Brookline public meetings in 2025

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is holding a public hearing to consider Comcast's cable television license renewal. The board will accept public comment on town and public cable needs, Comcast's performance, and the proposed license, and may vote to approve or deny the renewal.

• Public hearing on Comcast cable television license renewal
• Possible final vote on approval or denial of Comcast renewal license

The Brookline Select Board held a public hearing and unanimously approved a new cable television license renewal with Comcast, effective May 1, 2026. The vote was 4-0, with Paul Warren absent. No public comments were received during the hearing.

• Approved Comcast cable television license renewal (4-0, Warren absent)

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly vote on transmitting a public comment to the Department of Public Utilities regarding National Grid's proposed Gas System Enhancement Plan. The board will also review calendar items and approve miscellaneous licenses and contracts.

• Discussion and possible vote on public comment to DPU on National Grid's Gas System Enhancement Plan
• Review and potential vote on calendar items
• Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts

Registrars of Voters

The Brookline Registrars of Voters will hold hearings on the eligibility of 13 named voters and on remaining challenges to signatures certified on the Charter Revision or Adoption Petition. These are public hearings to determine voter qualifications and address timely filed challenges.

• Hearings on eligibility of voters at addresses including 785 Washington St, 33 Stearns Rd, 175 Rawson Rd, 25 Kent Sq, 20 Jordan Rd, 29 Hilltop Rd, 71 Harvard Ave, 774 Boylston St, 1870 Beacon St, 1476 Beacon St, 1440 Beacon St
• Hearing on remaining timely filed challenges to signatures on the Charter Revision or Adoption Petition certified Nov 23, 2025

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee will meet to review the Public Schools of Brookline's multi-year forecast and answer questions. The agenda also includes approving minutes from December 9 and, time permitting, workstream updates. This is a working session focused on financial planning.

• Review of PSB multi-year forecast with Q&A
• Approval of December 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Workstream updates (time pending)

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the December 9 meeting. Members and staff discussed the 12/18 budget presentation, focusing on revenue allocations, salary negotiations, and health insurance contribution splits.

• Approved minutes of 12/9 (4-0-0)

Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Subcommittee

The Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Subcommittee of the Brookline Housing Advisory Board will hold a remote public meeting to discuss possible modifications to Inclusionary Zoning Section 4.08. The goal is to create an incentive for multifamily developers to make new market-rate units more affordable. This is a discussion item, not a final decision.

• Discussion of possible modifications to Inclusionary Zoning Section 4.08
• Incentive for multifamily developers to increase affordability of market-rate units

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will interview three design teams for the Larz Anderson Park Skating Rink project, then discuss, rank, and vote to select a final designer. Public comment is available at the start of the meeting.

• Interview Annum Architects and Team
• Interview BHA and Team
• Interview Maryann Thompson and Team
• Vote to Select Final Designer

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is meeting to review and discuss a report, approve minutes from the previous meeting, and handle new business. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from December 11, 2025
• Report review and discussion
• Next meeting scheduled for January 8 or 15, 2026

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee Town Subcommittee met on 12/18/2025 and unanimously approved the 12/11 meeting minutes. The group continued discussing its draft report, agreeing to change "structural deficit" to "projected deficit" and to add a list of town services that could be curtailed if an override is not approved. Members reviewed pension and OPEB projections, debt exclusion versus override documentation, and a concept for holding override funds in a stabilization fund. No override, budget, or formal policy was voted on; the committee planned to meet again on January 8th.

• Approved 12/11 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to change "structural deficit" to "projected deficit" in the draft report
• Agreed to include a list of town services that could be curtailed if an override is not approved
• Agreed to further discuss and flesh out the override stabilization fund concept
• Planned next meeting for January 8th

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is meeting to discuss its work on town finances. Members will consider approving minutes from two prior meetings, hear subcommittee progress reports, and discuss the timeline for recommendations and the final report. They will also review FlashVote survey results and get updates on Town and School Department budget projections.

• Approval of minutes from November 13 and November 21, 2025 meetings
• Reports from subcommittees on progress towards report sections
• Discussion of timeline for recommendations and final report
• Discussion of role of Selectboard and School Committee in report preparation
• Discussion of FlashVote survey results and methodology

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee approved minutes from its November 13 and November 21 meetings, each by a 5-0 vote with one abstention. Subcommittees reported progress on drafting report sections, with a target deadline of February 20 for the final combined report. The committee also discussed the role of elected officials and reviewed a community survey that received over 700 responses.

• Approved minutes from November 13, 2025 (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved minutes from November 21, 2025 (5-0, 1 abstention)

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee will hold a regular meeting on December 18, 2025, with several action items. They will vote on a new competency determination policy and updates to high school graduation requirements, and on appointing Dr. Robin Benoit as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. The agenda also includes a presentation and vote on a climate leaders application, an update on the multi-year budget projection, and reports from subcommittees. The meeting will end with a proposed executive session to discuss collective bargaining with multiple employee unions.

• Vote on new Competency Determination Policy and updates to High School Graduation Requirements (Policy I 1 f)
• Vote to appoint Dr. Robin Benoit as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
• Presentation, discussion, and vote on Climate Leaders Application, including Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and Fleet Management, Electrification, and Vehicle Replacement Policy
• Update to multi-year budget projection
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining with Brookline Educators Union, AFSCME Food Service Employees, School Building Employees, and Brookline Educational Secretaries Association

The Brookline School Committee approved a new Competency Determination Policy and revised High School Graduation Requirements, and appointed Dr. Robin Benoit as permanent Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. The Committee also approved the Town's Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and a Fleet Management, Electrification, and Vehicle Replacement Policy, with the vehicle policy passing 5-2. The Committee received an update on the FY27 budget projection, which shows a 6.97% increase, and heard public comment requesting an additional third-grade section at Driscoll School.

• Approved new Competency Determination Policy (I 1 g) and revised High School Graduation Requirements (I 1 f) (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Appointed Dr. Robin Benoit as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning (8-0)
• Approved Town of Brookline's Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved Fleet Management, Electrification, and Vehicle Replacement Policy (5-2, 1 abstention)
• Approved consent agenda including past meeting records and accounts payable reports (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals holds a virtual public hearing on two M.G.L. Chapter 40A cases. The board will consider converting an office building at 1093 Beacon Street into four residential units, and a two-story rear addition with new dormers for a two-family dwelling at 9 Searle Avenue. Public testimony will be taken during the hearing.

• 1093 Beacon Street (Case 2025-000062, Pct. 1): convert office building into four residential dwelling units
• 9 Searle Avenue (Case 2025-000061, Pct. 6): construct two-story rear addition and new dormers for two-family dwelling
• Public comment files and presentations may be submitted in advance to Cameron James at cjames@brooklinema.gov

Advisory Council of Public Health

The Advisory Council of Public Health is holding a hybrid public hearing with announcements, public comment, approval of November minutes, and director's and division reports. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific policy items listed.

• Public hearing on December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
• Approval of November ACPH minutes
• Director's and division reports

Zero Emissions Advisory Board

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board will consider and possibly vote on submitting a comment to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities regarding National Grid's Gas System Enhancement Plan. The board will also vote on a representative to the Moderator's Committee on Exterior Lighting and review updated draft goals for the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. Other agenda items include updates on the Municipal Solar Initiative and a presentation on carbon offsets.

• Vote on comment to DPU on National Grid's Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP)
• Vote on ZEAB representative to Moderator's Committee on Exterior Lighting
• Review updated draft Goals, Strategies, and Actions for Climate Action and Resiliency Plan
• Update on Municipal Solar Initiative
• Presentation and discussion on carbon offsets

The board voted to submit comments to the Department of Public Utilities regarding National Grid's Gas System Enhancement Plan. Members also reviewed draft goals for the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and discussed carbon offsets.

• Approved meeting minutes from December 3, 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized Chair or designee to transmit comments to the Department of Public Utilities (5-0)
• Recommended Select Board or Town Administrator send comments regarding National Grid's GSEP (5-0)

Medical Panel

The Brookline Medical Panel will convene to consider and possibly vote on reimbursing medical expenses submitted by retired Town Police Officers and Firefighters under M.G.L. c. 41 §100B. The meeting will move into executive session to discuss exempt medical information, review previous minutes, and vote on reimbursement requests.

• Vote to enter executive session under G.L. c. 30A, s. 21(a)(1) to discuss individuals' physical/mental health
• Review and possible vote to approve previous meeting minutes
• Review and possible vote to reimburse retired police officers and firefighters for submitted medical expenses

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board is holding a sign and facade review meeting to consider three applications for signage changes. These are routine sign permit reviews, not major policy decisions.

• 316 Harvard Street (Arcade Building): install facade sign for Brookline Barber Shop
• 1018 West Roxbury Parkway (Brookline Bank): update facade sign to 'Beacon Bank'
• 1324 Beacon Street (S.S. Pierce Building): replace facade signage and awning lettering to 'Beacon Bank'

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees' Development Committee is meeting to continue revising the draft BOLT calendar, incorporating feedback from BOLT members and subcommittees, and to discuss a continuing education/review schedule for future full BOLT meetings. They will also review a summary of a recent Zoom call with MBLC staff and set meeting schedules for January through April. This is a working session focused on planning and coordination, with no major policy decisions or public hearings on the agenda.

• Draft BOLT calendar revision with feedback from BOLT members and subcommittees
• Summary of Zoom call between Marissa and MBLC staff answering BOLT member questions
• Draft continuing education/review schedule for future full BOLT meetings
• January-April meeting schedules

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Brookline Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is holding a virtual public meeting to discuss its engagement strategy for winter outreach. The agenda includes public comment and a discussion of the winter engagement approach. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Engagement Strategy for Winter Engagement
• Public comment opportunity on comprehensive planning topics
• Virtual meeting via Zoom, no in-person option

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee will hear a presentation from the Solar Working Group on the Brookline Solar Initiative, discuss the RKG FIM draft model for revenue generation potential in Chestnut Hill West, and review a preliminary questions list for referral to the Planning Department. They will also discuss the framework and timeline for the Futures Report and consider approving minutes from November 21, 2025.

• Brookline Solar Initiative presentation by Solar Working Group
• Discussion of RKG FIM draft (3-24-25) on revenue generation for Chestnut Hill West
• Review of preliminary questions list for referral to Planning Department
• Discussion of Futures Report framework and timeline
• Approval of minutes from November 21, 2025

The Futures Subcommittee recommended that the Solar Working Group continue refining the solar project's financing with current bond rates, add maintenance costs, and seek consultant funding from the FY26 budget or grants, with a final recommendation due in January. The subcommittee also agreed to submit questions about the RKG financial impact model to the Planning Director and supported a position that elected officials participate in discussions but not vote on or author reports, to be decided by the full committee on 12/18/25. No formal votes were taken; these were consensus recommendations.

• Recommended Solar Working Group refine financing with current bond rates and add maintenance costs
• Recommended seeking $200K consultant funding from FY26 budget or grants, else FY27 budget
• Agreed to submit questions on RKG financial impact model to Planning Director
• Consensus to support elected officials not voting on or authoring reports (final decision 12/18/25)

Housing Advisory Board

The Housing Advisory Board's Accessory Dwelling Unit Subcommittee will meet remotely to discuss and possibly vote on height and setback rules for accessory dwelling units, and continue reviewing the draft ADU Bylaw warrant article for Town Meeting. The agenda includes an update on an Attorney General submission and planning for community engagement in January.

• Possible subcommittee vote on height and setbacks
• Update on Attorney General submission
• Discussion of maximum size for ADUs
• Review of ADU Bylaw draft Warrant Article
• Scheduling community engagement with Planning Board, HAB, Advisory Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a virtual public hearing on a Comprehensive Permit application (under M.G.L. Chapter 40B) for 429 Harvard Street, submitted by Oak Hill Properties LLC. The proposal is for a 6-story, 72-foot-tall mixed-use building with 40 residential units (20% income-restricted at 50% AMI), 3,055 square feet of retail, and 12 parking spaces on a 9,853-square-foot site. The hearing, opened October 9, 2025, will include an applicant presentation, a staff report on application completeness, and public comment.

• Comprehensive Permit (40B) hearing for 429 Harvard Street, case ZB-2025-000056
• 6-story, 72-ft mixed-use building: 40 residential units, 20% income-restricted at 50% AMI
• 3,055 SF retail and 12 parking spaces on 9,853 SF site
• Applicant: Oak Hill Properties LLC
• Public comment accepted; advance submissions encouraged

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee will meet to approve prior minutes and then move into executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and conduct bargaining sessions with the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) for Unit A, Unit B, and the Paraprofessional Unit. The open portion is limited to minutes approval and the executive session motion; no other public business is listed.

• Approval of December 3, 2025 Negotiations Subcommittee Open Session minutes
• Motion to enter executive session under MGL ch. 30A, sec. 21(a) for collective bargaining strategy (purpose 3) and bargaining sessions (purpose 2) with BEU Unit A, Unit B, and Paraprofessional Unit

The Negotiations Subcommittee approved its December 3, 2025 minutes and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and conduct bargaining sessions with the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) for Unit A, Unit B, and the Paraprofessional Unit. The subcommittee did not return to open session afterward. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved December 3, 2025 open session minutes (2-0)
• Voted to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy and sessions with BEU units (2-0)

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will hold a regular meeting with executive sessions on real estate and collective bargaining, followed by public comment and a series of votes. Key actions include approving multiple contracts for sewer repairs and rehabilitation, transportation engineering services, and police department promotions. The board will also hold a public hearing on 2026 license renewals, including marijuana retail licenses, and discuss a municipal decarbonization roadmap.

• Approve Contract PW/26-07 with Insituform Technologies for sewer system rehab, $993,890.20
• Approve Contract PW/26-08 with National Water Main Cleaning Company for epoxy lining of sewer manholes, $1,124,920.00
• Approve Contract PW/26-32 with Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture for Cultural Landscape Report at Larz Anderson Park, $148,456.00
• Approve police promotions: Lt. Casey Hatchett to Deputy Superintendent, Deputy Supt. Paul Campbell to Superintendent
• Public hearing on 2026 license renewals, including marijuana retail licenses for Deezle Dispensary, Comm Ave Canna, and NETA

The Select Board voted unanimously to adopt the Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and the Fleet Management, Electrification, and Vehicle Replacement Policy, which will enable the town to access $1.15 million in state grant funding. The board also approved numerous contracts, licenses, and appointments, including police promotions and a $993,890 sewer rehab contract. Public comment included criticism of the CDEICR appointment process and support for Chi Chi Wu.

• Adopted Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and Fleet Management, Electrification, and Vehicle Replacement Policy (5-0)
• Approved $993,890.20 sewer system rehab contract with Insituform Technologies (5-0)
• Approved $1,124,920 epoxy lining of sewer manholes contract with National Water Main Cleaning Company (5-0)
• Approved $148,456 Cultural Landscape Report contract for Larz Anderson Park with Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (5-0)
• Approved $238,900 transportation and mobility engineering services contract for Harvard Street with Apex Companies (5-0)
• Appointed Police Lieutenant Casey Hatchett as Deputy Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell as Superintendent (5-0)
• Approved 2026 license renewals for common victualler, food vendor, alcohol, innholder, lodging house, secondhand articles, and motor vehicles (5-0)
• Approved marijuana retail license renewals for Deezle Dispensary, Comm Ave Canna, and NETA (5-0)

Community Preservation Act Committee

The Community Preservation Act Committee will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive an update on FY27 preservation applications, and hear a presentation from the Brookline Housing Advisory Board about a proposed memorandum of understanding and annual allocation of CPA housing funds. The meeting is primarily informational and discussion-focused, with no final votes scheduled.

• Update on FY27 Grant Cycle: Preservation Applications
• Presentation by Brookline Housing Advisory Board on CPA relationship (Roger Blood)
• Draft CPAC-AHT-HAB MOU2 Redacted
• Annual Allocation of CPA Housing Funds to Brookline's Housing Trust
• Reminder to submit comments on draft rubric to Mini Kolluri

Retirement Board

The Brookline Retirement Board is meeting to discuss and vote on extending Segal Consulting's actuarial services and on a legal services RFP, along with updates on disability retirement cases, staffing, and cyber insurance. The agenda also includes routine approvals of prior minutes, pension payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses. Most items are administrative or procedural in nature.

• Vote on Segal Consulting Actuarial Services extension
• Vote on Legal Services RFP
• Update on ADR cases involving K. Francis, Joseph Mandra, and R. Gillis
• PERAC FY 2027 Appropriation Letter and memos on Violent Act Injury and Electronic Signatures
• Approve November minutes, pension payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Government Relations Subcommittee will meet remotely to approve minutes from October and discuss possible 2026 legislative and budgetary priorities. The agenda includes a vote on these priorities, followed by new business and adjournment.

• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2025 meeting
• Discussion and possible vote on 2026 legislative and budgetary priorities

The Government Relations Subcommittee approved the minutes of its October 8, 2025 meeting by a unanimous roll-call vote of 2-0. It then discussed, but did not vote on, the 2026 Legislative and Budgetary Priorities document, which will be shared with state legislators ahead of the annual Meeting with Legislators on February 9, 2026. Ms. Thall will lead updating the document, with a follow-up subcommittee meeting planned for early January and presentation to the full School Committee on January 22.

• Approved October 8, 2025 subcommittee minutes (2-0, roll call)
• Discussed 2026 Legislative and Budgetary Priorities; no vote taken
• Set plan for early January subcommittee meeting to finalize priorities document
• Priorities document to be presented to full School Committee on January 22

Brookline Commission on Disability

The Brookline Commission on Disability's Accessible Parking Subcommittee is holding an in-person walking meeting to discuss and evaluate ADA parking spots. The meeting includes public comment and new business focused on assessing these spots.

• Evaluate ADA parking spots
• Public comment with 3-minute limit
• Walking meeting starting at 11 Pierce Street

Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee

The Brookline Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes, hear public comment, and conduct a postmortem of the December 1 Thea Hopkins/White Snakes event. They will also discuss new business and an assigned reading on land acknowledgement, including works by Linda Coombs, Jody and Paul, and Jean O'Brien.

• Approve minutes from 11/10/25 meeting
• Postmortem of Thea Hopkins/White Snakes event (Dec 1)
• Discussion of updated land acknowledgement and assigned readings

The Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee approved minutes from its 11/10/25 meeting and voted to move forward on two items: exploring support for the Boston Food Forest Coalition's community-garden food-growing efforts, and holding a community conversation on land acknowledgment. The committee also decided to pause the Reservoir plaque project and to table its assigned-reading discussion until the January 16 meeting. No members of the public attended.

• Approved 11/10/25 minutes (3 yes, 0 no, 1 abstained)
• Voted to move forward on Boston Food Forest Coalition community-garden support (4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions)
• Voted to move forward on the Land Acknowledgement community conversation (4 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions)
• Decided to pause the Reservoir plaque conversation and notify DPW
• Tabled the assigned-reading/land acknowledgment discussion until the January 16 meeting

Metro Public Health Collaborative

The Metro Public Health Collaborative, serving Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, and Newton, holds its monthly meeting with an advisory board session and a general session. The board will vote on prior minutes and hear updates on the revised IMA approval, while the general session covers new staff onboarding, housing support, nursing services, grants, and recovery programs. Most items are status updates rather than final decisions.

• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes
• Update on status of revised IMA approval
• Updates on housing SOP support from Halfmann Consulting
• Updates on NEHA/FDA Retail Program Standards grant
• Updates on Regional Recovery Coaching program

The Metro Public Health Collaborative approved the November 14, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and discussed multiple ongoing initiatives, including finalizing a housing standard operating procedure, launching a foodborne illness reporting platform, and expanding regional recovery coaching. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy changes; the meeting focused on updates and planning.

• Approved November 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Agreed to proceed with revisions to recovery coach trainee MOU and share via email
• Agreed to explore ClearPath as lower-cost alternative for hoarding certification course
• Arlington to join FDA Retail Standards Grant application for 2026–2027 cycle

MLK Celebration Committee

The MLK Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes from its November 20 meeting and discuss updates and to-dos for the upcoming MLK Day 2026 celebration. The agenda also includes time for other or new business and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from 11/20/25 meeting
• MLK Day 2026 event updates and to-dos

The MLK Celebration Committee approved the edited minutes from its 11/20/25 meeting by a 5-0 vote (no abstentions). The rest of the meeting covered planning tasks for the MLK Day 2026 event, including poster distribution, drafting the program and Run of Show, collecting bios, and arranging speaker payments and sponsorship. No other formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved edited 11/20/25 minutes (5-0, 0 abstained)
• Poster completed, printed, and delivered
• Rosaline Lowe volunteered to assist Rob Daves with distributing posters by foot
• Caitlin to obtain W9 forms from Euka (250) and Noliwe (500)
• Margaret Talcott to email Noliwe with poster and request outline and screen content
• Bernard Greene to pass information to Regie to finalize performance
• Caitlin working on sponsorship from BCF and will contact Booksmith about selling books
• Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 7th at 1:30 PM

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will hold a working session to discuss the draft of its Town Subcommittee Final Report, which addresses town spending and revenue. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its December 4, 2025 meeting. This is a working session focused on refining the report, not a final vote.

• Discussion on Town Subcommittee Final Report draft
• Approval of minutes from December 4, 2025

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee agreed to proceed with the general structure of a draft report analyzing the town's budget deficit and possible override scenarios. The committee will incorporate data from a December 9 forecast presentation, add a property tax calculator, and include median condo values. No final decisions were made; the report is still in draft form.

• Approved general structure of draft budget report
• Agreed to incorporate December 9 forecast data into report
• Agreed to add property tax calculator to report
• Agreed to include median condo values in analysis

Community Preservation Act Committee

The Preservation Subgroup of the Brookline Community Preservation Act Committee will meet virtually to review four preservation applications for FY27 funding: the Muddy River Bridge Assessment, Old Burying Ground Restoration, Temple Sinai Masonry Step Restoration, and United Parish Steeple Tower Restoration. The subgroup does not take public comment, but questions can be sent to cpa@brooklinema.gov. The meeting also includes scheduling for upcoming subgroup meetings.

• Review of Muddy River Bridge Assessment application
• Review of Old Burying Ground Restoration application
• Review of Temple Sinai Masonry Step Restoration application
• Review of United Parish Steeple Tower Restoration application
• Upcoming meetings: December 15th and January 5th (Community Housing Subgroup)

Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group

The Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group is meeting to discuss draft design guidelines and zoning for the area, along with updates on a Memorandum of Agreement and a Housing Advisory Board vote on inclusionary zoning for a proposed mixed-use project at 1280-1330 Boylston Street. The meeting includes public comment periods and is open for in-person and remote participation.

• Draft Design Guidelines (Sasaki)
• Draft zoning (Staff)
• Status update on Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
• Housing Advisory Board vote on Inclusionary Zoning Housing Contribution by City Realty for proposed mixed-use project at 1280-1330 Boylston Street
• Next steps for conceptual infrastructure improvements

Brookline Commission for the Arts

The Brookline Commission for the Arts will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear the treasurer's report, receive an update from the Budget Working Group on matching funds, and conduct a second round of grant reviews. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific projects or dollar amounts listed.

• Review and approve minutes of November 24, 2025 meeting
• Treasurer's report
• Matching Fund Update from Budget Working Group
• Grant Review 2

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board is holding an evening meeting to discuss four Chapter 40A zoning cases, which are tentative Zoning Board of Appeals hearings. The board will also take public comment on matters not on the agenda. The cases include a residential conversion, subdivisions, and an addition.

• 9 Searle Avenue: two-story rear addition, dormers, attic conversion to third floor
• 1093 Beacon Street: convert office building into four residential dwelling units
• 320 Woodland Road: subdivide into two lots and build single-family homes
• 43 Fairgreen Place: divide lot into three lots, demolish single-family, build three houses

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees are meeting in person to vote on an updated Library Director job description, hear consultant comments on survey and references, and consider a motion to select a preferred candidate and authorize the chair to enter negotiations. The meeting is focused on the director hiring process.

• Vote on updated Library Director job description
• Comments from consultant on survey and references
• Motion to select a preferred candidate and authorize chair to enter negotiations

Housing Advisory Board

The Housing Advisory Board's Accessory Dwelling Unit Subcommittee will meet remotely to review and discuss the draft ADU Bylaw warrant article, including maximum size and a revised Benka draft. They will also receive updates on an Attorney General submission regarding height and setbacks, and approve meeting minutes from September and October.

• Approval of September 10 and October 15 meeting minutes
• Update on Attorney General submission re height and setbacks
• Review of ADU Bylaw draft warrant article (12-10-25)
• Discussion of maximum size for ADUs
• Review of revised Benka draft (excluding height and setback issues)

Council on Aging

The Brookline Council on Aging is holding its regular hybrid meeting. The main item is a guest presentation by Senior Center Director Emily Williams on the Council on Aging budget. The board will also vote on the November minutes, hear reports from committees and town departments, and set its January 2026 subcommittee meeting schedule.

