Wellesley meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Wellesley boards weigh fire lawsuit, school AC project, and preservation hearings

Wellesley town boards held a busy week of meetings covering historic preservation, a potential fire class action lawsuit, and school building projects, but no final decisions were made. The most consequential item on the agenda is the Select Board's upcoming vote on whether to join a fire class action lawsuit, which could have financial implications for the town.

Select Board to weigh fire lawsuit and financial update

The Select Board will discuss and vote on whether to join a fire class action lawsuit, review the Fiscal Year 2026 year-end financial update, and consider opening the Special Town Meeting warrant. The board will also review the public engagement plan for the North 40 project and vote on merit pay recommendations for the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief. An executive session is scheduled for litigation and negotiation strategy.

Historic preservation hearings held

The Historical Commission held public hearings on eight preservation determinations for properties on Standish, Sheridan, Wachusett, Lowell, Cypress, Pine Plain, and Willow Roads, plus a waiver hearing for 14 Heckle Street. The properties are slated for demolition and were built on or before December 31, 1949. The commission also reviewed minutes from its July 13 meeting and discussed the September agenda.

School Committee to vote on superintendent contract and AC project

On August 25, the School Committee will vote on the superintendent's contract and an air conditioning project at Bates, Fiske, Schofield, and WMS. The committee will also discuss a policy on student fund-raising and review capital planning project proposal forms for roof and HVAC designs at several schools. A separate executive session on the superintendent contract is scheduled for August 24.

Other board actions

The Planning Board will vote on two Special Town Meeting warrant articles: a Comprehensive Plan funding request and a transfer of funds between professional services accounts. The Municipal Light Board will hold a rate hearing and discuss a large commercial solar program. The Zoning Board of Appeals held hearings on seven property variance requests, including 37 Martin Road, 45 Cliff Road, 3 Pickerel Road, 55 Kenilworth Road, and 196-120 Worcester Street. The Retirement Board voted on seven new retirees, including Kimberly Sexton and Ryan Russell, and reviewed investment consulting proposals.

Coming up

• **August 25:** School Committee votes on superintendent contract and AC project.
• **August 27:** West Suburban Health Group Steering Committee votes on FY27 Wellness Budget.
• **September 1:** State Primary Election. Early in-person voting runs through August 28 at Town Hall, 525 Washington Street.

All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. No decisions have been made on the items listed above.

Wellesley boards hold hearings, orientations; Select Board to weigh fire lawsuit

Wellesley's municipal boards held a series of meetings over the past two weeks, but no decisions have been reported because minutes have not yet been published. The most consequential item on the upcoming agenda is the Select Board's vote on whether to join a fire class action lawsuit, scheduled for Monday, August 17.

Recent meetings

The School Committee met twice in executive session, once to discuss the superintendent's contract and once for a Step 4 grievance hearing with the Wellesley Educators Association. Both sessions were closed to the public.

The Planning Board held a retreat to discuss the Comprehensive Plan, Planning Area Studies, and the Planning Department's FY27 workplan, and elected officers.

The Climate Action Committee's agenda included a vote on its FY27 work plan, an update on external funding for solar projects at Hardy and Hunnewell schools, and a legislative update.

The Historical Commission held public hearings on eight preservation determinations for properties on Standish, Sheridan, Wachusett, Lowell, Cypress, Pine Plain, and Willow Roads, plus a waiver hearing for 14 Heckle Street.

The Zoning Board of Appeals held hearings on seven variance requests, including properties on Cliff Road, Pickerel Road, Kenilworth Road, and Worcester Street.

The Natural Resources Commission held a tree hearing for 31 trees, discussed a land swap, and received an update on the Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse.

The Board of Library Trustees discussed staffing, the Hills interior restoration, and funding requests for programs including Books in Bloom and a Veterans Day breakfast.

The Municipal Light Board interviewed candidates for a board member position, including Marco Gatti, Nate Bolton, Laura Olton, and Wayne Bishop.

The Permanent Building Committee reviewed the schematic design for the Morses Pond Beach & Bathhouse and the School AC budget.

The Advisory Committee held orientation sessions for new members, covering town government structure and Town Meeting.

The Board of Assessors reviewed FY2026 abatement applications and pending appeals in executive session.

The Human Resources Board discussed a salary variance for a promotion in the Facilities Management Department and reviewed 10 policies for Town Meeting.

