MassVoter.com← Brookline Select BoardBrookline Select Board · 2020–2021 Board · Regular meeting
October 27, 2020
34 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Approve the meeting minutes from Tuesday, October 13, 2020
On motion it was, Voted to approve the meeting minutes from Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the meeting minutes from Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Authorize the Town Administrator to enter into an agreement, titled 'Brookline- Complete Streets Funding Program - Tier 3 - FY21R1' with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to receive a...
On motion it was, Voted to authorize the Town Administrator to enter into an agreement, titled 'Brookline- Complete Streets Funding Program - Tier 3 - FY21R1' with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to receive a Complete Streets Grant in the amount of $386,400 to construct 4 projects from the Town's approved Prioritization Plan.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to authorize the Town Administrator to enter into an agreement, titled 'Brookline- Complete Streets Funding Program - Tier 3 - FY21R1' with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to receive a Complete Streets Grant in the amount of $386,400 to construct 4 projects from the Town's approved Prioritization Plan. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Approve Extra Work Order #1 in the amount of $17,816.10 for contract #PW/19-24 for Material Roof Bins (REBID) for the Transfer Station with Iron Horse Structures, Inc
On motion it was, Voted to approve Extra Work Order #1 in the amount of $17,816.10 for contract #PW/19-24 for Material Roof Bins (REBID) for the Transfer Station with Iron Horse Structures, Inc.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Extra Work Order #1 in the amount of $17,816.10 for contract #PW/19-24 for Material Roof Bins (REBID) for the Transfer Station with Iron Horse Structures, Inc. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Accept a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life in the amount of $37,053.00 for the public purpose of planning and operationalizing safe and secure election administration for the Town of...
On motion it was, Voted to accept a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life in the amount of $37,053.00 for the public purpose of planning and operationalizing safe and secure election administration for the Town of Brookline.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to accept a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life in the amount of $37,053.00 for the public purpose of planning and operationalizing safe and secure election administration for the Town of Brookline. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Approve amendment #3 to the contract between the TOB and Desman Design Management (Desman) in the amount of $12,500 for added construction administration services for the Water Garage Slab Repairs...
On motion it was, Voted to approve amendment #3 to the contract between the TOB and Desman Design Management (Desman) in the amount of $12,500 for added construction administration services for the Water Garage Slab Repairs project
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve amendment #3 to the contract between the TOB and Desman Design Management (Desman) in the amount of $12,500 for added construction administration services for the Water Garage Slab Repairs project Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Approve GMP CO No.4 / PCCO No. 11 in the amount of $381,126 for the Brookline High School Expansion with Skanska
On motion it was, Voted to approve GMP CO No.4 / PCCO No. 11 in the amount of $381,126 for the Brookline High School Expansion with Skanska.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve GMP CO No.4 / PCCO No. 11 in the amount of $381,126 for the Brookline High School Expansion with Skanska. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Approve Change Orders No. 1 and 2 in the amount of $4,843 for the Harry Downes Field House Renovations with Vintage Properties
On motion it was, Voted to approve Change Orders No. 1 and 2 in the amount of $4,843 for the Harry Downes Field House Renovations with Vintage Properties.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Change Orders No. 1 and 2 in the amount of $4,843 for the Harry Downes Field House Renovations with Vintage Properties. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Endorse a letter on behalf of the Brookline Commission for Women (BCW), we are writing to endorse and support the recent request of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a...
On motion it was, Voted to endorse a letter on behalf of the Brookline Commission for Women (BCW), we are writing to endorse and support the recent request of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a legislative change to the Open Meeting Law (OML) to make permanent some provisions of the Governor's March 12, 2020 OML Executive Order.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to endorse a letter on behalf of the Brookline Commission for Women (BCW), we are writing to endorse and support the recent request of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a legislative change to the Open Meeting Law (OML) to make permanent some provisions of the Governor's March 12, 2020 OML Executive Order. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reappoint the department heads for a term expiring in 2021 as recommended by the Town Administrator on Attachment A
Voted to reappoint the department heads for a term expiring in 2021 as recommended by the Town Administrator on Attachment A.
