MassVoter.com← BrooklineMunicipal votes · 2020–2021 Board
Brookline Select Board
How the Brookline Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. John VanScoyoc joined the board after the June 2020 town election, which was held late because of COVID-19; Benjamin Franco left. On June 11, 2020 the board put off choosing its officers until after Town Meeting; on July 7, 2020 it chose Bernard Greene as Chair and Heather Hamilton as Vice Chair (each 4-1, Raul Fernandez against). Covers 48 meetings, June 11 to April 27, 2021.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetYour Brookline ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Board years
Coming up
No upcoming meeting is posted yet. Check the official calendar →
Under the state Open Meeting Law, boards post notice at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
Members
ChairBernard GreeneChair · Elected townwide · at 48 of 48 meetingsVice-ChairHeather HamiltonVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 48 of 48 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Select Board minutes from January 2, 2018 through September 15, 2026, from the town’s CivicClerk meetings portal, which holds Select Board minutes back to 2005 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). The minutes are typed files with a text layer. Not here: meetings with an agenda but no minutes online, including December 18, 2018; several May and June 2019 sessions; January, March and September 2020 special sessions; July 26 and 28, 2021; January 23, March 19, April 2, 9, 16 and 17, May 21 and 29, June 11 and December 10, 2024 (for January 23, May 21 and December 10, 2024 the portal holds a copy of another meeting’s minutes instead); November 14 and December 23, 2025; and meetings after September 15, 2026. The Select Board Licensing Hearing Panel (one board member and town staff, whose recommendations go to the full board) is not included. Brookline’s minutes record almost every vote as a roll call naming each member (“Aye: … Against: … Abstained: …”), so we show each member’s vote as recorded. Members listed as absent for a vote are left out of it. Where a roll call names a member the minutes do not show as present, lists a member twice, names someone who is not a board member, or does not match the count written in the minutes, we show the count only (or the result only when no count is written) and add a note. A few votes have no roll call or count written down; we show those as passed or failed with no count. The minutes rarely say who made or seconded a motion, so no mover is shown. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (School Committee, Advisory Committee, Library Trustees) are not included. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Apr 27Authorize the request to fill the following vacant positions…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to authorize the request to fill…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Fernandez
April 27, 2021: Authorize the request to fill the following vacant positions by promotion in the Police Department: 2 Deputy Superintendents 2 Lieutenants 2 Sergeants
On motion it was, Voted to authorize the request to fill the following vacant positions by promotion in the Police Department: 2 Deputy Superintendents 2 Lieutenants 2 Sergeants 3-1
Yes: Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocAbstained: FernandezThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to authorize the request to fill the following vacant positions by promotion in the Police Department: 2 Deputy Superintendents 2 Lieutenants 2 Sergeants 3-1 Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, John VanScoyoc Abstained: Raul Fernandez.”
Apr 27Approve the authorization to hire request for an Economic…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve the authorization to hire request for an Economic Development-Long-Term Planner in the Planning Department
On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for an Economic Development-Long-Term Planner in the Planning Department.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for an Economic Development-Long-Term Planner in the Planning Department. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve and authorizing the Chair or his designee to…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve and authorizing the Chair…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve and authorizing the Chair or his designee to execute contract amendments for the following CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funded activities: ACTIVITY AMOUNT BUDGET CODE Public Services Brookline...
