MassVoter.com← Brookline Select BoardBrookline Select Board · 2021–2022 Board · Regular meeting
May 11, 2021
38 recorded votes, 8 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Brookline ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
Present: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc, Miriam Aschkenasy
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Nominate Heather Hamilton as Chair
On motion it was, Voted to nominate Heather Hamilton as Chair. Nominations are closed
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to nominate Heather Hamilton as Chair. Nominations are closed On motion it was, Voted to elect Heather Hamilton as Chair for the coming year. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Elect Heather Hamilton as Chair for the coming year
On motion it was, Voted to elect Heather Hamilton as Chair for the coming year.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to elect Heather Hamilton as Chair for the coming year. Aye: Bernard Greene, Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Nominate Raul Fernandez as Vice Chair for the upcoming year
On motion it was, Voted to nominate Raul Fernandez as Vice Chair for the upcoming year
Yes: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, Hamilton, VanScoyocNo: Greene
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to nominate Raul Fernandez as Vice Chair for the upcoming year Aye: Aye: Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc, Miriam Ashkenazi Against: Bernard Greene.”
Approve the minutes of April 27, 2021
On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of April 27, 2021.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the minutes of April 27, 2021. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Accept a grant from the Brookline Community Foundation to Mutual Aid Brookline in the amount of $25,000 appropriated into account 5200SGA9482010 to continue their work addressing consistent food...
On motion it was, Voted to accept a grant from the Brookline Community Foundation to Mutual Aid Brookline in the amount of $25,000 appropriated into account 5200SGA9482010 to continue their work addressing consistent food insecurity, childcare, and evolving need for direct financial assistance in the community.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to accept a grant from the Brookline Community Foundation to Mutual Aid Brookline in the amount of $25,000 appropriated into account 5200SGA9482010 to continue their work addressing consistent food insecurity, childcare, and evolving need for direct financial assistance in the community. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Accept the following gifts for the Library Department's racial equity consultant: $20,000 from the Friends of the Brookline Public Library $40,000 from the Brookline Library Foundation $40,000...
On motion it was, Voted to accept the following gifts for the Library Department's racial equity consultant: $20,000 from the Friends of the Brookline Public Library $40,000 from the Brookline Library Foundation $40,000 from the Brookline Library Trustees
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to accept the following gifts for the Library Department's racial equity consultant: $20,000 from the Friends of the Brookline Public Library $40,000 from the Brookline Library Foundation $40,000 from the Brookline Library Trustees Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Accept the following grants from the Brookline Community Foundation to the Recreation Department for a total of $32,000: Recreation - Summer Camp Program, $12,000 to partner with Brookline Center...
On motion it was, Voted to accept the following grants from the Brookline Community Foundation to the Recreation Department for a total of $32,000: Recreation - Summer Camp Program, $12,000 to partner with Brookline Center for Community Mental Health to better serve families in need of summer programming. Recreation - Soule Early Childhood, $20,000 to serve families impacted by COVID-19 in need of early childhood care so that parents can return to work.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to accept the following grants from the Brookline Community Foundation to the Recreation Department for a total of $32,000: Recreation - Summer Camp Program, $12,000 to partner with Brookline Center for Community Mental Health to better serve families in need of summer programming. Recreation - Soule Early Childhood, $20,000 to serve families impacted by COVID-19 in need of early childhood care so that parents can return to work. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve and authorize the Chair or their designee to execute a Letter of Consent to allow for the assignment of an Agreement for the regional BlueBikes program between the Town and Motivate...
On motion it was, Voted to approve and authorize the Chair or their designee to execute a Letter of Consent to allow for the assignment of an Agreement for the regional BlueBikes program between the Town and Motivate Massachusetts, LLC to Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC (LBS).
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve and authorize the Chair or their designee to execute a Letter of Consent to allow for the assignment of an Agreement for the regional BlueBikes program between the Town and Motivate Massachusetts, LLC to Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC (LBS). Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the authorization to hire request for a Public Health Policy Analyst (T-06) in the Department of Public Health
On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for a Public Health Policy Analyst (T-06) in the Department of Public Health.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for a Public Health Policy Analyst (T-06) in the Department of Public Health. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Building Department: 3 Tradesperson - HVAC (MN-7)
On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Building Department: 3 Tradesperson - HVAC (MN-7)
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Building Department: 3 Tradesperson - HVAC (MN-7) Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Library Department: Full Time Library Assistant II at the Coolidge Corner Branch Full Time Reference Librarian I at the...