From the minutes
“1. Voted to reappoint the department heads for a term expiring in 2021 as recommended by the Town Administrator on Attachment A. 2. Voted to reappoint Finance Director Jeana Franconi to the Retirement Board for a term of July 1st 2020 to June 30, 2023 3. Voted to approve wage adjustments of 2.5% effective July 1, 2020 for positions on the Department Head Pay Plan, the Mid-Management Professional/Technical Pay Plan and for other non-union positions as recommended by the Town Administrator as appearing in Attachment C. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reappoint Finance Director Jeana Franconi to the Retirement Board for a term of July 1st 2020 to June 30, 2023
Voted to reappoint Finance Director Jeana Franconi to the Retirement Board for a term of July 1st 2020 to June 30, 2023
From the minutes
“2. Voted to reappoint Finance Director Jeana Franconi to the Retirement Board for a term of July 1st 2020 to June 30, 2023 3. Voted to approve wage adjustments of 2.5% effective July 1, 2020 for positions on the Department Head Pay Plan, the Mid-Management Professional/Technical Pay Plan and for other non-union positions as recommended by the Town Administrator as appearing in Attachment C. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Approve wage adjustments of 2.5% effective July 1, 2020 for positions on the Department Head Pay Plan, the Mid-Management Professional/Technical Pay Plan and for other non-union positions as...
Voted to approve wage adjustments of 2.5% effective July 1, 2020 for positions on the Department Head Pay Plan, the Mid-Management Professional/Technical Pay Plan and for other non-union positions as recommended by the Town Administrator as appearing in Attachment C.
From the minutes
“3. Voted to approve wage adjustments of 2.5% effective July 1, 2020 for positions on the Department Head Pay Plan, the Mid-Management Professional/Technical Pay Plan and for other non-union positions as recommended by the Town Administrator as appearing in Attachment C. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reappoint Rita McNally to the Housing Advisory Board as Tenant Representative for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed
On motion it was, Voted to reappoint Rita McNally to the Housing Advisory Board as Tenant Representative for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to reappoint Rita McNally to the Housing Advisory Board as Tenant Representative for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. Voted to reappoint Jennifer Raitt to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. Voted to appoint Pam Goodman to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. WARRANT ARTICLES *TAKEN OUT OF ORDER WA 8 - Expanded Housing Advisory Board Membership Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff updated the Board on new language submitted by the Committee on Town Organization and Structure (CTOS). It relates to the last line revising "may to shall"; the Advisory Committee is in agreement. Petitioner David Lescohier reviewed that he went before HAB and everyone is lined up in agreement; HAB, CTOS and the Advisory Committee, they reached a consensus. On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 8. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reappoint Jennifer Raitt to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed
Voted to reappoint Jennifer Raitt to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed.
From the minutes
“Voted to reappoint Jennifer Raitt to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. Voted to appoint Pam Goodman to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. WARRANT ARTICLES *TAKEN OUT OF ORDER WA 8 - Expanded Housing Advisory Board Membership Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff updated the Board on new language submitted by the Committee on Town Organization and Structure (CTOS). It relates to the last line revising "may to shall"; the Advisory Committee is in agreement. Petitioner David Lescohier reviewed that he went before HAB and everyone is lined up in agreement; HAB, CTOS and the Advisory Committee, they reached a consensus. On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 8. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Appoint Pam Goodman to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed
Voted to appoint Pam Goodman to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. WARRANT ARTICLES *TAKEN OUT OF ORDER WA 8 - Expanded Housing Advisory Board Membership Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff updated the Board on new language submitted by the Committee on Town Organization and Structure (CTOS). It relates to the last line revising "may to shall"; the Advisory Committee is in agreement.
The minutes say the board voted but do not give a count or say how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Voted to appoint Pam Goodman to the Housing Advisory Board for a term ending August 31, 2022 or until a successor can be appointed. WARRANT ARTICLES *TAKEN OUT OF ORDER WA 8 - Expanded Housing Advisory Board Membership Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff updated the Board on new language submitted by the Committee on Town Organization and Structure (CTOS). It relates to the last line revising "may to shall"; the Advisory Committee is in agreement..”
Reconsider Article 8
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 8.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 8. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 8 as recommended by the Advisory Committee and revised by CTOS
Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 8 as recommended by the Advisory Committee and revised by CTOS.