The Playing Fields Task Force reviewed fall 2026 field applications from user groups.

Coming up

The Select Board meets Monday, August 17, to vote on joining a fire class action lawsuit, review the FY26 year-end financial update, and consider opening the Special Town Meeting warrant. The board will also review the public engagement plan for the North 40 project and vote on merit pay recommendations for the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief.

The Planning Board also meets Monday, August 17, to continue hearings on an inclusionary zoning special permit for 26 Washington Street and a large house review for 42 Oak Street, and to vote on two Special Town Meeting warrant articles.

The Design Review Board meets Wednesday, August 19, to review sign permits and minor construction at several commercial properties, including 51 Church Street, 390 Washington Street, and 59 Central Street.

The Town Clerk will test voting machines for the September 1 State Primary on Thursday, August 20, at the Municipal Light Plant. Early in-person voting begins Saturday, August 22, at Town Hall, 525 Washington Street, and continues through August 28.

The Council on Aging board meets Thursday, August 20, to vote on minutes and a gift acceptance, and to discuss budget and transportation.

The Board of Health meets Tuesday, August 25, for a routine session with reports from the chair, director, and nurse supervisor.

Wellesley boards meet on superintendent contract, zoning, and light rates; no decisions published yet

Wellesley town boards met over the past two weeks on a range of items, including superintendent contract negotiations, zoning permits, and municipal light rates. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no final decisions are available. The following summarizes the agendas and scheduled actions.

School Committee

The School Committee held multiple meetings on July 27 and August 3, all with executive sessions to discuss Superintendent contract strategy. The July 27 meeting also included review of gifts and donations for the Bates School sign, liaison updates on the Air Conditioning Feasibility Study, Permanent Building Committee, Playing Fields Task Force, and Climate Action Committee. The August 3 subcommittee meeting focused on non-union salaries and contracts. No votes or outcomes are recorded.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 27 to review zoning permits and house modifications, including an inclusionary zoning special permit for 26 Washington Street, a large house review for 42 Oak Street, and ZBA cases for 45 Cliff Road, 3 Pickerel Road, 55 Kenilworth Road, 10 Brewster Road, and 96-120 Worcester Street. The board also discussed a Comprehensive Plan RFP. On August 6, the board held a retreat to discuss the Comprehensive Plan, Planning Area Studies, the Planning Department's FY27 workplan, and to elect officers. No decisions are recorded.

Municipal Light Board

On July 29, the Municipal Light Board scheduled votes on an HR Guidebook and a WeCare 100% rate adjustment, both requiring roll call votes. The board also discussed a balcony solar project. No outcomes are recorded.

Other boards

• The Bylaw Review Committee met July 27 to vote on draft final rules and regulations, but no results are published.
• The Retirement Board met July 28 to approve retirements and new members, and held an executive session on litigation.
• The Board of Assessors reviewed FY2026 abatement applications and pending Appellate Tax Board appeals.
• The Wetlands Protection Committee heard seven land-use proposals on July 30, including after-the-fact approvals, patio and garage proposals, and a home rebuild within a protected buffer zone.
• The Board of Health held a procedural meeting with director and nurse supervisor reports.
• The Council on Aging subcommittee met July 31 to vote on disbanding itself; the outcome is not yet published.
• The Climate Action Committee met August 7 to vote on its FY27 work plan and discuss external funding for solar projects at Hardy and Hunnewell schools.
• The Advisory Committee held its first orientation session August 5, with a second session scheduled for August 12.
• The Select Board held an executive session July 28 on litigation strategy for 40 Oakland Street.

Coming up

• **Historical Commission** – Public hearing on preservation of eight historic buildings, Monday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Properties include 22 Standish Road, 24 Sheridan Road, 11 Wachusett Road, 61 Lowell Road, 22 Cypress Road, 62 Pine Plain Road, 42 Pine Plain Road, and 16 Willow Road.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Remote public hearing on seven variance requests, August 13, including cases for 45 Cliff Road, 3 Pickerel Road, 55 Kenilworth Road, and 196-120 Worcester Street.
• **Town Clerk** – Public testing of voting machines for the September 1 State Primary, August 20 at the Municipal Light Plant.
• **Early voting** – In-person early voting for the September 1 State Primary runs August 22 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and August 24–28 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) at Wellesley Town Hall, 525 Washington Street.