On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Library Department: Full Time Library Assistant II at the Coolidge Corner Branch Full Time Reference Librarian I at the Brookline Village Branch Full Time Reference Librarian I at the Main Branch
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the following positions in the Library Department: Full Time Library Assistant II at the Coolidge Corner Branch Full Time Reference Librarian I at the Brookline Village Branch Full Time Reference Librarian I at the Main Branch Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve a License Agreement with Health Works for use of a portion of Babcock Street Parking Lot as an outdoor fitness space
On motion it was, Voted to approve a License Agreement with Health Works for use of a portion of Babcock Street Parking Lot as an outdoor fitness space.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve a License Agreement with Health Works for use of a portion of Babcock Street Parking Lot as an outdoor fitness space. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the authorization to hire request for the Soule Early Childhood Director (T10) in the Recreation Department
On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the Soule Early Childhood Director (T10) in the Recreation Department.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the authorization to hire request for the Soule Early Childhood Director (T10) in the Recreation Department. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Issue a proclamation acknowledging and supporting Children's Mental Health Awareness Week
On motion it was, Voted to issue a proclamation acknowledging and supporting Children's Mental Health Awareness Week.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to issue a proclamation acknowledging and supporting Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the Proclamation of the week of May 16-2, 2021 as National Public Works Week
On motion it was, Voted to approve the Proclamation of the week of May 16-2, 2021 as National Public Works Week.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the Proclamation of the week of May 16-2, 2021 as National Public Works Week. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the Proclamation to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and painting PRIDE Crosswalks in Town
On motion it was, Voted to approve the Proclamation to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and painting PRIDE Crosswalks in Town.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to approve the Proclamation to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and painting PRIDE Crosswalks in Town. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Move $21,000 from the Covid 19 programming, Food Pantry security line item to the Work Connections for Youth Steps too Success line item
On motion it was, Voted to move $21,000 from the Covid 19 programming, Food Pantry security line item to the Work Connections for Youth Steps too Success line item. Chair Greene reiterated his concerns and proposed dividing up these funds among those programs that could use it.
Yes: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, Hamilton, VanScoyocAbstained: Greene
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to move $21,000 from the Covid 19 programming, Food Pantry security line item to the Work Connections for Youth Steps too Success line item. Chair Greene reiterated his concerns and proposed dividing up these funds among those programs that could use it. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy Abstained: Bernard Greene.”
Approve the submission of the fiscal year 2022 CDBG annual action plan to the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development
To approve the submission of the fiscal year 2022 CDBG annual action plan to the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development
From the minutes
“1. To approve the submission of the fiscal year 2022 CDBG annual action plan to the US. Department of Housing and Urban Development Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Authorize the Chair to execute the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) and other certifications required for submission of the Annual Action Plan 3
To authorize the Chair to execute the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) and other certifications required for submission of the Annual Action Plan 3. To authorize the Director of Planning and Community Development to execute any Environmental Review documents required for federally funded projects on behalf of the Town
From the minutes
“2. To authorize the Chair to execute the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) and other certifications required for submission of the Annual Action Plan 3. To authorize the Director of Planning and Community Development to execute any Environmental Review documents required for federally funded projects on behalf of the Town Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the license conditions for Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue
Voted to approve the license conditions for Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue
From the minutes
“1. Voted to approve the license conditions for Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Approve the manager Derek Stewart, Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue
Voted to approve the manager Derek Stewart, Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue
From the minutes
“2. Voted to approve the manager Derek Stewart, Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Grant Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue, a Town of Brookline marijuana retail license
Voted to grant Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue, a Town of Brookline marijuana retail license
From the minutes
“3. Voted to grant Mission Incorporated at 1024 Commonwealth Avenue, a Town of Brookline marijuana retail license Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable Action on Article 9 on the Advisory Committee motion with the following amendment to Table 2: MOVED: To amend Table 2 of the Advisory Committee's budget motion so that the Select Board...
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 9 on the Advisory Committee motion with the following amendment to Table 2: MOVED: To amend Table 2 of the Advisory Committee's budget motion so that the Select Board budget categories are allocated as follows: Department/Board/Commission Select Board (Town Administrator) Personnel Services/ Benefits 894,122 Purchase of Services 60,880 Supplies 3,048 Other Charges/ Expenses 7,900 Capital Outlay 2,155 Agency Total 968,105
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 Favorable Action on Article 9 on the Advisory Committee motion with the following amendment to Table 2: MOVED: To amend Table 2 of the Advisory Committee's budget motion so that the Select Board budget categories are allocated as follows: Department/Board/Commission Select Board (Town Administrator) Personnel Services/ Benefits 894,122 Purchase of Services 60,880 Supplies 3,048 Other Charges/ Expenses 7,900 Capital Outlay 2,155 Agency Total 968,105 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
No Action on Article 10
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 No Action on Article 10.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 No Action on Article 10. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Reconsider Article 11
On motion it was, Voted to reconsider Article 11.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to reconsider Article 11. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable action on the motion submitted by the petitioner
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on the motion submitted by the petitioner.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on the motion submitted by the petitioner. The board remained with their original vote at this time. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable Action on Article 17 ( the Dempsey motion)
On motion it was, Voted 3-2 Favorable Action on Article 17 ( the Dempsey motion)
Yes: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, HamiltonNo: Greene, VanScoyoc
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 3-2 Favorable Action on Article 17 ( the Dempsey motion) Aye: Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy Against: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc..”