• Guest speaker: COA/Senior Center Director Emily Williams on the Brookline Council on Aging budget
• Vote to accept minutes of November 12, 2025 meeting
• Reports from Nominating Committee, Springwell, Recreation, Health & Human Services, Select Board, COA Director
• Subcommittee January 2026 meeting schedule: 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27 at 10:00 AM
• Next regular hybrid meeting: Wednesday, January 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM, Room 103/Zoom

The Council on Aging voted unanimously to accept its November 12, 2025 minutes as amended, adding Ellen Zellner to the attendance list. The rest of the December 10, 2025 meeting was informational: Director Emily Williams described a new MySeniorCenter check-in system soft-launching in January 2026, the FY25 budget (about $1.1 million for salaries), and FY26 grants. Public comment raised concerns about the Beacon Street bridle path and privacy of personal data in the new check-in system. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Accepted November 12, 2025 minutes as amended, adding Ellen Zellner to attendance (unanimous)

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will hold public hearings on three Eversource underground conduit location petitions, an alteration of licensed premises for Barcelona Wine Bar, and a change of manager for The Butcherie. The board will also consider approving meeting minutes and review calendar items.

• Eversource underground conduit on High Street, ~140 ft from pole 84/18 to #196 High Street
• Eversource underground conduit on St Mary's Street, ~57 ft from manhole 17753 to manhole 8234
• Eversource underground conduit on St Paul Street, ~32 ft from manhole 25590 to #135 St. Paul Street
• Barcelona Wine Bar expansion at 1700 Beacon St: adding 2,766 sq ft, new total indoor 10,739 sq ft, 196 seats; patio 2,237 sq ft, 61 seats
• Change of manager for The Butcherie at 428 Harvard St from Walter Gelerman to Gil Zilberberg

The Select Board held licensing hearings and recommended approval of several items for its miscellaneous agenda, including three Eversource underground conduit petitions on High Street, St. Mary's Street, and St. Paul Street, an expansion of the Barcelona Wine Bar premises at 1700 Beacon Street, and a change of manager at The Butcherie on Harvard Street. The panel also suggested amending the St. Paul Street application to include use of two parking spaces and agreed to correct an agenda error in the manager change item. Approval of the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes was postponed. The minutes record recommendations for the miscellaneous agenda rather than final board votes, and no vote tallies are recorded.

• Recommended approval of Eversource conduit petition on High Street (approx. 140 ft and 39 ft) for miscellaneous agenda
• Recommended approval of Eversource conduit petition on St. Mary's Street (approx. 57 ft) for miscellaneous agenda
• Recommended approval of Eversource conduit petition on St. Paul Street (approx. 32 ft), suggesting amendment to include two parking spaces
• Recommended approval of Barcelona Wine Bar alteration of premises at 1700 Beacon St., expanding by 2,766 sq. ft.
• Recommended approval of change of manager at The Butcherie, 428 Harvard St., from Walter Gelerman to Gil Zilberberg, with agenda correction
• Postponed approval of November 19, 2025 meeting minutes

Community Preservation Act Committee

The Community Preservation Act Committee will hold an in-person site walk to 2-3 Muddy River bridges, led by DPW staff, to review a CPA application for FY27. This is a subgroup meeting, so no public comment will be taken; questions can be sent to cpa@brooklinema.gov.

• Site walk to Muddy River bridges at 599 Brookline Ave
• Review of CPA application for FY27 for Muddy River bridges

Tree Planting Committee

The Brookline Tree Planting Committee is meeting to review front-yard tree planting applications and maps, discuss the MBTA C-Line accessibility project's impact on trees (including comment letters and a removal/replanting map), and consider a possible "Heritage Tree" program. The agenda also includes a fall planting and operations recap from staff. This is a working session with no votes or public hearings listed.

• Review of front yard tree planting plans and applications
• Discussion of MBTA C-Line Accessibility Project schedule and tree canopy comment letters
• Possible MBTA removal and replanting map for public communication
• Discussion of a potential "Heritage Tree" program
• Fall planting and operations recap from staff

The Tree Planting Committee approved front-yard tree planting plans for several properties, including 11 Gorham Ave and 144 Jordan Road, and discussed the MBTA C-Line project's tree removals and public hearings. No formal votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus. The committee also reviewed a Google map of plantings and discussed a Heritage Tree program.

• Approved front-yard tree planting at 11 Gorham Ave (crabapple, behind shrubs)
• Approved front-yard tree planting at 144 Jordan Road (small cherry or paperbark maple, spring planting)
• Approved front-yard tree planting at Pleasant and Parkman (Eastern redbud, spring planting)
• Set spring planting queue: 226 Grove, 16 Thayer, 61 Wolcott, Stetson, Gorham, Jordan, Pleasant
• Discussed MBTA C-Line tree removals; public hearings targeted for January 5

Brookline Commission on Disability

The Brookline Commission on Disability will convene to discuss new business, including the Haynes School Safety Improvement Program and a tree removal at Walnut & High Street with an ADA-compliant sidewalk. They will also consider a variance update for 1026 Commonwealth Ave and receive updates from liaisons and the ADA Coordinator.

• Haynes School Safety Improvement Program discussion
• Tree removal at Walnut & High St and ADA-compliant sidewalk
• Variance application update for 1026 Commonwealth Ave
• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2025 and ADA Parking Subcommittee minutes from September 9, 2025
• Treasurer update

The Commission voted to support a safety improvement plan for Hayes School and the removal of three trees on Juniper Street to allow for an ADA-compliant sidewalk. Members also reviewed the HP Parking Fine Fund balance and received a grant update for Beacon Street tactile plates.

• Approved support for providing at least five accessible parking spots at Hayes School (6-0-1)
• Approved support for removing three trees on Juniper Street for ADA sidewalk construction (6-0-1)
• Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved September 9, 2025 ADA Parking Subcommittee minutes (5-0-2)
• Decided to receive bi-annual treasurer reports

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will review and rank submissions from firms responding to RFQs for an Owner's Project Manager and a designer for the Larz Anderson Park skating rink project. The meeting includes discussion of the submissions and ranking the top three candidates for each role. Public comments will be heard before adjournment.

• Review and rank top three Owner's Project Manager candidates
• Review and rank top three designer candidates
• Larz Anderson Park skating rink project

Board of Assessors

The Brookline Board of Assessors is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, reviewing correspondence, signing warrants and contracts, and taking action on abatement applications, tax exemptions, and ATB case settlements. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items conditional on whether any are presented.

• Review and take action on abatement applications
• Review and take action on statutory exemptions
• Review and take action on ATB case settlements as recommended by staff
• Review and sign contracts for services, if any
• Review proposed changes in assessment/valuation standards

Small Business Development Committee

The Brookline Small Business Development Committee is meeting to approve October meeting minutes, plan for 2026 including a possible vote on chair succession, and review a draft 2025 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report. Staff will provide updates on economic development staffing, a Fall Town Meeting warrant article, and several parking and streetscape studies.

• Vote on approval of October 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion and possible vote on chair succession planning
• Draft 2025 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report presentation
• Update on Fall Town Meeting Warrant Article 8
• Updates on Brookline Village and Washington Square parking studies

The committee voted unanimously to approve the October 21, 2025 minutes and to authorize the chair and vice chair to draft the Select Board annual report. It reached consensus to retain the monthly meeting schedule, despite staffing constraints, with flexibility to cancel or replace meetings with written updates when agendas are light. No vote was taken on chair succession, and the Commercial Area Vibrancy Report was postponed.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized drafting of Select Board annual report (unanimous)
• Retained monthly meeting schedule (consensus, no formal vote)
• Postponed Draft 2025 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees will interview two finalists for the Library Director position and then discuss the candidates. This is a hiring decision meeting, not a policy or budget session.

• Interview Library Director finalist Jill Mercurio
• Interview Library Director finalist Erin Wells
• Board discussion of candidates

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is holding a workshop meeting to discuss the FY2027 financial forecast and participate in a facilitated discussion on the 2030 Roadmap. The board will also consider several license applications, including changes of manager and owner for local businesses. The meeting includes an executive session on potential litigation related to federal grant conditions.

• FY2027 Financial Forecast presentation by Deputy Town Administrator, Assistant Town Administrator for Finance, and Finance Director
• Facilitated discussion on the 2030 Roadmap with Consensus Building Institute's Abby Fullem
• Change of Manager and Owner Interest for Hamilton at 1366 Beacon Street from David Ferrando to Shannon Baillie
• Manager applications for NETA at 160 Washington Street, Deezle Cannabis at 1351 Beacon Street, and Sunset Cantina at 916 Commonwealth Ave
• Change of Lodging House Agent for 241 Kent Street and 44 Winslow Road

The Select Board unanimously approved 11 applications for changes of manager, owner, or lodging house agent for various Brookline businesses. The board also heard a financial forecast projecting a $2.9M town deficit and $13.5M school deficit for FY2027, with a potential $42M shortfall by 2031. A discussion on the 2030 Roadmap was held, but no decisions were made on that item.

• Approved change of manager/owner for Hamilton at 1366 Beacon St (5-0)
• Approved managers for NETA at 160 Washington St (5-0)
• Approved managers for Deezle Cannabis at 1351 Beacon St (5-0)
• Approved alternate manager for Sunset Cantina at 916 Commonwealth Ave (5-0)
• Approved alternate manager for Garrison House at 6 Harvard Square (5-0)
• Approved lodging house agent change for 241 Kent St (5-0)
• Approved lodging house agent change for 44 Winslow Rd (5-0)
• Approved manager/officer changes for Gyu-Kaku BBQ at 1002 Beacon St (5-0)

Age Friendly Cities Committee

The Age Friendly Cities Committee will welcome a new member, accept a resignation, and hear a guest speaker from the Recreation Department. Members will also review the 2026 meeting schedule, discuss age-friendly redesignation and pedestrian safety, and work on their goals and priorities matrix. The agenda is largely routine, with updates and reports from subcommittees.

• Welcome new member David Deisadze
• Accept resignation of Ruth Nemzoff
• Guest speaker: Cadence Turner, Brookline Recreation Department
• Review 2026 meeting schedule
• Discuss age-friendly redesignation and pedestrian safety

The Age-Friendly Cities Committee approved the November 18, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (10-0). Members heard a detailed presentation from Recreation Department leader Cadence Turner on age-friendly programs, barriers to recreation, and strategies to increase engagement. No formal votes were taken on policy items; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-focused.

• Approved November 18, 2025 meeting minutes (10-0)
• Noted resignation of Ruth Nemzoff effective immediately
• Reviewed 2026 meeting schedule
• Heard guest presentation on age-friendly recreation programs

Conservation Commission

The Brookline Conservation Commission will review and vote on issuing Certificates of Compliance for three properties: 80-82 Louise Rd, 69 Princeton Rd, and 88 Cottage St. The commission will also discuss proposed mitigation measures for cyanobacteria in Brookline Reservoir and receive a staff update. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and is largely procedural, with votes on compliance certificates being the main actionable items.

• Vote on Partial Certificate of Compliance for 80-82 Louise Rd (DEP #120-201, BWB #24-01)
• Vote on Certificate of Compliance for 69 Princeton Rd (BWB# 19-01)
• Vote on Certificate of Compliance for 88 Cottage St (DEP #120-98, BWB# 23-01)
• Discussion of proposed mitigation measures for cyanobacteria in Brookline Reservoir
• Staff update presentation

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee will review the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) multi-year budget forecast with Q&A, and receive updates on workstreams including BEEP information, an OSS presentation, and school budget remarks. The committee will also consider approving minutes from December 1, 2025. This is a working session focused on budget planning and information sharing.

• Review of PSB multi-year budget forecast with Q&A
• Approval of minutes from December 1, 2025
• Update on BEEP information
• OSS presentation
• School budget update remarks dated 12.4.25

The E&RSC Schools Subcommittee met on 12/9/25 to review a BEEP preschool program analysis and discuss scheduling. No substantive decisions were voted on; the group approved prior meeting minutes with an amendment and agreed to keep its existing schedule while allowing revisions as work progresses. Members agreed a breakeven analysis of BEEP is needed and that further data on staffing costs and IEP ratios must be gathered before any recommendation.

• Approved 12/1/25 minutes with an amendment moving Driscoll classroom comments to the floor plans section (all in favor except Jeff Rudolph, who abstained)
• Agreed to keep the proposed subcommittee schedule as is, with topics and dates subject to revision
• Agreed to extend meetings as needed rather than add new meetings
• Agreed teaching load comparisons should focus on 10-12 comparable communities
• Agreed further information is needed on BEEP IEP/non-IEP classroom ratios
• Agreed Jeff Rudolph will complete a BEEP breakeven analysis and follow up on 1/12/26 or 1/20/26

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will discuss and vote on an overnight parking request for EV chargers at Warren Field/Eliot Lot, review a presentation on on-street EV charging at Robinson Playground, and discuss the RFP process for an outdoor pool feasibility study. The agenda also includes proposed recreation program fee increases for CY26 and an updated financial aid policy. Public comment is limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Overnight parking request for EV chargers at Warren Field/Eliot Lot (discussion and vote)
• Presentation on on-street EV charging at Robinson Playground
• Discussion on RFP process for outdoor pool feasibility study
• Recreation Department program fee adjustment (CY26 price increases proposed Dec. 2025)
• Recreation Department financial aid policy adjustment

The Brookline Park and Recreation Commission met virtually on December 9, 2025, and approved the November 12 meeting minutes. They heard presentations on on-street EV charging at Robinson Playground and a proposed overnight parking pilot at Warren Field/Eliot Lot, but postponed votes on both until January 2026. The commission also discussed an RFP for an outdoor pool feasibility study and proposed fee and financial aid policy changes, with votes scheduled for January. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved November 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed vote on support for electricity distribution box at Robinson Playground EV charging to January 2026
• Postponed vote on overnight parking pilot for EV chargers at Warren Field/Eliot Lot to January 2026
• Volunteered Lauren Bernard and Theresa Mooney for outdoor pool feasibility study RFP committee

Building Commission

The Brookline Building Commission is holding its monthly hybrid meeting on December 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes project updates and votes on invoices, change orders, and requisitions for the Pierce project, Fire Stations 1, 4, and 5, and an update on the Larz Anderson skating rink. The commission will also approve minutes from the November 10 meeting.

• Review and vote on invoices and change orders for the Pierce project
• Fire Station 1 & 4 update and review of invoices and change orders
• Fire Station 5 feasibility update and vote on requisitions
• Update on Larz Anderson skating rink committee of 7 meeting
• Approval of meeting minutes from Nov 10, 2025

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on a retroactive window replacement at 82 Carlton Street, a request to lift the demolition stay at 1495 Beacon Street, and a full demolition application for a greenhouse and storage at 282 Newton Street. The commission may also vote on a letter supporting a public benefit incentive package for a project at 40 Kent & 40 Webster and appoint an alternate commissioner.

• 82 Carlton Street (Cottage Farm LHD): retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for front window replacement
• 1495 Beacon Street: request to lift stay of demolition
• 282 Newton Street: full demolition of greenhouse and semi-attached storage
• 40 Kent & 40 Webster: potential vote on letter supporting public benefit incentive package
• Vote to appoint alternate Commissioner to Larz Anderson CLR committee

The Brookline Preservation Commission approved the full demolition of a greenhouse and semi-attached storage at 282 Newton Street, finding the structures insignificant. The commission also approved lifting the stay of demolition for a rooftop addition at 1495 Beacon Street and moved a window replacement case at 82 Carlton Street to a subcommittee. A vote on supporting a public benefit incentive for the 40 Kent & 40 Webster project was deferred to the January meeting.

• Approved demolition of greenhouse and storage at 282 Newton Street (4-0)
• Approved lifting stay of demolition for rooftop addition at 1495 Beacon Street (4-0)
• Moved 82 Carlton Street window replacement case to empowered subcommittee (4-0)
• Appointed David King as alternate to Larz Anderson CLR Committee (4-0)
• Deferred vote on 40 Kent & 40 Webster public benefit incentive letter to January meeting

Registrars of Voters

The Brookline Registrars of Voters will hold a hearing on timely filed challenges to signatures certified on the Charter Revision or Adoption Petition, which was certified on November 23, 2025. Challenges were due by November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The meeting is in-person only at Brookline Town Hall.

• Hearing on challenges to signatures on the Charter Revision or Adoption Petition certified November 23, 2025
• Challenges received by November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Police Commissioners Advisory Committee

The Police Commissioners Advisory Committee is meeting to review civilian feedback and recent complaints, and to hear updates on ICE activity in Brookline and the status of Flock ALPR camera installation. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and public comment.

• Review of revised Civilian Feedback Form in Google Forms
• Update on ICE in Brookline by Dep. Supt. Paul Campbell
• Status of Flock ALPR installation by CHR
• Approval of minutes from 10/27/25 meeting
• Public comment with 3-minute limit

The Police Commissioners Advisory Committee approved a revised Civilian Feedback Form in Google Forms (5-0) and approved the October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1). Members discussed a draft biennial assessment of the civilian complaint procedure, receiving suggestions for clarity and scope. Lieutenant Hill reported on recent ICE-related incidents, emphasizing BPD did not honor detainers, and noted that Chestnut Hill Realty has paused its Flock ALPR camera installation.

• Approved revised Civilian Feedback Form in Google Forms (5-0)
• Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee is meeting virtually to review a draft scope of work for an architectural and community engagement consultant for town-owned lots at 110, 124, 150 Fisher Avenue and 146 Hyslop Road. The committee will also consider a community-shuttle consultant scope for reference. Public comment is allowed at the chair's discretion.

• Review draft scope of work for architectural and community engagement consultant RFP
• Reference scope for community-shuttle consultant
• Town-owned lots at 110, 124, 150 Fisher Avenue and 146 Hyslop Road

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee met on December 8, 2025 and continued discussing the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for a site planning consultant. Members discussed financial feasibility, housing exploration, Equal Employment Opportunity information, qualifications, and community engagement, but no decisions or votes were recorded. Staff described how the selection committee will be formed, and public comment touched on community visioning and survey methods. The meeting adjourned with no substantive actions taken.

Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The Brookline Pedestrian Advisory Committee will discuss and possibly act on safety improvements for the Hayes School neighborhood, follow up on crosswalk and curb ramp discussions, and review DPW's crosswalk policy and criteria. The agenda is mostly discussion items, with no major funding or ordinance decisions listed.

• Safety improvement suggestions for the Hayes School neighborhood
• Follow-up on crosswalks and curb ramps, including top priority locations
• Discussion of DPW crosswalk policy and criteria for new crosswalks
• Review and approval of November 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment period for issues not on the agenda

The Pedestrian Advisory Committee heard a detailed presentation on safety improvements for the Hayes School neighborhood, including new crosswalks, speed humps, and parking changes, but took no formal action. The committee approved the November 10 meeting minutes unanimously and discussed follow-ups on crosswalk policy and repaving lists. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved November 10, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Discussed Hayes School safety proposal, no vote taken
• Discussed crosswalk policy and repaving list, no action taken

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Communications Working Group is meeting remotely to approve minutes from its November 14 meeting and continue reviewing and discussing the draft School Committee Member Handbook. The agenda also includes new business and adjournment. This is a working-group session focused on internal procedures, not a full committee decision-making meeting.

• Approval of November 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Continued review and discussion of draft School Committee Member Handbook

The Communications Working Group reviewed and agreed on edits to a draft School Committee Member Handbook, based on policy manual language and a 2003 draft. They plan to consolidate sections and have staff review for missing topics before bringing a final draft to the full committee. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Agreed on edits to draft member handbook
• Planned to remove redundancies and consolidate sections
• Staff to review draft for missing topics
• Scheduled next meeting for early January

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is meeting to approve minutes from two prior sessions, schedule future meetings, and discuss updates to the Gelbart Request and the organization of its Town Subcommittee Report. The agenda is largely procedural, with discussion items focused on internal planning rather than new decisions.

• Approval of minutes from November 6, 2025
• Approval of minutes from November 20, 2025
• Proposed meeting dates of December 11 and December 18, 2025
• Updates to the Gelbart Request
• Organization of Town Subcommittee Report and proposed questions

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's town subcommittee met to plan a community-driven override report and review the financial forecast, including a projected $3 million structural deficit for FY27. No formal votes were taken; the group approved prior meeting minutes and scheduled future meetings. Members discussed drafting report sections on structural deficit, free cash, and salary benchmarking, and raised concerns about a Harvard student survey on the deficit.

• Approved minutes from previous meetings
• Scheduled next meetings for December 11 and 18 at 9am
• Agreed to draft text on structural deficit and free cash, with Janet leading
• Agreed to develop preface explaining budget basics and free cash
• Agreed to create text comparing salary benchmarks with peer communities
• Agreed to draft sections on override failure and proposed cuts
• Agreed to develop text on one-time funds and ARPA impact
• Agreed to circulate survey questions to the team

Committee on Town Organization & Structure

The Brookline Committee on Town Organization & Structure is meeting remotely to discuss and possibly vote on Articles 11 and 12, which concern whether Advisory Committee members may also serve on other committees that control expenditures. The agenda also includes discussion of the Town Administrator Act and other business, plus review of meeting minutes.

• Discussion and possible votes on Articles 11 and 12 regarding Advisory Committee member eligibility
• Discussion of the Town Administrator Act
• Review/approval of meeting minutes

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee will hold a regular meeting on December 4, 2025, with a consent agenda, superintendent's report, public comment, and several action items. Key actions include reviewing and approving the Brookline Music School's Recital Hall proposal and a first reading of a new competency determination policy and updates to high school graduation requirements. The committee will also discuss student services and an update to the multi-year budget projection. The meeting will conclude with a proposed executive session on collective bargaining and litigation strategy.

• Review and approval of Brookline Music School's Recital Hall proposal
• First reading of Competency Determination Policy and updates to High School Graduation Requirements (Policy I 1 f)
• Discussion of Student Services in the Public Schools of Brookline
• Update to Multi-year Budget Projection
• Executive session on collective bargaining with multiple unions and anticipated litigation

The Brookline School Committee approved the Brookline Music School's proposal to expand its recital hall at 25 Kennard Road, increasing seating from 60 to 120 at an expected cost of $800,000 to be fully paid by the Music School. The Committee also approved past records and accounts payable, received a first reading of a new Competency Determination policy with a vote set for December 18, and heard updates on student transportation, special education services, and the multi-year budget projection. The meeting ended with a unanimous vote to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining and anticipated litigation; no decisions were made in open session on the budget or the Competency Determination policy.

• Approved consent agenda: November 6, 2025 minutes and accounts payable reports (7-0; Hefter and Perry absent)
• Approved Brookline Music School recital hall expansion at 25 Kennard Road (9-0)
• First reading of new Competency Determination policy; second reading and possible vote set for December 18, 2025
• Voted to enter executive session on collective bargaining and anticipated litigation (9-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual public hearing on December 4, 2025, to consider three cases: a continued application for a home renovation and addition, a request for a time extension on previously granted relief for dormers, and an appeal of a denied building permit for an accessory dwelling unit. The board will take public testimony and has encouraged advance submission of materials.

• 43 Kensington Circle: renovation and addition, continued from 11/6/2025
• 4 Fisher Avenue: time extension for three dormers on single-family dwelling
• 22 Carlton Street: appeal of denied permit for accessory dwelling unit in detached structure

School Committee

The Negotiations Subcommittee will meet to approve prior minutes and then move into executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and conduct bargaining sessions with the Brookline Educators Union Unit A, Unit B, and the Paraprofessional Unit. The public portion is limited to procedural items; the substantive discussion occurs behind closed doors.

• Approval of November 11, 2025 Negotiations Subcommittee minutes
• Motion to enter executive session under MGL ch. 30A, sec. 21(a) for collective bargaining strategy and sessions with Brookline Educators Union Unit A, Unit B, and Paraprofessional Unit

The Negotiations Subcommittee approved its November 11, 2025 open session minutes and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and conduct bargaining sessions with the Brookline Educators Union. The subcommittee did not return to open session after the executive session. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 11, 2025 open session minutes (2-0)
• Voted to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy and sessions with BEU Unit A, Unit B, and Paraprofessional Unit (2-0)

Zero Emissions Advisory Board

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board is meeting to discuss and receive updates on several clean energy initiatives, including net metering credit agreements and Community Choice Aggregation. The board will also hear updates from its BERDI and Residential working groups. Public comment is scheduled, and the meeting includes approval of prior minutes.

