Select Board June 2, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 AM in the Great Hall at Town Hall by Chair Marjorie Freiman.

• Board Members Present: Marjorie Freiman (Chair), Tom Ulfelder (Vice Chair), Colette Aufranc (Secretary), and Kenneth Largess.
• Staff Present: Meghan Jop (Executive Director) and Corey Testa (Assistant Executive Director).

Multiple residents spoke regarding the proposed 40 Oakland Street development and environmental preservation:

• Laura Robert (10 Greenlawn Ave): Emphasized biodiversity and wildlife protection. "I hope we can find a solution to reduce the size of this development but I think this topic would be near and dear to the governor."
• Paul White (132 Oakland St): A retired trial lawyer, he advocated for filing a lawsuit to gain leverage in negotiations with the state. "The way that you stop that type of thinking and that type of negotiating is by filing a lawsuit because now everybody is facing the problem that you have that causes cases to settle before they go to trial."
• Sue McKay (186 Oakland St): Expressed concerns regarding traffic congestion and the elimination of the parking lot.
• Doug Youngin (162 Oakland St): President of Friends of Centennial. Noted that 74% of non-town meeting attendees supported a large reduction in units. "We ask you as our representatives in the upcoming negotiation with the state to listen to your residents."
• Leslie Hanrahan: Stated that 180 units is unacceptable and noted that 84% of Town Meeting members authorized nearly $1 million for litigation.
• Eric Warasta (122 Oakland St): Argued that the proposed density of 22-36 units per acre cannot be supported by the environment.
• Ann Maralonza (18 Oakland St): Expressed comfort with 180 units but requested traffic mitigation. "I really do hope that there is an open and honest and good faith negotiation."
• Lynn Hlatky: Urged the Board to file suit before July 1st to gain the state's attention.
• Dr. Janina Lisa Garcés Ambrosi (7 Turner Road): Advocated for the total protection of the MassBay Forest ecosystem.

Meghan Jop and Corey Testa provided the following updates:

• Federal Grant: A $500,000 federal grant was acquired by Congresswoman Catherine Clark for the Natural Resources Commission and the Charles River Watershed Association.
• Veterans Event: American Legion Post 72 will hold its 107th anniversary ceremony on June 3rd at the Council on Aging.
• Sustainability Event: 'Get a Scoop on Sustainability' will take place June 17th at the Honeywell School Playground.
• Retirement: Park and Tree Superintendent Cricket Vlass is retiring after 40 years of service.
• Pride Month: The first official Pride kickoff event is scheduled for June 4th at the UU Wellesley Hills Church.

The Board discussed a request from Shake Shack (74 Central Street) to extend hours for its Common Victualler (CV) and Wine and Malt Beverages licenses. The Board expressed discomfort with 10:00 AM alcohol service but supported earlier food service.

• Action on CV License: Moved to approve CV hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM.
  • Vote: 5-0 (Unanimous).
• Action on Liquor License: Moved to approve liquor hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM.
  • Vote: 5-0 (Unanimous).

Chief Steve DeLorie and Jeff Shaw from Context Architecture presented the Fire Station Master Plan. Key findings included:

• Facility Deficiencies: Station 1 (100 years old) has reached the end of its lifespan. Station 2 (40 years old) requires major renovation to meet health and safety standards.
• Health Concerns: The Chief noted an alarming rate of cancer among firefighters due to lack of proper decontamination zones and gear storage segregation.
• Recommendations:
  1. Construct a new 26,000 sq. ft. Headquarters at Weston Road (Project 1).
  2. Renovate Station 2 into a modern substation (Project 1).
  3. Establish a 'trigger' for a future Station 3 based on a 3% decline in response time metrics (Project 2).
• Timeline: An estimated 6-7 year process for Project 1 completion. The Board emphasized the need for robust public engagement starting in the fall.

The Board voted on several annual reappointments and new committee members:

1. Staff and Town Counsel: Approved annual appointments for staff, town counsel, and labor counsel.
2. Election Workers: Approved the list of election workers submitted by the Town Clerk.
3. Council on Aging: Appointed Anne Rader, Renee Spencer, and Corinne Monaghan for terms expiring June 30, 2029.
4. Municipal Light Board: Appointed Brett Estwanek for a term expiring June 30, 2029.
5. Townwide Capital Planning Committee (CAPCOM): Appointed Thomas Gohmert as the citizen representative for a term expiring June 30, 2029.

• Votes: All appointments were approved unanimously (5-0).

The Board reviewed the minutes from the May 19, 2026 meeting.

• Action: Moved to approve the minutes of May 19, 2026, as amended.
• Vote: 5-0 (Unanimous).

The Board moved to enter Executive Session to discuss potential litigation strategy regarding Albany Road Wellesley LLC and 40 Oakland Street.

• Roll Call Vote: Kenneth Largess (Aye), Beth Sullivan Woods (Aye), Tom Ulfelder (Aye), Colette Aufranc (Aye), Marjorie Freiman (Aye).