MassVoter.com← Brookline Select BoardBrookline Select Board · 2019–2020 Board · Regular meeting
January 28, 2020
23 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Note on these minutes: The attendance list in these minutes is incomplete or wrong (it lists Neil Wishinsky, who had left the board, and leaves out Raul Fernandez); the members shown as present are the members named in the roll calls.
Present: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Nancy Heller is listed as absent for at least one vote.
- Benjamin Franco is listed as absent for at least one vote.
Every vote, in order
Enter into executive session
On motion it was, Voted to enter into executive session.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, HamiltonNancy Heller is listed as absent for this vote. Benjamin Franco is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to enter into executive session. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez Absent for roll call: Nancy Heller, Benjamin Franco.”
Approve the following Executive Session minutes: November 12, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 11, 2019
Question of approving the following Executive Session minutes: November 12, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 11, 2019
From the minutes
“Question of approving the following Executive Session minutes: November 12, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 11, 2019 Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve the minutes of January 7, 2020, and January 14, 2020
On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of January 7, 2020, and January 14, 2020.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of January 7, 2020, and January 14, 2020. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Authorize to apply for the FY20 Survey and Planning Grant for the Linden and Vernon/Harris Street Neighborhoods Survey
On motion it was, Voted to authorize to apply for the FY20 Survey and Planning Grant for the Linden and Vernon/Harris Street Neighborhoods Survey.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to authorize to apply for the FY20 Survey and Planning Grant for the Linden and Vernon/Harris Street Neighborhoods Survey. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve Change Order No. 2 for the GMP12 Early Bid Package related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with Skanska, USA in the amount of $7,349,790
On motion it was, Voted to approve Change Order No. 2 for the GMP12 Early Bid Package related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with Skanska, USA in the amount of $7,349,790.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Change Order No. 2 for the GMP12 Early Bid Package related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with Skanska, USA in the amount of $7,349,790. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve Amendment No. 13 for additional structural design services related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with William Rawn Associates in the amount of $11,000
On motion it was, Voted to approve Amendment No. 13 for additional structural design services related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with William Rawn Associates in the amount of $11,000.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Amendment No. 13 for additional structural design services related to the "Brookline High School Expansion Project" with William Rawn Associates in the amount of $11,000. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Replenish the Capital Delivery Force Account related to work associated with the MBTA and the Brookline High School Expansion Project for Amendment No. 3 in the amount of $3,278,077.50
On motion it was, Voted to replenish the Capital Delivery Force Account related to work associated with the MBTA and the Brookline High School Expansion Project for Amendment No. 3 in the amount of $3,278,077.50.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to replenish the Capital Delivery Force Account related to work associated with the MBTA and the Brookline High School Expansion Project for Amendment No. 3 in the amount of $3,278,077.50. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Award a contract to Acme Waterproofing Company for the Town of Brookline Water Garage Slab Repairs in the amount of $486,760.00
On motion it was, Voted to award a contract to Acme Waterproofing Company for the Town of Brookline Water Garage Slab Repairs in the amount of $486,760.00.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to award a contract to Acme Waterproofing Company for the Town of Brookline Water Garage Slab Repairs in the amount of $486,760.00. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve a pre-qualification committee related to the Driscoll School project to proceed with Construction Management at Risk, with the following members: Heather Hamilton (Select Board), Helen...
On motion it was, Voted to approve a pre-qualification committee related to the Driscoll School project to proceed with Construction Management at Risk, with the following members: Heather Hamilton (Select Board), Helen Charlupski (School Committee), Kenneth Kaplan (Building Commission).