• Presentation and discussion on Net Metering Credit Agreements
• Presentation and update on Community Choice Aggregation
• Update on BERDI Working Group
• Update on Residential Working Group
• Approval of November 19, 2025 meeting minutes

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board approved its November 19, 2025 meeting minutes with a minor edit adding "By-law" after "Fossil-Fuel Free" (5-0). The rest of the meeting was informational: staff presented on net metering credit agreements and Community Choice Aggregation, and members gave updates on the BERDI and Residential working groups. No new policies, contracts, or budgets were decided; the board reached consensus that it did not want to be deeply involved in net metering work and that working groups would meet once per month.

• Approved 11.19.2025 meeting minutes with edit adding "By-law" after "Fossil-Fuel Free" (5-0)
• Consensus: ZEAB did not want to be deeply involved in net metering credit work; staff to decide where the work lives
• Consensus: working group meetings to occur once per month
• Adjourned (5-0)

Housing Advisory Board

The Brookline Housing Advisory Board will hear a presentation from City Realty on the Chestnut Hill West project, focusing on its housing component, including affordable onsite rental units and cash-in-lieu of hotel-serviced condominium units, and may vote on the matter. The board will also discuss and possibly vote on a draft memorandum of understanding with the Housing Trust-CPA Committee regarding CPA-AHT funding policy. Updates will be provided on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, Subsidized Housing Inventory, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Resources.

• Presentation and possible vote on Chestnut Hill West project housing component, including affordable onsite rental units and cash-in-lieu of hotel-serviced condominium units
• Discussion and possible vote on draft HAB/Housing Trust-CPA Committee MOU regarding CPA-AHT funding policy
• Approval of November 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Updates on Comprehensive Plan Committee, Subsidized Housing Inventory, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Resources

The Housing Advisory Board voted to recommend approval of the inclusionary zoning plan and a $10.93 million cash-in-lieu payment for the Chestnut Hill West project, a four-parcel redevelopment on Boylston Street (Route 9) proposed by City Realty. The board also voted to present a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Preservations Act Committee for discussion. In updates, staff reported Brookline's Subsidized Housing Inventory is approximately 10.76%, the Affordable Housing Trust balance is about $11 million after a $1.6 million free cash addition, and four Accessory Dwelling Unit permit applications are in process.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous roll call)
• Recommended approval of inclusionary zoning plan and $10.93M cash-in-lieu payment for Chestnut Hill West project (9-0)
• Voted to present draft HAB/Housing Trust-CPA Committee MOU for discussion (unanimous roll call)

Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Bicycle Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly take action on a study of bicycle access from South Brookline to Brookline High School. The agenda also includes a police report, member updates, and discussion of candidates for the committee.

• South Brookline to BHS Bicycle Access Study
• Police Report
• Member Updates
• Discussion of BAC Candidates

Brookline Commission for Women

The Brookline Commission for Women is meeting remotely to handle routine administrative items, hear public comment, and receive an update on several Town Meeting warrant articles. The main action item is a vote on a Social Media Action Plan, followed by planning for the Women of the Year 2026 event.

• Vote on Social Media Action Plan (SMAP)
• Update on WA #6, #13, #15, #16 at Town Meeting
• Women of the Year 2026 event planning
• Approve minutes from November 5, 2025 meeting

The Brookline Commission for Women approved the minutes from its previous meeting via roll-call vote. Members received updates on several Town Meeting warrant articles they had supported, including the childcare permit and basketball court articles passing, and the LGBTQ+ recognition events being added to the Select Board's calendar. The Commission reviewed a draft social media action plan and will revise it before final approval, and began planning for the 2026 Women of the Year celebration. No members of the public attended, and two commissioners resigned.

• Approved previous meeting minutes via roll-call vote
• Received update: Article 6 (Childcare Permit) passed overwhelmingly
• Received update: Article 13 (Fisher Hill Planning) passed with one 'no' vote and four abstentions
• Received update: Article 15 (LGBTQ+ Recognition) events added to Select Board annual calendar
• Received update: Article 16 (Basketball Court) passed without controversy
• Reviewed draft Social Media Action Plan; will revise before final approval
• Began planning for 2026 Women of the Year celebration (March 11, 2026)

Brookline Youth Council

The Brookline Youth Council is meeting remotely to approve minutes from three prior meetings and hold discussions with two guest speakers: Laila McGeorge, the B-WELL coordinator, about the program and possible cooperation, and Natalie Takara Winter, the BRJE campaign manager, about their work and youth opportunities. The council will also discuss the aims and implementation of anonymous feedback to Brookline public schools. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented with no votes or decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from September 3, November 5, and November 13, 2025 meetings
• Discussion with B-WELL coordinator Laila McGeorge on program and future cooperation
• Discussion with BRJE campaign manager Natalie Takara Winter on their work and youth opportunities
• Discussion on anonymous feedback to Brookline public schools

The Brookline Youth Council held a remote meeting on December 3, 2025. They deferred approval of minutes from three prior meetings because the notes were not attached in time. The council heard a presentation from B-WELL coordinator Laila McGeorge and discussed anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools, expressing concern it could be harmful to educators. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Deferred approval of minutes from Sept 3, Nov 5, and Nov 13 meetings
• Heard presentation from B-WELL coordinator Laila McGeorge
• Discussed anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools, expressed concern about harm to educators
• Voted to end meeting (8-0)

Trustees of Walnut Hills Cemetery

The Trustees of Walnut Hills Cemetery will meet to approve minutes, sign deeds, and discuss monument design guidelines with a possible vote on continuing work with DPW staff. They will also consider a letter of support for the Old Burial Ground Foster Fence Restoration project under the Community Preservation Act, and receive reports on cemetery regulations and updates from the chair and staff.

• Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes and signing of deeds
• Discussion and possible vote on monument design guidelines and application form
• Possible vote on letter of support for Old Burial Ground Foster Fence Restoration project
• Report from Parks & Open Space on cemetery regulations voted on Sept. 10, 2025
• Chair update including memo to Select Board and 2026 meeting dates

The Trustees approved a letter of support for the Community Preservation Act-funded restoration of the Old Burial Ground tombs, with all members voting in favor. They also approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes and discussed but did not vote on a new monument design application form, expressing support for continuing work on it. No vote was taken on the dog policy issue raised in public comment, which was deferred to a future agenda.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CPA letter of support for Old Burial Ground tombs restoration (unanimous)
• Expressed support for monument design application form, no formal vote
• Deferred dog policy discussion to future agenda

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss the Library Director search, including reviewing questions and organizing outstanding logistics. They will also review logistics with the Interim Director. The agenda is procedural and focused on the search process.

• Review questions associated with Library Director search
• Organize outstanding logistics of Library Director search
• Review logistics with Interim Director

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will hold an executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of the Coolidge Corner Theatre property at 280-290 Harvard Street. In open session, the board will vote on several grants, contracts, and appointments, including accepting funds for emergency alert systems, transportation improvements, and waste reduction. The board will also interview candidates for town commissions and discuss actions from recent Town Meetings.

• Executive session on Coolidge Corner Theatre property (280-290 Harvard Street)
• Accept $19,200 grant from Metro Boston Homeland Security Region for Alert Brookline and Smart 911
• Approve $14,380 extra work order for Putterham Woods Trail parking lot
• Accept two $100,000 transportation earmarks for stanchions/flashing beacons and Bluebikes stations
• Approve hiring Police Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent

The Brookline Select Board voted 2-2 on December 2, 2025, to reappoint Chi Chi Wu to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations, so the motion failed. The Board approved a $19,200 homeland security grant for Alert Brookline and Smart 911, a $14,380 extra work order for the Putterham Woods Trail Project parking lot, two $100,000 transportation earmarks for stanchions/beacons and Bluebikes, two police hiring authorizations, a $33,000 MassDEP recycling grant, a comment request to the Legislature on H.4744 Section 94, and Michael Hecht as temporary Registrar of Voters. It also reappointed Alessia Contu to the DEI Commission 4-0 and approved meeting minutes as amended. The Board entered executive session to discuss the Coolidge Corner Theatre at 280–290 Harvard Street and executive session minutes.

• Voted 2-2 to reappoint Chi Chi Wu to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations; motion fails
• Voted 4-0 to reappoint Alessia Contu to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Relations for a term ending in 2028
• Approved as amended the meeting minutes of October 14, 2025 and November 18, 2025
• Approved accepting a $19,200.00 grant from the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region and the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management for Alert Brookline and Smart 911
• Approved an Extra Work Order related to PW/26-11 'Putterham Woods Trail Project' in the amount of $14,380.00 for work on the parking lot
• Approved accepting a $100,000 transportation earmark from the Fair Share Supplemental Budget for stanchions and rectangular rapid flashing beacons
• Approved accepting a $100,000 transportation earmark from the Fair Share Supplemental Budget for Bluebikes stations and bicycles
• Approved Authorization to Hire requests from the Chief of Police for Police Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee will discuss Section 2 of the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, hear updates on recent recycling events and a school composting launch, and approve 2026 meeting dates. The meeting is largely routine, with public comment and minutes approval.

• Discussion of CARP Section 2 'Resource Conservation and Management'
• Recap of 'Go Green After Halloween' event
• Recap of 'Town Hall Textile Recovery' event
• Update on composting launch at Baker School
• Approval of 2026 SWAC meeting dates

The committee approved the November 3, 2025 minutes and provided feedback on the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP) Section 2, with suggestions due by December 5. Staff reported successful fall events, including a textile recovery drive collecting over 2.15 tons, and Baker School composting reduced trash by 87%. No formal votes were taken on policy items.

• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Provided feedback on CARP Section 2; suggestions due by Dec 5
• Adjourned meeting at 7:28 PM (unanimous)

Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Relations

The Brookline Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations' Immigrant Advancement Committee is meeting remotely to vote on minutes, receive updates on town, state, and federal policy changes, and hear a presentation on Dignity Not Deportation, including a report from public hearings. The committee will also discuss next steps and take public comment.

• Presentation on Dignity Not Deportation and report from public hearings
• Updates on town, state advocacy/policy, and federal policy changes
• Vote on meeting minutes
• Public comment period

The Immigrant Advancement Committee of Brookline's CDEICR met and heard from Julia Schlozman, a JALSA attorney, about state immigration bills (SCA, ILDA, DND) facing a December 3 deadline, and about federal policy changes. The committee approved the November minutes and discussed outreach to daycare centers and senior living communities. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Approved November meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed outreach to daycare centers and senior living communities; no formal action taken

Economic Development Advisory Board

The Brookline Economic Development Advisory Board is meeting to discuss leadership succession planning, review a presentation on the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study, and receive staff updates on economic development staffing, a draft 2025 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report, parking studies, and other items. The board will also approve minutes from its November 3, 2025 meeting.

• Discussion of EDAB leadership succession planning
• Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study presentation
• Draft 2025 Commercial Area Vibrancy Report
• Brookline Village and Washington Square parking studies
• Fall Town Meeting Warrant Article 8 update

The Economic Development Advisory Board discussed the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study, including rezoning proposals and transportation alternatives. Staff confirmed the target for zoning is the Spring 2026 Town Meeting, with an article deadline in mid-February 2026. The board also discussed leadership succession planning and received staff updates, but took no formal votes on these items. The board approved the November 3, 2025 meeting minutes with a modification, 9-0-2.

• Approved November 3, 2025 meeting minutes with surname modification (9-0-2)
• Discussed Chestnut Hill rezoning; target set for Spring 2026 Town Meeting
• Noted RCUT at Hammond/Route 9 will not be emphasized with rezoning
• Agreed to hold bi-annual in-person meetings in June and November 2026
• Postponed 5-Year Strategic Work Plan update until spring due to staffing uncertainty

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss volunteer needs for upcoming meetings and logistics for the Library Director search, including questions for the search consultant and interim director. The agenda is procedural and contains no votes or public hearings.

• Volunteer needs for December 8 and 9 meetings
• Library Director search logistics, including questions for Search Consultant and Interim Director

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee will meet to review school space and capacity analysis, including PSB floor plans and enrollment data, and discuss the final report outline. The agenda is largely procedural, with items for approving minutes and updates from other workstreams.

• Review space/capacity analysis with PSB floor plans and school capacity information
• Review March 6, 2025 enrollment data
• Review final report outline from Charles Carey
• Approve minutes from November 10 and November 17, 2025 meetings

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee reviewed classroom utilization and capacity analyses, confirming 6 unused classrooms at Driscoll school. Members discussed potential efficiencies, including redistributing students, consolidating small classes, and possibly expanding the Winthrop House program. The group also reviewed its report outline and adopted a revised meeting schedule through February 2026.

• Approved minutes from 11/10/2025 and 11/17/2025 meetings
• Confirmed 6 unused classrooms at Driscoll school based on building plan review
• Adopted revised meeting schedule through February 2026
• Assigned Sadaf Kazmi to lead response to CliftonLarsonAllen report findings
• Scheduled budget review with PSB staff for 12/9 meeting

Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee

The Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee will discuss and vote on re-focusing the purpose of the December 1 event. The meeting is remote and open to the public. The next full meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 1 PM.

• Discussion and vote on re-focusing purpose of Dec 1 Event

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes from two prior meetings and hear updates from members. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 10, 2025
• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2025
• Review of updates from subcommittee members

Brookline Commission for the Arts

The Brookline Commission for the Arts is meeting to review and approve minutes from its Nov 5 meeting, hear the treasurer's report, discuss municipal matching funds, and conduct the first review of 2026 Local Cultural Council (LCC) grant applications. This is a working session focused on grant administration and funding decisions.

• Review and approve minutes of Nov 5, 2025 meeting
• Treasurer's report
• Municipal matching funds discussion
• First review of 2026 LCC grant applications

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will continue discussions on a revised draft memo about development revenue, a proposed report on capital improvement program (CIP) revenue, and the Brookline Municipal Solar Initiative. The agenda also includes continued talks on inflation and planning impacts, plus a review of the Futures Subcommittee report and task assignments. The meeting is largely a continuation of prior discussions, with no final votes or decisions listed.

• Continued discussion on B. Greene revised draft memo re Development Revenue
• Proposed Report on CIP Revenue
• Brookline Municipal Solar Initiative Presentation
• Discussion on Inflation and Planning Impacts
• Discussion on Futures Subcommittee Report and Task Assignments

The Futures Subcommittee discussed and refined a memo on development constraints and opportunities, adding action items and recommendations for efficiency and revenue generation. They also advanced solar initiatives, planning a consultant viability assessment and exploring municipal power options. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only decision was to approve prior meeting minutes (5-0).

• Approved minutes from 11.17.25 meeting (5-0)
• Agreed to send revised development memo to Planning Board chair, EDAB chair, and Building Commissioner for comments
• Agreed to draft an inflation section for overall recommendations
• Agreed to investigate Wellesley's municipal power system as a reference
• Scheduled Solar Working Group meeting for 11.24.25 to refine presentation package

ZEAB: Commercial Working Group

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board's Commercial Working Group is meeting virtually to review and edit the BERDI (Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Initiative) comprehensive FAQ document. The agenda includes a welcome, the FAQ review session, public comment, and adjournment. This is a working session focused on refining informational materials rather than making policy decisions.

• Review and edit BERDI Comprehensive FAQ 251117
• Public comment period at 10:50 AM
• Virtual meeting via Zoom

The Commercial Working Group reviewed and edited the draft BERDI FAQ line by line, making formatting and content clarifications. Alan Leviton will finalize the edits and circulate them to Nick Caramello and Michael Rubenstein for comment, with the goal of presenting the final draft at a regular ZEAB meeting. No public comment was received, and no substantive policy decisions were made.

• Reviewed and edited BERDI FAQ draft line by line
• Agreed to reflect that historic commercial buildings are unlikely to be a major issue in FAQ redraft
• Decided to minimize hyperlinks in FAQ text, limiting them to source lists
• Alan Leviton to finalize edits and circulate to Nick Caramello and Michael Rubenstein
• Agreed to present final FAQ draft at a regular ZEAB meeting

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will meet to receive an update from school administrative staff on the timeline for responding to information requests, follow up on data requests including the Brookline day budget, and discuss the final report outline and timeline presented by Town Administrator Chas Carey.

• Update from School Administrative staff on timeline for responding to information requests
• Follow up on data request: Brookline day budget
• Discussion of final E&RSC report outline from Town Administrator Chas Carey
• E&RSC Report Draft Outline and Timeline 11.21.2025

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee discussed a timeline for a possible override ballot question, with a March 31 deadline and a February 20 target for completing its work to allow Select Board review and a public hearing. Town Administrator Chas Carey said the Town's gap deficit is currently around $3.1 million, down from $3.6 million, and school administration committed to provide a projection of potential deficits and proposed reductions by December 4. The committee also discussed the draft final report outline, agreed to review it within subcommittees, and said the CLA audit report should be included as background context. No votes or formal decisions were recorded in these minutes.

• No formal votes or approvals recorded; discussion only
• School administration committed to provide deficit projection and proposed reductions by December 4
• Possible override vote discussed for May 5, 2026 local election; March 31 deadline, February 20 report target noted
• Committee agreed to review draft report outline within subcommittees
• Committee agreed CLA audit report should be included as background context in report

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will review and approve minutes, discuss the status of its website, and continue examining 'Big Topics' including community services that are not fully funded, such as sustainability, tree preservation, and senior transportation (noting ARPA funds end in 2026). They will also discuss consulting contract expenses, review proposed charts, and plan for the final report and ballot question timeline.

• Review of minutes from November 6 and November 13, 2025
• Discussion of unfunded community services (sustainability, tree preservation, senior transportation) with ARPA ending in 2026
• FY26 Consulting Budget Summary
• Discussion of 1981-1982 override work documents
• Request for detailed timeline for ballot question vote

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee subcommittee met to continue discussions on budget pressures, including unfunded service demands, a potential override request, and the costs of sustainability programs. No formal votes were taken on these topics; the only action was approving the November 13 minutes. The next meeting is scheduled for December 4.

• Approved minutes of November 13 meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for December 4 at 9:00 a.m.

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission will hold an in-person site visit and public meeting at 36 Francis Street to review and possibly vote on the installation of two mini-split units and associated line set. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Review and possible vote on installation of two mini-split units and associated line set at 36 Francis Street

The Brookline Preservation Commission subcommittee unanimously approved a revised design for HVAC equipment at 36 Francis Street. The approval includes relocating the front condenser under the side porch, running the line set tightly above the window casement on the Harrison Street elevation, and using the smallest possible line set covers. The vote was 3-0.

• Approved revised HVAC design at 36 Francis Street (3-0)

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission will review Community Preservation Act (CPA) applications in the Historic Preservation Funding Category, vote on historic significance, and write support letters. They will also discuss Warrant Article 7. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review of CPA applications in Historic Preservation Funding Category
• Vote on historic significance of CPA applications
• Write letters of support for CPA projects
• Discussion of Warrant Article 7

The Preservation Commission voted to write letters of support for four Community Preservation Act (CPA) historic-funds projects: repairing the remaining tombs at the Old Burying Ground, a conditions assessment of the Muddy River bridges, repairs to Temple Sinai's sanctuary steps, iron work and foundation, and restoration of the United Parish steeple. The Temple Sinai support was conditioned on including a design professional with historic preservation experience on the project team. No funding amounts were decided; the letters support project applications.

• Approved letter of support for Old Burying Ground Central Ave tomb repair (4-0)
• Approved letter of support for Muddy River Bridges Conditions Assessment (5-0)
• Approved letter of support for Temple Sinai Sanctuary Steps, Iron Work & Foundation, conditioned on a preservation-experienced design professional joining the team (5-0)
• Approved letter of support for United Parish Steeple Restoration (5-0)

MLK Celebration Committee

The Brookline MLK Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes from November 6 and discuss finalizing the poster image and title/content for MLK Day 2026, as well as the program timeline. They will also follow up on the possibility of a February event with Matthew Delmont.

• Approve minutes from 11/6/25
• Finalize poster image and title/content for MLK Day 2026
• Discuss program timeline for MLK Day 2026
• Follow up on possible February event with Matthew Delmont

The committee approved the minutes from the 11/6/25 meeting (5-0). They discussed but did not finalize the poster image, title, or program timeline for MLK Day 2026. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved minutes from 11/6/25 (5-0)

Pierce School Building Committee

The Pierce School Building Committee is meeting remotely to discuss construction progress, schedule, quality, budget, and design updates for the Pierce School project. The agenda includes approval of minutes from previous meetings and public comment. This is a routine project oversight meeting with no major decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from September 18 and October 30, 2025 meetings
• Construction updates: building progress, schedule, quality
• Budget updates
• Design updates
• Public comment period

The Pierce School Building Committee met on November 20, 2025 and received construction and budget updates but took no substantive votes. The committee could not vote on the 9/18 and 10/30 meeting minutes because it lacked a quorum, so they will be posted as drafts. The $211.9M overall budget still holds, with $196.6M committed and $48.79M spent, and recent budget revisions are expected to save the Town about $1M in State reimbursement. The committee agreed to skip a December meeting in favor of a written report, with the next meeting set for January 22, 2026.

• No quorum to vote on 9/18 and 10/30 minutes; posted as 'Draft' to the website
• Agreed to issue a written report in December instead of holding a December meeting
• Next meeting set for Thursday 1/22/26 at 4:30pm
• No Design Team updates this month
• Budget reported unchanged at $211.9M overall; $196.6M committed, $48.79M spent
• Budget revisions moved to line items expected to save about $1M in State reimbursement; requires another round of Town signatures

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Screening Committee will hold a Zoom meeting on November 19, 2025, to conduct interviews for the position of Library Director. The committee will move into executive session and not return to public session, meaning the interviews will be closed to the public. The agenda includes only this item, so the meeting is focused solely on the director search.

• Interviews for Library Director position
• Move to executive session (closed to public)
• Meeting held via Zoom (ID: 842 6635 2991)

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board Licensing Hearing Panel will consider several applications for changes of manager, owner interest, and lodging agents at various businesses. The agenda includes public comment, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a series of license-related approvals. Most items are routine administrative changes, with no major policy decisions or public hearings on substantive matters.

• Change of manager and owner interest for Brookline Dining Group LLC d/b/a Hamilton at 1366 Beacon Street
• Manager and alternate manager applications for NETA at 160 Washington Street
• Manager and alternate manager applications for Deezle Cannabis LLC at 1351 Beacon Street
• Change of lodging agent at 241 Kent Street and 44 Winslow Road
• Change of manager and officer/director for Gyu-Kaku BBQ Restaurant at 1002 Beacon Street

The Select Board Licensing Hearing Panel reviewed and recommended approval for several license changes, including manager and alternate manager applications for cannabis and restaurant establishments. One application for Deezle Cannabis was postponed. Conditional approvals were granted for lodging agent changes pending police and health department approvals.

• Approved minutes from October 15, 2025 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of manager change at 1366 Beacon Street (Hamilton)
• Recommended approval of manager and alternate manager at 160 Washington Street (NETA)
• Postponed manager applications for Deezle Cannabis at 1351 Beacon Street
• Recommended approval of alternate manager at 916 Commonwealth Ave (Sunset Cantina)
• Recommended approval of alternate manager at 6 Harvard Square (Garrison House)
• Conditionally approved lodging agent change at 241 Kent Street pending police/health approvals
• Conditionally approved lodging agent change at 44 Winslow Road pending police/health approvals

Zero Emissions Advisory Board

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board will consider and possibly vote on the Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap for the Climate Leaders application, including cost estimates, and on Section 94 of H.4744. The board will also discuss the Green Communities FY25 Annual Report and receive updates from the Municipal Solar Financial Working Group and the Sustainability and Natural Resources Division.

• Possible vote on Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap for Climate Leaders Application
• Possible vote on Section 94 of H.4744 (formerly H.3469)
• Discussion of Green Communities FY25 Annual Report
• Update from Municipal Solar Financial Working Group
• Approval of November 5, 2025 meeting minutes

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend the Select Board approve the Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap and submit it with the Climate Leaders Communities application. The board also voted unanimously to recommend the Select Board send a letter opposing Section 94 of H.4744 to state legislators. Minutes from November 5 were approved with an edit.

• Approved November 5 meeting minutes with edit (7-0)
• Recommended Select Board approve Decarbonization Roadmap for Climate Leaders application (7-0)
• Recommended Select Board send letter opposing Section 94 of H.4744 (7-0)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will discuss and possibly reconsider its previous votes on Warrant Article 19, a resolution regarding the use of the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office. A motion to table the article has been offered by three members. The committee may also reconsider other warrant articles if necessary.

