Executive Summary
The Needham Select Board met on June 23, 2026, to address several critical municipal matters, including the setting of water and sewer rates, a public hearing on Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) fees, and the relocation of several polling precincts. The Board approved 'Option 3' for water and sewer rates, which includes a $3 quarterly service fee increase, and moved forward with a phased approach to updating the town's noise bylaw, specifically targeting construction hours and leaf blower usage. Additionally, the Board acknowledged a significant $500,000 donation to the Needham Public Library from the estate of Robert T. Murray and discussed ongoing efforts regarding the Pollard Middle School schematic design submission to the MSBA.
Meeting Information
- Date: June 23, 2026
- Governing Body: Needham Select Board
- Meeting Type: Regular Select Board Meeting
- Attendees:
- Catherine Reid Dowd, Chair
- Joshua Levy, Vice Chair (via Zoom)
- Kevin Keane, Select Board Member
- Heidi Frail, Select Board Member
- Bill [Last Name Not Provided], Select Board Member
- Katie King, Town Manager
Public Comment
- Lori White Fernandez and Rob Fernandez (19 Bradford St) & Karen Walker (13 Webster Park): Expressed urgent concern regarding a rat infestation in their neighborhood. They noted that private extermination costs have reached upwards of $1,840 to $3,000 and requested a coordinated town response. Lori White Fernandez stated, "We think that it's a concern that should be addressed on a greater scale than just privately paying for exterminators."
- Aiden Boney (13 Nichols Road), Safe Streets Needham: Discussed a recent incident where a child was struck by a vehicle on Great Plain Ave. He advocated for safer road designs, stating, "This crash is not a freak accident. This is a double threat... unique to multi-lane roads."
Public Hearing: Eversource Grant of Location - 78 Birds Hill Avenue
- Subject: Petition to install approximately six feet of conduit in Hillcrest Road to provide underground service to 78 Birds Hill Avenue.
- Discussion: Joanne Callender (Eversource) and Rafael Loureiro de Souza (Loureiro Construction) admitted the work was completed prior to the hearing due to a communication glitch and misunderstanding of the permitting process.
- Public Comment: Sherry (70 Birds Hill Ave) raised concerns about dead trees at the construction site.
- Official Action: The Board voted to approve and sign the petition.
- Vote Outcome: 4-0 (Roll Call: Kathy—Aye; Kevin—Aye; Bill—Aye; Chair—Aye. Joshua Levy was unavailable at the time of the vote).
Public Hearing: Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) User Fees and Charges
- Discussion: Staff recommended a 3% increase for RTS yellow bags to cover rising costs.
- Large bags (pack of 10): Increase from $21.60 to $22.25.
- Small bags (pack of 10): Increase from $11.60 to $11.95.
- Timeline: The hearing was held for comment; a formal vote is scheduled for July 21, 2026, with rates effective October 1, 2026.
Water and Sewer Rates
- Discussion: The Board reviewed four options for rate adjustments. Option 3 was recommended as it returns the highest revenue estimate to meet targets.
- Official Action: Approved Water and Sewer Rate Option 3 and a septage disposal fee of $85 per 1,000 gallons.
- Option 3 Details: $3 increase in the quarterly basic service fee; 2% increase in step rates; 7% increase in irrigation rates.
- Vote Outcome: 4-0 (Chair declared the motion passed 4-0 despite some audible dissent).
Alternative Polling Locations
- Discussion: Town Clerk Louise Miller and Town Manager Katie King proposed moving precincts out of schools and accommodating construction at the Center at the Heights.
- Official Action: Approved the following changes for the September 2026, November 2026, and April 2027 elections:
- Precincts A and B: Moved from Center at the Heights to the former Hillside Elementary School.
- Precinct C: Moved from Newman Elementary School to the former Hillside Elementary School.
- Precinct D: Moved from Newman Elementary School to the Public Safety Building.
- Precinct G: Moved from Rosemary Recreation Complex to Town Hall.
- Vote Outcome: 4-0.
Consent Calendar
- Notable Item: Acceptance of a donation exceeding $500,000 from the estate of Robert T. Murray for the Needham Public Library (non-routine maintenance).
- Official Action: The Board voted to approve the consent agenda in its entirety.
- Vote Outcome: 4-0.
Public Hearing: Stormwater Bylaw Regulations
- Discussion: Town Engineer Tom Reiter and Building Commissioner Kim Donovan presented the first adoption of regulations following the bylaw passed in October. The regulations clarify triggers for permits (e.g., filling >100 cubic yards or adding >500 sq. ft. of impervious area).
- Status: The hearing remained open for written comments until the end of the month.
Noise Bylaw Policy and Direction
- Presentation: Justin McGregor presented three tiers of noise regulation:
- Tier 1: Clarifying construction hours.
- Tier 2: Adding yard equipment (leaf blower) restrictions.
- Tier 3: Broad nuisance framework (plainly audible standard).
- Direction: The Board expressed a preference for a phased approach, starting with Tier 1 and moving toward Tier 2 to address gas-powered leaf blowers and daytime noise pollution.
Appointment Process
- Discussion: Town Counsel Chris Heap discussed Open Meeting Law implications regarding candidate interviews and the use of the consent agenda for appointments.
- Official Action: The Board voted to continue with reappointments of existing members who wish to serve and are supported by their committee chairs, while pausing new appointments pending a policy redraft.
- Vote Outcome: 4-0.
Town Manager's Report and Goals Update
- Pollard Middle School: The schematic design with a total project cost estimate of $325 million is being submitted to the MSBA. A community meeting is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
- Goals Update: Katie King provided updates on 34 initiatives, including the Town Seal update, the Quiet Zone design (50% complete), and the transition of the Stephen Palmer building.