Wellesley boards weigh lawsuits, zoning permits, and rate changes in busy July stretch

Wellesley's town boards and committees packed a full agenda into the final two weeks of July, with items spanning litigation strategy, land-use permits, personnel appointments, and utility rate adjustments. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was scheduled on each agenda; outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Select Board: class-action lawsuit vote and personnel appointments

The Select Board's July 21 agenda included a vote on whether Wellesley would join a multi-municipality class-action lawsuit over fire-truck antitrust and PFAS turnout-gear litigation. The same meeting was set to consider promoting Mike Mankavech to Police Sergeant and appointing Xander Marcoux and Henry Ghilani as Firefighters.

Consent agenda items listed liquor licenses for Ranj Mahal at 27 Grove Street and B/Spoke Take Out at 50 Central Street, along with a Special Education Stabilization Fund expenditure. A public hearing was scheduled on an off-premises retail specialty food, wine, and malt beverage license for Captain Marden's at 279 Linden Street.

The Select Board also scheduled two executive sessions on litigation strategy regarding 40 Oakland Street — one at a July 22 working meeting and another on July 28, when the agenda was limited to call to order, executive session, and adjournment.

Board of Public Works: campus study and drought review

The Board of Public Works agenda for July 20 listed a contract award for the DPW Campus Feasibility Study, a drought status update, FY26 Enterprise Fund financials, FY27 goals, and board reorganization.

Municipal Light Board: HR guidebook and WeCare rate adjustment

The Wellesley Municipal Light Board's July 29 hybrid meeting included roll-call votes on an HR guidebook, a WeCare 100% rate adjustment, approval of June 17 minutes, a subcommittee vote, and discussion of a balcony solar project.

Planning Board and Wetlands: zoning permits and land-use proposals

The Planning Board's July 27 remote meeting included an inclusionary zoning special permit for 26 Washington Street, a large house review major modification for 42 Oak Street, and ZBA cases for 45 Cliff Road, 3 Pickerel Road, 55 Kenilworth Road, 10 Brewster Road, and 96-120 Worcester Street. A Comprehensive Plan RFP discussion was also listed.

The Wetlands Protection Committee scheduled seven land-use actions for July 30, including an after-the-fact sports court installation at 11 Winding River Circle (Mass DEP #324-1089), repaving of Cheney Drive at 900 Washington Street, a patio at 66 Northgate Road, a tear-down and rebuild at 45 White Oak Road within a 100-foot buffer zone (Mass DEP #324-1095), and a roofed-patio-to-kitchen conversion at 68 Dover Road within a 200-foot riparian area.

School Committee: policy review and Superintendent contract

The School Committee Policy Subcommittee discussed Policy JKAA on student behavioral interventions, time-out, and emergency seclusion on July 23, with no votes scheduled. Multiple School Committee meetings on July 27 included executive sessions on Superintendent contract negotiation strategy, along with liaison updates on the Air Conditioning Feasibility Study, Permanent Building Committee, and Playing Fields Task Force, and review of gifts and donations for a Bates School sign.

Other boards and committees

The Natural Resources Commission scheduled appointments to the Trails and Wetlands Protection Committees, a Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse update, and a Warren Park bake sale permit request for July 21. The Permanent Building Committee listed a change request and requisition for payment on the DPW RDF Administration Building, plus updates on the Hardy and Hunnewell School Solar Project. The Zoning Board of Appeals scheduled an executive session July 24 to review an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Tere Ramos on July 17, 2026, and a vote to authorize a response. The Retirement Board listed approvals of retirees Joan Cullinan and William Griffin, new members Michael Dickhaut, Logan Prichard, Katherine McGroarty, and Robert Watchilla, and an executive session on S. Melia v. Wellesley Retirement Board. The Board of Assessors reviewed FY2026 abatement applications and pending Appellate Tax Board appeals.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3** — School Committee Superintendent Contract Extension Subcommittee, executive session on contract strategy.
• **Aug. 5** — Advisory Committee orientation session #1 on town government structure and Town Meeting.
• **Aug. 6** — Planning Board retreat for FY27 workplan, Comprehensive Plan discussion, and election of officers.
• **Aug. 10** — Historical Commission virtual public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on preservation determinations for eight pre-1950 properties, including 22 Standish Road, 24 Sheridan Road, and 11 Wachusett Road. Contact the Planning Department at 781-431-1019 x 2230 or historic@wellesleyma.gov.
• **Aug. 13** — Zoning Board of Appeals remote public hearing on seven variance requests, including 45 Cliff Road, 3 Pickerel Road, and 55 Kenilworth Road.