• Reconsideration of WA 19 Resolution on 25th Amendment removal of Donald Trump
• Motion to lay on the table offered by Charles Homer, Mike Toffel, Bill Heinemann
• Possible reconsideration of other warrant articles
• Public comment period (5 minutes)

The Advisory Committee voted 10-8, with no abstentions, to recommend that Town Meeting lay on the table WA 19, a resolution on using the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office. It also voted 12-2 with 2 abstentions to favor an anonymous vote at Town Meeting if the tabling motion fails, and 8-2 with 9 abstentions to favor WA 19 if the tabling motion fails. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.

• Recommended Town Meeting lay WA 19 on the table (10-8, no abstentions)
• Recommended favorable action on an anonymous vote at Town Meeting if tabling fails (12-2, 2 abstentions)
• Recommended favorable action on WA 19 if tabling fails (8-2, 9 abstentions)

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission is holding a remote subcommittee meeting to review and possibly vote on outstanding items in the renovation application for 129 Walnut Street. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review and possible vote on outstanding renovation items for 129 Walnut Street

The Brookline Preservation Commission subcommittee approved the proposed window replacement drawings for 129 Walnut Street, with all three commissioners voting in favor. Approval of other exterior elements—window wells, rear bay reconstruction, and front light fixture—was deferred pending submission of drawings or mockups by the applicant.

• Approved submitted window replacement drawings (3-0)
• Deferred approval of window well, rear bay, and front light fixture pending drawings

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss the Library Director Search. The agenda contains only three items: convening the meeting, the director search discussion, and adjournment. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Library Director Search discussion

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Screening Committee is meeting to conduct interviews for the position of Library Director. The committee will move into executive session and will not return to public session, meaning the interviews will be held privately.

• Interviews for Library Director position
• Move to executive session, no return to public session

Age Friendly Cities Committee

The Age Friendly Cities Committee is meeting remotely to approve prior minutes, welcome a new member, and discuss reenrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The agenda includes a guest presentation on Age-Friendly Health Systems and the 4Ms framework, plus discussions on goals, pedestrian safety, and information dissemination. The meeting is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no major decisions or votes listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 14, 2025 meeting
• David Deisadze to be sworn in as new citizen member
• Discussion of reenrollment in AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
• Guest Alice Bonner, PhD, RN, to speak on Age-Friendly Health Systems and 4Ms framework
• Review of potential guest speakers and topics including accessory dwelling units and memory cafes

The Age-Friendly Cities Committee approved its September 17, 2025 minutes (10-0-0), designated Matt Weiss as note taker and co-host and John Seay as co-host, and learned that David Deisadze will be sworn in as a new citizen member. The committee discussed forming a two-person subcommittee to write its AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities reenrollment application and assigned topic leads for transportation, housing, communication, and health. Guest Alice Bonner presented on Age-Friendly Health Systems and the "4Ms" framework; no formal votes were recorded on the health system or pedestrian safety items, which were discussion only.

• Approved minutes of the September 17, 2025 meeting (10-0-0)
• Designated Matt Weiss as note taker and co-host
• Designated John Seay as co-host
• Assigned plan topic leads: Transportation – Carol and Sebastian; Housing – Inge and Henry; Communication – Matt and John S.; Health – Margo
• Discussed forming a 2-person subcommittee to write the AARP reenrollment application (no vote recorded)
• Heard that David Deisadze will be sworn in at the 11/18/25 Select Board meeting as a new AFCC citizen member
• Discussed pedestrian safety on the Beacon Street Bridal Path and pedestrian lighting; research deferred to next meeting
• Transportation subcommittee reported capping 2026 medical rides at 3 monthly round trips due to limited funds

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Curriculum and Policy Subcommittees will hold a joint remote meeting to review and discuss the proposed competency determination for the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB), including any required changes to Brookline High School (BHS) graduation requirements. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at approximately 5:45 PM, after which the Policy Subcommittee will continue under a separately posted agenda.

• Review and discussion of proposed competency determination for PSB
• Potential changes to BHS graduation requirements

The joint Policy Review and Curriculum Subcommittees reviewed a draft Competency Determination policy required by DESE, with a December 31, 2025 submission deadline. They agreed to exclude specific course numbers from the policy, referencing the BHS Course of Study instead, and to include introductory language about when determinations are made. The policy will be presented to the full School Committee for adoption in December. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was procedural and discussion-only.

• Agreed to exclude specific course numbers from the Competency Determination policy
• Agreed to reference the BHS Course of Study for courses meeting the CD
• Agreed to include introductory language on timing of determinations (end of 10th grade for ELA/Math/Science, end of 11th for US History)
• Suggested including options for meeting CD via course recovery/summer school
• Agreed to revise BHS Graduation Requirements (Policy I 1 f) to reference the CD policy
• Suggested replacing Policy I 1 g (MCAS Related Graduation Document) with the CD policy

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Policy Review Subcommittee will meet remotely to review and possibly vote on draft policies for building usage and access, and instructional materials. The agenda also includes discussion of a personal electronic device policy and a potential policy on acceptable use of AI. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Draft Building Usage and Access Policy: review, discussion, possible vote
• Draft Instructional Materials Policy: review, discussion, possible vote
• Personal Electronic Device Policy (new business)
• Potential Policy on Acceptable Use of AI (discussion only)
• Approval of October 21, 2025 minutes

The Policy Review Subcommittee discussed a draft Building Access and Usage Policy but took no vote on it. Members agreed to have Ms. Nobrega edit the draft and share it with the Superintendent for further feedback. The subcommittee also discussed potential revisions to the Personal Electronic Device Policy and a possible AI policy, but deferred both topics.

• Approved minutes of October 21, 2025 meeting (2-0-1)
• Discussed draft Building Access and Usage Policy; no vote taken
• Agreed Ms. Nobrega will edit draft policy and share with Superintendent
• Agreed to leave AI policy topic at staff level for now
• Deferred discussion on Personal Electronic Device Policy revisions

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will vote on adopting the 2026 fiscal year tax classification percentages and the Residential Exemption percentage. The board will also consider several other items, including appointing a committee for the Larz Anderson Skating Rink design, accepting a $1,000 sponsorship, and reviewing warrant articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

• Vote on 2026 tax classification percentages and Residential Exemption
• Appoint Committee of Seven for Larz Anderson Skating Rink design
• Accept $1,000 sponsorship from Brookline Community Foundation
• Reconsider Article 7: Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District zoning
• Reconsider Article 9: renter's handbook general bylaw

The Select Board voted unanimously to set the residential exemption at 20% and adopt the minimum residential factor of .925449 for FY2026, with tax rates of $10.24 per thousand for residential and $17.16 for commercial properties. The board also approved the 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan, appointed a committee for the Larz Anderson Skating Rink design, and voted favorable action on several warrant articles for Special Town Meeting, including the Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District and a renter's handbook. All votes were unanimous except for the renter's handbook, which passed 4-1.

• Adopted 20% residential exemption and FY2026 tax rates ($10.24 residential, $17.16 commercial) (5-0)
• Approved 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan and letter of support (5-0)
• Appointed Committee of Seven for Larz Anderson Skating Rink design (5-0)
• Accepted $1,000 sponsorship from Brookline Community Foundation (5-0)
• Approved financial interest disclosure for Daniel Lipton (5-0)
• Voted favorable action on Article 7 (Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District) (5-0)
• Voted favorable action on Article 18 (public meeting recording resolution) (5-0)
• Voted favorable action on Article 9 (renter's handbook) (4-1)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee is holding a public meeting to discuss, review, and possibly reconsider previous votes on warrant articles, along with other business. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific items listed for decision.

• Public comment period (5 minutes)
• Discussion and possible reconsideration of previous warrant article votes
• Other business

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Screening Committee is meeting to conduct interviews for the position of Library Director. The agenda indicates the committee will move into executive session and not return to public session, meaning the interviews will be held privately.

• Interviews for Library Director position
• Move to executive session and not return to public session

Retirement Board

The Brookline Retirement Board is meeting to discuss and vote on several investment and administrative matters, including a vote on the PRIM Private Equity Vintage Year 2026 (PEVY 2026) investment. The board will also receive updates on legal services, staffing, cyber insurance, and other operational items, and will approve prior month's minutes, payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses.

• Vote on PRIM Private Equity Vintage Year 2026 (PEVY 2026)
• Update on Legal Services RFP
• Cyber Insurance update
• Approve October minutes, pension payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses
• PERAC Fraud Poster and Memo/Training reminder

Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group

The Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group is meeting jointly with the Economic Development Advisory Board's CHCAS Ad-Hoc Subcommittee. They will receive project updates, review draft design guidelines, and discuss proposed multimodal capacity and safety improvements for the commercial area. Public comment is scheduled.

• Draft CHCAS Design Guidelines presentation by Staff & Sasaki
• Proposed Multi-Modal Capacity and Safety Improvements by Kittelson & Associates
• CHCAS Project Update by Economic Development Director Meredith L. Mooney
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)

Town / School Partnership Committee

The Town/School Partnership Committee is meeting to discuss the November 2025 school enrollment report, group health budget projections, MBTA Communities Act impacts on development and revenue, and five-year revenue projections. The agenda is primarily informational and discussion-focused, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Presentation and discussion of November 2025 school enrollment report
• Discussion of group health budget and current projections
• Discussion of MBTA Communities Act impacts on development and revenue projections
• Discussion of current five-year revenue projections

Advisory Council of Public Health

The Advisory Council of Public Health is holding a public hearing to discuss and receive comment on topics within its jurisdiction, including a presentation on Warrant Article 8 (no vote), food insecurity, and updates from the department. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, introduction of a Human Service Navigator, and a CHIP update.

• Public hearing and comment period
• Warrant Article 8 discussion (no vote) with related documents
• Introduction of Brookline PH&HS Human Service Navigator
• Food insecurity discussion
• CHIP update

The Advisory Council of Public Health approved the October 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed, but did not vote on, Warrant Article 8 regarding artificial light at night, hearing public comment and reviewing potential health impacts. The council also introduced the new PH&HS navigator and discussed food insecurity and other updates.

• Approved October 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Warrant Article 8 on artificial light at night (no vote)
• Introduced new PH&HS navigator Eliza Dodge Usen
• Discussed rising food insecurity in Brookline

Economic Development Advisory Board

The Economic Development Advisory Board, meeting jointly with the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group, will receive updates on the study's progress, design guidelines, and proposed multimodal transportation improvements. Public comment is scheduled. This is a discussion and update meeting, not a final decision-making session.

• Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study project update
• Design Guidelines update by staff and Sasaki
• Proposed Multi-Modal Capacity and Safety Improvements by Kittelson & Associates
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees' Library Functions Committee will convene via Zoom to discuss policies on meeting room use, noise levels, and photography/filming, as well as building-related topics including the 'Rabbit Hole.' No votes are scheduled; the agenda consists of discussion items only.

• Discussion of Meeting Room Policy
• Discussion of Noise Level Policy
• Discussion of Photography and Filming Policy
• Rabbit Hole and other building discussion

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is meeting to review the BEEP analysis and other member work updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the BEEP analysis review.

• Review BEEP analysis
• Approve minutes from November 10, 2025 meeting

The Schools Subcommittee of Brookline's Expenditure and Revenue Study Committee met on November 17, 2025 but took no substantive actions. The planned analysis of BEEP was not discussed because the presentation was not finalized, and members said they could not yet make definitive statements on their assigned topics. The November 10, 2025 minutes were not ready, and the chair reviewed the schedule for meetings on November 24, December 1 and December 9. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:15 PM.

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss, review, and possibly reconsider previous votes on several warrant articles, including a renter's handbook, nuisance lighting, a Clark Road zoning overlay, and resolutions on meeting recordings and the 25th Amendment. The committee may also take up other business. Public comment is limited to 5 minutes.

• WA 9: Create renter's handbook (General By-Laws Article 3.12B)
• WA 8: New by-law to address nuisance lighting
• WA 7: Amend Zoning By-Law to create Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District
• WA 18: Resolution on recordings of public meetings
• WA 19: Resolution on 25th Amendment removal of Donald Trump

The Advisory Committee voted to reconsider and then recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 9, which creates a renter's handbook, with amendments to clarify the role of constables and process servers. The committee also reconsidered and recommended favorable action on Warrant Article 7, which creates a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District, with minor changes. Motions to reconsider previous votes on Warrant Articles 18, 8, and 19 failed or were deferred.

• Reconsidered WA 9 (renter's handbook) (23-0-0)
• Recommended favorable action on WA 9 as amended (21-0-2)
• Reconsidered WA 7 (Clark Road Overlay District) (21-0-3)
• Recommended favorable action on WA 7 as printed in supplement (21-1-2)
• Motion to reconsider WA 18 (meeting recordings) failed (8-13-2)
• Motion to reconsider WA 8 (nuisance lighting) failed (10-15-0)
• Deferred action on WA 19 (25th Amendment resolution) to Nov 19

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will discuss a revised memo on development and revenue enhancement, including a draft on commercial development. They will also review a presentation on a town-owned solar initiative and a first draft on inflation impacts and Prop 2-1/2. The meeting includes approval of minutes and discussion of a futures subcommittee report.

• Discussion of Development and Revenue Enhancement revised Memo by B. Greene
• Draft on Commercial Development
• Town-owned Solar Initiative Presentation by Sustainability Division and ZEAB
• Review First Draft on Inflation Impacts and Prop 2-1/2 by S. Modigliani
• Discussion of Futures subcommittee Report content

The Futures Subcommittee held a preliminary discussion on a town-owned solar PV initiative, with a working draft analysis estimating $25 million in upfront costs and $41 million in lifetime net savings. No formal decisions were made; the subcommittee postponed further consideration of Bernard Greene's development revenue memo until the next meeting and approved the prior meeting's minutes (3-0). The solar initiative will be further assessed by the Solar Working Group, with recommendations to the Select Board possible by early December.

• Approved minutes from November 12 meeting (3-0)
• Postponed discussion of development revenue memo to next meeting
• Directed Solar Working Group to conduct detailed feasibility assessment of solar sites
• Directed Solar Working Group to identify consultant for town-wide solar assessment
• Directed Solar Working Group to investigate SMART program benefits
• Directed Solar Working Group to prepare potential budget request for FY26
• Directed Solar Working Group to prepare summary for expenditure/revenue report
• Directed Lincoln to follow up with bond counsel on tax-exempt status for solar equipment

Metro Public Health Collaborative

The Metro Public Health Collaborative, serving Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, and Newton, is holding its monthly meeting. The advisory board will vote on prior minutes, receive updates, and discuss IMA revisions and the rollout of a Regional Epidemiologist position. The general session will cover food and housing trainings, retail program standards, and recovery coaching updates.

• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes
• Update on status of IMA revisions
• Discuss roll-out of Regional Epidemiologist position
• Updates on MADPH Food and Housing trainings
• Updates on Regional Recovery Coaching program

The Metro Public Health Collaborative approved its October 17, 2025 minutes unanimously and received updates on several programs. A verbal offer for a regional epidemiologist was accepted, with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2025, pending HR onboarding and background checks. The group also discussed the Opioid Abatement Collaborative MOU amendment, which awaits Brookline legal review, and reviewed updates on tiered training, FDA retail food standards, and the regional recovery coach program. No new business was noted.

• Approved October 17, 2025 minutes unanimously by voice vote
• Accepted verbal offer for regional epidemiologist; start date anticipated 12/1/2025 pending HR onboarding and background checks
• Agreed to initial onboarding for epidemiologist including one-week rotation in each community, starting in Brookline
• Opioid Abatement Collaborative MOU amendment: Newton and Arlington legal teams approved; Brookline legal review pending

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is meeting remotely to review and possibly vote on warrant articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting, including a zoning change to create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District and reconsiderations of a nuisance lighting by-law and naming a baseball diamond. The agenda is primarily procedural, focusing on these specific items.

• Warrant Article 7: Amend Zoning By-Law Section 5.06.4 to create Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District
• Reconsideration of Article 8: General By-Law on nuisance lighting
• Reconsideration of Article 10: Name Warren Field baseball diamond 'Campagna Diamond' after Joseph Campagna

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss outstanding issues related to the Library Director search. The agenda includes convening, discussion, and adjournment, with no other substantive items.

• Discussion of outstanding issues related to Director Search

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Communications Working Group is meeting remotely to approve minutes from its October 6 meeting and discuss a draft School Committee Member Handbook. The agenda also includes new business and adjournment. This is a routine working-group meeting focused on internal committee operations.

• Approval of October 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of draft School Committee Member Handbook

The Communications Working Group discussed a draft School Committee Member Handbook, prepared by Sarah Moghtader, and made edits to update language and remove redundancies. They agreed to incorporate the School Committee Norms and Goals adopted on January 21, 2021. No formal decisions were made; the next draft will be prepared by Mariah Nobrega and final edits by Moghtader before the next meeting.

• Reviewed draft School Committee Member Handbook and made edits
• Agreed to incorporate School Committee Norms and Goals into handbook
• Set next meeting for December 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM via Zoom

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will discuss major budget topics including staffing levels, revenue opportunities, and expenditure reductions. They will also review consulting contracts and the status of their website. The meeting is largely a working session to refine these topics for future recommendations.

• Review of staffing and pay levels, including potential FTE reductions
• Discussion of revenue opportunities such as property taxes, fees, and traffic enforcement
• Proposal to budget overtime costs in departmental budgets instead of reserve funds
• Review of consulting contracts to town departments
• Discussion of unfunded community services, including transportation for seniors (ARPA ends 2026)

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Town Subcommittee met on November 13, 2025, to discuss cost-cutting and revenue options; no motions, votes, or formal decisions are recorded in the minutes. Chas Carey said proposed fire department staffing reductions would proceed regardless of whether the town seeks a voter override, and he described potential service impacts including longer building inspector wait times, reduced rodent control, less health department programming, cancellation of the farmer's market, and slower tax processing. He presented an estimate that raising parking fines by $10 could generate around $975,000 annually, and said a detailed analysis would be circulated. The subcommittee also discussed Brookline Day costs, employee benefits restructuring (which he said would require 70% voter approval), and transportation and budget transparency items, with follow-up tasks assigned to staff.

• No formal decisions, motions, or votes are recorded in the minutes
• Chas Carey to provide total Brookline Day costs to the committee
• Chas Carey to circulate parking violation fee increase analysis and model next week
• Chas Carey to compile and circulate list of major revenue opportunities with estimated amounts
• Chas Carey to circulate pay level studies and comparisons by end of week or start of next week
• Chas Carey to circulate the consulting contracts spreadsheet to the group
• Subcommittee to continue discussion about override timing at next meeting on Thursday the 20th
• Chas Carey to present a concrete proposal on changing employee benefit allocations at a December meeting

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee is meeting to discuss a revised timeline for its recommendations and reporting, receive updates from subcommittees on topics like public safety overtime, and outline a final report. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 6, 2025
• Discussion of revised timeline for recommendations and reporting
• Data requests
• Update on Public Safety Overtime subcommittee
• Discussion of final report outline

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee approved its October 6, 2025 minutes on a 4-0 vote with 4 abstentions. The group discussed whether a full report could be ready by January, noting detailed school budget data would not be available until late January, and considered a modified, phased timeline. Subcommittees reported on staffing, revenue ideas, and potential impacts if an override does not pass, and the committee agreed to draft a report outline for its next meeting. No budget, override, or policy decisions were voted on.

• Approved October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0, 4 abstained)
• Agreed to create a draft final report outline and discuss it at the next meeting
• Agreed to review the solar initiative presentation scheduled for the 17th
• No vote taken on revised reporting timeline; phased approach only suggested
• No vote taken on revenue or expenditure reduction ideas discussed by subcommittees

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss outstanding issues related to the Director Search. The agenda includes convening, discussion, and adjournment, with no other substantive items.

• Discussion of outstanding issues related to Director Search

Brookline Youth Council

The Brookline Youth Council is meeting to review and vote on a statement to the School Committee regarding the 2026-2027 school calendar. The agenda also includes other business and a call to order. This is a routine meeting with one substantive item.

• Vote to approve statement and representation to School Committee on 2026-2027 calendar
• Review of BYC statement to School Committee on 2026-2027 calendar year

The Brookline Youth Council voted 5-0 to have Kai Dubin represent the council and read its statement at the November 13, 2025 School Committee meeting. A second 5-0 vote approved reading that statement, which responded to a Google form on options for the 2026-2027 School Committee calendar. The council also discussed a subcommittee on anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools, with no action recorded. The meeting adjourned at 5:20pm.

• Approved having Kai Dubin represent the Youth Council and read its statement at the 11.13.2025 School Committee meeting (5-0)
• Approved reading the statement at the 11.13.2025 School Committee meeting (5-0)
• Discussed a subcommittee on anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools; no vote recorded

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee will hold a regular meeting with consent agenda items, administrative business, and public comment. Key items include a vote on the 2026-2027 school district calendar, budget reports for FY25 and FY26, a five-year budget projection, and a response to a state finding on special education disproportionality. The committee will also consider accepting two gifts and authorizing alcohol service at a reunion.

• Vote on 2026-2027 school calendar (Options C, D, E, F)
• FY25 Budget Close Report and FY26 1st Quarter Budget Report
• PSB 5-Year Budget Projection
• Response to DESE finding of significant disproportionality in special education identification
• Acceptance of gifts: $5,000 for ACE Program Scholarship Fund and $8,950 for Senior Essay Workshop

The Brookline School Committee voted 7-2 to approve the 2026-2027 school calendar (Option C), which maintains Category I holiday closures and sets the first day for students on September 3, 2026, and the last day on June 21, 2027. The committee also unanimously approved consent agenda items, two gift acceptances, and a request to allow alcohol service at a BHS reunion. Financial reports were presented, including the FY25 budget close with a deficit and the FY26 first quarter report.

• Approved 2026-2027 Calendar Option C (7-2)
• Approved October 22, 2025 meeting record (9-0)
• Approved November 7, 2025 Accounts Payable Report (9-0)
• Accepted $5,000 gift from Larry Jordan Jr. for ACE Program Scholarship Fund (9-0)
• Accepted $8,950 gift from BHS PTO for Senior Essay Workshop (9-0)
• Authorized BHS Class of 1995 to serve alcohol at reunion on Nov. 29, 2025 (9-0)
• Approved entering executive session for collective bargaining and minutes review (9-0)

Centre Street Lots Committee

The Centre Street Lots Committee is meeting to hear a consultant's presentation on the implementation roadmap for the Centre Street lots, discuss staff recommendations for next steps, and review objectives for a Select Board presentation. The agenda also includes approval of the October 16, 2025 meeting minutes and public comment.

• Consultant presentation on Implementation Roadmap
• Staff recommendations for next steps
• Select Board presentation objectives
• Approval of October 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Council on Aging

The Brookline Council on Aging is holding a hybrid meeting on November 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The agenda includes routine items such as approving the minutes from the October 8 meeting, public comment, and reports from various committees and departments. No substantive decisions or proposals are listed.

• Vote to accept minutes of October 8, 2025 meeting
• Reports from Nominating Committee, Springwell, Recreation Department, Department of Health & Human Services, Select Board, COA Director
• Public comment period
• Next regular hybrid meeting scheduled for December 10, 2025

Advisory Committee

This Advisory Committee Capital Subcommittee meeting has been canceled. It was scheduled to review definitions of 'deferred maintenance' and 'capital improvement' and discuss reclassification of the PSB FY 2027–FY 2032 Capital Improvement Plan. No decisions will be made at this canceled session.

• Meeting canceled
• Agenda included review of 'deferred maintenance' and 'capital improvement' definitions
• Agenda included reclassification of PSB FY 2027–FY 2032 Capital Improvement Plan

School Committee

The Finance and Capital Projects Subcommittee will meet remotely to review the FY26 first-quarter budget report, discuss capital projects including the Brookline Music School Recital Hall expansion, and consider two gifts totaling $13,950. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a new position report.

• Gift of $5,000 from Larry Jordan, Jr. for BHS ACE Program Scholarship Fund
• Gift of $8,950 from BHS PTO for Senior Essay Workshop
• FY26 Q1 Budget Report review and discussion
• Brookline Music School Recital Hall Expansion Project
• CIP update and Summer Mini-CIP deferred maintenance projects

The Finance and Capital Projects Subcommittee voted 4-0 to recommend that the full School Committee approve the Brookline Music School's Recital Hall Expansion Proposal, an $800,000 project at 25 Kennard Road fully paid for by BMS. The subcommittee also voted 3-0 to recommend acceptance of two gifts totaling $13,950 and approved its October 16, 2025 minutes. It reviewed the FY26 Quarter 1 financial report and a new position report; no other final decisions were made, and the BMS proposal goes to the full School Committee on December 4, 2025.

