Select Board June 8, 2026

• Date: June 08, 2026
• Governing Body: Select Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
• Attendees: Marjorie Freiman (Chair), Tom Ulfelder (Vice Chair), Beth Sullivan Woods (Member), Kenneth Largess (Member), Colette Aufranc (Member), Meghan Jop (Executive Director), and Corey Testa (Assistant Executive Director).

• Green Communities Grant: Executive Director Meghan Jop announced that the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division approved a $1,000,000 grant for the Town of Wellesley's Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Accelerator Application. The funds will support solar PV installations at Honeywell and Hardy Elementary Schools.
• Sustainability Event: The Climate Action Committee and Natural Resources Commission will host 'Get a Scoop and the Scoop' on sustainability on Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the Honeywell School Playground.
• Morse's Pond: The pond is open for pre-season (no lifeguards). Lifeguards will be on duty starting Monday, June 22, through August 16. Season pass rates will increase on June 22.

The Board considered three items on the consent agenda:

1. Modification of the Common Victualler (CV) license for Shake Shack to allow food service on Sundays from 10:00 AM to midnight.
2. Approval of a change in officers and directors for the Wellesley Country Club at 300 Wellesley Avenue.
3. Appointment of Cheryl Carlson as the Parking Clerk, following a reorganization of the Police Record Manager job description.

Action: Beth Sullivan Woods moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).

The Board discussed joining the Central Massachusetts Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Consortium to negotiate future trash disposal contracts. RDF Superintendent Jamie Manzolini explained that the town's current contract expires at the end of FY27.

• Financial Impact: The Board authorized an expenditure of up to $5,000 for legal services associated with the negotiations. Costs are split among approximately 35 towns and adjusted proportionally based on tonnage.
• Decision: 'Move that the select board authorize the expenditure of funds for legal services associated with the town's participation in the Central Massachusetts Municipal Solid Waste Consortium negotiations for a future trash disposal contract and approve the appointment of consortium special counsel for such negotiations.'
• Vote: The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).

The Board reviewed three policies for a first reading:

• Naming of Public Assets: Discussion focused on naming agreements, tax-exempt bond financing restrictions, and a 'disrepute' clause allowing the town to revoke names if a donor's conduct becomes inconsistent with town values.
• Abutter Parcel Sale Policy: This policy addresses the disposition of 'orphan' parcels under 4,800 square feet with an assessed value of $35,000 or less. The Board discussed whether such sales require Town Meeting approval and the responsibility for legal fees.
• Withholding of Permits and Licenses: Based on a recently adopted bylaw, this policy allows the town to deny or revoke permits for individuals or businesses with delinquent taxes or fees, provided there is written notice and a hearing.

• 40 Oakland Street: The Chair acknowledged public comments regarding the property but noted that Open Meeting Law prevents deliberation on items not specifically listed on the agenda.
• Fire Station Master Plan: The plan recommends replacing Station 1, renovating Station 2, and potentially adding a third station on the east end of town. A public meeting is being scheduled for late June.
• North 40 Conservation Restriction: The Board is working to record a conservation restriction on 50% of the North 40 acreage, as required by Community Preservation Commission (CPC) funding.
• Board Reorganization: Tom Ulfelder nominated the current slate of officers to remain in their positions for FY27 due to ongoing complex projects.
• Vote on Officers: The motion to retain Marjorie Freiman as Chair, Tom Ulfelder as Vice Chair, and Colette Aufranc as Secretary passed unanimously (5-0).

The Board moved to enter Executive Session to discuss potential litigation regarding 40 Oakland Street and negotiations with the AFSCME Council 93, Local 49 (Custodian Union).

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