Wellesley meeting roundup: Recent agendas pending minutes; Select Board set to vote on promotions and PFAS lawsuit

Wellesley's boards and commissions met throughout mid-July on zoning, historic preservation, housing, and personnel matters. Minutes from those sessions have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet known. This week, the Select Board is scheduled to vote on police and fire promotions and whether to join a multi-municipality PFAS lawsuit, while the Board of Public Works will consider a contract for a campus feasibility study.

Historic preservation and demolition review

The Historic District Commission held a July 7 public hearing on application HDC-26-05 at 58 Cottage Street, covering replacement of all windows and expansion of the asphalt driveway for a two-car garage. The agenda also listed membership recruitment and FY2027 reorganization.

The Historical Commission met July 13 on four properties: preservation determinations for 22 Standish Road (continued to Aug. 10) and 53 Hunnewell Street, a waiver request for 39 Emerson Road (continued from May and June), and a waiver request for 14 Heckle Street. The agenda also included approval of June 8 minutes.

Zoning and land use

The Zoning Board of Appeals met July 9 for a continued public hearing on Dana Hall School tennis courts at 45 Dana Road and a Wellesley College request for a minor modification determination at 106 Central Street. On July 16, the ZBA scheduled remote public hearings on 11 applications, including 951 Worcester Street (Dunkin), 180 Linden Street (Sit Still), 365 Weston Road, 402 Linden Street, and 37 Martin Road.

The Planning Board met July 13 to discuss an inclusionary zoning special permit for 26 Washington Street, a presentation on 136 Washington Street, and ZBA cases ZBA-2026-32 (951 Worcester Street), ZBA-2026-33 (180 Linden Street), and ZBA-2026-34 (365 Weston Road).

The Wetlands Protection Committee reviewed nine items July 9, including the annual brook cleaning and maintenance program at 169 Great Plain Avenue, new single-family construction at 39 College Road, and multiple home rebuilds and additions within buffer zones.

The Design Review Board met July 8 on special sign permits for 112 Worcester Street and Cross Insurance at 287 Linden Street, plus minor construction and a retaining wall by Boylston Properties at 36 & 40 Washington Street.

Housing, finance, and taxes

The Wellesley Housing Authority met July 16 to discuss bill payments, a flooring service contract, the FISH #324102 Morton Electrical Upgrade (PCO-1 Panel Bussing Change), an Allen & Major fee amendment #2 (FISH #324087), and an update to the Wellesley Affordable Housing Trust action plan. The agenda also listed a partnership/MOU proposal from the Watertown Housing Authority.

The Board of Assessors met July 9 in executive session on Appellate Tax Board appeals for 66 Central Street, 294 Washington Street, and 40 Seaver Street, Unit #9. On July 16, the board scheduled open-session discussion of the Comprehensive Annual Municipal (CAMA) report and executive-session review of FY2026 abatement applications for overvaluation and pending ATB appeals.

The Council on Aging met July 16 to vote on gift acceptance, June 18 and March 19 minutes, year-end finance updates, a no-show/cancellation policy, and an Affordable Housing Trust meeting update.

Personnel, buildings, and administration

The Human Resources Board met July 13 to vote on creating a job code for a Seasonal Van Driver (Recreation Department) and increasing the hourly rate for Crossing Guards (Police Department).

The Permanent Building Committee met July 9 to review Morses Pond Beach & Bathhouse design progress, receive updates on the Hardy and Hunnewell School Solar Project, consider proposed change orders for the DPW RDF Admin Building, and select a liaison for the School AC Project.

The Select Board met July 15 in executive session on litigation strategy regarding 40 Oakland Street. The School Committee's Superintendent Contract Extension Subcommittee met July 14 in executive session on the superintendent's contract and non-union salaries.

