received by Needham (May 2023) was $379 per household.
  • Rate relief is subject to certain debt criteria: over five years, incurred after 1990, and not funded by other grants (e.g., MWRA, SRF). It covers 20% of eligible debt service.
  • The application deadline is January 20th. The Board is asked to approve it tonight to ensure timely submission.
  • The application is straightforward, using existing debt information already on file with the Commonwealth.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Marianne Cooley: Confirmed the process is simple and doesn't require significant staff time, making it worthwhile despite the small per-household relief.
  • Catherine Reid Dowd: Clarified the $387 total relief for the entire town.
  • Katie King: Confirmed the billing and collection software can handle the relief.
• Motion (Marianne Cooley): "I make a motion that the board approve and sign a fiscal year 2026 sewer rate relief application."
  • Second: Kevin Keane
  • Vote: All in favor (5-0).
  • Outcome: Motion passes.

• Katie King (Town Manager): Provided a status update on the 34 initiatives stemming from the Select Board's July 2025 goal-setting retreat.
  • Goal 1: Enhance Community Engagement & Communication
    • Public Art Proposals: Inventory of policies complete; recommendations for Select Board in 2026.
    • Website Accessibility (ADA): Director of Communications mapping plan for April 2027 compliance.
    • Town Common Celebration: Targeting April, with a rain day; involving merchants.
    • All-Gender Bathrooms: Plan for public buildings to start in 2026.
    • Placer AI: Update on pilot program use and future recommendation in Jan/Feb meeting.
    • Stephen Palmer Development Review Committee: First public forum Jan 12th.
    • Pollard School: PBBC voted to submit preferred schematic report to MSBA; Feb decision on advancing to schematic design.
    • Large House Review: Nearing completion of recommendations to Planning Board for May Town Meeting zoning articles.
    • Affordable Housing Trust: Applied for Mass Housing Partnership technical assistance; next meeting after hearing back.
    • RTS Study/Survey: Update received.
    • Town Seal: Letter to Town Meeting members; committee meeting in January to digest feedback.
    • Noise Bylaw: Research started, stakeholder interviews, comparative analysis with other communities; options for Board in February.
    • Quiet Zone: Update provided in Committee Reports.
    • Highland Ave Roadway Project: Pre-10% design; in queue for MPO TIP funding (earliest FY2031); staff to present local next steps in spring.
    • Parking App/Enforcement Software: Integration complete; staff training and beta testing underway; public launch TBD.
    • Envision Needham Center: Update at January meeting; public engagement and surveys to follow.
    • Parking Regulations/Permit Program: Review of hours, pricing, permits to start in 2026.
    • Public-Private Parking Agreements: Exploration of additional options to start in 2026.
  • Goal 2: Strengthen Town Operations & Infrastructure
    • IT Strategic Plan/Cybersecurity: Consolidation with School Dept. highly productive; IT user group convened; Zoom phones implemented; cybersecurity position in FY27 school budget.
    • ERP Financial Software: Tyler Chantology (Munis) selected; contract negotiations underway.
    • General Bylaw Review Committee: Finalizing report to Town Meeting, including administrative changes and referrals for policy-setting boards.
    • Polling Locations (Precincts C & D): Town Clerk's thinking presented; follow-up on logistics.
    • Communications/Community Engagement Toolkit: Brainstorming on town-wide mailings and DPW project engagement matrix.
    • Select Board Communications Protocols: To be tackled in 2026.
    • DPW Facilities Master Plan: Procurement for Jack Cogswell building expansion complete (under budget); design funding for phase two on hold.
  • Goal 3: Foster a Diverse & Inclusive Community
    • Collective Bargaining Agreements: Negotiations for four unions (Firefighters, Police Union, Police Superior Officers, Building & Trades/Custodial) underway or starting soon.
    • Minority/Women-Owned Business Participation: To be part of procurement policy manual.
  • Goal 4: Promote Fiscal Sustainability
    • Select Board Policies: Alcohol regulations updated; display banner/sign policies under review; appointment policy update to be discussed.
    • Select Board Trainings: To start in 2026.
    • Home Rule Petition (Digital Legal Notices): To be explored in 2026.
  • Goal 5: Attract & Retain Talent
    • Recruitment & Retention Efforts: Compensation classification vendor procured; town-wide study (excluding public safety) to start in new year.
  • Goal 6: Advance Environmental Sustainability
    • Stormwater Bylaw: Regulations to follow.
    • Tree Canopy: Update provided.
    • PACE Program: Enabled; executed documents being finalized.
• Select Board Discussion:
  • Members commended the Town Manager and staff for the extensive work and progress on numerous initiatives, balancing strategic goals with daily operations and unexpected challenges.
  • Marianne Cooley: Suggested having fewer goals next year to potentially increase effectiveness.
• Town Manager's Report:
  • Open Meeting Law Complaint (NHA Appointment): Attorney General ruled a violation occurred because initial screening interviews by a subcommittee (one Select Board member, one NHA Board member) were not conducted under OML. AG did not nullify the appointment. Town will produce minutes within 60 days. Town Council and Town Manager will recommend updates to the Select Board's appointment policy (SB Admin 3) in January.
  • Marianne Cooley: Stated that appointments will be paused until the policy is updated.
  • Needham Police Department: Organized a "Shop with a First Responder" event for over 60 children, receiving positive feedback from parents.
  • Needham Fire Department: Conducted an ice rescue at Cutler Park (individual and dog through thin ice); all safe. Public service announcement: Park and Recreation Department provides ice status on its website.
  • Massachusetts Climate Leader Community: Needham certified as one of 28 in the state due to meeting five criteria (Green Community, Climate Action Committee, roadmap for fossil fuel transition, zero emission vehicle first policy, specialized energy code). This makes Needham eligible for grants over $1 million per project to reduce municipal building emissions.
  • Carol (Town Clerk): Thanked for her work on license renewals.

