MassVoter.com← Brookline Select BoardBrookline Select Board · 2017–2018 Board · Regular meeting
April 10, 2018
17 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the minutes of April 3, 2018 as amended
On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of April 3, 2018 as amended.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of April 3, 2018 as amended. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Approve and execute a Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $616,277.16 to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation/Highway Division in connection with Contract No. PW/16-03...
On motion it was, Voted to approve and execute a Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $616,277.16 to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation/Highway Division in connection with Contract No. PW/16-03 "Roadway Improvements at Various Locations".
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve and execute a Chapter 90 Reimbursement Request in the amount of $616,277.16 to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation/Highway Division in connection with Contract No. PW/16-03 "Roadway Improvements at Various Locations". Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Fund an amendment and extension of the Town's contract with VHB needed to complete 100% plans for the Gateway East project, Assistant Director for Community Planning Joe Viola requested that the...
On motion it was, Voted to fund an amendment and extension of the Town's contract with VHB needed to complete 100% plans for the Gateway East project, Assistant Director for Community Planning Joe Viola requested that the Board authorize the use of $109,328.84 in unobligated CDBG and Gateway East gift funds. The $109,328.24 needed for the contract amendment comes from the following sources: 1720SG43 6T0034 Gateway East Gift Acct. $ 17,298.59 1841G015 6T0034 Gateway East - FY 15 CDBG $ 92,030.25
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to fund an amendment and extension of the Town's contract with VHB needed to complete 100% plans for the Gateway East project, Assistant Director for Community Planning Joe Viola requested that the Board authorize the use of $109,328.84 in unobligated CDBG and Gateway East gift funds. The $109,328.24 needed for the contract amendment comes from the following sources: 1720SG43 6T0034 Gateway East Gift Acct. $ 17,298.59 1841G015 6T0034 Gateway East - FY 15 CDBG $ 92,030.25 Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Approve the submission of a regional grant application to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the 2018 Bloomberg Public Art Challenge
On motion it was, Voted to approve the submission of a regional grant application to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the 2018 Bloomberg Public Art Challenge.
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the submission of a regional grant application to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the 2018 Bloomberg Public Art Challenge..”
Approve the following transfer within the Recreation Department appropriation: From: 6330SL04 Rec Rev
On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Recreation Department appropriation: From: 6330SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 524010 Pro/Tech Serv. $7,300.00 To: 6326SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 5A0013 Furniture $3,600.00 To: 6325SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 561030 Water/Sewer $2,000.00 To: 6326SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 561010 Electricity $1,700.00
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Recreation Department appropriation: From: 6330SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 524010 Pro/Tech Serv. $7,300.00 To: 6326SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 5A0013 Furniture $3,600.00 To: 6325SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 561030 Water/Sewer $2,000.00 To: 6326SL04 Rec Rev. Admin 561010 Electricity $1,700.00 Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Approve the following transfer within the Police Department appropriation: From: 21002020 510101 Permanent Full Time Salaries - $43,000.00 To: 21002010 524010 Professional Technical Services -...
On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Police Department appropriation: From: 21002020 510101 Permanent Full Time Salaries - $43,000.00 To: 21002010 524010 Professional Technical Services - $43,000.00
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Police Department appropriation: From: 21002020 510101 Permanent Full Time Salaries - $43,000.00 To: 21002010 524010 Professional Technical Services - $43,000.00 Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Award and execute a contract with Grill on the Green, Inc. d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill for Contract Reference # P-18-09 for a Food Service / All Kinds Alcoholic Beverages Concession License at Robert T....
On motion it was, Voted to award and execute a contract with Grill on the Green, Inc. d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill for Contract Reference # P-18-09 for a Food Service / All Kinds Alcoholic Beverages Concession License at Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course for the Recreation Department.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to award and execute a contract with Grill on the Green, Inc. d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill for Contract Reference # P-18-09 for a Food Service / All Kinds Alcoholic Beverages Concession License at Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course for the Recreation Department. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Renew the Seasonal All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages License as a Common Victualler held by Grill on the Green, Inc., d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill, Lisa Wisel, Manager, at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway from...
