Executive Summary
The Wellesley Select Board met on May 19, 2026, to address several key municipal matters, including a significant update on the 40 Oakland Street development project during Citizen Speak and the approval of a $7.5 million Bond Anticipation Note for the Hardy Elementary School project. The Board also voted to transition its parking enforcement and citation management services back to Passport Parking to modernize operations and approved temporary parking for solar contractors at the Cameron Street lot. Additionally, the Board conducted a first read of an updated Naming of Public Assets Policy and received news of an $840,000 state grant for the Linden Street corridor.
Call to Order and Citizen Speak
The meeting was called to order by Chair Marjorie Freiman.
Citizen Speak:
- Leslie Hanrahan (5 Putney Road): Provided feedback regarding the Special Town Meeting vote on the 40 Oakland Street project. She noted that 94% of Town Meeting members rejected the state's proposal for 180 units. She stated, "180 units of housing is unacceptable in this environmentally sensitive area, and the surplus land designation must be the priority challenged through your negotiations with the state." She urged the Board to negotiate for no more than 20 units and the preservation of the entire forest.
Executive Director's Report
Executive Director Meghan Jop provided several updates:
- Wellesley Wonderful Weekend: Expressed gratitude to department heads and the Celebrations Committee for the successful events.
- Memorial Day Observance: Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, with a 7:00 PM ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery and a 7:30 PM observance at Town Hall.
- DCAM Letter: A letter regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) for 40 Oakland Street was sent to the state on May 13 and shared with Town Meeting members.
- Grant Award: The town was awarded an $840,000 Bottleneck Grant for the Linden Street corridor for FY26.
- Office Hours: Chair Marjorie Freiman will hold office hours on May 28 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Consent Agenda
The Board considered the approval of new signage for the Wellesley Free Library Main Branch and the DPW RDF administration building.
Official Action:
- A motion to approve the consent agenda was made and seconded.
- Vote: 5-0 (Tom Ulfelder: Aye; Beth Sullivan-Woods: Aye; Kenny Largess: Aye; Colette Aufranc: Aye; Marjorie Freiman: Aye).
Hardy Elementary School Bond Anticipation Note (BAN)
The Board discussed the renewal of a $7.5 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for the Hardy Elementary School project.
- Financial Details: Four bids were received. Fidelity Capital Markets was awarded the BAN with a true net interest cost of 2.60%, which included a premium of $67,275.
- Rationale: The renewal allows the town to wait for final project costs, including new solar scope and MSBA closeout, before committing to long-term borrowing.
Official Action:
- Move to approve the votes of the Board as prepared by Bond Counsel to formally award the bond anticipation note to the low bidder and establish the terms thereof.
- Vote: 5-0 (Colette Aufranc: Aye; Kenny Largess: Aye; Beth Sullivan-Woods: Aye; Tom Ulfelder: Aye; Marjorie Freiman: Aye).
Parking Enforcement and Citation Management
Lieutenant Michael Lemenager proposed transitioning parking citation management from Plymouth County Parking back to Passport Parking.
- Discussion: The move aims to modernize operations, automate commuter day lots, and streamline the user experience by integrating citations with the existing Passport payment app. The transition includes a $500 monthly fee to Passport.
- Public Comment: Plymouth County Treasurer Maura O'Brien spoke to the Board, thanking the town for their partnership and offering continued support during the transition.
Official Action:
- Move to end the intermunicipal agreement with Plymouth County and to rehire Passport Parking to administer the town's enforcement and citation management.
- Vote: 5-0 (Beth Sullivan-Woods: Aye; Tom Ulfelder: Aye; Colette Aufranc: Aye; Kenny Largess: Aye; Marjorie Freiman: Aye).
Temporary Parking at Cameron Street Lot
The Board reviewed a request for temporary parking for contractors installing solar panels at the Honeywell Elementary School.
Official Action:
- Move to approve the use of 12 to 15 parking spaces at the Cameron Street parking lot for construction staff from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
- Vote: 5-0 (Kenny Largess: Aye; Beth Sullivan-Woods: Aye; Tom Ulfelder: Aye; Colette Aufranc: Aye; Marjorie Freiman: Aye).
Naming of Public Assets Policy
Select Board member Colette Aufranc presented a first read of the updated Naming of Public Assets Policy.
- Key Updates: The draft includes a standardized format, new procedures for renaming assets, language regarding the revocation of naming rights under extraordinary circumstances, and a definition for "major gifts."
- Board Discussion: Members discussed the importance of time limits on naming rights, the need for an inventory of named assets, and ensuring the Board is consulted early in the process by other town bodies.
- Next Steps: Board members will submit comments to Assistant Executive Director Corey Testa for incorporation into a second read.
Administrative Matters and Chair's Report
The Board handled final administrative items:
- Minutes: Approved minutes for May 5, May 11, and May 12, 2026 (Vote: 5-0).
- Superintendent Contract: Chair Freiman reported that Dr. Lucier has requested a contract extension; the School Committee will vote on this on June 18.
- Board Retreat: Scheduled for June 30, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.