• Marianne Cooley (Quiet Zone Working Group):
  • Culvert Question: Discussed earlier.
  • Quiet Zone Design: Design work is back on track after withdrawing the October article. Estimates had doubled due to lack of design progress. Progress is being carefully monitored.
  • Seasonal Closure of Golf Course Crossing:
    • Previously, FRA stated no seasonal closures.
    • A citizen's conversation with MBTA leadership suggested it might be possible.
    • Katie King met with Keolis (MBTA) COO, who provided a private property owner agreement for a locked gate closure.
    • The committee found the proposed gate insufficient and has questions about the agreement, particularly regarding liability and indemnification.
    • Town Manager is consulting with the town's insurer and town counsel.
    • MBTA stated no other city/town has such an agreement.
    • The golf course is willing to cooperate with a winter closure (Dec 1 - Mar 1) if the town pursues it.
    • The working group needs more answers before making a recommendation.
  • Katie King: Added that the meeting with MBTA COO was productive, and data for design consultants is now being transferred, improving the path forward for the Quiet Zone.
• Heidi Frail (Future School Needs Committee):
  • Met before the Select Board meeting.
  • Dr. McKibben presented enrollment trends for the next 20 years.
  • Macro Trends: 18-year decline in births, decreasing household size, increasing number of two-working-parent households.
  • Housing Turnover: Older residents are staying in homes longer, reducing turnover for younger families.
  • Projections: Best-case scenario suggests K-12 student population will change by only about 100 students between now and 2040, returning to current levels. This includes a likely build-out for MBTA Communities zoning.
  • Joshua Levy: Noted that MBTA Communities zoning might prevent a more depressed school population.
• Catherine Reid Dowd (TCHOC - Town of Needham Community Housing Opportunity Committee):
  • Charles River Center: Grant agreement from CPC received; beginning zoning work (ZBA hearing Thursday); goal to complete zoning for EOHLC funding round in March 2026.
  • Seabeds Way: Planning to start construction in June 2026 (previously uncertain). Closed budget gap with:
    • $1.8 million DOER Decarbonization Award.
    • $1.15 million LISC Climate Ready Housing Award.
    • Updated rent study allowing more borrowing.
    • Expanded scope to redo roofs for solar panels; applied for $787,000 CPC grant.
  • Linden Street: Reliant on Seabeds; NHA's application was denied but will reapply in the next round.
• Kevin Keane:
  • Street Design Presentation (Dec 3): To create a guide for consistent street design features and best practices.
  • Wreaths Across America (Dec 14): Attended with Marianne Cooley. Noted the increase from 500 to 1,100 wreaths on veterans' graves in Needham Cemetery, funded by the community. Challenged the town to fund more wreaths (1,500 veterans in Needham Cemetery).
  • Stormwater Bylaw Working Group Thank You Party: Attended with Josh Levy.
• Catherine Reid Dowd:
  • Large House Review: Committee has a couple of meetings left to finalize recommendations for the Planning Board (first week of January).
  • Blue Tree Lighting (Dec 6): Thanked the Office of the Town Manager and Miles Tucker for their significant contributions to the event.
  • Hanukkah Fire and Ice Celebration: Sponsored by Chabad, featuring an ice menorah, ice carving, and chocolate gelt. Scheduled for Wednesday, December 17th, 6 p.m. on the Town Common.
  • Brown University Attack: Expressed sympathy for the recent attack, noting it was shocking and upsetting so close to home.

• Motion: To adjourn.
• Second: Kevin Keane
• Vote: All in favor (5-0).
• Outcome: Meeting adjourned.