Voted to renew the Seasonal All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages License as a Common Victualler held by Grill on the Green, Inc., d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill, Lisa Wisel, Manager, at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway from April 1, 2018 thru January15, 2019. *With the condition upon approval reports from the Building and Police Departments.
From the minutes
“Voted to renew the Seasonal All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages License as a Common Victualler held by Grill on the Green, Inc., d/b/a Vine Ripe Grill, Lisa Wisel, Manager, at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway from April 1, 2018 thru January15, 2019. *With the condition upon approval reports from the Building and Police Departments. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Grant a Temporary All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages Sales License to Hellenic Association of Boston/Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of N.E. for a Dinner/Dance to be held Saturday, April 21,...
On motion it was, Voted to grant a Temporary All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages Sales License to Hellenic Association of Boston/Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of N.E. for a Dinner/Dance to be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 8:00pm-1:00am at 162 Goddard Avenue.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to grant a Temporary All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages Sales License to Hellenic Association of Boston/Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of N.E. for a Dinner/Dance to be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 8:00pm-1:00am at 162 Goddard Avenue. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Appoint members to serve on a Committee of Seven as required under Article 3.7 of the Town By-Laws for Designer Selection - Roofs/Building Envelope Design projects
On motion it was, Voted to appoint members to serve on a Committee of Seven as required under Article 3.7 of the Town By-Laws for Designer Selection - Roofs/Building Envelope Design projects. Building Commission: Nathan Peck, Karen Breslawski, Ken Kaplan Building Department: Dan Bennett, Charlie Simmons, Tony Guigli, Board Member Greene to serve as Chair.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to appoint members to serve on a Committee of Seven as required under Article 3.7 of the Town By-Laws for Designer Selection - Roofs/Building Envelope Design projects. Building Commission: Nathan Peck, Karen Breslawski, Ken Kaplan Building Department: Dan Bennett, Charlie Simmons, Tony Guigli, Board Member Greene to serve as Chair. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Authorize the filling of the E911 Dispatcher vacancy in the Police Department
On motion it was, Voted to authorize the filling of the E911 Dispatcher vacancy in the Police Department.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to authorize the filling of the E911 Dispatcher vacancy in the Police Department. Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Favorable action That the town adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION TO CALL FOR THE UNITED STATES TO "PULL BACK FROM THE BRINK" AND PREVENT
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action That the town adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION TO CALL FOR THE UNITED STATES TO "PULL BACK FROM THE BRINK" AND PREVENT
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action That the town adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION TO CALL FOR THE UNITED STATES TO "PULL BACK FROM THE BRINK" AND PREVENT.”
Favorable Action on Article 33
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 33. That the Town will adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the capacity of Brookline residents to receive electronic communications has increased over time and is now widespread; and WHEREAS, despite this capability, the Town continues to expend substantial sums on printing, postage and other costs relating to the dissemination of information in non-electronic forms; and WHEREAS, in the FY2018 budget, the annual cost to the Town of printing and mailing letters and materials for all departments is estimated to be more than $581,416; and WHEREAS, substantial sums might be saved through a systematic reduction in non-electronic communications not required by law; and WHEREAS, on inquiry of the Town's staff, it is not clear which of the communications required by law must be sent by non-electronic means; and WHEREAS the Town lacks an electronic system for efficient, timely and emergency communications, to the whole Town, or to precincts or to individual streets or to individual properties; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Meeting urges the Select Board to undertake a review of the Town's non-electronic communications to make: 1) recommendations as to savings through use of electronic communication systems; and 2) improvements for electronic communications with residents, particularly in emergency situations by charging an existing committee or establishing a new committee, accordingly; and BE IT FURTHER RESO
