Select Board July 21, 2026

City Council
July 21, 2026
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Executive Summary

The Wellesley Select Board met on July 21, 2026, to conduct several personnel actions, including the promotion of a Police Sergeant and the appointment of two new firefighters. Key discussions included the town's potential participation in a class action lawsuit regarding fire truck antitrust litigation and the development of a public engagement plan for the North 40 property. The Board also approved the warrant for the September State Primary, adopted a new Naming of Public Assets Policy, and recognized James Joyce for 20 years of service as Executive Director of Wellesley Media.

Meeting Information

  • Date: July 21, 2026
  • Governing Body: Select Board
  • Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
  • Location: Giuliani Room, Town Hall
  • Attendees: Marjorie Freiman (Chair), Tom Ulfelder (Vice Chair), Colette Aufranc (Secretary), Beth Sullivan Woods, Meghan Jop (Executive Director), Corey Testa (Assistant Executive Director - via Zoom).
  • Absent: Kenneth Largess.

Citizen Speak

  • Speaker: Deborah Wall (Massasoit Road).
  • Summary: Ms. Wall urged the Board to slow the site selection process for the proposed new fire station. She expressed concern that the process was moving too quickly during the summer months and advocated for further exploration of "Site 3" on Washington Street near the police station.
  • Direct Quote: "The site location drives everything about the project... I am here to urge the select board and town officials not to rush this through but to slow the process in order to take the time necessary to gain residents' confidence."

Police Department Promotion

  • Action: Promotion of Detective Mike Mankiewicz to the rank of Sergeant.
  • Background: Chief Scott Whittemore recommended Mankiewicz following a rigorous process including a written exam, assessment center, and interviews. Mankiewicz has served the department for eight years, including roles as a Field Training Officer and lead investigator in recent homicide cases.
  • Vote: The Board voted 4-0 to approve the promotion effective July 21, 2026.

Firefighter Appointments

  • Action: Appointment of two new firefighters.
  • Candidates:
    1. Xander Marcoux: Wellesley resident and High School graduate; certified EMT with experience in the Dover Fire Department.
    2. Henry Galani: Natick resident; certified EMT with experience at Brewster Ambulance and Dover Fire; background as an electrician.
  • Vote: The Board voted 4-0 to appoint Marcoux and Galani effective July 21, 2026, pending completion of the academy and medical/physical tests.

Fire Truck Antitrust and PFAS Litigation

  • Discussion: The Board discussed joining a class action lawsuit against the three largest fire truck manufacturers for alleged price-fixing and production limits under the Sherman Act. Additionally, the town is considering PFAS turnout gear litigation.
  • Guest: Judge (Hank) Naughton of Napoli Law Firm provided an overview of the litigation, noting that over 25 Massachusetts municipalities have already signed on.
  • Outcome: The Board expressed support in principle but deferred a formal vote on the representation agreement until the August 17 meeting to allow for further legal review by Town Counsel.

Executive Director's Report and Recognitions

  • Town Updates:
    • Recognition of the Wellesley Square merchants for "July Jubilation."
    • Notice of a Level 2 drought; all outdoor irrigation via sprinklers is prohibited.
    • The Parking Clerk has moved to the Police Department at 485 Washington Street.
  • Recognitions:
    • James Joyce: Presented with a certificate of appreciation and a House of Representatives citation for 20 years of service as Executive Director of Wellesley Media.
    • Helen Belitzos: A resolution was read honoring her 100th birthday (May 31, 2026).

Consent Agenda

  • Items Approved:
    1. Common Victualler and Entertainment license for Ranj Mahal (27 Grove Street).
    2. Takeout CV license for Bespoke Coffee Cart.
    3. Expenditure from the Special Education Stabilization Fund for New England Medical Billing.
    4. Appointments: Ben Hampton and Jenny Smith (Traffic Officers), Louis Gueptis (Crossing Guard), Paul Criswell (Norfolk County Advisory Board), and Susan Clapham (COA Board).
    5. Designation of Bylaw Review Committee members as special municipal employees under MGL Chapter 268A.
  • Vote: Approved 4-0.

Public Hearing: Captain Martin's Liquor License

  • Action: Application for an off-premises retail specialty food, wine, and malt beverage license for Captain Martin's (279 Linden Street).
  • Manager of Record: Roy Martin.
  • Vote: Following the close of the public hearing, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the license and the requested hours of operation.

Elections Update and State Primary Warrant

  • Elections Schedule: State Primary (Sept 1, 2024), State Election (Nov 3, 2024), Annual Town Election (March 2, 2025).
  • Warrant Vote: The Board voted 4-0 to approve the September 1, 2026, State Primary Election Warrant.
  • Emergency Planning: The Board voted 4-0 to approve Schofield Gymnasium, MLP Garage, DPW Training Room/Garage, Wellesley High School, and Town Hall as alternative polling locations in the event of an emergency.

North 40 Public Engagement Plan

  • Update: Funding for the fire station feasibility study has been deferred to the Annual Town Meeting (Spring 2027) rather than the Fall Special Town Meeting.
  • Engagement Strategy: The Board discussed a "Charette-style" public meeting tentatively scheduled for October 1 or October 5, 2026. The meeting will focus on the Conservation Restriction (CR) and potential future uses of the North 40 property, including recreation, housing, and the fire station.

Policy Subcommittee: Naming of Public Assets

  • Action: Final review and vote on the "Naming of Public Assets Policy."
  • Summary: The policy establishes a formal process for naming town-owned assets, including criteria for honors and provisions for revocation.
  • Vote: The Board voted 4-0 to adopt the policy.

Administrative Matters

  • Minutes: Approved minutes for May 15, 2026, and July 1, 2028 (as amended).
  • Bylaw Review Committee: Approved changes to the committee charge, clarifying that recommendations must go to the Select Board and Town Counsel for review, and that a simple majority vote is sufficient for committee actions.
  • Library Parking: Approved 20 temporary parking spaces at the Cameron Street lot for library patrons and staff from July 27 to August 21, 2026, during lot renovations.

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Last updated: Jul 25, 2026

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