The Climate Action Committee met July 8 to vote on reorganization, adopt a code of conduct, and plan its FY27 work plan. The Board of Registrars met July 14 to discuss alternative and future polling locations and held an executive session on Incident Response Plan security.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Council on Aging (special meeting):** Roll-call vote on a candidate for board membership.
• **July 20 — Board of Public Works:** Consider contract award for the DPW Campus Feasibility Study; drought status update; FY26 Enterprise Fund financials; FY27 goals; board reorganization.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Vote to promote Mike Mankavech to Police Sergeant; vote to appoint Xander Marcoux and Henry Ghilani as Firefighters; vote on joining a class-action lawsuit regarding fire-truck antitrust and PFAS turnout-gear litigation; consent agenda including liquor licenses for Ranj Mahal (27 Grove Street) and B/Spoke Take Out (50 Central Street); public hearing and vote on a specialty food, wine and malt beverage license for Captain Marden's at 279 Linden Street.
• **July 21 — Natural Resources Commission:** Appoint Trails and Wetlands Protection Committee members; Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse update; Warren Park bake sale permit request.
• **July 23 — Recreation Commission:** Morses Pond Summer 2026 update; Summer Camp 2026 update; Morses Pond Project update.
• **July 30 — Board of Health:** Director and nurse supervisor reports; citizen speak; administrative business.

Wellesley boards tackle solar contracts, union talks, and zoning hearings in busy two-week stretch

Wellesley's town boards and committees held a packed schedule over the past two weeks, with agendas covering solar energy contracts, union negotiations, zoning permits, and fiscal year-end transfers. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes — including votes and dollar figures — cannot be confirmed from the available records.

Advisory Committee and Select Board fiscal actions

The Advisory Committee met June 30 with FY26 year-end transfer approvals on its agenda, along with liaison reports from numerous town boards and departments. The Select Board met July 1 with a scheduled vote on allocating Campana Funds for summer interns and a vote on minutes of the TWCPC Interview Subcommittee, followed by an executive session to discuss negotiation strategy with five municipal unions: AFSCME Local 49 (Custodian Union), Local 335 Production and Supervisors Units (DPW), Wellesley Free Library Staff and Supervisor Associations, and the Police Patrolmen's Association. The Select Board also held a June 30 retreat to review FY26 performance and develop a draft FY27 workplan.

Climate Action Committee solar contract vote

The Climate Action Committee met June 29 to discuss and vote on a contract for tax advisory services supporting Investment Tax Credit filings for rooftop solar projects at Hardy School, Hunnewell School, and the Recycling and Disposal Facility. The committee met again July 8 for a retreat covering FY27 work plan adoption, reorganization, and a code of conduct vote.

Planning Board hearings on Washington Street projects

The Planning Board continued public hearings June 29 on an Inclusionary Zoning Special Permit and a Lower Falls Village Commercial District Special Permit for 26 Washington Street, with a presentation on 136 Washington Street also scheduled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA held a continued public hearing July 9 on Dana Hall School's tennis courts application at 45 Dana Road and considered a Wellesley College request for a minor modification determination at 106 Central Street.

Permanent Building Committee

The committee reviewed design progress for the Morses Pond Beach & Bathhouse, received updates on the Hardy and Hunnewell School Solar Project and the DPW RDF Admin Building, and considered proposed change orders for the DPW building. A School Roofing Assessment Report was submitted as FYI.

Wetlands Protection Committee

The committee reviewed multiple residential applications near buffer zones, including new home construction at 39 College Road and 17 Upland, a sports court at 11 Winding River Circle, and several rebuilds and additions. The DPW's annual brook cleaning and maintenance program at 169 Great Plain Avenue was also on the agenda.

Other boards and committees

The Retirement Board discussed an investment consulting services RFP, an updated investment policy, and litigation between Pension Technologies Group and HR Mecca, with approval of 6 new retirees and 8 new members on the agenda. The Historic District Commission held a public hearing July 7 on application HDC-26-05 for 58 Cottage Street, covering window replacement and driveway expansion. The Design Review Board reviewed sign permits for 112 Worcester Street and 287 Linden Street, plus construction and retaining wall projects by Boylston Properties at 36 & 40 Washington Street. The Board of Assessors held an executive session on ATB appeals for 66 Central Street, 294 Washington Street, and 40 Seaver Street Unit #9. The School Committee held an executive session July 1 on Superintendent contract negotiations.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Historical Commission:** Public hearings on preservation determinations for 22 Standish Road and 53 Hunnewell Street, plus waiver requests for 39 Emerson Road and 14 Heckle Street.
• **July 13 — Human Resources Board:** Votes on creating a Seasonal Van Driver job code for Recreation and increasing the Crossing Guard hourly rate for the Police Department.
• **July 13 — Planning Board:** Continued discussion on the 26 Washington Street inclusionary zoning permit and ZBA cases for 951 Worcester Street, 180 Linden Street, and 365 Weston Road.
• **July 14 — Board of Registrars:** Discussion of alternative and future polling locations, with an executive session on Incident Response Plan security.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Remote public hearings on 11 applications, including 951 Worcester Street (Dunkin) and 180 Linden Street (Sit Still).
• **July 23 — Recreation Commission:** Updates on Morses Pond summer 2026 operations and the Morses Pond Project.