From the minutes
“Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 8 as recommended by the Advisory Committee and revised by CTOS. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION on the Land Bank Study Committee's version on Article 12
Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on the Land Bank Study Committee's version on Article 12.
From the minutes
“Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on the Land Bank Study Committee's version on Article 12. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
No Action on Article 14
On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No Action on Article 14. No Action: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, John VanScoyoc, Favorable Action: Nancy Heller, Raul Fernandez WA 15 - Increase disadvantaged business opportunities
Yes: Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocNo: Fernandez, HellerThe minutes list the members for "No Action" (Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, John VanScoyoc) and for "Favorable Action" (Nancy Heller, Raul Fernandez). The motion was No Action, so its supporters are shown as yes.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No Action on Article 14. No Action: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, John VanScoyoc, Favorable Action: Nancy Heller, Raul Fernandez WA 15 - Increase disadvantaged business opportunities.”
Refer Article 15 to refer the Select Board and work with the working group to prepare a report
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 To refer Article 15 to refer the Select Board and work with the working group to prepare a report.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 To refer Article 15 to refer the Select Board and work with the working group to prepare a report. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reconsider Article 13
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 13
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 13 Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
NO ACTION on Article 13 No Action: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, John VanScoyoc, Favorable Action: Raul Fernandez
Voted 3-1-1 NO ACTION on Article 13 No Action: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, John VanScoyoc, Favorable Action: Raul Fernandez
Yes: Greene, Heller, VanScoyocNo: FernandezAbstained: HamiltonThe minutes list the members for "No Action" (Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, John VanScoyoc), for "Favorable Action" (Raul Fernandez) and abstaining (Heather Hamilton). The motion was No Action, so its supporters are shown as yes.
From the minutes
“Voted 3-1-1 NO ACTION on Article 13 No Action: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, John VanScoyoc, Favorable Action: Raul Fernandez Abstained: Heather Hamilton.”
NO ACTION on Article 16
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 NO ACTION on Article 16
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 NO ACTION on Article 16 Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Favorable Action on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee for Article 18
On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 Favorable Action on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee for Article 18.
Yes: Greene, Hamilton, Heller, VanScoyocAbstained: Fernandez
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 4-0-1 Favorable Action on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee for Article 18. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, John VanScoyoc Abstained: Raul Fernandez (supports original version).”
FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 19 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 19 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 19 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 20 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 20 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on Article 20 as recommended by Committee on Town Organization and Structure Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Reconsider Article 26
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 26
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 26 Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Om Bernard Greene's revised language with edits from the petitioners: A Resolution on Repairing Disparities in Health Outcomes, Food and Nutrition Insecurity, Educational Access, and Housing...
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 om Bernard Greene's revised language with edits from the petitioners: A Resolution on Repairing Disparities in Health Outcomes, Food and Nutrition Insecurity, Educational Access, and Housing Insecurity WHEREAS, The Town of Brookline suffers from racial and other disparities in health outcomes, food and nutrition security, Educational Access, and housing security that negatively impacts especially people of color and other vulnerable people (the "Disparities"); and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the Disparities in the Town; and WHEREAS, Brookline's Disparities are similar to those in many similar municipalities in America; and WHEREAS, Brookline, through its Select Board, School Committee, Town Meeting, and Town Staff, is committed to repairing the Disparities and continue to devote Town resources to that end. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Brookline commits to undertake robust but prudent steps to address the Disparities. 2. That the Town of Brookline, by the Director of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (the "Director") and a working group of the Commission for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (the "Working Group"), prepare a report on ways to repair the Disparities in Brookline (the "Report"). 3. That, in preparing the Report, the Director and the Working Group shall work with other Town departments, including the Schools Department, the Health and Human Services Departme