On motion it was, Voted to approve and authorizing the Chair or his designee to execute contract amendments for the following CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funded activities: ACTIVITY AMOUNT BUDGET CODE Public Services Brookline Safety Net $71,034.00 1720SGA4-558063 Brookline Food Pantry $240,000.00 1720SGA4-558102 Subtotal: $311,034.00 Economic Development EDLTP Business Assistance $100,000.00 1730SGA4-558063
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve and authorizing the Chair or his designee to execute contract amendments for the following CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funded activities: ACTIVITY AMOUNT BUDGET CODE Public Services Brookline Safety Net $71,034.00 1720SGA4-558063 Brookline Food Pantry $240,000.00 1720SGA4-558102 Subtotal: $311,034.00 Economic Development EDLTP Business Assistance $100,000.00 1730SGA4-558063 PUBLIC HOUSING BHA - Coronavirus Response 120,000.00 1720SGA4-558104 Total: $531,034.00 Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve Contract Amendment #12 to the contract between the…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve Contract Amendment #12 to…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve Contract Amendment #12 to the contract between the Town of Brookline and JLA for the New Driscoll School in the amount of $1,320.00 is for added survey services to…
On motion it was, Voted to approve Contract Amendment #12 to the contract between the Town of Brookline and JLA for the New Driscoll School in the amount of $1,320.00 is for added survey services to confirm building height as requested by the Brookline Fire Department.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Contract Amendment #12 to the contract between the Town of Brookline and JLA for the New Driscoll School in the amount of $1,320.00 is for added survey services to confirm building height as requested by the Brookline Fire Department. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve the proposed Transformer License for Eversource Work Order…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve the proposed Transformer License…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve the proposed Transformer License for Eversource Work Order #2407867 is for installation of the new permanent electric service to the Michael Driscoll School
On motion it was, Voted to approve the proposed Transformer License for Eversource Work Order #2407867 is for installation of the new permanent electric service to the Michael Driscoll School.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the proposed Transformer License for Eversource Work Order #2407867 is for installation of the new permanent electric service to the Michael Driscoll School. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve a grant from the Executive Office of Public…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve a grant from the…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Department of Fire Services, Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of $25, 983.44 to assist the Fire…
On motion it was, Voted to approve a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Department of Fire Services, Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of $25, 983.44 to assist the Fire Department in its efforts to maintain operational efficiency and overall safety.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Department of Fire Services, Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant in the amount of $25, 983.44 to assist the Fire Department in its efforts to maintain operational efficiency and overall safety. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve the following grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve the following grant from…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve the following grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $5,000 to support the Brookline Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) program
On motion it was, Voted to approve the following grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $5,000 to support the Brookline Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) program.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the following grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $5,000 to support the Brookline Citizen Emergency Response Training (CERT) program. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve the following transfer within the Building Department Budget:…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve the following transfer within the Building Department Budget: From: 2500 2510 Town Hall 522400 R&M $5,000 To: 2500 2540 Town Hall 532 0300 Supplies $5,000 From: 2500 2540 Town…
On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Building Department Budget: From: 2500 2510 Town Hall 522400 R&M $5,000 To: 2500 2540 Town Hall 532 0300 Supplies $5,000 From: 2500 2540 Town Hall 510101 Salaries $17,000 To: 2500 2540 Town Hall 523 590 Cleaning Services $17,000
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the following transfer within the Building Department Budget: From: 2500 2510 Town Hall 522400 R&M $5,000 To: 2500 2540 Town Hall 532 0300 Supplies $5,000 From: 2500 2540 Town Hall 510101 Salaries $17,000 To: 2500 2540 Town Hall 523 590 Cleaning Services $17,000 Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to Gamehenge…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve Temporary All Kinds Beverages…Passed 4–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to Gamehenge Golf LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill from April 30, 2021 - May 29, 2021 from 10:00AM - 10:00PM (Sundays beginning at 12PM)…
On motion it was, Voted to approve Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to Gamehenge Golf LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill from April 30, 2021 - May 29, 2021 from 10:00AM - 10:00PM (Sundays beginning at 12PM) at 1281 W. Roxbury Pkwy.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve Temporary All Kinds Beverages Sales License to Gamehenge Golf LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill from April 30, 2021 - May 29, 2021 from 10:00AM - 10:00PM (Sundays beginning at 12PM) at 1281 W. Roxbury Pkwy. It was noted that these temporary licenses are provided while the full liquor license is in the process for approval. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc.”
Apr 27Approve the application of a new Common Victualler for…Motion: On motion it was, Voted to approve the application of a…Passed 3–0 · see note
April 27, 2021: Approve the application of a new Common Victualler for Gamehenge Golf, LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill at 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy
On motion it was, Voted to approve the application of a new Common Victualler for Gamehenge Golf, LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill at 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy. Hours of operation will be Monday -Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Seating will consist of 50 seats inside and 60 seats outside.
Yes: Fernandez, Greene, VanScoyocThe roll call does not list Nancy Heller, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting. Heather Hamilton is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the application of a new Common Victualler for Gamehenge Golf, LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill at 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy. Hours of operation will be Monday -Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Seating will consist of 50 seats inside and 60 seats outside. Voted to approve the application of an Entertainment license for Gamehenge Golf, LLC d/b/a Hemlock Grill at 1281 West Roxbury Pkwy. Entertainment will consist of radio and televisions Monday -Sunday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Aye: Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc Absent: Heather Hamilton.”
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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