• Recommended full School Committee approval of Brookline Music School Recital Hall Expansion, $800,000, BMS-funded (4-0)
• Recommended accepting $5,000 gift from Larry Jordan, Jr. for BHS ACE Program Scholarship Fund (3-0)
• Recommended accepting $8,950 gift from BHS PTO for BHS Senior Essay Workshop (3-0)
• Approved minutes of the October 16, 2025 Finance and Capital Projects Subcommittee meeting (3-0)
• Reviewed FY26 Quarter 1 financial report; no vote recorded
• Reviewed New Position Report; no vote recorded

Brookline Commission on Disability

The Brookline Commission on Disability will convene to approve meeting minutes, elect new leadership, and discuss an open member position. The agenda also includes updates on a variance at 1026 Commonwealth Ave and reports from liaisons and the ADA Coordinator.

• Leadership elections for the Commission
• Open member position on the Commission
• Update on 1026 Commonwealth Ave variance
• Approval of minutes from multiple subcommittee and variance meetings
• ADA Coordinator update

The Brookline Commission on Disability elected James Lee as Chair, Henry Winkelman as Deputy Chair, and Saralynn Allaire as Treasurer, all by unanimous votes. The commission also approved minutes from the October 29 variance meeting and the September and October 2025 general meetings, but tabled approval of the ADA Parking Subcommittee minutes. No public comment was received.

• Elected James Lee as Chair (7-0)
• Elected Henry Winkelman as Deputy Chair (7-0)
• Elected Saralynn Allaire as Treasurer (7-0)
• Approved minutes from October 29, 2025 Variance Meeting (6-0-1)
• Approved September 2025 BCOD meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved October 2025 BCOD meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Tabled approval of ADA Parking Subcommittee minutes from 9.9.2025

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission will meet to approve prior minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on a tree preservation warrant article, parks and open space, and recreation. The previously scheduled vote on the golf course driving range lighting project has been postponed and will not be discussed.

• Postponed vote on proposed golf course driving range lighting project
• Update on Warrant Article 17 – Resolution to Strengthen Town’s Tree Preservation Practices
• Parks and Open Space Division update
• Recreation Department update
• Review of 2026 meeting dates

The Park and Recreation Commission approved its October 14, 2025 meeting minutes 6-1 and then adjourned. The scheduled vote on the proposed golf course driving range lighting project was postponed to a later date and was not discussed. The rest of the meeting consisted of updates and public comment, including on a proposed outdoor public pool feasibility study, Warrant Article 17 on tree preservation, and department reports.

• Approved October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (6-1; Mooney abstained, Bernard absent from voting)
• Golf course driving range lighting project vote postponed to a later date; not discussed at this meeting
• Adjourned (all in favor)

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees will hold a hybrid meeting to approve minutes, receive reports from the Treasurer and Library Director, and discuss committee updates. The main substantive item is a review of the Collection Development Policy under New Business. The rest of the agenda is routine procedural business.

• Approval of meeting minutes from 10/16/2025
• Treasurer's report
• Library Director's report with statistical update
• Trustee committee reports (Screening, Development, Functions)
• Discussion of Collection Development Policy

Human Resources Board

The Brookline Human Resources Board is meeting virtually to consider a consent agenda that includes approving two position reclassifications (Paralegal and Legal Assistant) and the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting. The HR Director will also provide updates from the HR Department. The meeting is primarily procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Consent agenda: reclassification of Paralegal position
• Consent agenda: reclassification of Legal Assistant position
• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2025
• HR Director updates

Transportation Board

The Brookline Transportation Board will hold a regular meeting to approve consent agenda items, including temporary parking permits for a family shelter and adjusted overnight parking hours for Lot 13. The board will also discuss the draft Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and a potential transition to pay-by-license-plate parking meters and mobile apps.

• Approval of temporary parking permits for up to 9 months for residents of the family shelter at 32 Centre Street
• Adjusted resident overnight parking permit hours for Lot 13 (Town Hall Lot) from 8:00 PM-9:00 AM to 6:00 PM-7:30 AM
• Exemption request for a resident daytime parking permit for Eliot Crescent by residents of 5 Eliot Avenue
• Discussion of the draft Climate Action and Resiliency Plan
• Discussion on transitioning parking meters and mobile apps to pay-by-license-plate

The Brookline Transportation Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included approving the October 8, 2025 minutes, a policy for temporary parking permits for shelter residents, adjusted overnight parking hours for Lot 13, and a daytime parking permit exemption for Eliot Crescent. The board also held discussions on the draft Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and transitioning to pay-by-plate parking meters, but took no action on these items.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved October 8, 2025 minutes
• Approved policy for temporary parking permits for shelter residents at 32 Centre Street
• Approved adjusted overnight parking hours for Lot 13 (8 PM-9 AM to 6 PM-7:30 AM)
• Approved daytime parking permit exemption for Eliot Crescent residents

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee is meeting to continue reviewing prior identified subjects, including schools, healthcare, commercial opportunities, K-8 models, space utilization, solar initiatives, and inflation effects. The agenda also includes approving minutes from two prior meetings and setting the meeting schedule. No votes on new expenditures or revenues are listed.

• Approve minutes from November 3 and November 7, 2025
• Review schools and healthcare updates (V. Frias, C. Carey)
• Discuss commercial opportunities (B. Greene)
• Review K-8 models, buffers, growth nodes (S. Kazmi)
• Discuss solar initiatives and inflation effects (S. Modigliani)

The Futures Subcommittee of Brookline's Expenditure and Revenue Study Committee met and approved prior meeting minutes (4-0). Members reviewed progress on eight initiatives, concluding that two are likely to be completed (development memo, inflation write-up), one is a maybe (solar), and five related to school items are unlikely within the current timeframe. They agreed to discuss the revised timeline and recommendations at the full committee meeting on Nov. 13, with the subcommittee report due Dec. 1 and the final report to the Select Board due Dec. 15. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy decisions.

• Approved minutes from Nov. 3 and Nov. 7 meetings (4-0, 1 absent)
• Confirmed parish houses cannot be taxed (discussion, no vote)
• Scheduled solar initiative presentation for Nov. 17
• Agreed to move school model discussion to school subcommittee
• Set Dec. 1 target for subcommittee report to full committee
• Set Dec. 15 deadline for final report to Select Board
• Agreed to discuss state aid lobbying at Town-School Partnership meeting Nov. 17

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting remotely to vote on entering an executive session. The purpose is to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the Brookline Educators Union Unit A, Unit B, and the Paraprofessional Unit, citing that an open meeting could harm the Committee's bargaining position. No other business is on the agenda.

• Vote to enter executive session under MGL ch. 30A, sec. 21(a), purpose 3
• Discussion of strategy with Brookline Educators Union Unit A, Unit B, and Paraprofessional Unit

The Negotiations Subcommittee voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) for Unit A, Unit B, and the Paraprofessional Unit. The subcommittee did not return to open session, and no substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Voted to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy (2-0)

Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee is holding a virtual public meeting to review a draft scope of work for a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an architectural and community engagement consultant. The committee also plans to approve minutes from its October 20, 2025 meeting. The work pertains to town-owned lots at 110, 124, and 150 Fisher Avenue and 146 Hyslop Road.

• Review draft scope of work for RFP for architectural and community engagement consultant
• Approve minutes from October 20, 2025 meeting
• Public comment on the noticed topic
• Discussion of town-owned lots at 110, 124, 150 Fisher Avenue and 146 Hyslop Road

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee accepted its 10/20/2025 minutes with edits and reviewed a draft RFP for a site planning consultant. Staff announced a $150,000 State Housing Choice grant to hire consultants for community engagement, test fits, and shuttle service models; the Select Board must formally accept it before an RFP can be issued. Members discussed priorities including municipal campus planning, clarifying the committee's role in engagement, and whether to explore land disposition and mixed-income housing. No final decisions were made on the RFP or site uses.

• Accepted 10/20/2025 meeting minutes with edits expanding on public comment about outdoor pools
• Reviewed draft RFP for site planning consultant; no approval recorded
• Announced $150,000 State Housing Choice grant; Select Board acceptance required before RFP issuance

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes, discuss additional requests for Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) administration, review responses to prior questions, and assess progress on subcommittee topics. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 27 and November 3, 2025
• Additional requests for PSB administration
• Responses from PSB administration to questions from last week
• Review progress on sub-committee topics

The Schools Subcommittee of the Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee approved its October 27 and November 3 minutes by unanimous vote and discussed progress on topics including teaching loads, class sizes, special education costs, and revenue options. No new spending or policy decisions were made; the group set a timeline for School Committee budget numbers on November 13 and more detail on December 4, and scheduled a meeting with Dr. Wong for December 9. The chair said the original timeline is not realistic and will raise options with the full committee on November 13.

• Approved October 27, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved November 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to invite a data science expert to future subcommittee meetings
• Set subcommittee meeting with Dr. Wong for December 9
• Chair to raise timeline options with full committee on November 13

Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee

The Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes, hear public comment, and evaluate feedback on Indigenous Peoples Day 2025. They will also discuss upcoming events, including a book club selection and a December 1st reception for a directory launch.

• Approve minutes from 10/10/25
• Evaluation/feedback discussion on IPD 2025
• Book Club #13 book and date selection
• December 1st reception (directory launch)

The committee voted unanimously to prefer Ridley School as the venue for next year's Indigenous Peoples Day event, based on a post-mortem of the 2025 event. They also selected Joy Harjo's 'Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light' as the next book club read, scheduled for Jan 4, 2026. No public comment was received, and no formal decisions were made on the land acknowledgement proposal, which remains under discussion.

• Voted unanimously to prefer Ridley School as venue for next IPD event
• Selected Joy Harjo's 'Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light' for next book club (Jan 4, 2026)
• Scheduled White Snake reception for Dec 1 at Hunneman Hall, 6pm
• Agreed to continue discussion on editing land acknowledgement

Community Preservation Act Committee

The Community Preservation Act Committee will hold a public hearing to approve minutes, receive status reports on FY25, FY26, and FY27 grants, and finalize the rubric for reviewing applications. The committee will also review its website materials and discuss upcoming meeting dates.

• Approval of October 20, 2025 minutes
• Status report on FY25 grants
• Update on FY26 grants
• Update on FY27 grant cycle, including report on Open Space applications
• Finalize rubric for application review

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission will hold public hearings on certificates of appropriateness for alterations in local historic districts, requests to lift demolition stays, and partial demolition applications. The commission will also consider writing a letter supporting public benefits incentives for a proposed project at 40 Kent and 40 Webster, and vote on appointing a commissioner to the Larz Anderson selection committee.

• 36 Francis Street: mini-splits and conduit installation (Lawrence LHD)
• 295 Reservoir Road: window replacement and door-to-window conversion (Chestnut Hill LHD)
• 54 White Place: request to lift stay of demolition
• 1495 Beacon Street: partial demolition application
• 40 Kent & 40 Webster: potential letter supporting public benefits incentives

The Brookline Preservation Commission approved several demolition-related requests, including lifting the stay at 7 Cedar Road and upholding significance findings at 1495 Beacon Street and 11 Naples Road. It denied a window replacement at 295 Reservoir Road while approving a door-to-window conversion, and formed a subcommittee to review the mini-split installation at 36 Francis Street. The request to lift the demolition stay at 54 White Place was withdrawn before the hearing.

• Approved lifting demolition stay at 7 Cedar Road (5-0)
• Upheld significance finding at 1495 Beacon Street (5-0)
• Upheld significance finding at 11 Naples Road (5-0)
• Denied window replacement at 295 Reservoir Road (5-0)
• Approved door-to-window conversion at 295 Reservoir Road (5-0)
• Denied certificate of hardship at 295 Reservoir Road (5-0)
• Formed subcommittee to review mini-split installation at 36 Francis Street (5-0)
• Case withdrawn: 54 White Place demolition stay request

Building Commission

The Brookline Building Commission holds its monthly meeting to review and vote on change orders, invoices, and fund transfers for the Pierce project, including moving funds from owner's contingency to cost line items for MSBA reimbursement. They will also review and vote on invoices for the Brookline High School tunnel and the Fire Station project, discuss tree removal and DPW reimbursement at the Fire Station, and receive an update on the Larz Anderson skating rink. The meeting includes an executive session on litigation related to the 22 Tappan Street HVAC system.

• Vote on change orders and invoices for Pierce project
• Vote on moving funds from owner's contingency to cost line items for MSBA reimbursement
• Review and vote on invoices for Brookline High School tunnel
• Review and vote on invoices for Fire Station project
• Discussion on tree removal and DPW reimbursement for 33-inch tree at Fire Station

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Brookline Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is holding a virtual public meeting to continue discussion of draft vision statements that will guide the town's comprehensive plan. The agenda includes public comment, further discussion of the draft vision statements, and other business. This is a working session focused on refining the vision, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Further discussion of draft vision statements
• Public comment period for comprehensive planning topics
• Virtual meeting via Zoom with call-in option

Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting, with the main item being a discussion with Department of Public Works officials on crosswalk policies and practices, including prioritization, repainting schedules, and budget constraints. The committee will also review meeting minutes, continue outreach discussions, and hear brief updates from liaisons.

• Discussion with DPW on crosswalk policies and practices
• Review and approval of October 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Continued discussion of outreach efforts, including educational brochures
• Brief mention of Warrant Article 8 on lighting nuisance
• Next meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025

The Pedestrian Advisory Committee met with DPW officials to discuss crosswalk installation and maintenance practices, including the feasibility of adding crosswalks at intersections with curb ramps but no markings. The committee approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. No formal decisions were made; the discussion focused on gathering information and planning future priorities.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Discussed crosswalk installation criteria with DPW
• Identified ~35 intersections with curb ramps but no crosswalks
• Noted DPW's use of Precision Concrete to remove sidewalk tripping hazards
• Planned installation of ~30 RRFBs next year via MassDOT grant
• Agreed to review crosswalk policy and provide DPW with priority locations

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee is meeting to continue reviewing prior identified subjects, including schools, commercial opportunities, K-8 models, space utilization, solar initiatives, and inflation effects. The agenda also includes approving minutes from the November 3, 2025 meeting and discussing the meeting schedule and new business.

• Approve minutes from November 3, 2025
• Schools, SC updates, healthcare (V. Frias, C. Carey)
• Commercial opportunities (B. Greene)
• K-8 models, buffers, growth nodes (S. Kazmi)
• Solar initiatives (S. Modigliani)

The Futures Subcommittee of Brookline's Expenditure & Revenue Committee met to discuss school finances, revenue enhancement, and space planning. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and planning-focused. Members discussed the superintendent hire, enrollment trends, fiscal posting delays, and potential tax revenue growth, with plans for future presentations and analyses.

• No formal votes or decisions made; meeting was discussion and planning only
• Agreed to solicit data on state and federal funding for future projections
• Scheduled solar initiative presentation for Nov 17 at 6:30 PM
• Assigned tasks for enrollment analysis, tax revenue ideas, and building plans

Economic Development Advisory Board

The Economic Development Advisory Board's Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Ad-Hoc Subcommittee will meet virtually to approve prior minutes, receive a staff update on the study project, and prepare for a Q&A session with the Community Advisory Group scheduled for November 17, 2025. The meeting is largely procedural and discussion-focused, with no votes on funding or policy expected.

• Approval of minutes from October 24, 2025
• Staff presentation on Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study project updates
• Discussion to prepare for November 17, 2025 Q&A with CHCAS Community Advisory Group

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will meet to approve prior minutes, set November meeting dates, and hear a presentation on Fire Department overtime and related expenses. Members will also review subcommittee focus points and develop a list of topics for the final report, assigning members to each topic.

• Presentation on Fire Department Overtime and Related Expenses
• Review of Schools and Futures Subcommittees' high-level focus points
• Development of final report topics and assignment of subcommittee members
• Approval of October 30, 2025 minutes
• Setting of November meeting dates (60-minute meetings)

The subcommittee discussed fire and police overtime budget issues but made no final decisions. They considered increasing the fire budget by $1 million or adjusting staffing, and noted police overtime required a reserve fund transfer for the first time in 20 years. The group scheduled future meetings and assigned action items for further analysis.

• Approved previous meeting minutes unanimously
• Scheduled next meetings for November 13 and 20 at 9:00 AM
• Assigned action items to members for further analysis

MLK Celebration Committee

The MLK Celebration Committee will meet remotely to approve prior minutes, discuss the November 1 author talk, and continue planning for MLK Day 2026, including starting a to-do list. The agenda is mostly procedural and planning-focused, with no votes on funding or policy.

• Approve minutes from 10/9/25
• Post-event discussion of Nov 1 Author Talk
• Continued discussion of MLK Day 2026, begin to-do list

The MLK Celebration Committee approved the minutes from its October 9 meeting and discussed follow-up from the November 1 author talk, including distributing leftover books and posting a summary. They continued planning for MLK Day 2026, including a proposed title and image for the event, and noted interest from Matthew Delmont for a possible February event. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 10/9/25 (4-0)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss and possibly vote on two warrant articles: naming the baseball diamond at Warren Field 'Campagna Diamond' and creating a new General By-Law to address nuisance lighting. The committee may also reconsider previous votes on warrant articles if necessary.

• Possible vote on WA 10: naming Warren Field baseball diamond 'Campagna Diamond' after Joseph Campagna
• Possible vote on WA 8: new General By-Law on nuisance lighting (petitioners: Krepchin, Plazonja, Tytell, Richmond)
• Discussion and possible reconsideration of previous warrant article votes

The Advisory Committee unanimously recommended naming the Warren Field baseball diamond the "Campagna Diamond" (WA 10). On the nuisance lighting bylaw (WA 8), it voted 12-10 to refer the matter to a Moderator's Committee for a 2026 Town Meeting article rather than act on the current version. It declined to reconsider its earlier recommendation on the renters' handbook (WA 9), so that prior recommendation stands, and it recommended favorable action on the amended 25th Amendment resolution (WA 19) by 10-1-1.

• Recommended favorable action on WA 10 naming Warren Field diamond 'Campagna Diamond' (25-0, no abstentions)
• Recommended referral of WA 8 nuisance lighting bylaw to a Moderator's Committee for a 2026 article (12-10, no abstentions)
• Motion to reconsider prior WA 9 renters' handbook vote failed (7-8, 3 abstentions); original recommendation stands
• Recommended favorable action on WA 19 25th Amendment resolution as amended (10-1, 1 abstention)
• Straw poll on Warren Amendment to WA 8: 9 in favor, 5 opposed, 7 abstentions
• Straw poll on Rubenstein Amendment to WA 8: 3 in favor, 15 opposed, 3 abstentions

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee will discuss and possibly vote on the FY27 budget guidelines, a 4-year contract for Interim Superintendent Bella Wong, and the 2026-2027 school calendar, including changes to religious observances. They will also receive updates on enrollment, MCAS trends, and the FY25 budget close.

• Possible vote to approve a 4-year contract for Bella Wong as Superintendent (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2030)
• Discussion and possible vote on FY27 Budget Guidelines
• 2026-2027 school calendar second reading, including options to remove or rotate closures for religious observances
• Enrollment update with Preliminary October 1, 2025 Enrollment Report
• FY25 Budget Close Report

The Brookline School Committee voted unanimously to approve a 4-year contract with Bella Wong as Superintendent from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030, amending her current interim contract. The Committee also approved the FY27 Budget Guidelines (fourth draft) unanimously. The 2026-2027 school calendar was discussed extensively but not voted on; a vote is expected at the November 13 meeting. The Committee received presentations on enrollment (6,949 students, down 74 from last year) and MCAS results.

• Approved 4-year Superintendent contract with Bella Wong through June 30, 2030 (7-0)
• Approved amendment to Interim Superintendent Wong's current contract through June 30, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved FY27 Budget Guidelines fourth draft (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including October 9 meeting minutes, accounts payable, and Lawrence School 8th grade trip to NYC June 11-12, 2026 (8-0)
• Voted to enter executive session for superintendent negotiation strategy and to review October 8, 9, and 22 executive session minutes (5-0)
• Removed calendar Options A and B from consideration (no members favored post-Labor Day start)
• No vote taken on 2026-2027 school calendar; vote expected November 13

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals holds a virtual public hearing on three M.G.L. Chapter 40A cases: a new detached garage at 67-69 Winthrop Road, an accessible rear addition at 80 Greenough Street, and a renovation with addition at 43 Kensington Circle. Public testimony will be taken during the hearing; advance submissions are encouraged.

• 67-69 Winthrop Road (Case 2025-000052, Pct. 10): demolish existing detached garage and construct new detached garage
• 80 Greenough Street (Case 2025-000054, Pct. 6): construct accessible rear addition
• 43 Kensington Circle (Case 2025-000057, Pct. 15): renovate single-family dwelling and construct addition

Zero Emissions Advisory Board

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board will review and discuss the draft Climate Action & Resiliency Plan (CARP), including its goals, strategies, and actions, as well as a draft Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap for a Climate Leaders application. The board will also receive an update on BERDO discussions with town staff. Public comment is scheduled, and the board will approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Review draft CARP Goals, Strategies, and Actions
• Discuss draft Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap for Climate Leaders Application
• Update on BERDO discussion with Town staff
• Approve meeting minutes from September 17 and October 8, 2025
• Public comment period

The Zero Emissions Advisory Board approved meeting minutes from September and October 2025. The board discussed the draft Climate Action & Resiliency Plan, providing feedback on goals, strategies, and actions, including removing a goal related to Brookline Green Electricity. No formal decisions were made on the plan itself.

• Approved September 17, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Park & Recreation Commission

The Park and Recreation Commission is holding an in-person demonstration of lighting at the Brookline Golf Course driving range, located at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway. The meeting consists of a welcome, the light demonstration, and a conclusion, with no formal votes or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Light demonstration at Brookline Golf Course driving range
• Location: 1281 West Roxbury Parkway, Chestnut Hill, MA

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board will hear public comment, receive an update on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Subcommittee, review three sign/facade applications, and review draft zoning edits for Warrant Article 7 (Clark Road Multifamily Overlay District). The meeting is primarily focused on administrative and review items.

• Report on ADU Subcommittee activities by Planning Board Member Tommy Renkes
• Sign application for Arwa Coffee at 1333 Beacon Street
• Sign application for Brookline Barber Shop at 316 Harvard Street
• Window signage for The Body Center at 310 Harvard Street
• Review of draft zoning edits for Warrant Article 7 (Clark Road Multifamily Overlay District)

Housing Advisory Board

The Brookline Housing Advisory Board is meeting remotely to discuss middle-income workforce affordable housing with Town Meeting Member Kevin McKenzie, continue discussion of Warrant Article 7 (Clark Road re-zoning), and hold a preliminary discussion of the proposed Chestnut Hill West mixed-use project. The board will also receive updates on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Accessory Dwelling Unit Subcommittee, affordable housing financial resources, and 16 Williams Street. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Discussion of middle-income workforce affordable housing with Town Meeting Member Kevin McKenzie
• Further discussion of Warrant Article 7 (Clark Road re-zoning), possible elaboration of prior recommendation for Favorable Action
• Preliminary discussion of Chestnut Hill West proposed mixed-use project
• Update on 16 Williams Street
• Update on Affordable Housing Financial Resources and Subsidized Housing Inventory

The Housing Advisory Board reached consensus to approve a formal statement supporting Warrant Article 7, which would rezone 2 Clark Road to allow approximately 35 rental units through adaptive reuse of the former Maimonides School building, plus four possible additional units on Philbrick Road. The board also informally approved three members to participate in cash payment negotiations for the Chestnut Hill West mixed-use project. Prior meeting minutes were approved with two abstentions.

• Approved formal statement supporting Warrant Article 7 (Clark Road rezoning) by unanimous consent
• Approved 3 HAB members (Roger, Mike, Carol) to work on Chestnut Hill West cash-in-lieu negotiations by unanimous consent
• Approved October 8 meeting minutes (6-0, Pam and Bernard abstained)
• Authorized Steve, Jonathan, and Roger to continue developing CPA funding MOU

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees are meeting to discuss the budget and timeline for a staff appreciation event, brainstorm ideas, and set future meeting dates. This is a planning session with no formal votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Discuss budget and timeline for staff appreciation
• Brainstorm appreciation ideas
• Check future monthly meeting dates/times

Naming Committee

The Brookline Naming Committee is holding a public hearing and possible vote on Warrant Article 10, which would name Campagna Diamond for the November 18, 2025 Special Town Meeting. The committee will also consider approving minutes from its September 17, 2025 meeting.

• Public hearing and possible vote on Warrant Article 10: Naming Campagna Diamond
• Item for November 18, 2025 Special Town Meeting
• Approval of September 17, 2025 meeting minutes

Brookline Commission for Women

The Brookline Commission for Women will hold a remote meeting to vote on approving prior minutes, discuss and vote on Warrant Articles 6, 13, 15, and 16 after a public hearing, and receive an update on research about sex education curriculum in Brookline Public Schools. The agenda also includes a proposed amendment to its membership requirement regarding the National Association of Commissions for Women.