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 33. That the Town will adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the capacity of Brookline residents to receive electronic communications has increased over time and is now widespread; and WHEREAS, despite this capability, the Town continues to expend substantial sums on printing, postage and other costs relating to the dissemination of information in non-electronic forms; and WHEREAS, in the FY2018 budget, the annual cost to the Town of printing and mailing letters and materials for all departments is estimated to be more than $581,416; and WHEREAS, substantial sums might be saved through a systematic reduction in non-electronic communications not required by law; and WHEREAS, on inquiry of the Town's staff, it is not clear which of the communications required by law must be sent by non-electronic means; and WHEREAS the Town lacks an electronic system for efficient, timely and emergency communications, to the whole Town, or to precincts or to individual streets or to individual properties; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Meeting urges the Select Board to undertake a review of the Town's non-electronic communications to make: 1) recommendations as to savings through use of electronic communication systems; and 2) improvements for electronic communications with residents, particularly in emergency situations by charging an existing committee or establishing a new committee, accordingly; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such committee report its findings in a timely manner such that, if appropriate, Warrant Articles might be submitted for consideration at a Special Town Meeting to be held in November, 2018, Roll call: Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Favorable Action on Article 34 as submitted by the petitioner
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 34 as submitted by the petitioner. Roll call:
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 34 as submitted by the petitioner. Roll call: Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
Favorable action That the Town will vote to authorize and empower the Select Board to file a petition, in substantially the following form, with the State Legislature: [or, if Town Counsel...
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable action That the Town will vote to authorize and empower the Select Board to file a petition, in substantially the following form, with the State Legislature: [or, if Town Counsel prefers, the words "General Court" can be substituted for "State Legislature."] An Act Relative to Property Tax Relief for Low and Moderate Income Seniors in the Town of Brookline Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Section 1. Notwithstanding section 6(k) of Chapter 62 of the General Law or any other general or special law to the contrary, the Town of Brookline may provide property tax relief to senior homeowners who: (1) meet all the requirements and qualifications of the Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit ("CB"), pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 62, Section 6(k), except that their principal residence, which the senior must own and which must be located in the Town of Brookline, has an assessed valuation that is greater than the CB qualifying amount, and (2) whose principal residence has an assessed valuation of not more than the average of all Brookline single-family residences plus 10%. Section 2. Said property tax relief shall be in the form of a property tax exemption on the principal residence of the qualifying senior in the amount of the CB credit for which the senior would otherwise qualify if their principal residence did not exceed the CB qualify
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable action That the Town will vote to authorize and empower the Select Board to file a petition, in substantially the following form, with the State Legislature: [or, if Town Counsel prefers, the words "General Court" can be substituted for "State Legislature."] An Act Relative to Property Tax Relief for Low and Moderate Income Seniors in the Town of Brookline Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Section 1. Notwithstanding section 6(k) of Chapter 62 of the General Law or any other general or special law to the contrary, the Town of Brookline may provide property tax relief to senior homeowners who: (1) meet all the requirements and qualifications of the Massachusetts Senior Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit ("CB"), pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 62, Section 6(k), except that their principal residence, which the senior must own and which must be located in the Town of Brookline, has an assessed valuation that is greater than the CB qualifying amount, and (2) whose principal residence has an assessed valuation of not more than the average of all Brookline single-family residences plus 10%. Section 2. Said property tax relief shall be in the form of a property tax exemption on the principal residence of the qualifying senior in the amount of the CB credit for which the senior would otherwise qualify if their principal residence did not exceed the CB qualifying valuation in the applicable tax year. Roll call: Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton.”
No Action on Article 32
On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 No Action on Article 32. Roll call:
Yes: Franco, Greene, Heller, WishinskyAbstained: Hamilton
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 No Action on Article 32. Roll call: Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Bernard Greene Abstained: Heather Hamilton.”
No Action on Article 26
On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 No Action on Article 26. Roll call:
Yes: Franco, Greene, Hamilton, WishinskyAbstained: Heller
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 No Action on Article 26. Roll call: Aye: Neil Wishinsky, Benjamin Franco, Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton Abstained: Nancy Heller.”
From the Brookline Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s CivicClerk meetings portal. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Brookline.News (candidate profiles, 2024 and 2026) and the Michael Rubenstein for Brookline Select Board campaign website.
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