Favorable Action on the Article 17 as offered by Linda Pehlke
Voted 1-4 Favorable Action on the Article 17 as offered by Linda Pehlke *motion fails
Yes: VanScoyocNo: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, Greene, Hamilton
From the minutes
“Voted 1-4 Favorable Action on the Article 17 as offered by Linda Pehlke *motion fails Aye: John VanScoyoc Against: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable action on article 14 as offered by the Advisory Committee
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on article 14 as offered by the Advisory Committee
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on article 14 as offered by the Advisory Committee Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
No Action on Article 15
On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No Action on Article 15
Yes: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, HamiltonNo: Greene, VanScoyoc
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No Action on Article 15 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy Against: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc..”
Favorable action on Article 16 as offered by the AC
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on Article 16 as offered by the AC.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on Article 16 as offered by the AC. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable action on the contingent motion under Article 14
On motion it was, Voted 2-3 favorable action on the contingent motion under Article 14 *motion fails
Yes: Greene, VanScoyocNo: Aschkenasy, Fernandez, Hamilton
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 2-3 favorable action on the contingent motion under Article 14 *motion fails Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc. Against: Heather Hamilton, Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
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: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable action on supplement 1 as offered by the petitioner on Article 26
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on supplement 1 as offered by the petitioner on Article 26
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on supplement 1 as offered by the petitioner on Article 26 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Favorable action on the AC motion that adopts the earlier motion proposed by the HAB which reduced 1 at-large seat and specified a seat for a member of the HAB
On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on the AC motion that adopts the earlier motion proposed by the HAB which reduced 1 at-large seat and specified a seat for a member of the HAB.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 5-0 favorable action on the AC motion that adopts the earlier motion proposed by the HAB which reduced 1 at-large seat and specified a seat for a member of the HAB. Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
No action on article 38
On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No action on article 38
Yes: Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocNo: Aschkenasy, Fernandez
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No action on article 38 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc. Against: Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
No action on article 39
On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No action on article 39
Yes: Greene, Hamilton, VanScoyocNo: Aschkenasy, Fernandez
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted 3-2 No action on article 39 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc. Against: Raul Fernandez, Miriam Aschkenasy.”
Call a Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom; to waive the requirements of Sections 2.1.2 through 2.1.4 of the Town's By-Laws; to open and close the Warrant; and to...
On motion it was, Voted: To call a Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom; to waive the requirements of Sections 2.1.2 through 2.1.4 of the Town's By-Laws; to open and close the Warrant; and to insert in the said Warrant the following articles: ARTICLE 1 WHEREAS, Brookline is an affluent community, but 12% of its residents live below the poverty level. Over 30% of its residents struggle to pay their bills. Senior single women and women head of households are especially vulnerable; WHEREAS, this Warrant Article is about Brookline's humanity and our willingness as a community to help those most in need; WHEREAS, this Warrant Article seeks to the bridge the gap between our aspirations as a progressive community and to actually provide essential services for some of our most vulnerable residents; WHEREAS, this Warrant would appropriate $765,000 to repair a fraction of Brookline Housing Authority's (BHA's) worst state funded housing units (25 of 375), and to ensure that all BHA residents have access to WIFI; THEREFORE, the undersigned petitions that the Select Board schedule a Special Town Meeting to vote to approve funding safe housing and WIFI at BHA 11roperties within the time limit prescribed in MGL Ch 39 section 10; and That Town Meeting urges that the Select Board work with the Brookline Housing Authority to identify funding sources like federal stimulus dollars and other Town funds. The actual warrant article reads as follows: ARTICLE 2 Moved:
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted: To call a Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom; to waive the requirements of Sections 2.1.2 through 2.1.4 of the Town's By-Laws; to open and close the Warrant; and to insert in the said Warrant the following articles: ARTICLE 1 WHEREAS, Brookline is an affluent community, but 12% of its residents live below the poverty level. Over 30% of its residents struggle to pay their bills. Senior single women and women head of households are especially vulnerable; WHEREAS, this Warrant Article is about Brookline's humanity and our willingness as a community to help those most in need; WHEREAS, this Warrant Article seeks to the bridge the gap between our aspirations as a progressive community and to actually provide essential services for some of our most vulnerable residents; WHEREAS, this Warrant would appropriate $765,000 to repair a fraction of Brookline Housing Authority's (BHA's) worst state funded housing units (25 of 375), and to ensure that all BHA residents have access to WIFI; THEREFORE, the undersigned petitions that the Select Board schedule a Special Town Meeting to vote to approve funding safe housing and WIFI at BHA 11roperties within the time limit prescribed in MGL Ch 39 section 10; and That Town Meeting urges that the Select Board work with the Brookline Housing Authority to identify funding sources like federal stimulus dollars and other Town funds. The actual warrant article reads as follows: ARTICLE 2 Moved: To amend the FY 2022 budget, making the following appropriations: $140,000 or any other sum to be expended under the direction of the Town's Information Technology Department with any necessary contracts to be approved by the select board for increased internet access capacity in various locations in Brookline prior to the beginning of the academic year: and $625,000 under the direction of the Planning Department with any necessary contracts to be approved by the Select Board for repairs to low- and moderate-income housing in Brookline as soon as practicable. Total: $6252000 + $140,000- $7652000 Aye: Heather Hamilton, Bernard Greene, Raul Fernandez, John VanScoyoc. Miriam Aschkenasy.”
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →