Select Board May 5, 2026

• Date: May 05, 2026
• Governing Body: Select Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Marjorie Freiman, Chair
  • Colette Aufranc, Select Board Member
  • Beth Sullivan Woods, Select Board Member
  • Kenneth Largess, Select Board Member
  • Tom Ulfelder, Select Board Member
  • Meghan Jop, Executive Director
  • Corey Testa, Assistant Executive Director
  • Sheila Page, Mobility and Transportation Manager
  • Maura O'Connor, Treasurer
  • Rachel DeRoach, Chief Financial Officer

• Shave the Peak: Residents are encouraged to reduce electrical use between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to assist the Municipal Light Plant (MLP) in lowering energy costs and emissions.
• Select Board Office Hours: Scheduled for May 6 with Colette Aufranc from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Boston Marathon Totals: Team Wellesley runners raised a total of $221,925 for local nonprofits.
• Professional Recognition: Cindy Marr was appointed to the Association of School Business Officials International.
• Community Events:
  • Dressing of the Graves at Woodlawn Cemetery on Thursday at 3:00 PM.
  • Wellesley in Bloom was noted as a success, supported by a grant secured by Representative Peish.

The Select Board reviewed and approved the following items:

1. Appointment of a Democratic nominee to the Board of Registrars of Voters for a three-year term.
2. Approval of a one-year second-hand articles dealer permit for TLC Closet.
3. Approval of a Common Victualler (CV) license for Blank Street Coffee.
4. Waiver of a traffic study for Blank Street Coffee due to retail space size.

Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

Mobility and Transportation Manager Sheila Page provided an update on the Catch Connect micro-transit system.

• Performance Data: In the last six months, the service provided over 19,000 rides to 24,000 passengers. Approximately 58% of rides originate from or end at local colleges (Babson, Wellesley, and MassBay).
• Proposed Pilot Changes (Effective July 1):
  • Elimination of service to Needham and the Wabin T Station due to low ridership and geofencing issues.
  • Consolidation of campus stops at Babson College to improve efficiency.
• Discussion: Board members discussed the balance between serving students and prioritizing Wellesley residents. The changes aim to improve reliability and response times, which currently target the mid-to-high 90% range.
• Upcoming Event: "Rules of Ride" event scheduled for Sunday, June 7, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

The Board discussed the recruitment and interview process for several committees:

• Council on Aging (COA): Seeking candidates with experience in transportation, finance, policy, and connections to the Housing Authority or Chinese community. A subcommittee (Judy, Peter, Pat, and Colette Aufranc) will conduct interviews.
• Municipal Light Board (MLB): Priorities include legal skills (specifically rate design), finance, organizational development, and privacy issues. A subcommittee (Ned Hall, Scott Bender, Dave Woods, and Colette Aufranc) will handle interviews.
• Climate Action Committee: Two seats are open; candidates will be vetted by staff and the board.
• Townwide Capital Planning Committee: A new subcommittee was formed including Colette Aufranc, Tom Ulfelder, and senior staff to interview candidates with executive-level construction experience.

The Board held a public hearing to discuss increasing fees to align with comparable communities and cover staff time.

• Municipal Lien Certificates (MLC): Currently $25. Staff proposed an increase to $50.
• Demand Fees: Currently $5. Staff proposed an increase to $15.
• Board Deliberation: Kenneth Largess opposed the MLC increase, citing concerns over affordability and the potential for technological efficiencies to lower costs. Beth Sullivan Woods expressed concern over tripling the demand fee.
• Action: The Board reached a compromise to increase the demand fee to $10 and maintain the MLC fee at $25, except for "Rush" requests (within 24 hours), which will be $50.
• Vote: Approved (4-1), with Kenneth Largess voting in opposition. The new fees are effective May 18, 2026.

The Board discussed the upcoming Special Town Meeting regarding the MassBay housing project.

• Public Comment - Sally Watts (43A Atwood): Urged negotiation over litigation. She stated, "Wellesley can have about 40 acres of preserved land for free, or we can spend a lot of taxpayer money on a lawsuit with an uncertain outcome."
• Public Comment - Doug Youngen (162 Oakland St): Requested that consultant renderings and site plans be made available to the public prior to the meeting to allow for proper review.
• Board Discussion: The Board is working on a "fit test" to demonstrate how 180 units could be situated on the 4.6-acre parking lot site. The presentation will be shared with Board members for review via staff to comply with Open Meeting Law.

• Minutes Approval: The Board approved minutes for March 10, April 14, April 21, April 23, and April 27, 2026.
• Chair's Report: Marjorie Freiman thanked the Police and School departments for their work during a difficult week and clarified the history of communications with the Planning Board regarding the search for a new Planning Director.

The Board voted to enter Executive Session to discuss bargaining strategy with the Wellesley Firefighters, Library Staff and Supervisor Associations, and the AFSCME Local 49 Custodian Union.

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