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 om Bernard Greene's revised language with edits from the petitioners: A Resolution on Repairing Disparities in Health Outcomes, Food and Nutrition Insecurity, Educational Access, and Housing Insecurity WHEREAS, The Town of Brookline suffers from racial and other disparities in health outcomes, food and nutrition security, Educational Access, and housing security that negatively impacts especially people of color and other vulnerable people (the "Disparities"); and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the Disparities in the Town; and WHEREAS, Brookline's Disparities are similar to those in many similar municipalities in America; and WHEREAS, Brookline, through its Select Board, School Committee, Town Meeting, and Town Staff, is committed to repairing the Disparities and continue to devote Town resources to that end. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Brookline commits to undertake robust but prudent steps to address the Disparities. 2. That the Town of Brookline, by the Director of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (the "Director") and a working group of the Commission for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations (the "Working Group"), prepare a report on ways to repair the Disparities in Brookline (the "Report"). 3. That, in preparing the Report, the Director and the Working Group shall work with other Town departments, including the Schools Department, the Health and Human Services Department, the Planning Department, the Finance Department, and Town Counsel and shall consult with non-Town agencies, including the Brookline Center, the Brookline Community Foundation and other relevant agencies. The Director and the Working Group should also seek to include experts and individuals with lived experience in areas salient to the Disparities. 4. That the Report be submitted to the Select Board by the opening of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in the spring of 2021. 5. That the Report include (i) a description of each aspect of the Disparities, (ii) a list of the private agencies and programs in Brookline and elsewhere and the Town departments and bodies that are currently addressing the Disparities and are available for further ongoing work to repair the Disparities, (iii) a list of non-Town funding sources, including private sources and state and federal government sources, that can be utilized to repair the Disparities, (iv) any recommended allocations in the Fiscal Year 2022 Town budget and beyond that intentionally target the Disparities, (v) a list of concrete actions that can be taken by the Town or that private agencies or programs can take to repair the Disparities. 6. The Report shall also specifically include ways in which the Town of Brookline can: a. Continue to use its CDBG block grants, but in more robust and creative ways, (i) to support social programs for vulnerable populations and (ii) to fund repairs, maintenance, and improvements to BHA facilities, b. Work with the BHA to identify additional sources of funding for the needs of the BHA, including, where appropriate and authorized, Town funds for the needs of BHA residents and other vulnerable populations, c. Generate additional funds from, for example, economic development, government and private grants, operating overrides, budget reallocations, or other sources to fund the foregoing with minimal conflict with other priorities of the Town. 7. The Director and other Town staff and the Working Group shall pursue private grants or other nonTown moneys for any necessary consultant time or support services in addition to Town resources devoted to the preparation of the Report..”
Reconsider article 33
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider article 33.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider article 33. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION on the Advisory Committee's recommendation on Article 33: Resolution (1) Urging the Select Board and the School Committee to Adopt Certain Changes Regarding the Town/School...
Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on the Advisory Committee's recommendation on Article 33: Resolution (1) Urging the Select Board and the School Committee to Adopt Certain Changes Regarding the Town/School Partnership (TSP), (2) Urging the Select Board to Re-Examine the 'Waterfall' Governing the Allocation of Free Cash, and (3) Urging the Select Board, and Town Administrator to Evaluate the Possibility of Creating a Formal Participatory Budgeting Process in Brookline. To see if the Town shall adopt the following resolution: Part 1: Whereas on May 16, 1995 the Town Administrator and the Superintendent of Schools recommended the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee adopt a formula-based approach to allocating marginal surpluses/deficits as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding Town/School Budget Partnership executed on such date; and Whereas the formula-based method of carrying out the Town/School Budget Partnership was deemed to be in the best interests of the entire community because it codified and simplified the allocation of marginal resources between the Town and the Schools, and was intended to provide year to year stability and facilitation of long-range planning; and Whereas the Town/School Partnership Memorandum states that "this formula will need to be revisited at intervals in the case of unanticipated state mandates or extraordinary circumstances..."; and Whereas the Town/School Budget Partnership was expected to provide a collaborative planning framework i
From the minutes
“Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION on the Advisory Committee's recommendation on Article 33: Resolution (1) Urging the Select Board and the School Committee to Adopt Certain Changes Regarding the Town/School Partnership (TSP), (2) Urging the Select Board to Re-Examine the 'Waterfall' Governing the Allocation of Free Cash, and (3) Urging the Select Board, and Town Administrator to Evaluate the Possibility of Creating a Formal Participatory Budgeting Process in Brookline. To see if the Town shall adopt the following resolution: Part 1: Whereas on May 16, 1995 the Town Administrator and the Superintendent of Schools recommended the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee adopt a formula-based approach to allocating marginal surpluses/deficits as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding Town/School Budget Partnership executed on such date; and Whereas the formula-based method of carrying out the Town/School Budget Partnership was deemed to be in the best interests of the entire community because it codified and simplified the allocation of marginal resources between the Town and the Schools, and was intended to provide year to year stability and facilitation of long-range planning; and Whereas the