Wellesley meeting roundup: Weston & Sampson recommended for Municipal Way study; water main, solar, and budget items on recent agendas

A town evaluation committee unanimously recommended Weston & Sampson for a feasibility study contract at Municipal Way, the only confirmed decision among a busy two-week stretch of Wellesley board and committee meetings. Most other meetings were held on published agendas for which official minutes have not yet been released, so outcomes are not yet part of the public record.

Facilities study contract recommended

On June 25, the Submission Evaluation Committee interviewed three architectural and engineering firms to conduct a feasibility study for Municipal Way. The committee voted unanimously to recommend Weston & Sampson for contract negotiations. Members also approved June 11 meeting minutes unanimously. The recommendation now moves to contract negotiation; final award was not recorded in the available summary.

Water main rehabilitation contract on agenda

The Board of Public Works met June 24 with an agenda to award Contract #26C-470-1786 for water main rehabilitation on Edgemoor Avenue and Eaton Court. The meeting included a citizen speak period. Minutes have not yet been published, so the award outcome is not confirmed.

Solar project budget and tax advisory contract discussed

Two committees addressed town solar installations. On June 25, the Permanent Building Committee's agenda included a project update and budget review for the Hardy and Hunnewell School Solar Project, plus an update on the DPW RDF Administration Building. On June 29, the Climate Action Committee was scheduled to discuss and vote on a contract for tax advisory services to support Investment Tax Credit filings for rooftop solar at Hardy School, Hunnewell School, and the Recycling and Disposal Facility. Neither meeting's minutes have been published.

Transit budget and route redesign on MWRTA agenda

The MWRTA Advisory Board met June 23 with votes scheduled on the FY27 final budget and a fixed route network redesign. The agenda also included discussion and possible approval of the administrator's FY26 optional performance bonus and FY27 goals, plus an executive session on pending litigation. Outcomes are not yet recorded.

Select Board policy discussions and retreat

The Select Board Policy Subcommittee held its third round of discussions June 25 on a draft Abutter Lot Sale Program and a draft policy on denial of permits for unpaid taxes, with a first discussion of a draft Indemnification Policy. On June 30, the full Select Board held a working retreat to review FY26 performance and develop a draft FY27 workplan. On July 1, the board's agenda included a vote on Campana Funds for summer interns and an executive session for negotiations with AFSCME Local 49 (Custodian Union), Local 335 Production and Supervisors Units (DPW), Wellesley Free Library Staff and Supervisor Associations, and the Police Patrolmen's Association.

Advisory Committee set to approve FY26 year-end transfers

The Advisory Committee met June 30 with FY26 year-end transfer approvals on the agenda, along with liaison reports from town boards and departments and a citizen speak period at 6:30 p.m.

Other meetings

• **Board of Library Trustees** (June 23): Agenda included Hills interior renovation update, parking lot closures, plaque wording request from WFL Foundation, signage request from Friends of the WFL, and a League of Women Voters table request.
• **Natural Resources Commission** (June 24): Agenda included food truck and waste handling at Morses Pond Beach, approval of the town's land conservation plan, and North 40 Fire Station project updates.
• **Board of Health** (June 25): Vote scheduled on an HRS contract; summer camp reviews and pool/beach inspection updates also on agenda.
• **Council on Aging** (June 25): Search Subcommittee for Director of Senior Services scheduled to vote to disband.
• **Planning Board** (June 29): Continued public hearings on Inclusionary Zoning and Lower Falls Village Commercial District Special Permits for 26 Washington Street; presentation on 136 Washington Street.
• **Retirement Board** (June 30): Agenda included investment consulting RFP, investment policy draft, insurance review, litigation update (Pension Technologies Group vs. HR Mecca), and approval of 6 new retirees and 8 new members.
• **School Committee** (July 1): Executive session scheduled for Superintendent contract negotiations; consent agenda included gifts, donations, and May 13 minutes.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Historic District Commission**: Public hearing on application HDC-26-05 at 58 Cottage Street for window replacement and driveway expansion; FY2027 reorganization.
• **July 8 — Climate Action Committee**: Retreat to adopt FY27 work plan, vote on reorganization and code of conduct.
• **July 8 — Design Review Board**: Sign permits at 112 Worcester Street and 287 Linden Street (Cross Insurance); construction and retaining wall projects by Boylston Properties at 36 & 40 Washington Street.
• **July 9 — Zoning Board of Appeals**: Continued hearing on Dana Hall tennis courts at 45 Dana Road; Wellesley College minor modification at 106 Central Street.
• **July 13 — Historical Commission**: Preservation determinations for 22 Standish Road and 53 Hunnewell Street; delay period reduction for 14 Heckle Street.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals**: 11 zoning appeals including 951 Worcester Street (Dunkin) and 180 Linden Street (Sit Still).