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a pre-qualification committee related to the Driscoll School project to proceed with Construction Management at Risk, with the following members: Heather Hamilton (Select Board), Helen Charlupski (School Committee), Kenneth Kaplan (Building Commission). Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages Sales License to Allium Market to be held on Sunday, January 31, 2020 for a Cheese Class from 7:00PM - 10:00PM at 1330 Beacon Street
On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages Sales License to Allium Market to be held on Sunday, January 31, 2020 for a Cheese Class from 7:00PM - 10:00PM at 1330 Beacon Street.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages Sales License to Allium Market to be held on Sunday, January 31, 2020 for a Cheese Class from 7:00PM - 10:00PM at 1330 Beacon Street. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 for an Annual Member Party from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM at 15 Newton Street
On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 for an Annual Member Party from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM at 15 Newton Street.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 for an Annual Member Party from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM at 15 Newton Street. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Non-Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 for a Holiday Party from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM at 15 Newton Street
On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Non-Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 for a Holiday Party from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM at 15 Newton Street.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a Temporary All Kinds Beverages Non-Sales License to The Larz Anderson Auto Museum to be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 for a Holiday Party from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM at 15 Newton Street. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve authorization to fill the position of Motor Equipment Repairperson (LN-06) for the Public Works Department in the division of Highway & Sanitation
On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to fill the position of Motor Equipment Repairperson (LN-06) for the Public Works Department in the division of Highway & Sanitation.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to fill the position of Motor Equipment Repairperson (LN-06) for the Public Works Department in the division of Highway & Sanitation. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve authorization to filling on to fill the position of Director of Engineering & Transportation (D-06) for the Public Works Department in the Engineering division
On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to filling on to fill the position of Director of Engineering & Transportation (D-06) for the Public Works Department in the Engineering division.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to filling on to fill the position of Director of Engineering & Transportation (D-06) for the Public Works Department in the Engineering division. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve authorization to fill the position of General Foreman (GN-13) for the Public Works Department in the Division of Parks and Open Space
On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to fill the position of General Foreman (GN-13) for the Public Works Department in the Division of Parks and Open Space.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve authorization to fill the position of General Foreman (GN-13) for the Public Works Department in the Division of Parks and Open Space. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Authorization to fill the position of Preservation Planner (T6) for the Department of Planning & Community Development in the Regulatory division
On motion it was, Voted authorization to fill the position of Preservation Planner (T6) for the Department of Planning & Community Development in the Regulatory division.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted authorization to fill the position of Preservation Planner (T6) for the Department of Planning & Community Development in the Regulatory division. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve the petition from NStar electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for permission to construct, and a location for, such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein...
On motion it was, Voted to approve the petition from NStar electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for permission to construct, and a location for, such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein under the following public way: Tappan Street - conduit southeasterly from pole 25/31 approximately 126 feet northwesterly of Greenough a distance of 130 feet to Greenough Street Greenough Street - conduit southeasterly and northeasterly from Tappan Street a distance of 50 feet to MH 17993
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the petition from NStar electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy for permission to construct, and a location for, such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein under the following public way: Tappan Street - conduit southeasterly from pole 25/31 approximately 126 feet northwesterly of Greenough a distance of 130 feet to Greenough Street Greenough Street - conduit southeasterly and northeasterly from Tappan Street a distance of 50 feet to MH 17993 Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve the petition from Extenet Systems, Inc. for permission to install, and a location for such lines of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein and a location for new poles and...
On motion it was, Voted to approve the petition from Extenet Systems, Inc. for permission to install, and a location for such lines of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein and a location for new poles and attached equipment including antennae within the following rights of way: Pleasant Street - conduit running southerly from Eversource MH 5809 at the intersection with Adams Street thence turning and running westerly distance of 33 feet to pole 1044; conduit running southerly from Verizon MH 38/319 at the intersection with Adams Street thence turning and running westerly distance of 56 feet to pole 1044; and replace pole 1044 (03704/11LAB) Pleasant Street - conduit running southeasterly from Verizon MH 38/318 at the intersection with Elba Street thence turning and running southeasterly a distance of about 143 feet to Egmont Street (03705/12LAB) Egmont Street - conduit running southeasterly from Egmont Street thence turning and running southerly a distance of about 366 feet to pole 1958; conduit running southeasterly from Eversource MH 13845 approximately 313 feet southeast of Egmont Street thence turning and running southerly a distance of about 50 to pole 1958; and replace pole 1958 (03705/12LAB) * with the condition prior to installation, the location of the pole and final plans, including paint color to minimize visual impact of the wireless equipment, shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Engineering.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the petition from Extenet Systems, Inc. for permission to install, and a location for such lines of conduits and manholes with the necessary cables therein and a location for new poles and attached equipment including antennae within the following rights of way: Pleasant Street - conduit running southerly from Eversource MH 5809 at the intersection with Adams Street thence turning and running westerly distance of 33 feet to pole 1044; conduit running southerly from Verizon MH 38/319 at the intersection with Adams Street thence turning and running westerly distance of 56 feet to pole 1044; and replace pole 1044 (03704/11LAB) Pleasant Street - conduit running southeasterly from Verizon MH 38/318 at the intersection with Elba Street thence turning and running southeasterly a distance of about 143 feet to Egmont Street (03705/12LAB) Egmont Street - conduit running southeasterly from Egmont Street thence turning and running southerly a distance of about 366 feet to pole 1958; conduit running southeasterly from Eversource MH 13845 approximately 313 feet southeast of Egmont Street thence turning and running southerly a distance of about 50 to pole 1958; and replace pole 1958 (03705/12LAB) * with the condition prior to installation, the location of the pole and final plans, including paint color to minimize visual impact of the wireless equipment, shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Engineering. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Directs Town staff to provide the appropriate resources and assistance to the Coolidge Corner Business Improvement District (BID) Steering Committee's efforts to develop a comprehensive BID...