Town/School Partnership Memorandum states that "this formula will need to be revisited at intervals in the case of unanticipated state mandates or extraordinary circumstances..."; and Whereas the Town/School Budget Partnership was expected to provide a collaborative planning framework in which the Town Administrator, the Superintendent of Schools and representatives of the Select Board and School Committee could jointly identify develop planning agendas; and Whereas, the Brookline Fiscal Advisory Committee (BFAC), in line with its charge, examined the TSP and made recommendations calling on the Select Board, the School Committee and their respective staffs to focus on a redesign that simplified and clarified the TSP; and Part 2 Whereas, the Town budgets with an expectation of generating so-called 'Free Cash'; and Whereas, the amount of Free Cash generated from year to year is volatile and subject to influences outside the Town's control; and Whereas, the Town has a financial policy governing the use (shall not be used for operating purposes) and allocation of Free Cash (the Waterfall); and Whereas, the current Waterfall does not contemplate using Free Cash for discrete emergency needs of Brookline residents; and Whereas, Massachusetts continues to have the among highest unemployment rates of any state in the country due to COVID-19; and Whereas, COVID-19 has created temporary acute needs for food and shelter and other essentials that may be viewed as temporary; and Whereas the Town's Fiscal Policy Review Committee historically has established and revised the Free Cash Policy; and Part 3 Whereas there is no evidence that Town Meeting Members seek out or encourage in an established and formal way meaningful public input on budget priorities, despite having final say on the Town's budget; and Whereas despite the existence of the TSP, there is no evidence that the Town of Brookline leaders (Select Board, School Committee, Advisory Committee and Town Meeting) have uniform understanding of the budgetary constraints, issues and financial status of the Town; and Whereas, many, including Town Meeting Members, are not well versed in the Town budget process, rules and requirements; and Whereas, neither the Town nor the Schools appear to have demonstrated or created adequate and transparent mechanisms for evaluating and measuring the absolute and relative effectiveness and cost/benefits of operating programs and capital investment decisions; and Whereas, there it appears that Brookline to be insufficient attention paid to, or lacks any additional established formal mechanisms to address or prioritize certain needs of, the most vulnerable residents of Brookline; and Whereas, the current system of 'marginal budgeting' impedes the ability of the Town to reflect, evaluate and consider shifting budget priorities in a formal and transparent manner; and Whereas, Brookline despite its structure as a Town with representative government does not have any sort of Participatory Budgeting process which gives residents of Brookline some direct say over a portion of the Town's capital budget; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Meeting urges the Town of Brookline, Select Board and the School Committee to enhance the Town/School Partnership and the Budgeting process by making recommendations leading to the implementation regarding: 1. Instituting changes to the Town/School Partnership as recommended by BFACi; and 2. Increasing community understanding of and engagement in the annual budget process by creating and holding periodic budget "Summits" which should incorporate periods for public input; and 3. Re-examine the Fiscal Policy Review Committee most recent recommendations regarding the Waterfall for the express purpose of determining a mechanism whereby emergency and/or acute, discrete needs of Brookline residents may be contemplated and funded as deemed appropriate allocation formulae for the purposes of evaluating prioritization of Free Cash distribution, including establishment of a mechanism whereby emergency and/or acute, discrete needs of Brookline residents may be contemplated and funded; and 4. Incorporate into the current incremental annual budget process practices a process by which the Town to intermittently and more effectively reprioritizes Town operating and/or capital objectives, especially as it relates to vulnerable populations; and 5. Evaluate and consider the establishment of a formal Participatory Budgeting process that would allow for direct decision making by the public with respect to a specific allocation of revenue for discrete capital projects; and 6. Consistent with BFAC recommendations, create formal explanations of the goals of [new] budget appropriations, the metrics by which they will be judged, and the time frame over which the metrics will be analyzed and to undertake periodic lookbacks to ascertain their effectiveness, as there should never be an assumption that a program will continue indefinitely; 7. Provide additional resources to the finance staffs of both the Town and the School Department to accomplish the tasks outlined herein. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Town Meeting calls upon the Town Administrator, Superintendent of Schools, Select Board and School Committee to report the details of the course of actions hereby urged and their recommendations no later than the end of August, 2021, in advance of the November 2021 Special Town Meeting, Or act on anything relative thereto. i Create a Town-School manual that allows current and future employees to understand what is supposed to happen within the Partnership; Eliminate the misperception that the Partnership reflects a fifty-fifty split of revenue; Utilize fully allocated costs and show them; Consider eliminating the focus on marginal revenue and instead use total revenue; Ensure costs allocated to the Schools conform with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements; Agree on how to incorporate changes in student enrollment (increases or decreases); Agree on how to deal with special education costs (taking into account whether any such costs are embedded in the formula for changes in student enrollment); Consider whether the establishment of a reserve for unanticipated special education costs is needed and/or appropriate; Determine the appropriate revenue split recognizing funds for functions performed by the Town on behalf of the Schools must be available to the Town..”