Weston & Sampson Tapped for Municipal Way Study in Lone Decided Vote; Budgets and Permits on Recent Agendas

The Wellesley Submission Evaluation Committee voted unanimously on June 25 to recommend Weston & Sampson for contract negotiations to conduct a feasibility study of Municipal Way. The decision was the only final action reported from any town board during the past two weeks, though agendas set the stage for votes on fiscal year-end transfers, a water-main contract, and major zoning hearings coming up.

Facilities contract recommended

The Submission Evaluation Committee interviewed three architectural and engineering firms, scored the presentations, and voted unanimously to advance the top-ranked firm, Weston & Sampson, for the Municipal Way feasibility study. The committee also approved its June 11 meeting minutes by a unanimous vote. The recommendation does not constitute a contract award; negotiations will follow.

In other recent town business

Several boards listed votes on their agendas, but minutes from those sessions were not published as of this writing. The Board of Public Works on June 24 was set to award a contract for water main rehabilitation on Edgemoor Avenue and Eaton Court (Contract #26C-470-1786). The Advisory Committee on June 30 scheduled approval of FY26 year-end transfers and liaison reports. The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board intended to vote on its FY27 final budget and a fixed-route network redesign on June 23.

The Climate Action Committee planned to discuss and vote on a contract for tax advisory services to support investment tax credit filings for rooftop solar projects at Hardy School, Hunnewell School, and the Recycling and Disposal Facility. The Permanent Building Committee reviewed a budget update for the Hardy and Hunnewell school solar project.

Land-use boards continued their work. The Planning Board held continued public hearings on June 29 for an Inclusionary Zoning Special Permit and a Lower Falls Village Commercial District Special Permit for 26 Washington Street, and heard a presentation on 136 Washington Street. The Board of Library Trustees discussed an update on the Hills interior renovation, parking lot closures, and a plaque wording request. The Design Review Board considered sign permits for several Washington and Worcester Street addresses.

The Select Board met multiple times. An executive session on July 1 covered strategy for negotiations with five bargaining units, including AFSCME locals representing custodians, DPW workers, and police patrolmen. A retreat on June 30 reviewed FY26 performance and drafted an FY27 workplan. The Policy Subcommittee refined drafts for abutter lot sales, denial of permits for unpaid taxes, and an indemnification policy.

In personnel matters, the Council on Aging’s Director of Senior Services Search Subcommittee voted to disband on June 25, and the School Committee on July 1 scheduled an executive session to discuss the superintendent’s contract.

Coming up

Residents can observe or participate in the following meetings over the next two weeks:

• **Historic District Commission, July 7** – Public hearing on a certificate of appropriateness for window replacement and driveway expansion at 58 Cottage Street.
• **Climate Action Committee, July 8** – Retreat to adopt an FY27 work plan, reorganize, and approve a code of conduct.
• **Design Review Board, July 8** – Sign permit reviews for 112 Worcester Street and Cross Insurance at 287 Linden Street, plus minor construction by Boylston Properties at 36-40 Washington Street.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals, July 9** – Continued public hearing on Dana Hall School tennis courts at 45 Dana Road and a minor modification determination for Wellesley College at 106 Central Street.
• **Historical Commission, July 13** – Public hearings on demolition-delay determinations for 22 Standish Road and 53 Hunnewell Street, and a delay-period reduction for 14 Heckle Street.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals, July 16** – Eleven zoning appeals, including 951 Worcester Street (Dunkin), 180 Linden Street (Sit Still), and residential properties on Weston Road, Linden Street, and Martin Road.

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and remote access information are posted on the town website.