On motion it was, Voted that the Select Board directs Town staff to provide the appropriate resources and assistance to the Coolidge Corner Business Improvement District (BID) Steering Committee's efforts to develop a comprehensive BID proposal for Coolidge Corner, and authorizes the Town Administrator to apply for the Massachusetts Real Estate Technical Services Grant on behalf of the Town of Brookline. * condition not to impeded on the efforts of all other projects going on within the Planning Department at this time.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted that the Select Board directs Town staff to provide the appropriate resources and assistance to the Coolidge Corner Business Improvement District (BID) Steering Committee's efforts to develop a comprehensive BID proposal for Coolidge Corner, and authorizes the Town Administrator to apply for the Massachusetts Real Estate Technical Services Grant on behalf of the Town of Brookline. * condition not to impeded on the efforts of all other projects going on within the Planning Department at this time. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve comments to the application that was submitted by 209 Harvard Development LLC to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (Mass Housing) in accordance with MGL Chapter 40B. * note language...
On motion it was, Voted approving comments to the application that was submitted by 209 Harvard Development LLC to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (Mass Housing) in accordance with MGL Chapter 40B. * note language changed from Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency to Massachusetts Housing Partnership for correction. Vote reflects this change.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted approving comments to the application that was submitted by 209 Harvard Development LLC to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (Mass Housing) in accordance with MGL Chapter 40B. * note language changed from Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency to Massachusetts Housing Partnership for correction. Vote reflects this change. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
Approve the filing of a bill to authorize a Real Estate Transfer Tax in accordance with the Town Meeting vote under Article 9 of the Fall 2019 Special Town Meeting: An Act authorizing the Town of...
On motion it was, Voted to approve the filing of a bill to authorize a Real Estate Transfer Tax in accordance with the Town Meeting vote under Article 9 of the Fall 2019 Special Town Meeting: An Act authorizing the Town of Brookline to impose a real estate transfer fee 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. Except where otherwise exempted pursuant to this act, the Town of Brookline may impose a fee of up to two percent of the purchase price upon the transfer of any real property interest or the transfer of a controlling interest in a company, trust, limited liability company, or other entity that directly or indirectly holds an interest in any real property situated in the Town of Brookline, as follows: a. Up to two percent in aggregate shall be paid by purchaser and seller. Any agreement between the purchaser and the seller or any other person that references the allocation of the liability for the fee shall not affect such liability of the purchaser to the Town. The Town may define by by-law what constitutes a controlling interest and the method for calculation of the fee. b. The Town may authorize that certain transfers of real property interests be exempt from the fee including: (a) transfers to the federal government, the Commonwealth, the Town, and any of their instrumentalities, agencies or subdivisions, including the Brookline Housing Authority; (b) transfers to the
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the filing of a bill to authorize a Real Estate Transfer Tax in accordance with the Town Meeting vote under Article 9 of the Fall 2019 Special Town Meeting: An Act authorizing the Town of Brookline to impose a real estate transfer fee 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. Except where otherwise exempted pursuant to this act, the Town of Brookline may impose a fee of up to two percent of the purchase price upon the transfer of any real property interest or the transfer of a controlling interest in a company, trust, limited liability company, or other entity that directly or indirectly holds an interest in any real property situated in the Town of Brookline, as follows: a. Up to two percent in aggregate shall be paid by purchaser and seller. Any agreement between the purchaser and the seller or any other person that references the allocation of the liability for the fee shall not affect such liability of the purchaser to the Town. The Town may define by by-law what constitutes a controlling interest and the method for calculation of the fee. b. The Town may authorize that certain transfers of real property interests be exempt from the fee including: (a) transfers to the federal government, the Commonwealth, the