Executive Summary
The Wellesley Select Board met on March 10, 2026, to address several key municipal items, including the appointment of four new firefighters and the review of a traffic impact study for a proposed bank at 26 Washington Street. The Board received a report on a successful $13.8 million bond sale with a lower-than-expected interest rate of 2.78%. Significant discussion occurred regarding the town's building use policy for art displays at the Council on Aging following public comments. Additionally, the Board voted to approve Article 8 budget motions for the Annual Town Meeting and established Town Hall summer hours.
Call to Order and Announcements
- Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
- Governing Body: Select Board
- Location: Giuliani Room, Town Hall
- Attendees: Chair Marjorie Freiman, Vice Chair Tom Ulfelder, Secretary Colette Aufranc, Kenneth Largess, Beth Sullivan Woods (joined mid-meeting), Executive Director Meghan Jop, and Assistant Executive Director Corey Testa.
- Announcements: The Board congratulated members re-elected in the recent town election and thanked the DPW for snow and ice removal efforts.
Citizen Speak
- Mark Maiden (Beechwood Road): Volunteer art coordinator for the Council on Aging (COA). He provided context on the COA art display program, noting that over 200 artworks by 30+ Wellesley seniors have been displayed. He requested that the Board consider an art policy that allows the successful program to continue.
- Imadiel Ariel: An artist exhibiting at the COA, who spoke in support of the current program, stating it creates a "friendly, warm place" and invigorates older artists.
- William Stanwood (Needham): Co-leader of the COA photography group. He emphasized the educational value of exhibiting work, stating, "creating photographs is only half the story of being a photographer; the other half is exhibiting those photos."
Executive Director's Report
- Bond Sale: The town held a bond sale for approximately $13.8 million in borrowing. The sale received nine bids, with a winning low interest rate of 2.78%, significantly lower than initial projections.
- Surplus Land Regulations: The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) issued draft surplus land regulations. The town will distribute the link on Friday; comments must be submitted directly to the Commonwealth.
- Community Health Forum: The Wellesley Health Department rescheduled its public forum to March 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the library.
- Select Board Office Hours: Scheduled for Friday, March 13, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM with Kenneth Largess.
Firefighter Candidate Appointments
- Action: The Board interviewed and considered four candidates for the Wellesley Fire Department.
- Candidates:
- Parik Leyden: U.S. Army veteran and National Guard member; EMT Basic.
- Matthew Montgomery: Finance degree holder; current firefighter/EMT with Millville Fire Department.
- Brennan Palomino: Call firefighter for Millis; fluent in English and Spanish.
- Ryan Piersiak: Active member of Lincoln Call Fire Department; apprentice plumber.
- Vote: The Board moved to appoint Parik Leyden, Matthew Montgomery, Brennan Palomino, and Ryan Piersiak effective March 10, 2026, contingent upon background checks, physical ability tests, and successful completion of the academy and a one-year probationary period.
- Outcome: Approved unanimously (5-0).
Traffic Recommendation: PSI 2601 at 26 Washington Street
- Project: Proposed First Citizens Bank at the former Taylor Rental site. The project involves a new bank facility with second-floor office space.
- Traffic Analysis: Kimley-Horn presented the study, noting a consolidation of two driveways into one. Net new trips are estimated at 64 (AM peak) and 117 (PM peak), though these were noted as conservative estimates based on "drive-in bank" codes for a facility that will function primarily as a commercial/walk-in office.
- Peer Review: Greg Lucas of Ty and Bond provided the peer review. Discussion focused on the high volume of the Washington Street corridor and the safety of the River Street intersection.
- Action: The Board moved to approve the traffic peer review and issue a recommendation letter to the Planning Board, including comments that the trip generation data is likely significantly overstated.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).
Annual Town Meeting Preparation
- Article 8 (Operating Budget): The Board reviewed the four motions for Article 8. Meghan Jop noted a minor adjustment to the free cash figure for the Baylor project ($23,000).
- Action: The Board moved to approve Article 8, motions 1, 2, 3, and 4 as amended.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).
- Article 7: The Board authorized a year-end transfer of $2,500 for the graves officer/celebrations committee.
Minutes and Summer Hours
- Minutes: The Board approved the minutes of January 27, 2026, as amended.
- Town Hall Summer Hours: The Board approved summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Chair's Report and Board Updates
- Townwide Financial Plan: Chair Freiman noted that the design phase for the school air conditioning project is now estimated at $2 million (down from $4 million) and a referendum is no longer assumed.
- Advisory Committee: Phil Jamison has stepped down; Gail Sullivan will fill the remainder of the term.
- COA Art Policy: Colette Aufranc clarified that the current policy (voted June 11, 2024) disallows art displays other than those created in COA classes pending a formal building use policy. The Policy Subcommittee is currently developing a comprehensive policy to address free speech and building use complexities.
Executive Session
- Purpose: To conduct strategy with respect to collective bargaining with Wellesley Firefighters IAFF Local 1795.
- Roll Call Vote: Kenneth Largess (Aye), Colette Aufranc (Aye), Beth Sullivan Woods (Aye), Tom Ulfelder (Aye), Marjorie Freiman (Aye).