Reconsider Article 39
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 39
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 to reconsider Article 39 Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION AS RECOMENDED BY THE Advisory Committee to SECTION 1
On motion it was, Voted 4-1 FAVORABLE ACTION AS RECOMENDED BY THE Advisory Committee to SECTION 1. Article 8.39 of the Town of Brookline's General By-laws, entitled "Prohibition on New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure in Certain Construction," is hereby ratified as adopted pursuant to Warrant Article 21 of the Town's Fall 2019 Special Town Meeting, and shall be in full force and effect as of the effective date of this act 30 days after passage of this act.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, HellerNo: VanScoyoc
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 4-1 FAVORABLE ACTION AS RECOMENDED BY THE Advisory Committee to SECTION 1. Article 8.39 of the Town of Brookline's General By-laws, entitled "Prohibition on New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure in Certain Construction," is hereby ratified as adopted pursuant to Warrant Article 21 of the Town's Fall 2019 Special Town Meeting, and shall be in full force and effect as of the effective date of this act 30 days after passage of this act. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez Against: John VanScoyoc.”
FAVORABLE ACTION
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FAVORABLE ACTION Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
FVORABLE ACTION
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FVORABLE ACTION
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 FVORABLE ACTION VOTED: Appropriate, $32,700,000, to be expended under the direction of the Building Commission, with any necessary contracts to be approved by the Select Board and the School Committee to renovate and expand Brookline High School, including the acquisition and reconstruction of the property located at 22 Tappan Street (formerly known as 111 Cypress Street) and renovations or repairs to Brookline High School, the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center, the Unified Arts Building, the 66 Tappan Street Gym, and Cypress Field; and to meet the appropriation authorize the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow $32,700,000 under General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 7(1). Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Appropriate, $32,700,000, to be expended under the direction of the Building Commission, with any necessary contracts to be approved by the Select Board and the School Committee to renovate and...
VOTED: Appropriate, $32,700,000, to be expended under the direction of the Building Commission, with any necessary contracts to be approved by the Select Board and the School Committee to renovate and expand Brookline High School, including the acquisition and reconstruction of the property located at 22 Tappan Street (formerly known as 111 Cypress Street) and renovations or repairs to Brookline High School, the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center, the Unified Arts Building, the 66 Tappan Street Gym, and Cypress Field; and to meet the appropriation authorize the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow $32,700,000 under General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 7(1). Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.
From the minutes
“VOTED: Appropriate, $32,700,000, to be expended under the direction of the Building Commission, with any necessary contracts to be approved by the Select Board and the School Committee to renovate and expand Brookline High School, including the acquisition and reconstruction of the property located at 22 Tappan Street (formerly known as 111 Cypress Street) and renovations or repairs to Brookline High School, the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center, the Unified Arts Building, the 66 Tappan Street Gym, and Cypress Field; and to meet the appropriation authorize the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow $32,700,000 under General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 7(1). Any premium received upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount. Aye: Bernard Greene, Nancy Heller, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
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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