• Vote to approve minutes from October 8, 2025
• Public hearing and vote on Warrant Articles 6, 13, 15 & 16
• Proposed amendment to Section 3.9.3J: membership in National Association of Commissions for Women
• Update on sex education curriculum research in Brookline Public Schools

The Brookline Commission for Women voted unanimously on November 5, 2025 to take favorable action on four warrant articles: a zoning change to allow large family daycares by right (Article 6), a resolution on planning for the Fisher Hill property and older residents (Article 13), a resolution establishing LGBTQA Pride Month and other commemorations (Article 15), and a resolution supporting efforts to bring a WNBA team to the Boston area (Article 16). The commission also approved its prior meeting minutes and heard presentations on each article; public hearings on Articles 13, 15, and 16 drew no public questions or comments. The articles now go to Town Meeting for a vote.

• Approved prior meeting minutes
• Voted unanimous favorable action on Warrant Article 6 (allow large family daycares by right instead of special permit)
• Voted unanimous favorable action on Warrant Article 13 (Fisher Hill property planning and older residents' needs)
• Voted unanimous favorable action on Warrant Article 15 (establish LGBTQA Pride Month and other commemorations)
• Voted unanimous favorable action on Warrant Article 16 (support bringing a WNBA team to the Boston area)
• Closed public hearings on Warrant Articles 13, 15, and 16 with no public comment

Brookline Commission for the Arts

The Brookline Commission for the Arts is holding a regular meeting to discuss routine business, including minutes, treasurer's report, and appointment of a treasurer. They will also debrief the Grantee Reception and review the Grantee program, including the amount to grant and a council-initiated program, as well as discuss the 'Changing of the Bard' event.

• Appointment of Treasurer
• Grantee Reception Debrief
• Grantee Review Overview (including amount to grant/council initiated program)
• Changing of the Bard

Brookline Youth Council

The Brookline Youth Council is meeting to approve minutes from prior meetings, schedule future meetings, hear a presentation on cannabis use by teenagers, and discuss anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools. The agenda is mostly routine, with the cannabis presentation and school feedback discussion being the substantive items.

• Approval of minutes from September 3 and October 8, 2025 meetings
• Determination of future meeting format (in-person, hybrid, or online) and location
• Presentation by Vice-Chair Kai Dubin on effects and dangers of cannabis use by teenagers
• Discussion on anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools, led by Astrid Young

The Brookline Youth Council approved a motion to create a subcommittee to discuss an anonymous feedback system for Brookline Public Schools, with Astrid Young, Kai Dubin, and Penelope Newsome as members. The council also approved the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting, decided to hold the December meeting fully virtual, and discussed future meeting formats and a letter to the School Committee about next year's schedule.

• Approved minutes from October 8, 2025 meeting (8-0)
• Created subcommittee on anonymous feedback for Brookline Public Schools (7-0)
• Decided December meeting will be fully virtual
• Discussed forming a subcommittee for a letter to the School Committee on next year's schedule

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting to discuss the Library Director Search. The agenda contains only this discussion item, with no other substantive business.

• Library Director Search discussion

Board of Assessors

The Brookline Board of Assessors will meet to handle routine administrative business, including approving minutes, reviewing correspondence, and signing warrants. The board may also take action on abatement applications, tax exemption requests, and contract services, though no specific items are listed. This agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive decisions detailed in advance.

• Review/approve minutes of prior meeting
• Review and sign warrants or related State forms
• Review/approve & sign contracts for services
• Review & take action on abatement applications
• Review & take action on statutory exemptions

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee will meet to hear updates on rodent control strategies, the expansion of the Food Waste Drop-Off Program, and the Zero Waste Framework progress. The committee will also discuss future goals and involvement in food waste and service-ware at local restaurants. Public comment is available for issues not on the agenda.

• Presentation on Strategies for Rodent Control and BrookOnline Overview by Stephanie Aucoin
• Status update on expansion of Food Waste Drop-Off Program
• Update on fall 2025 event schedule
• Zero Waste Framework progress report and discussion
• Discussion of SWAC and DPW involvement in food waste and service-ware at Brookline restaurants

The Brookline Solid Waste Advisory Committee unanimously approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee received updates on rodent control strategies, the expansion of the food waste drop-off program, and progress on the Zero Waste Framework. No formal policy decisions were made; discussions included potential future actions like restaurant composting pilots and cooperative bids for compost services.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:35 PM (unanimous)

Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Relations

The Immigrant Advancement Committee of Brookline's Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Relations will meet remotely to vote on prior minutes, receive updates on federal and state policy changes, and discuss a possible collaboration with the Caregiver Subcommittee. The committee will also consider attending the Safe Communities Act public hearing on November 25 at 11am. Public comment is scheduled near the end of the meeting.

• Vote on 10/6/25 minutes
• Discussion of federal policy changes, state advocacy updates, and town updates
• Conversation with Caregiver Subcommittee of Activist Evening about possible collaboration
• Possible attendance at Safe Communities Act public hearing on November 25 at 11am
• Public comment period

The Immigrant Advancement Committee of CDEICR approved its October minutes and discussed federal and state immigration policy changes. Members agreed Roberta would draft an email to the Select Board stating the Committee's concerns and opposition to a proposed license plate reader by Chestnut Hill Realty. The Committee noted it has endorsed the Safe Communities Act and the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, which are scheduled for public hearings November 25 at 11am. Members also agreed to stay connected and coordinate with Activist Evening subcommittees on outreach.

• Approved October minutes (5-0: Angela, Eric, Roberta, Susan, Jessica)
• Agreed Roberta will draft email to Select Board stating Committee's concerns and opposition to proposed license plate reader by Chestnut Hill Realty
• Agreed to remain connected and coordinate with Activist Evening subcommittees on outreach
• Noted Committee has endorsed Safe Communities Act and Immigrant Legal Defense Act; public hearings set for November 25 at 11am

Conservation Commission

The Brookline Conservation Commission will hold a hybrid meeting on November 4, 2025, to discuss and vote on issuing a Certificate of Compliance for 292 Warren St (DEP#120-172, BWB 17-12). The agenda also includes approval of the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes and an adjustment to the December meeting schedule. Most items are routine procedural matters.

• Vote on Certificate of Compliance for 292 Warren St (DEP#120-172, BWB 17-12)
• Approval of October 21, 2025 draft meeting minutes
• Adjustment to December meeting schedule

The Brookline Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a certificate of compliance for 292 Warren St, confirming the project meets wetland protection requirements. The commission also approved the October 21 meeting minutes and rescheduled the December meeting to December 9 to avoid a potential conflict with Town Meeting.

• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 292 Warren St (7-0)
• Rescheduled December meeting to December 9, 2025, fully virtual

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will hold a public hearing on setting 2026 tax classification percentages, with a vote scheduled for November 18. The board will also consider accepting a $75,000 state grant for a co-response clinician, approve multiple change orders for the Fire Station 4 project, and discuss warrant articles including a zoning overlay district and a renter's handbook. The agenda includes several executive session items for litigation and property discussions.

• Public hearing on 2026 tax classification percentages (vote Nov 18)
• Accept $75,000 DMH Co-Responder grant for clinician salary
• Approve six change orders with TRAC Builders for Fire Station 4 (net $45,307.90)
• Approve credit change order with East Coast Masonry for High School project ($3,000 credit)
• Discuss Warrant Article 7: Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District

The Select Board approved a $75,000 state grant to fund a police co-response clinician and several change orders and hires, all by unanimous votes. It postponed adoption of the ten-year Open Space and Recreation Plan to its next meeting and took no vote on a Clark Road zoning overlay article. The board voted 4-1 to amend and then 5-0 to advance a Renter's Handbook by-law article, and reconsidered and advanced an amended LGBTQIA+ Pride Month resolution. A tax classification hearing was held with no speakers; the vote is set for November 18, 2025.

• Approved $75,000 DMH Co-Responder grant for a police co-response clinician (5-0)
• Approved six TRAC Builders change orders for Fire Station 4, including a $3,750 credit (5-0)
• Approved $3,000 credit change order with East Coast Masonry for Brookline High School project (5-0)
• Approved lateral transfer of Officer Ryan Murphy to Brookline Police (5-0)
• Approved DPW Authorization to Hire requests for two foreperson positions (5-0)
• Approved Planning Director Authorization to Hire for Community Preservation Planner (5-0)
• Postponed vote on adopting the ten-year Open Space and Recreation Plan to next meeting
• Voted 4-1 to amend Renter's Handbook article, then 5-0 favorable action as amended

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss and possibly vote on a zoning by-law amendment creating a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District. The committee will also enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding a pre-suit claim by a minor victim of sexual abuse by a former Hayes School teacher. Public comment is limited to five minutes.

• Vote on WA 7 to amend Section 5.06.4 of the Zoning By-Law to create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District
• Executive session on litigation strategy for pre-suit claim against former Hayes School teacher Larry Chen
• Public comment period (5 minutes)

Tree Planting Committee

The Brookline Tree Planting Committee is holding an in-person site visit along Beacon Street to tour MBTA C-line stations. The walk, led by DPW Forestry Staff, will focus on understanding how the upcoming MBTA C-line Accessibility project may affect existing trees at five stations. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational and observational.

• Site visit to Hawes Street, Saint Paul Street, Summit Avenue, Brandon Hall/Fairbanks, and Dean Road stations
• Discussion of MBTA C-line Accessibility project impacts on existing trees
• Walk led by DPW Forestry Staff
• Wrap-up discussion scheduled at 9:10 AM

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes, review data requests for schools, and continue refining its subcommittee topics based on new information. The agenda is largely procedural and discussion-oriented, with no votes on specific expenditures or revenues scheduled.

• Approval of meeting minutes from October 17, 2025
• Review of data requests/questions for the schools
• Continued discussion and refinement of subcommittee topics
• Updates from subcommittee members on their work

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee approved its October 17, 2025 minutes (5-0) and continued its review of school-related data requests and subcommittee topics. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on procedural approvals, data requests, and scheduling.

• Approved October 17, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Compiled data requests for the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB), to be sent by Mariah Nobrega
• Adopted an updated timeline for school budget review leading to a December 16 Select Board meeting

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee will continue its discussion of seven preliminary topics from October 29, receive updates from point persons, and vote on which topics to pursue, discard, or develop further. The meeting also includes approving minutes, receiving updates from other subcommittees, scheduling visits from town officials, and setting meeting dates through December 1, 2025.

• Vote on which of the 7 preliminary topics to keep, discard, or develop further
• Discussion of implementation timeframes and possible reassignment of short-term actions to Town or School subcommittees
• Approval of minutes from October 29, 2025
• Scheduling visits from town officials or representatives
• Setting subcommittee meeting schedule up to 12/1/25

The Futures Subcommittee met with all members present and approved prior minutes with one abstention. Discussions covered inflation's impact on finances, a solar framework, potential school model changes, commercial development, and enrollment trends. No formal votes or decisions were taken on these topics.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (1 abstention)
• Discussed including inflation analysis in reporting
• Agreed to compile questions for school administration
• Discussed potential solar framework presentation in November
• Discussed school model restructuring options
• Discussed commercial development opportunities

Economic Development Advisory Board

The Economic Development Advisory Board is meeting to discuss staff updates on parking studies, Warrant Article 8, and a business impact rubric, followed by member updates on various projects. The main agenda item is a presentation on the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study. The meeting is largely procedural, with time for public comment and other business.

• Approval of September 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• Brookline Village and Washington Square parking studies update
• Warrant Article 8 discussion
• EDAB Warrant Article Business Impact Rubric
• Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study presentation

The Economic Development Advisory Board approved its September 29, 2025 minutes, 8-0-2. The board took no vote on Warrant Article 8, agreeing there was nothing to vote on because a new version was not available and commercial areas had been excluded from its scope. Most of the meeting was staff and committee updates, including news that the Economic Development Division is down two staff members and updates on parking studies, the Bridle Path, the Comprehensive Plan, Centre Street Lots, and the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study.

• Approved September 29, 2025 meeting minutes (8-0-2)
• No vote taken on Warrant Article 8; board agreed there was nothing to vote on
• EDAB agreed it would not take further action on Warrant Article 8 given the exclusion of commercial areas

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will discuss pay/class and comparable communities, fiscal policies in the context of revenue projections, and continue discussions on a potential override, service cuts, and a level-services budget. The agenda is mostly discussion items, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Discussion of pay/class and comparable communities
• Discussion of fiscal policies in the context of revenue projections
• Continued discussion of potential override
• Continued discussion of service cuts
• Continued discussion of level services budget

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee discussed pay/classification changes and fiscal policies but made no substantive decisions. They approved the prior meeting's minutes with an amendment and postponed agenda item 5 to the next meeting. The committee agreed to focus on OPEB liabilities and assigned members to prepare draft reports.

• Approved October 24 minutes with amendment (4-0-1)
• Postponed agenda item 5 to November 6 meeting
• Agreed to focus on OPEB liability and possible suspension of $100,000 annual OPEB contribution

Small Business Development Committee

The Brookline Small Business Development Committee, acting as the Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) Steering Committee, will meet to vote on approving the minutes from its September 18, 2025 meeting and receive program updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Vote on approval of BAMC Steering Committee meeting minutes from September 18, 2025
• BAMC program updates

Pierce School Building Committee

The Pierce School Building Committee is meeting remotely to discuss construction progress, schedule, and quality, along with budget and design updates. The agenda includes public comment and new business. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Construction updates on building progress, schedule, and quality
• Budget updates
• Design updates
• Public comment period

The committee reviewed construction milestones, noting Building A is nearly complete and Building B steel begins November 17. Budget updates confirmed $44.6M spent out of a $211.9M total, with no tariff impacts reported. Pierce Park will close to the public for one year starting November 17, 2025.

• Next meeting scheduled for 11/20/25 at 4:30 PM
• Pierce Park closure to public confirmed for one year starting 11/17/25
• Budget status reviewed: $44.6M spent, $196.4M committed of $211.9M total
• Construction schedule confirmed: Certificate of Occupancy target remains 10/29/27

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board is holding an evening meeting to discuss four tentative Zoning Board of Appeals cases involving property changes. The agenda includes public comment and reviews of proposed additions, a garage replacement, and a lot subdivision with new home construction. No final decisions are listed on this agenda; the cases are scheduled for a November 6 hearing.

• 80 Greenough Street: new rear addition (Pct. 6)
• 67-69 Winthrop Road: demolish garage, build new on same foundation (Pct. 10)
• 43 Kensington Circle: additions to basement, first, and second floors plus a third floor (Pct. 15)
• 43 Fairgreen Place: divide lot into three, demolish single-family, build a house on each lot (Pct. 15)

Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Relations

The Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations will hear presentations on three warrant articles and may vote on each. The articles propose creating a renter's handbook, considering older adults in Fisher Hill property use, and recognizing LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Public comment is limited to one minute per person.

• Warrant Article 9: Creating a Renter's Handbook (petitioners: Alex Lebowitz TMM8, Chi Chi Wu TMM7, Bonnie Bastien TMM5)
• Warrant Article 13: Resolution to consider older populations when determining use of the Fisher Hill Property (petitioner: Fran Seidman)
• Warrant Article 15: Resolution for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month (petitioner: Kevin Mackenzie)
• Public comment limited to one minute per person for all presentations

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee is meeting to discuss its charge, structure, work plan, and schedule. The agenda includes a draft proposal for the subcommittee's timeline. This is a procedural meeting focused on organizing the subcommittee's work.

• Discussion of the Future Subcommittee's charge and work structure
• Review of E&RSC Subcommittee & Timeline Proposal Draft

The Future Sub-Committee of Brookline's Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee met on 10/29/25, named Sergio Modigliani as chair and Sadaf Kazmi as notetaker, and discussed which topics to study. Members proposed and assigned owners to nine topics, including a common financial system, town-owned solar, inflation, commercial development, school buffer zones, space utilization, a middle school model, Town/School shared services, and a values-based spending framework. No motions were voted on; the group agreed to wait for the MUNIS working group's findings by end of November and to hear from Kennedy School students in mid-November. The group plans to meet again in one week and set a timeline for its work.

• Named Sergio Modigliani chair and Sadaf Kazmi notetaker of the Future Sub-Committee
• Agreed to wait for the MUNIS working group's findings at end of November before deciding on a financial-system recommendation
• Assigned topic owners: common financial system (Chas/Lincoln), town-owned solar (Sergio), inflation (Sergio), commercial development (Bernard), buffer zones (Sergio), space utilization (Cliff), middle school model (Sadaf), Town/School shared services (Bernard and Val), values-based framework (Chas)
• Agreed to hear Kennedy School students' recommendation on values-based prioritization in mid-November, then reassess
• Scheduled next meeting for one week later to set a timeline for the Sub-Committee's work

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is meeting to review draft minutes from July and September and to discuss testing and feedback on public engagement materials for the town's comprehensive planning process. The meeting includes a public comment period for topics not on the agenda.

• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker) on comprehensive planning topics
• Review of draft meeting minutes from July 28 and September 8
• Discussion of engagement materials testing and feedback

Advisory Committee

The Capital Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee will review the Public Schools of Brookline's preliminary FY27 capital improvement program (CIP) requests and deferred maintenance lists. This is a public meeting, but no public comments will be taken during the meeting; written comments may be submitted in advance. The subcommittee makes recommendations to Town Meeting on capital matters.

• Review of Public Schools of Brookline preliminary FY27 CIP requests
• Review of Public Schools of Brookline deferred maintenance lists

Brookline Commission on Disability

The Brookline Commission on Disability is holding a variance meeting to discuss and vote on a new variance application for 1026 Commonwealth Ave. The meeting is conducted over Zoom. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discussion and vote on variance application for 1026 Commonwealth Ave

The Commission on Disability reviewed a variance request for the restaurant "Pop Street" at 1026 Commonwealth Ave. The commission voted not to object to the applicant's request for relief from vertical access requirements, provided that the applicant installs high-contrast stair treads and handrails.

• Voted not to object to variance for 1026 Commonwealth Ave (5-0)

Housing Advisory Board

This Housing Advisory Board meeting was canceled because a quorum was not present. The agenda had included approval of subcommittee minutes, an update on an Attorney General submission regarding height and setbacks for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and continued review of a draft ADU Bylaw warrant article, including maximum size and a revised draft by Benka.

• Meeting canceled due to lack of quorum
• ADU Subcommittee minutes from September 10 and October 15, 2025
• Update on AG submission re height and setbacks (letters dated 2025-10-21 and 2025-10-22)
• Continued review of ADU Bylaw draft warrant article, including maximum size
• Next scheduled HAB meeting: November 5, 2025, 5:30-7:00 PM

Advisory Committee

The Land Use, Zoning and Sustainability Subcommittee of the Brookline Advisory Committee will meet to approve minutes from prior meetings and discuss and vote on WA 7. The agenda is largely procedural, with no other substantive items listed. Public comment is not offered during this meeting.

• Approve minutes of 10/8 and 10/20 subcommittee meetings
• Discussion and vote on WA 7

The Land Use, Zoning and Sustainability Subcommittee voted to recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 7, which would create a multifamily overlay district on Clark Road, as amended by a substitute motion that defers detailed zoning changes for the CRM-II parcel. The committee rejected a motion to remove CRM-II entirely. The recommendation will go to the full Advisory Committee and Town Meeting.

• Approved minutes from October 8 subcommittee meeting (6-0-1)
• Amended WA7 with Hardebeck Substitute Motion to defer CRM-II zoning changes (6-1-0)
• Rejected motion to remove CRM-II from overlay entirely (2-5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on WA7 as amended (6-1-0)

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees' Development Committee is meeting to discuss updates from recent library tours, a draft annual calendar, and feedback from new trustees and workplace consultations. The agenda is largely procedural and discussion-focused, with no votes or major decisions listed.

• Updates from library tours on Oct. 17, Oct. 22, and Nov. 6
• Discussion of draft BOLT annual calendar
• Feedback from new trustees on onboarding and exit interviews
• BOLT meeting continuing education schedule
• Discussion of feedback and board recommendations from workplace consultations

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board will hold public hearings and votes on a proposed MOU with Flock Safety for license plate readers and on warrant articles for the November 18 Special Town Meeting. The board will also consider several contracts, grants, and licenses, including a $313,115.96 Complete Streets grant and an extra work order for Beacon Street signal upgrades. Executive sessions are scheduled for litigation strategy and property value discussion.

• Accept $313,115.96 MassDOT Complete Streets grant for Beacon Street APS upgrades
• Approve Extra Work Order No. 1 ($34,425) with Dagle Electrical for APS push buttons
• Approve MOU with MBTA for Beacon Street Transit Signal Priority Phase 1
• Public hearing and vote on Flock Safety license plate reader MOU with Police Department
• Vote on warrant articles including renter's handbook, nuisance lighting, Clark Road overlay district

The Select Board voted 5-0 to recommend favorable action on five warrant articles for the November 18, 2025 Special Town Meeting, including collective bargaining agreements, an FY26 budget amendment, an LGBTQIA+ Pride Month resolution, a renter's handbook bylaw, and a tree preservation resolution. The board also approved several routine items, including a $313,115.96 Complete Streets Grant and a $34,425 extra work order for Beacon Street signal upgrades. The board deferred votes on the Flock Safety license plate reader MOU and the Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District warrant article for further review.

• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 2 (Firefighters collective bargaining agreement, $4.8M total)
• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 3 (FY26 budget amendment)
• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 15 (LGBTQIA+ Pride Month resolution)
• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 9 (Renter's handbook bylaw)
• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 13 (Fisher Hill property resolution)
• Voted 5-0 favorable action on Warrant Article 17 (Tree preservation resolution)
• Approved $313,115.96 Complete Streets Grant from MassDOT for Beacon Street APS upgrades
• Approved $34,425 Extra Work Order No. 1 for Beacon Street APS upgrades with Dagle Electrical

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission is holding a remote subcommittee meeting to review and possibly vote on a landscape plan for an addition at 242 Walnut Street. The meeting is open to the public, with instructions for joining via Zoom or phone.

• Review and possible vote to approve a landscape plan for the addition at 242 Walnut Street

The Brookline Preservation Commission subcommittee approved the landscape and lighting design for a new addition at 242 Walnut Street. The applicant reduced lighting from 36 to 24 fixtures and made minor screening adjustments. The motion passed unanimously (3-0).

• Approved landscape and lighting design for 242 Walnut Street addition (3-0)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing and meeting to discuss and possibly vote on three items: a FY26 budget adjustment, a bylaw amendment to dissolve the Human Resources Board, and a resolution regarding the 25th Amendment. Public comment is welcome.

• WA 3 FY 26 Budget Adjustment (Select Board)
• WA 5 Amend Section 3.14 and 3.15 of General By-Laws to dissolve Human Resources Board
• WA 19 Resolution on use of 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office

The Brookline Advisory Committee voted to table Warrant Article 19, a resolution urging Town Meeting to express opposition to President Donald Trump's fitness for office, after extensive debate and proposed amendments. The committee recommended favorable action on WA 3, a FY26 budget adjustment appropriating TNC funds and adjusting debt service figures. It also recommended no action on WA 5, which would have dissolved the Human Resources Board.

• Recommended favorable action on WA 3 FY26 budget adjustment (22-1)
• Recommended No Action on WA 5 to dissolve Human Resources Board (23-0)
• Tabled discussion on WA 19 resolution regarding President Trump (20-1-1)

Park & Recreation Commission

The Griggs Park Design Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Brookline Park and Recreation Commission, is meeting virtually to review and discuss revised design concepts for Griggs Park, including entrances, play area layout, play equipment, natural landscape, and amenities. The meeting includes presentations of survey results and previous feedback, with time for additional comments and discussion. This is a working session focused on refining design options, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Review of Survey 2 results on park design preferences
• Revised concepts for park entrances
• Revised concepts for play area layout
• Concepts for play equipment
• Discussion of natural landscape including tree assessment

The Griggs Park Design Review Committee approved play area layout option 1 and selected Kompan as the play equipment manufacturer. They also approved three clustered picnic tables and voted against including adult fitness equipment. The committee did not approve adding no tables or three scattered tables.

• Approved play area layout option 1 (5-2)
• Approved Kompan as play equipment manufacturer (unanimous)
• Approved three clustered picnic tables (4-2)
• Rejected no additional tables (2-4)
• Rejected three scattered tables (2-4)
• Approved no adult fitness equipment (unanimous)

Police Commissioners Advisory Committee

The Brookline Police Commissioners Advisory Committee is meeting to hear a presentation on the Larimore records system by BPD Lt. David Hill, receive updates on civilian feedback, ICE activity, and Flock ALPR installation, and discuss future topics. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and public comment.

