Executive Summary
The Wellesley Select Board met on January 20, 2026, to conduct a joint session with the Board of Public Works regarding the DPW Campus Feasibility Study (Article 20) and to review the FY27 budget. Key actions included the approval of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, a supplemental appropriation for a Land Use department copier, and the acceptance of $60,000 in anonymous gifts for the Police Department. Much of the discussion focused on the proposed $858,000 feasibility study for a new municipal services complex at Municipal Way, the impact of rising healthcare costs on the operating budget, and the strategic use of free cash to manage the town's $400 million long-term capital plan.
Call to Order and Citizen Speak
- Meeting Commencement: Chair Marjorie Freiman called the meeting to order at 12:00 AM in the Giuliani Room at Town Hall. The meeting was held in a hybrid format.
- Citizen Speak:
- Kira Solveroff spoke regarding the MassBay Forest Project (affordable housing). She expressed support for affordable housing but strongly opposed the location, citing a lack of public transportation and the potential for 180–300 additional vehicles impacting Route 9 traffic. She stated, "The choice of location of this specific project is really poor and if it continues forward this is going to impact all of us."
Executive Director's Update
- Town Communications: Meghan Jop announced the release of the latest edition of "The W" newsletter.
- Health Department: A new parent and newborn support services program has been launched.
- Elections: The deadline to pick up nomination papers for Town Meeting member positions is Friday, January 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Papers must be returned by January 27. The Annual Town Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Consent Agenda
- Official Actions: The Board voted to approve the following items:
- A name change and change in hours for the Maugus Restaurant.
- Acceptance of two anonymous gifts to the Wellesley Police Department: $50,000 for new safety gear and $10,000 for the care of Community Canine Officer Winnie.
- Vote: Approved 5-0.
Article 20: DPW Campus Feasibility Study
- Joint Presentation: DPW Director Dave Cohen and Joe McDonough presented the Master Plan for the Municipal Way campus.
- Project Rationale: The current Park and Highway building is 78 years old. Previous studies identified $13 million in necessary renovations, but the Master Plan suggests a more comprehensive replacement to accommodate DPW, Land Use, and Facilities Maintenance Department (FMD) staff.
- Key Statistics:
- Total Staff: 133 (current and projected).
- Total Space Requirement: 137,168 square feet.
- Proposed Feasibility Study Cost: $858,000.
- Financial Considerations: FMD and Land Use leases at 888 Worcester Street expire in June 2027. Current lease costs are $222,000 annually ($26/sq ft), but market rates are expected to double to $50–$60/sq ft.
- Board Discussion:
- Colette Aufranc emphasized the need for phasing to manage the town's $400 million capital pipeline.
- Beth Sullivan Woods questioned the necessity of a $900,000 study and suggested focusing on high-priority "pain points."
- Tom Ulfelder expressed concern regarding the total tax impact, noted as a potential $2,300 increase for the median household, and stressed the need for a School Facilities Master Plan to align with town-wide capital planning.
FY27 Budget Update and Free Cash Discussion
- Operating Deficit: The town faces an approximately $1 million gap in the operating budget, primarily driven by a projected 12.5% increase in health insurance rates.
- Free Cash Strategy: The Board discussed using free cash to close the gap. Current reserves are at approximately 15%, exceeding the town's 8–12% policy range.
- Proposed Capital Deferrals:
- Honeywell Field Irrigation Improvements: $85,000 (Potential deferral).
- Playground Reconstruction (Sprague, Perrin, Upham): $500,000 (Seeking CPC funding offset).
- Comprehensive Plan Funding: $400,000 (Discussion on timing and staffing).
- Weston and Linden Intersection Design: Identified as a critical safety priority by the Board.
Town Clerk Salary Review
- Compensation Analysis: HR Director Dolores Hamilton presented a salary recommendation for the Town Clerk for FY27.
- Proposed Range: Approximately $129,000, based on a 2% COLA, 2.5% merit equivalent, and a 1% service adjustment.
- Board Debate: Beth Sullivan Woods argued that the Town Clerk is the only department head not yet "right-sized" according to the MGT Class and Comp study, suggesting a base of $128,000 before adjustments. The Board deferred the vote pending further data on peer community comparisons (elected vs. appointed).
Annual Town Meeting Preparation
- Warrant Approval: The Board voted to officially sign and close the warrant for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
- Supplemental Appropriation: The Board approved a $17,000 supplemental appropriation for a new copier for the Land Use department (Article 7).
- Consent Agenda Recommendations: The Board identified several articles for potential inclusion in the Town Meeting consent agenda, including revolving funds, stabilization funds, and personnel policies. Water and Stormwater articles were recommended to remain separate for individual discussion.
RIO Bylaw Clarification (Article 32)
- Chair's Statement: Marjorie Freiman addressed comments made at a recent Planning Board meeting regarding the Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO). She clarified that the Select Board has not yet received a formal proposal to review and corrected mischaracterizations regarding the Board's stance on development agreements.