Paul,

This week's issue includes a summary of the April 2 Select Board meeting and the agenda for this coming meeting to be held Tuesday, April 9 at 5PM.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions.

Best Regards,

Paul Warren

Please note that this email is being sent by me as an individual and not as an official action on behalf of the Board. The content is created by me and any errors or omissions are solely my responsibility.

What's On My Mind

Antisemitic Vandalism - On Thursday, April 4, the Longwood MBTA stop was vandalized with a deplorable antisemitic message. The Town responded quickly and worked with the MBTA to remove the message the same day.

Bernard Greene, Chair of the Select Board, quickly issued a statement condemning this heinous act perpetrated against our Jewish community. Bernard states, "This attack on our Jewish community is an attack on our community as a whole." I agree completely with Bernard's statement and thank him for his leadership and reassuring message to our community.

Chair Greene's statement can be read here.

Last Meeting - Tuesday, April 2 @5PM

Miscellaneous - The Board approved 14 items on the Miscellaneous Agenda.

Pierce School Project - Following a joint public hearing, the the Select Board, Parks & Recreation Commission and Conservation Commission approved the School Committee’s request (contained in Article 1 of Special Town Meeting 1) to install geothermal wells at the Pierce School playground for the Pierce School building project.

• Introduction and Presentation
• Question and Answer
• State Rep. Vitolo Statement
• Public Comments
• Votes

Washington Street Complete Streets Project - The project team provided an update on the project to the Board.

• Introduction and Project Overview
• On Street Parking
• Project Schedule
• Questions and Discussion

Probationary Police Officer - Board appointed Joshua Ramos as a probationary police officer.

Annual May Election - Board approved the early voting schedule, police details, and the warrant for the May 7, 2024 Annual Town Election.

Links:

• Meeting Agenda and Materials
• Complete Meeting Recording
• Recreation Commission Hearing Materials
• Conservation Commission Hearing Materials.

Next Meeting - Tuesday, April 9 @5PM

5PM Public Comment - Up to fifteen minutes for public comment on matters not appearing on the agenda. Advanced registration is available by calling 617-730-2202 or by email at kmacgillivray@brooklinema.gov

Miscellaneous - Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, vouchers, and contracts.

FY2025 Department Budget Review for the Recreation Department

Recreation Director - The Board will consider appointing Tim Davis to be the Brookline's next Recreation Director.

Affordable Housing Restriction - Request to change one unit's area median income limit at Caritas Communities at 1876 Beacon St.

Electricity and Natural Gas Bid Schedule - Request to authorize the Town Administrator to execute potential multi-year electricity and natural gas supply contracts with a vendor based on a favorable bid result scheduled for April 11, 2024. 

Chestnut Hill Study - Project update presentation and discussion on the Chestnut Hill Commercial Area Study.

Police General Orders Policies - Chief Paster will review and request a vote on changes to the Police Department's General Orders to reflect the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) updated standards.

Police Promotions - Question of approving promotions within the Police Department: Noah Brothers Sergeant to Lieutenant and Robert Collins Sergeant to Lieutenant.

FY2025 Budget Review for the Police Department Budget.

7:30 PM Public Hearings on Warrant Articles - Public Hearings, discussion and possible vote on the following Warrant Articles:

Article 9 Accept Chapter 40, Section 13D of the General Laws, establishing an accrued liabilities reserve fund for compensated absences (Deputy Town Administrator and Finance Director)

Article 13 Amend the Town’s Zoning By-law to reduce the restrictions for Accessory Dwelling Units. (Blood/HAB).

Article 14 with Update - Amend the Town’s Zoning By-law to reduce the setbacks needed for energy saving devices. (ZEAB)

DPW Transportation & Mobility Plan Program Update - Commissioner Chute and Environmental Partners Consultants will provide an update on the Transportation and Mobility Plan, Pavement Condition Report, Pavement Management Program, Prioritization for Capital Work, and associated Town policies. The Select Board may review and take a possible vote on guidance for the revision of those plans and policies.

Warrant Articles Discussion and Possible Vote - The Board will discuss and possibly vote on Warrant Articles that have previously had public hearings.

Article 16 - Amend 3.14.1 of the General By-Laws to change the number of Commission for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations members from 15 to 9 (Select Board).

Links:

• Meeting Agenda and Packet
• Zoom Registration

Email comments and requests to speak at public comment to Kate MacGillivray @ kmacgillivray@brooklinema.gov