Town, and any of their instrumentalities, agencies or subdivisions, including the Brookline Housing Authority; (b) transfers to the Brookline Improvement Corporation; (c) transfers of real property subject to an affordable housing restriction; (d) transfers made without additional consideration to confirm, correct, modify or supplement a transfer previously made; and (e) transfers to a charitable organization, as defined in clause Third of section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, or a religious organization, provided, however, that the real property interests so transferred will be held solely for the production of affordable housing. c. The first $500,000 of all real property transactions are exempted from the fee imposed in this act. d. The fee shall be paid to the Town. The Town is authorized to adopt a by-law to provide for the collection and liening of any outstanding transfer fee. The Town shall have such remedies to collect said amount as provided by law with respect to the collection of real property taxes. SECTION 2. A copy of the deed or other instrument evidencing such transfer shall be provided to the Town and shall be accompanied by (a) an affidavit signed under oath or under the pains and penalties of perjury by the purchaser and seller attesting to the purchase price; (b) the applicable fee owed or, if applicable, an affidavit of intent to seek an exemption for that property by the purchaser; and (c) the reason, if any, upon which the transfer, or one or both of the parties to the transfer, is claimed to be exempt in whole or in part from said fee. Upon receipt of the transfer fee or satisfactory evidence of exemption, the Town or its designee shall promptly thereafter issue a certificate indicating that the fee has been paid or that the purchaser or seller, or the transfer, is exempt from the fee. The Norfolk Register of Deeds shall not record or register a deed unless the deed is accompanied by such certificate. SECTION 3. Funds raised by the fee shall be used for affordable housing. This may include renovation and rehabilitation of Brookline Housing Authority properties. SECTION 4. The Town may, by by-law, adopt additional requirements, exemptions, and regulations to implement or enforce said fee, consistent with this act. SECTION 5. The Town may, through policy, regulation and or by-law require prioritization of projects that employ sustainable practices which focus on increasing the efficiency of resource use - energy, water, and materials - while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, and use. SECTION 6. The Town may, through policy, regulation and or by-law require prioritization of projects that employ mixed income and mixed-use development as characterized as pedestrianfriendly development that blend two or more residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and/or industrial uses. SECTION 7. The Town shall, through policy, regulation and or by-law require prioritization of projects, including renovation projects that preserve and or expand the supply of housing affordable for low income renter households, and give particular consideration for such projects owned and or sponsored by the Brookline Housing Authority (BHA). SECTION 8. The Town shall prepare and issue an annual report that (a) identifies fee receipts by payer category, including purchasers and sellers; (b) quantifies affordable housing programs funded, including type and purpose; and (c) evaluates the impact of said affordable housing programs, including but not limited to, to the extent reasonably possible and permitted by applicable law, the number and demographics of individuals and families served as well as measures of housing stability and wealth generation in the community. SECTION 9. This act shall take effect upon its passage by a Town-wide vote..”
Appoint Meenakshi Garodia to the Brookline Commission for Women for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed
On motion it was, Voted to appoint Meenakshi Garodia to the Brookline Commission for Women for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed.
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 appoint Meenakshi Garodia to the Brookline Commission for Women for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed..”
Approve the Select Board's FY2021 Budget Objectives contingent upon the comments made by the Select Board as recorded by Assistant Town Administrator, Justin Casanova-Davis
On motion it was, Voted to approve the Select Board's FY2021 Budget Objectives contingent upon the comments made by the Select Board as recorded by Assistant Town Administrator, Justin Casanova-Davis.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the Select Board's FY2021 Budget Objectives contingent upon the comments made by the Select Board as recorded by Assistant Town Administrator, Justin Casanova-Davis. Aye: Bernard Greene, Benjamin Franco, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez.”
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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