• Presentation on Larimore records system by BPD Lt. David Hill
• Monthly Civilian Feedback Report
• ICE in Brookline update by Dep. Supt. Paul Campbell
• Status of Flock ALPR installation by CHR
• Status of revised Civilian Feedback Form in Google Forms

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee will meet to approve minutes from October 22, assign members to specific topics, and discuss work timelines and milestones. The agenda includes evaluating school sub-committee topics and a town-school MOU, but no final decisions are scheduled.

• Approve minutes from 10/22/2025
• Discuss topic assignments for committee members
• Evaluate E&RSC Schools Sub-Committee topics from 10.22.2025 v2
• Review Town School MOU
• Set work timelines and milestones

The Schools Subcommittee assigned research topics to members and established a timeline to consolidate recommendations by December 1st. The group also voted to move their standing Monday meeting time to 5:00 p.m. to accommodate the Superintendent's schedule. Additionally, the committee added a twelfth research topic regarding a Zero Based Budget approach.

• Approved October 22nd meeting minutes (4-0-1)
• Added Zero Based Budgeting as a research topic
• Changed Monday meeting start time to 5:00 p.m.

Advisory Committee

The Land Use, Zoning and Sustainability Subcommittee will continue discussion and vote on WA 8, a proposed General By-Law to address nuisance lighting. The subcommittee will also review and approve minutes from recent meetings. This is a continuation of prior discussions on the lighting bylaw.

• Vote on WA 8: new General By-Law to address nuisance lighting
• Review and approval of subcommittee minutes from September 29, October 8, and October 20

Economic Development Advisory Board

The Economic Development Advisory Board's Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Ad-Hoc Subcommittee will meet virtually to approve prior minutes, receive a staff update on the study, and discuss zoning components. The meeting includes public comment and is focused on ongoing study work, not final decisions.

• Approval of May 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Staff update on Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study (CHCAS)
• Subcommittee discussion on zoning components
• Public comment (3 minutes per speaker)

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Town Subcommittee will meet to discuss level-services budget projections, potential override scenarios, and revenue/expenditure adjustments outside taxes. They will also consider electing a chair and approving prior meeting minutes. The agenda is substantive, focusing on budget and tax policy options.

• Discussion of level services budget projection
• Discussion of potential no override scenario
• Discussion of revenues/expenditures adjustments, outside of taxes
• Discussion of potential override asks
• Question of electing a Chair for the Town Subcommittee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee elected Jesse Hefter as chair after John VanScoyoc stepped down. The committee reviewed town financial projections showing a $3.62 million FY27 deficit and discussed a potential $5.31 million override request, including $800,000 for fire department overtime. No formal votes were taken on the override or budget items; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Elected Jesse Hefter as chair unanimously
• Approved minutes of October 17 meeting (3-0-1, John abstained)
• Scheduled future meetings for Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. via Zoom

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee is meeting to hear presentations on School Improvement Plans from Lawrence School, Ruffin Ridley School, Lincoln School, Baker School, and Brookline High School. The agenda also includes new business and adjournment at 5:30 PM.

• Presentation of School Improvement Plans for Lawrence, Ruffin Ridley, Lincoln, Baker, and Brookline High School
• New Business
• Adjournment at 5:30 PM

The Curriculum Subcommittee received presentations on School Improvement Plans (SIPs) from Lawrence, Florida Ruffin Ridley, Lincoln, Baker, and Brookline High School. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational, with principals sharing goals, data, and budgetary considerations. The subcommittee thanked the principals for their presentations.

• Heard SIP presentations from Lawrence, Ruffin Ridley, Lincoln, Baker, and BHS principals (no vote)
• No new business was reported

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to review, discuss, and possibly vote on a revised version of Warrant Article 19 (WA 19), and to approve minutes from an October 6 hearing. The public may attend but cannot comment during the meeting; written comments are accepted until noon the day before.

• Review, discussion, and possible vote on revised WA 19
• Approval of minutes from October 6 hearing

The Schools Subcommittee voted 3-0-1 to recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 19 (Version 3), a nonbinding resolution concerning national leadership. Chair Cliff Brown abstained, citing concerns about using psychological judgments in political statements and the committee's focus on financial matters. The resolution, revised to remove inflammatory language, will proceed to the Full Advisory Committee for further review.

• Recommended favorable action on Warrant Article 19 (Version 3) (3-0-1)
• Chair Cliff Brown abstained from the vote
• Subcommittee members Alec Lebovitz, Elise Couture-Stone, and Margaret Robotham voted in favor
• Petitioners to follow up with Rep. Vitolo on transmittal language
• Elise Couture-Stone assigned to prepare subcommittee write-up for Combined Reports

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Curriculum Subcommittee will hear presentations of School Improvement Plans from Lawrence, Ruffin Ridley, Lincoln, and Baker Schools, and Brookline High School. The meeting also includes new business and adjournment. This is a regular subcommittee meeting focused on school planning.

• Presentation of School Improvement Plans for Lawrence School, Ruffin Ridley School, Lincoln School, Baker School, and Brookline High School

The School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee held a meeting to review School Improvement Plan updates presented by principals from the Lawrence School, Ruffin Ridley School, Lincoln School, Baker School, and Brookline High School. The principals outlined alignment with the district's strategic plan, academic data, and school goals. The meeting concluded with no new business.

• Received Lawrence School School Improvement Plan presentation
• Received Ruffin Ridley School School Improvement Plan presentation
• Received Lincoln School School Improvement Plan presentation
• Received Baker School School Improvement Plan presentation
• Received Brookline High School School Improvement Plan presentation

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees' Investment Committee will convene to review the library's endowment performance for the past quarter and discuss unbudgeted demands on the Library's Trust Funds. The meeting is hybrid, held in the Trustees Room at the Brookline Village Library, and is open to the public.

• Review of library endowment performance for Q3 2025
• Discussion of unbudgeted demands on Library's Trust Funds

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing on two warrant articles: one to create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District by amending the Zoning By-Law, and another to create a general by-law addressing nuisance lighting and glare. The board will consider reports and letters submitted for these articles.

• Article 7: Amend Sec. 5.06.4 to create Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District
• Article 8: Create general by-law on nuisance lighting and glare
• Public hearing continued from previous session

The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 7, which would create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District to allow more rental housing, with revisions discussed during the hearing. The Board split 3-3 on Warrant Article 8, a proposed lighting and glare nuisance bylaw, so it did not pass; the Board will write a report reflecting its position.

• Recommended favorable action on WA 7 (Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District) unanimously
• WA 8 (lighting and glare bylaw) failed on a 3-3 tie vote
• Directed staff to draft a report on WA 8 reflecting the Board's position

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Brookline Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual public hearing on October 23, 2025, to consider two zoning cases. One case involves finishing an attic and installing a skylight at 1398 Beacon Street. The other involves subdividing 320 Woodland Road into two lots and constructing a single-family dwelling, but this case will be opened and continued to another date.

• 1398 Beacon Street: finish attic and install skylight (Case 2025-000050, Pct. 11)
• 320 Woodland Road: subdivide into two lots and construct single-family dwelling (Cases 2025-000039 & 40, Pct. 14) - continued to another date

Park & Recreation Commission

The Brookline Park and Recreation Commission is holding a public meeting to discuss a proposed installation of lighting on the Robert T. Lynch Golf Course driving range. The agenda includes a presentation by the golf general manager and a lighting company representative, followed by public comment. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Proposed lighting installation on Robert T. Lynch Golf Course driving range
• Presentation by Justin Lawson, PGA, Brookline Golf General Manager, and David Kulis, Musco Lighting
• Public comment period

The Park and Recreation Commission held a public meeting to discuss a proposed $300,000 lighting installation on the Robert T. Lynch Golf Course driving range, presented by golf manager Justin Lawson and Musco Lighting. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with public comment and a planned community engagement process. The commission will continue discussion at a November 12 virtual meeting.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at this meeting
• Presentation on driving range lighting received and discussed
• Public comment heard on wildlife, traffic, and revenue concerns
• Community engagement events scheduled for Nov 5 and Nov 12

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to continue defining its role and to discuss school space utilization, BEEP net revenue, and summer/extended day programming. The agenda is discussion-only, with no votes or decisions listed.

• Continued discussion of subcommittee roles and responsibilities
• Discussion of school space utilization
• Discussion of BEEP net revenue
• Discussion of summer/extended day programming
• Continued discussion of ex officio assistance and membership

The Expenditure and Revenue Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee met to plan future work, discussing topics like healthcare premiums, steps and lanes, special education costs, and facility usage. No formal votes or decisions were taken; members agreed to prioritize 5-6 focus areas and assigned research tasks for the next meeting.

• Agreed to list areas of focus for discussion at next meeting
• Assigned research tasks on steps and lanes, materials fees, and BEEP programs
• Agreed to review teacher-student ratios in analysis
• Decided to wait on special education costs until Dr. Shmukler's November presentation
• Consensus to explore lobbying state for more special needs funds for METCO

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee's Capital Subcommittee will meet to receive an update from the Recreation Department on current and potential capital investments, including the pool and golf course. No public comments will be taken during the meeting, but written comments may be submitted in advance.

• Update on capital investments for the pool
• Update on capital investments for the golf course

Preservation Commission

The Brookline Preservation Commission is holding a regular public meeting to approve prior minutes and conduct a public hearing on draft changes to its Rules and Regulations. The commission will review and possibly vote on these proposed rule changes.

• Public hearing and possible vote on draft changes to the Commission's Rules and Regulations
• Approval of minutes from the 10/02 Rules and Regs Meeting

The Brookline Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve its revised Rules and Regulations as edited during the meeting, with the understanding that staff will investigate potential revisions to Section VII (Advisory Design Review) based on recent warrant articles and bring any necessary updates back to the Commission. The meeting also included scheduling a special session for October 20th and postponing review of the October 2nd minutes.

• Approved revised Rules & Regulations as edited (6-0)
• Scheduled October 20th, 8:30 AM meeting to review CPA applications
• Postponed review of October 2nd minutes to next hearing

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board is holding a sign and facade review meeting to consider three signage applications. These are continuation cases for a new restaurant at 1627 Beacon Street, a revised sign for Dunkin' and Jimmy John's at 1020 Commonwealth Avenue, and new signage for a design business at 2 White Place. The board will also take public comment on matters not on the agenda.

• 1627 Beacon Street (formerly La Voile) – facade signs for Capricho, a Columbian steakhouse (cont.)
• 1020 Commonwealth Avenue – revised internally-illuminated raceway sign and awning for Dunkin' and Jimmy John's (cont.)
• 2 White Place – window and door signage for Stephanie Freeman Design

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee will hold a regular meeting with an executive session, consent agenda, and public comment. Key actions include discussing and possibly voting on FY27-FY31 budget guidelines, reviewing and voting on three Special Town Meeting warrant articles, and a first reading of the draft 2026-2027 school calendar. The committee will also receive an overview of the annual discrimination and harassment policy report.

• FY27-FY31 Budget Guidelines: Discussion and Possible Vote
• Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles: WA10 (naming baseball diamond at Warren Field 'Campagna Diamond'), WA11 (Advisory Committee appointments for Town building projects), WA18 (video recordings of official meetings on CivicClerk)
• First Reading of Draft 2026-2027 School District Calendar, including Category I Holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Lunar New Year, Good Friday, Eid al-Fitr)
• Overview of 2024-2025 Annual Report for Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Retaliation
• Acceptance of Funds to Establish Hodgman-Pike Scholarship Fund at Brookline Community Foundation

The Brookline School Committee met in executive session, approved a consent agenda, and reviewed civil rights and annual reports. They discussed the 2026-2027 school district calendar and requested multiple options for the next meeting. Additionally, the committee voted to adopt revised FY27 budget guidelines and issued statements supporting two special town meeting warrant articles.

• Approved executive session meeting (8-0)
• Approved consent agenda including past records, accounts payable, and scholarship fund acceptance (8-0)
• Voted to maintain item 4c (data dashboards) in budget guidelines (6-3)
• Voted to change FY27-FY31 references in guidelines to FY27 only (7-1-1)
• Approved FY27 budget guidelines draft through section 5 with edits (9-0)
• Issued statement in support of Warrant Article 10 to name Warren Field baseball diamond 'Campagna Diamond' (9-0)
• Issued statement in support of Warrant Article 18 to share public meeting video recordings on CivicClerk (9-0)

Board of Assessors

The Brookline Board of Assessors is meeting to handle routine administrative business, including approving prior minutes, reviewing correspondence, and signing warrants and contracts. The board will also take action on abatement applications, tax exemption requests, and any proposed changes to assessment standards. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific items detailed.

• Review/approve minutes of prior meeting
• Review & sign contracts for services, if any
• Review & take action on abatement applications, if any
• Review & take action on statutory exemptions, if any
• Review proposed changes in assessment/valuation standards, if any

Conservation Commission

The Brookline Conservation Commission will review and potentially vote on downspout revisions at 88 Cottage St (DEP#120-198, BWB#23-01), and receive updates on the stormwater model and MS4 permit. The meeting also includes approval of the September 30, 2025 minutes, staff and event updates, and adjournment.

• Potential vote on downspout revisions at 88 Cottage St (DEP#120-198, BWB#23-01)
• Stormwater model and MS4 permit update by Maria Rose
• Approval of September 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Staff update and event update

The Conservation Commission approved a request to modify downspout drainage at 88 Cottage St, which includes the addition of two rain gardens. The Commission also received a presentation on the town's stormwater model and MS4 permit, and heard updates on various local projects and maintenance schedules.

• Approved September 30, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved downspout and rain garden revisions at 88 Cottage St (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss and possibly vote on several warrant articles, including approval of collective bargaining agreements, a Pride Month resolution, a tree preservation resolution, and a resolution on recordings of public meetings. Public comment is limited to 5 minutes.

• WA 2: Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreements (Human Resources)
• WA 15: Resolution celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
• WA 17: Resolution on tree preservation practices
• WA 18: Resolution on recordings of public meetings

The Advisory Committee voted to recommend favorable action on four warrant articles for Town Meeting. The most consequential was WA 2, a 3-year collective bargaining agreement with firefighters costing $4.83M, which passed 25-0. The committee also recommended non-binding resolutions on LGBTQIA+ Pride Month recognition (22-0-3), tree preservation practices (21-1-2), and public meeting recordings (24-0-1).

• Recommended favorable action on WA 2, funding the 3-year firefighter contract ($4.83M), 25-0
• Recommended favorable action on WA 15, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month resolution, as amended, 22-0-3
• Recommended favorable action on WA 17, tree preservation resolution, as amended, 21-1-2
• Recommended favorable action on WA 18, public meeting recordings resolution, as amended, 24-0-1

Tree Planting Committee

The Brookline Tree Planting Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the Front Yard Tree Planting Program, including current applications and site reviews. Members will also review MBTA C-Line accessibility project plans for upcoming stations and coordinate a site walk before leaf drop. The agenda includes a staff update and adjournment.

• Front Yard Tree Planting Program: current applications and site reviews
• MBTA C-Line Accessibility Project plans for upcoming stations
• Coordination of MBTA C-Line stations site walk before leaf drop
• Staff update

The Tree Planting Committee reviewed six front-yard tree planting applications, making site-specific recommendations and requiring site visits before final approvals on several. They also scheduled a site walk for November 3 to assess MBTA C-Line station tree impacts and discussed ongoing planting progress and staffing.

• Reviewed 6 front-yard tree applications; recommended species for 8 Stetson St., 16 Thayer St., 61 Wolcott Rd.
• Required site visits before final approval for 12 Stedman St., 70 Cleveland Rd., 226 Grove St.
• Reinforced one-tree-per-application policy; applicants may reapply annually.
• Scheduled MBTA C-Line site walk for Monday, November 3 at 7:30 AM.
• Agreed to create a Google Map of residential plantings for public outreach.

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Policy Review Subcommittee will discuss and possibly vote on updates to three sections of the PSB Policy Manual, including a new class size and sectioning policy, flag protocol and pledge of allegiance changes, and building use and access updates. The meeting is fully remote and includes approval of prior minutes and new business.

• Proposed new policy J 2 b 5 on Class Size and Sectioning
• Updates to Flag Protocol and Pledge of Allegiance Policy (Section I 3 c)
• Updates to Building Use and Access Policy (Section K)
• Approval of September 9, 2025 minutes

The Policy Review Subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the revised Flag Protocol and Pledge of Allegiance Policy for a First Reading at the School Committee, after removing a sentence about the pledge being less meaningful for some community members. It also voted unanimously to move the updated Section J (Placement) policy, including a new Class Size and Sectioning section, to the School Committee for a First Reading, pending feedback from the high school and enrollment staff. The subcommittee discussed but did not vote on a draft Building Access and Usage Policy, with further revisions expected.

• Approved minutes of September 9, 2025 meeting (3-0)
• Recommended revised Flag Protocol and Pledge of Allegiance Policy for First Reading (3-0)
• Recommended updated Section J policy with new Class Size and Sectioning section for First Reading (3-0)
• Discussed Building Access and Usage Policy draft; no vote taken

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is meeting to vote on several items, including directing the Sustainability Division to build the Climate Action & Resilience Plan toward a net zero 2050 goal, approving a Town-Schools MOU, and voting on warrant articles for the November 18 Special Town Meeting. The agenda also includes accepting grants for bike stations and an electric vehicle, approving extra work orders for construction projects, and several personnel hires. Executive sessions will discuss litigation and property value matters.

• Vote to direct Sustainability to construct Climate Action & Resilience Plan toward net zero 2050 goal
• Accept $350,916.80 in grants for six Bluebikes stations, 62 pedal bikes, 10 electric bikes
• Approve Extra Work Order No. 1 with JAM Construction for $282,221 (Amory Playground)
• Approve Extra Work Order No. 1 with Richard D'Ambrosia, Inc. for $83,234.72 (Lowell Road Reconstruction)
• Public hearing on warrant articles including Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District and nuisance lighting by-law

The Select Board voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding between the Town and Public Schools of Brookline regarding financial policies and practices, including a side letter addressing processes beyond the September 2026 sunset clause. The Board also approved several contracts, grants, and personnel hires, and voted on multiple warrant articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

• Approved Town-Schools MOU on financial policies (5-0)
• Authorized lawsuit over 179 Babcock St. zoning violations (5-0)
• Accepted $350,916.80 for Bluebikes stations and bikes (5-0)
• Accepted $87,232 for accessible electric vehicle (5-0)
• Approved extra work orders totaling $504,288.72 for playground and road projects (5-0)
• Approved 7 authorization-to-hire requests (5-0)
• Voted favorable on warrant articles 14 and 4 (5-0)
• Referred warrant articles 11 and 12 to committee (5-0)

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

This meeting of the Brookline Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee has been cancelled. The agenda had been set to discuss the engagement strategy for winter outreach, with public comment and adjournment also scheduled.

• Meeting cancelled for October 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
• Discussion of Engagement Strategy for Winter Engagement
• Public comment opportunity on Comprehensive Planning topics

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees Executive Committee is meeting in person to discuss the Library Director Search. The agenda contains only this discussion item along with convening and adjourning, with no other business listed.

• Library Director Search discussion

Small Business Development Committee

The Brookline Small Business Development Committee is meeting virtually to vote on approving meeting minutes from September and October, and to consider local adoption of the state's new liquor license category amendment. The agenda also includes staff updates on the MBTA Green Line C project, Harvard Street repaving, Centre Street lots study, and Beacon Street Bridle Path project, plus a presentation from Qwally.

• Vote on approval of meeting minutes from September 9 and October 7, 2025
• Possible vote on local adoption of state's new liquor license category amendment
• MBTA Green Line C project update
• Upcoming Harvard Street repaving project update
• Beacon Street Bridle Path project update and upcoming workshops

The Small Business Development Committee voted to recommend that the Select Board adopt a new state liquor license category for beer-and-wine-only establishments, and approved sending a letter to the Transportation Department about the spring 2026 Harvard Street repaving project. It also approved minutes from its September 9 and October 7 meetings, heard a presentation on the Qwally small-business portal, and received updates on the MBTA Green Line C branch, Centre Street lots, and the Beacon Street bridle path. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Recommended local adoption of new state beer-and-wine-only liquor license category (majority yes; 1 abstention)
• Approved letter to Transportation/Engineering on Harvard Street repaving concerns (majority yes; 1 abstention)
• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously
• Approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (majority yes; 1 abstention)
• Heard Qwally small-business portal presentation; no vote recorded
• Received updates on MBTA Green Line C project, Centre Street lots study, and Beacon Street bridle path; no votes recorded

Pedestrian Advisory Committee

The Brookline Pedestrian Advisory Committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss pedestrian safety issues, including reviewing data on intersections lacking crosswalks and planning next steps. They will also review meeting minutes, discuss a public outreach brochure, and address member compliance with town requirements.

• Review and approval of September 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of public outreach brochure and potential new educational brochures (e.g., Walk Signals 101)
• Status of members' compliance with swearing-in, Open Meeting Law, and Conflict of Interest training
• Review of data collection on intersections lacking crosswalks and prioritization
• Discussion of pedestrian lighting impacts on Warrant Article 8 and blind residents' feedback on replacing traffic signals with 4-way stops

The committee discussed the Beacon Street Bridle Path project, including concerns about shared use by pedestrians and cyclists, and considered providing input to the Design Review Committee. They approved the September 8 meeting minutes unanimously and discussed crosswalk observations and outreach efforts. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy changes.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, 6-0)
• Discussed Beacon Street Bridle Path design, including potential shared-use concerns
• Agreed to revisit crosswalk priority list with DPW at next meeting
• Discussed distributing pedestrian safety brochure to schools and events

Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the future use of town-owned lots at 110, 124, 150 Fisher Avenue and 146 Hyslop Road. The agenda includes follow-up questions on the Town Administrator's recreation and community center proposal, community engagement on Warrant Article 13 regarding older adult needs, and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Discussion of Town Administrator's Recreation + Community Center Proposal
• Review of 09.08.2025 meeting minutes
• Community engagement on Warrant Article 13, a resolution on older adult needs for Fisher Hill property
• Public comment on the noticed topic

The Fisher Hill West Uses Advisory Committee voted to accept the September 8, 2025 minutes as written. The meeting focused on follow-up questions about the Town Administrator's Recreation and Community Center proposal and a presentation by petitioners of Warrant Article 13, which asks that seniors' needs be considered in the Fisher Hill West study. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Accepted September 8, 2025 minutes as is

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees' Library Functions Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss the Collection Development Policy, including a markup of the policy. The meeting is open to the public and includes time for public comment.

• Discussion of Collection Development Policy
• Review of Collection Development Policy markup

Advisory Council of Public Health

The Brookline Advisory Council of Public Health is holding a public hearing to discuss announcements, public comment, approval of September minutes, fall warrant articles (WA6, WA7, WA9, WA15), the 2026 calendar, and director's reports. The meeting is hybrid, in-person at the Public Health Library and via Zoom.

• Public comment period for topics within council jurisdiction
• Approval of September 15, 2025 minutes
• Discussion of fall warrant articles WA6, WA7, WA9, WA15
• Review of ACPH 2026 calendar
• Director's and division reports for October 2025

Community Preservation Act Committee

The Community Preservation Act Committee will hold a public hearing to review grant statuses, discuss a rubric for full applications, and consider extending a contract with consultant Jennifer Goldson. They will also vote on a proposed amendment to spend remaining FY25 tree inventory grant funds on additional inventories. The meeting is largely administrative, covering minutes, grant updates, and website materials.

• Possible vote on extending contract with Jennifer Goldson
• Proposal to expend remaining FY25 Tree Inventory Grant funds on additional tree inventories
• Status report on FY25 grants and update on FY26 grants
• Review rubric for full applications
• Overview of CPAC Town website folders/materials

The Community Preservation Act Committee approved an on-call consultant contract not to exceed $5,000 and amended the FY25 Tree Inventory grant to add tree inventories at numerous parks and schools using existing funds. The committee also reviewed a revised application rubric, which will be circulated for feedback, and received an update that ten FY27 applications totaling $6.3 million were submitted against roughly $4.5 million in available CPA revenue. No final funding decisions were made on the FY27 requests.

• Approved on-call consultant contract not to exceed $5,000 (7-0)
• Amended FY25 Tree Inventory grant to add inventories at listed parks and schools (7-0)
• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Revised application rubric to be circulated for member feedback; no vote taken
• Adjourned (all in favor)

Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group

The Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study Community Advisory Group is meeting to receive staff updates on draft zoning, design guidelines, and a transportation study, plus a presentation on preliminary infrastructure concepts from consultant Kittelson & Associates. They will also hear an update on the City Realty project proposal. The meeting includes public comment and is open for in-person or remote participation.

• Draft zoning and design guidelines for Chestnut Hill Commercial Area
• Transportation study: Phase 1 Existing Conditions Analysis and Phase 2 Multi-modal Capacity and Safety Improvements
• Preliminary infrastructure improvement concepts presented by Kittelson & Associates
• City Realty project proposal update
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)

Committee on Town Organization & Structure

The Brookline Committee on Town Organization & Structure will discuss and possibly vote on Article 5, which would dissolve the Human Resources Board. The committee will also discuss other warrant articles and handle routine business such as approving minutes.

• Discussion and possible vote on Article 5 to dissolve the Human Resources Board
• Discussion and possible votes on other warrant articles
• Other business including approval of minutes

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee is meeting to hear presentations on School Improvement Plans from Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, and Driscoll schools, as well as the Brookline Early Education Program. The agenda also includes new business and adjournment. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation of School Improvement Plans: Hayes School, Runkle School, Pierce School, Driscoll School, Brookline Early Education Program
• New Business
• Adjournment at 5:30pm

The School Committee's Curriculum Subcommittee met on October 20, 2025 and voted 3-0 to approve the minutes of its June 17, 2025 meeting. Principals from the Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, and Driscoll schools and the Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) presented updates on their School Improvement Plans, describing alignment with the district's Strategic Plan and sharing data on literacy, belonging, attendance, and inclusion goals. No other votes or formal decisions were recorded; two items were raised as new business for future discussion.

• Approved minutes of the June 17, 2025 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting (3-0, roll call; Ms. Thall not present for the vote)
• Received School Improvement Plan presentations from Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, Driscoll, and BEEP principals (no vote recorded)
• New business raised: Dr. Weintraub requested BHS Social Studies Coordinator Dr. Jen Martin attend a future meeting to discuss the WHISP Social Studies course (no action taken)
• New business raised: Dr. Weintraub asked the district to reinstate its partnership with Teachers as Scholars for educator professional development (no action taken)

Advisory Committee

The Land Use, Zoning and Sustainability Subcommittee will continue its discussion and possible vote on Warrant Article 7, which would amend the Zoning By-Law to create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District. The public hearing is a continuation, and no public comments will be taken during the meeting. The subcommittee will also review and approve minutes.

• Continuation of discussion and possible vote on WA 7 to create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District
• Public hearing on the zoning by-law amendment
• Review and approval of meeting minutes

The Land Use, Zoning and Sustainability Subcommittee held a public hearing on Warrant Article 7, which proposes a multifamily overlay district at Clark Road. They discussed revised zoning language, including height limits, step-backs, and parking ratios, but postponed decisions on parking maximums and on zoning for the adjacent S-10 parcel (CRM-II) due to lack of design details. The committee also delayed approving the October 8 meeting minutes pending edits. No final votes were taken on the article.

• Delayed vote on October 8 meeting minutes pending edits
• Postponed decision on parking maximums (range 1.0–1.5 spaces per unit discussed)
• Postponed decision on zoning for CRM-II (S-10 parcel) until more design details available
• Adjourned meeting to a future date

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Curriculum Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from June 17, 2025, and hear presentations on School Improvement Plans from Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, and Driscoll Schools, plus the Brookline Early Education Program. The meeting is open to the public and includes a new business section.

• Approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• School Improvement Plan presentations: Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, Driscoll, and Brookline Early Education Program

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on October 20, 2025 and voted 3-0 to approve minutes from its June 17, 2025 meeting. Principals from Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, Driscoll, and BEEP presented updates on their School Improvement Plans, describing alignment with the district Strategic Plan and sharing data on literacy, social-emotional learning, attendance, and inclusion. No other votes or formal decisions were recorded; two items were raised as new business for future discussion.

• Approved June 17, 2025 Curriculum Subcommittee minutes (3-0, roll call; Thall absent for vote)
• Received School Improvement Plan presentations from Hayes, Runkle, Pierce, Driscoll, and BEEP principals (no vote recorded)
• New business raised: invite BHS Social Studies Coordinator Dr. Jen Martin to discuss WHISP Social Studies course (no action taken)
• New business raised: request district reinstate partnership with Teachers as Scholars for professional development (no action taken)

Retirement Board

The Brookline Retirement Board will meet to vote on the PRIM Private Equity Vintage Year 2026 investment and discuss updates on PRIM, ADR, legal services RFP, and staffing. The board will also approve prior month's minutes, payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses.

• Vote on PRIM Private Equity Vintage Year 2026 (PEVY 2026)
• ADR Update with K. Francis, Joseph Mandra, R. Gillis
• Legal Services RFP
• Eric Marsman membership issue
• Approve September minutes, pension payroll, refunds, transfers, and expenses

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's 'Future' Subcommittee is meeting to discuss its charge, structure, and schedule, based on a draft timeline proposal. This is an organizational meeting focused on planning, not on specific fiscal decisions.

• Discussion of the Future Subcommittee's charge and work structure
• Review of the E&RSC Subcommittee & Timeline Proposal Draft

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Schools Subcommittee is meeting to discuss its charge, how to structure its work, and its schedule. The agenda includes a draft proposal for the subcommittee's timeline. This is an organizational meeting focused on planning rather than decisions on specific expenditures.

• Discussion of the charge of the Schools Subcommittee
• Review of E&RSC Subcommittee & Timeline Proposal Draft
• Meeting held virtually via Zoom

The Schools Subcommittee elected Sadaf Kazmi as chair by a 5-0 vote and agreed to hold weekly Zoom meetings through December 8. Members discussed the timeline for a report to the Select Board, with work product due the week of December 8 and a final report due in January 2026. No substantive decisions were made on budget or revenue items; the meeting was largely procedural and planning-focused.

• Elected Sadaf Kazmi as chair (5-0)
• Agreed to weekly Zoom meetings on Wednesdays and Mondays through December 8

Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee

The Expenditures & Revenues Study Committee's Town Subcommittee is meeting to discuss its charge and how to structure its work and schedule. The agenda includes a draft proposal for the subcommittee's timeline. This is an organizational meeting focused on planning rather than decisions on specific expenditures or revenues.

• Discussion of subcommittee charge and work structure
• Review of E&RSC Sub-Committee & Timeline Proposal draft

The Town Subcommittee of the Expenditures and Revenue Study Committee held its first meeting, focusing on organization and planning rather than making substantive decisions. Members discussed revenue enhancements, departmental efficiencies, salary analysis, and potential override scenarios, and scheduled future meetings. No formal votes were taken on policy or funding matters.

• Invited John Van Scoyoc to serve as chair of the town subcommittee (invite sent 10/17/25)
• Scheduled next meeting for October 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
• Agreed to rotate minute-taking responsibilities among members
• Jesse Hefter volunteered to prepare minutes for this meeting

Metro Public Health Collaborative

The Metro Public Health Collaborative, serving Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, and Newton, will meet to vote on prior minutes, receive updates, and discuss an MOU amendment for the Opioid Abatement Collaborative. The general session will cover interview strategy for a Regional Epidemiologist, a housing SOP and consultant contract, FDA standards, nursing support, vaccine storage, and the RIZE grant budget. This is a routine monthly meeting with no final decisions on major policy items expected.

• Vote to approve prior meeting minutes
• Update on MOU amendment for Opioid Abatement Collaborative
• Discuss interview strategy for Regional Epidemiologist position
• Update on Regional Housing SOP and consultant contract
• Discuss RIZE grant budget and program activities

The Metro Public Health Collaborative approved the revised RIZE grant budget unanimously and approved the September 19, 2025 meeting minutes as amended. The group also agreed to finalize the Opioid Abatement Collaborative MOU amendment before the November 7 RIZE grant deadline and maintain a monthly Friday meeting cadence for 2026.

• Approved September 19, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved revised RIZE grant budget (unanimous)
• Agreed to finalize OAC MOU amendment before Nov 7 deadline
• Agreed to maintain monthly Friday meeting cadence for 2026

Library Trustees

The Brookline Library Trustees will convene for a hybrid meeting to discuss routine reports and consider updates to the Appropriate Patron Behavior Policy and the Food and Drink Policy. Public comment is invited, and the board will also approve minutes from the September 9 meeting.

• Approve meeting minutes from 9/09/2025
• Appropriate Patron Behavior Policy discussion
• Food and Drink Policy discussion
• Public comment period (3-minute limit)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss and possibly vote on five articles (WA 9-13) that will be recommended to Town Meeting. These include naming a baseball diamond at Warren Field, creating a renter's handbook by-law, and amending by-laws related to Advisory Committee appointments and consideration of the older population for Fisher Hill property use.

• WA 10: Name baseball diamond at northwest corner of Warren Field 'Campagna Diamond' after Joseph Campagna
• WA 9: Create new Article 3.12B of General By-Laws establishing a renter's handbook
• WA 11: Amend Section 2.2 to allow Advisory Committee members to serve on boards related to Town building construction
• WA 12: Amend Section 2.2.1 to clarify standing board and expenditure control language for Advisory Committee appointments
• WA 13: Resolution to consider older population when determining use of Fisher Hill property

The Advisory Committee voted to recommend a new bylaw requiring the town to provide a statement of tenant rights to those facing eviction. The committee also voted to refer two warrant articles regarding Advisory Committee member eligibility for other town boards to the Committee on Town Organization and Structure for further study. Discussion on naming a baseball diamond was postponed to a future date.

• Recommended favorable action on Warrant Article 13 regarding older adult needs (26-0-2)
• Postponed discussion on Warrant Article 10 (Campagna Diamond)
• Recommended favorable action on Warrant Article 9 regarding a tenant's handbook (18-1-8)
• Referred Warrant Articles 11 and 12 to the Committee on Town Organization and Structure (25-0-1)

Planning Board

The Brookline Planning Board will hold a public hearing on three proposed zoning and general by-law warrant articles for the Fall 2025 Town Meeting. The articles address family child care homes, a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District, and nuisance lighting. The board will hear public comment and discuss these items before making recommendations.

• Article 6: Allow Family Child Care Homes and Large Family Child Care Homes by-right per MGL Ch. 40A, Sec. 3
• Article 7: Create a Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District by amending Sec. 5.06.4
• Article 8: Create a general by-law to address nuisance lighting and glare

The Brookline Planning Board held a public hearing on three warrant articles. It unanimously recommended favorable action on Article 6, which would allow large family child care homes by-right, aligning with state law. The board voted to continue discussions on Article 7 (Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District) and Article 8 (lighting and glare nuisances) to the following week.

• Recommended favorable action on Article 6 to allow large child care homes by-right (unanimous)
• Continued discussion on Article 7 (Clark Road Multi-Family Overlay District) to Oct 23 (unanimous)
• Continued discussion on Article 8 (lighting and glare nuisances) to Oct 23 (unanimous)

Centre Street Lots Committee

The Centre Street Lots Committee will hear a consultant presentation on projected traffic, parking, and operations/maintenance costs for updated conceptual scenarios for the Centre Street lots. The committee will also approve minutes from several prior meetings and take public comment.

• Consultant presentation on traffic and parking impacts of updated conceptual scenarios
• Consultant presentation on operations and maintenance costs
• Approval of minutes from May 15, May 29, June 12, June 26, and July 17 meetings
• Remarks on accessibility by Marion Freedman-Gurspan

School Committee

The Brookline School Committee's Finance and Capital Projects Subcommittee will meet remotely to review capital projects, including deferred maintenance updates, and discuss financial matters such as the FY25 budget close and FY27-31 budget guidelines. They will also consider a grant request for METCO special education funding.

• Request for approval of DESE FY26 METCO Supplemental Special Education Grant, $135,000
• Update on Mini-CIP (deferred maintenance) summer projects and related expenses
• Report on final FY25 repair and maintenance budget
• Review of the New Position Report
• FY27-FY31 Budget Guidelines: Review and Discussion

The Finance and Capital Projects Subcommittee approved submitting a $135,000 FY26 METCO Supplemental Special Education Grant application to DESE, with funds to offset existing paraprofessional costs. They also approved minutes from September meetings and reviewed capital project updates, the FY25 budget close, and FY27-31 budget guidelines. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved FY26 METCO Supplemental Special Education Grant submission to DESE (4-0)
• Approved minutes of September 17 and September 26, 2025 meetings (3-0)

Housing Advisory Board

The Housing Advisory Board's ADU Subcommittee will continue reviewing the draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Bylaw Warrant Article, including proposed amendments to definitions and yard regulations. They will also discuss open issues such as maximum unit size, time permitting. The meeting is a working session; no final decisions are expected.

• Review of proposed amendments to § 2.01 'A' (Definitions)
• Review of proposed amendments to § 5.53 (Accessory Buildings in Front Yards)
• Review of proposed amendments to § 5.72 (Accessory Buildings or Structures in Rear Yards)
• Review of proposed amendments to Table 5.01
• Discussion of open issues including maximum ADU size

The Brookline ADU Subcommittee continued reviewing revisions to the draft ADU Bylaw Warrant Article, focusing on height and setback provisions after feedback from the Attorney General's Office. Staff presented a proposal with two height tiers (15 feet standard, 22 feet with habitable space) and a process for the Building Commissioner to approve slightly higher ADUs where the 22-foot limit made construction infeasible. The subcommittee voted unanimously to submit the staff's proposed ADU bylaw concept, with a technical explanation, to the Attorney General's Office for preliminary review, and agreed to meet again on October 29.

• Approved submitting the staff's proposed ADU bylaw concept to the Attorney General's Office for review, with a technical explanation prepared by staff (4-0, unanimous)
• Agreed to submit only the staff's more permissive proposal rather than also sending an alternative framework developed by Richard
• Agreed to keep the existing prohibition on front-yard ADUs, which the AGO did not strike
• Scheduled next meeting for October 29, 12:30-2:00 p.m. to revisit the 'size' discussion and review other bylaw sections

Advisory Committee

The Personnel Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss and possibly vote on two articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting: one to dissolve the Human Resources Board by amending the General By-Laws, and another to approve collective bargaining agreements. Public comments are invited.

• WA 5: Amend Sections 3.14 and 3.15 of General By-Laws to dissolve Human Resources Board
• WA 2: Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Public hearing with opportunity for comment

The Personnel Subcommittee unanimously recommended favorable action on Article 2, which funds a three-year contract extension with the Fire Fighters Union (IAFF Local 950) from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027. The subcommittee also voted to recommend no action on Article 5, which sought to dissolve the Human Resources Board, after a motion to refer it back to the Select Board failed.

• Recommended favorable action on Article 2 (firefighter contract extension) unanimously
• Motion to refer Article 5 back to Select Board defeated (1-2)
• Recommended no action on Article 5 (dissolve HR Board) (2 yes, 1 abstention)

Advisory Committee

The Capital Subcommittee of the Brookline Advisory Committee will continue discussion and possibly vote on WA 17, a resolution regarding tree preservation practices. The public may attend but cannot comment during the meeting; written comments are accepted until noon the day before.

• Continuation of discussion and possible vote on WA 17: Resolution regarding tree preservation practices

Select Board

The Brookline Select Board is holding a licensing hearing to consider three applications for changes of manager of record at local businesses. The board will also approve meeting minutes from September 17, 2025. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Change of manager of record from Claire Sommers to Gabriela Isabel Jimenez for Trader Joe's at 1309 Beacon St.
• Alternate managers Daniel Shnayder and Gregory Reynolds for Trader Joe's at 1309 Beacon St.
• Change of manager of record from Timothy Liu to Kittikhun Choosri for Fiyahen at 1024 Commonwealth Ave.
• Change of manager of record from Kayla Binger to Nelsy Marielis Pimentel Guerrero for Taco Bell at 276 Harvard St.

The Select Board approved the meeting minutes from September 17, 2025. It then recommended approval of three liquor license manager changes: Trader Joe's at 1309 Beacon St., Fiyahen at 1024 Commonwealth Ave., and Taco Bell at 276 Harvard St. The Taco Bell change was conditionally approved pending the applicant's scheduled interview on October 30.

• Approved meeting minutes from September 17, 2025 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of manager change to Gabriela Isabel Jimenez and alternate managers Daniel Shnayder and Gregory Reynolds for Trader Joe's at 1309 Beacon St.
• Recommended approval of manager change to Kittikhun Choosri for Fiyahen at 1024 Commonwealth Ave.
• Recommended conditional approval of manager change to Nelsy Marielis Pimentel Guerrero for Taco Bell at 276 Harvard St., pending interview on October 30

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual public hearing to consider the applicant's request to continue the Comprehensive Permit (40B) hearing for the Coolidge Residences project to October 15, 2026. No discussion or testimony will take place at this meeting; it is a procedural continuance only.

• Continuance request for 40B Comprehensive Permit hearing to Oct. 15, 2026
• Properties: 8-10 Waldo St., 10-18 Pleasant St., 16 John St.
• Extended deadline to close hearing granted through April 13, 2027
• No discussion or testimony on Oct. 14, 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a virtual hearing and granted a continuance for the applicant, Coolidge Residences of Brookline LLC, regarding properties at 8-10 Waldo St., 10-18 Pleasant St., and 16 John St. The hearing was continued to October 15, 2026, and the close of hearing date was extended to April 13, 2027, as requested by the applicant. No discussion or testimony occurred, and the hearing was adjourned.

• Granted continuance for Coolidge Residences of Brookline LLC to October 15, 2026
• Extended close of hearing date to April 13, 2027

Building Commission

The Brookline Building Commission is holding its monthly hybrid meeting to review and vote on invoices, requisitions, and change orders for several capital projects, including Pierce, Brookline High School, Driscoll, and the Fire Station. They will also hear a feasibility study presentation for Fire Station 5 and discuss forming a committee for the Larz Anderson skating rink project.

• Review and vote on invoices and change orders for Pierce project
• Review and vote on requisitions and change orders for Brookline High School
• Driscoll project update and request to purchase a new 2nd floor playground bridge
• Fire Station project update and presentation of feasibility study for Fire Station 5
• Parks Department requests 3 commission members for committee of 7 RFQ process for Larz Anderson skating rink

Park & Recreation Commission

The Brookline Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on Punch Bowl's 2026 outdoor dining permissions, discuss proposed Town Meeting Articles #6 and #7 (daycare zoning and Clark Road overlay district), and vote on letters of support for FY27 Community Preservation Act projects. The agenda also includes a presentation on the golf course lighting project, covering funding, public meetings, and timeline.

• Public hearing and vote on Punch Bowl 2026 outdoor dining permissions
• Discussion of Town Meeting Article 6 (ZBL Daycare Comply with Dover)
• Discussion of Town Meeting Article 7 (Clark Road Overlay District)
• Vote on letter of support for Sustainability and Natural Resources FY27 CPA projects
• Vote on letter of support for Parks and Open Space FY27 CPA projects

The Park and Recreation Commission unanimously approved Punch Bowl's 2026 outdoor dining application for April–November. They also voted unanimously to support FY27 CPA projects, including $20,000 for invasive species work and $200,000 for bridge assessments. Discussions were held on Town Meeting Articles 6 and 7, but no votes were taken on those items.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Punch Bowl 2026 outdoor dining permit (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for FY27 CPA Sustainability projects (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for FY27 CPA Parks and Open Space projects (unanimous)

Age Friendly Cities Committee

The Age Friendly Cities Committee will vote on minutes, discuss reenrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and hear from the Deputy Director of Emergency Management. They will also discuss the Community Health Improvement Plan, pedestrian safety, and communication challenges. The agenda is largely routine, with subcommittee reports and planning for future speakers.

• Vote to accept amended minutes of September 9, 2025 meeting
• Reenrollment in AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
• Guest: Cheryl Anne Snyder, Deputy Director of Emergency Management
• Discussion of Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
• Pedestrian safety discussion

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on warrant articles for the November Special Town Meeting, discuss the 2030 Roadmap and Climate Action Plan, and consider several contracts and grants. Notable actions include approving a $1.37 million golf course renovation contract, a $135,900 design oversight contract, and a $50,000 consulting agreement. The board will also interview a commission candidate and consider reappointing the Chief of Police.

• Approve contract PW/26-12 with J. Bates and Son for $1,374,284.83 for Brookline Golf Course Phase Two Renovations
• Approve contract with Mungeam Golf Design for $135,900 for construction and environmental oversight
• Approve $50,000 agreement with Linnean Solutions for Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 consulting
• Accept $42,593.08 grant for Municipal Road Safety and $19,993 for Justice Assistance Grant
• Public hearing on warrant articles for Nov. 18 Special Town Meeting, including by-law accessibility update

The Select Board approved a $1,374,284.83 contract with J. Bates and Son for Phase Two renovations of the Brookline Golf Course, addressing drainage issues, and a $135,900 contract with Mungeam Golf Design for oversight. They also approved several grants, hires, and a donation, and postponed decisions on the Chief of Police reappointment and a commission interview. The board discussed but took no vote on the MBTA bus lane pilot and the 2030 Roadmap.

• Approved $1,374,284.83 contract for Brookline Golf Course Phase Two renovations (5-0)
• Approved $135,900 contract with Mungeam Golf Design for project oversight (5-0)
• Approved $42,593.08 grant for Municipal Road Safety Program (5-0)
• Approved $19,993 grant from Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (5-0)
• Approved $15,000 donation from City Realty for Chestnut Hill design guidelines (5-0)
• Approved $50,000 agreement with Linnean Solutions for climate preparedness consulting (5-0)
• Approved hiring of Librarian I Reference and CIT-TTAC Coordinator (5-0)
• Approved one-day wine and malt license for Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest (5-0)

Brookline Commission for the Arts

The Brookline Commission for the Arts is meeting virtually to handle routine business including minutes review, treasurer's report, and board changes. The main substantive items are discussing grant applications for 2026 and a grant matching effort, along with planning a grantee reception.

• Review of meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report
• Grantee reception planning
• Changing of the board
• Grant applications for 2026 and grant matching effort

Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee

The Brookline Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes from October 3, 2025, and to finalize details and to-do items for the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on October 13. They will also discuss updates and tasks for other October and November committee events and programs. Public comment is scheduled.

• Approve minutes from 10/3/25
• Final details for IPD on Oct 13
• Updates for Oct/Nov events and programs

The committee approved the minutes from the October 3 meeting unanimously (5-0). They finalized logistics for the October 13 Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Ridley School, including assignments for equipment, food, and setup. They also discussed the lack of Massachusett Tribe representation at the event, noting it would be addressed at later meetings. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 10/3/25 (5-0)
• Finalized Oct 13 IPD event logistics at Ridley School
• Noted Massachusett Tribe representation issue for future discussion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual public hearing on October 9, 2025, primarily to open a hearing on a Comprehensive Permit application for a 6-story mixed-use building at 429 Harvard Street. Due to schedule constraints, the hearing will be opened and continued to December, with no testimony or discussion on October 9. The board will also consider several smaller residential proposals and approve minutes.

• 429 Harvard Street: Comprehensive Permit for 6-story, 40-unit mixed-use building (20% income-restricted at 50% AMI), 3,055 SF retail, 15 parking spaces
• 131 High Street: rear dormer construction
• 99 Shaw Road: one-story rear addition
• 73 Beverly Road: clarification/modification of prior ZBA decision (Case #2024-00029)
• Approval of minutes

MLK Celebration Committee

The MLK Celebration Committee is meeting remotely to approve minutes from September 17, 2025, and to receive updates on planning for a fall 2025 event featuring Prof. Theoharis. The committee will also discuss updates and planning for the 2026 MLK Day celebration. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no votes on ordinances or contracts.

• Approve minutes from 9/17/25
• Updates and to-do's on Fall 2025 event with Prof. Theoharis
• Updates and planning for 2026 MLK Day

The MLK Celebration Committee approved the minutes from its 9/17/25 meeting (4-0). Members discussed and assigned tasks for the upcoming fall event with Prof. Theoharis on Nov. 1 at the Coolidge Corner Library, including promotion, payment, and outreach. They also began planning for the 2026 MLK Day event, considering student readings and potential speakers, but no formal decisions were made on those items.

• Approved minutes from 9/17/25 (4-0)

Advisory Committee

The Brookline Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss and possibly vote on two resolutions: WA 14, regarding contact information for public officials, and WA 16, encouraging a professional women's basketball franchise in Boston. Public comment is limited to 5 minutes. The meeting is remote via Zoom.

• Vote on WA 14: Resolution on contact information for public officials
• Vote on WA 16: Resolution to encourage a professional women's basketball franchise in Boston
• Public comment period (5 minutes)

The Brookline Advisory Committee voted unanimously (17-0) to recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 14, as amended, which would require contact information for elected officials to be listed on the town website. The committee also voted 17-0-1 to recommend favorable action on Warrant Article 16, a resolution supporting bringing a WNBA franchise to the Boston area. Both recommendations will go to Town Meeting.

• Recommended favorable action on WA 14 as amended (17-0)
• Adopted amendment adding 'at a minimum' to contact information definitions (17-0)
• Recommended favorable action on WA 16 as printed (17-0-1)