MassVoter.com← Brookline Select BoardBrookline Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
September 10, 2024
20 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Note on these minutes: These minutes have no attendance list; the members shown as present are the members named in the roll calls.
Present: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Enter Executive Session
On motion it was, Voted to enter Executive Session
Yes: Greene, Sandman, VanScoyoc, WarrenThe roll call does not list David Pearlman, who was on the attendance list; this member is not shown as voting.
From the minutes
“On motion it was, Voted to enter Executive Session Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren.”
Approve miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. a
Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. a. Approval of Meeting Minutes from August 20, 2024.
From the minutes
“Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. a. Approval of Meeting Minutes from August 20, 2024. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Proclamation recognizing September 2024 as National Preparedness Month in Brookline
Proclamation recognizing September 2024 as National Preparedness Month in Brookline.
From the minutes
“b. Proclamation recognizing September 2024 as National Preparedness Month in Brookline. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Transmission of the Police Commissioners Advisory Committee Annual Report to the Select Board
Transmission of the Police Commissioners Advisory Committee Annual Report to the Select Board.
From the minutes
“c. Transmission of the Police Commissioners Advisory Committee Annual Report to the Select Board. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Works Commissioner for a Conservation and Sustainability Assistant (C-8)
Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Works Commissioner for a Conservation and Sustainability Assistant (C-8).
From the minutes
“d. Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Works Commissioner for a Conservation and Sustainability Assistant (C-8). Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve the following three (3) Authorization to Hire requests from the Town Librarian: Librarian II - Youth Services (K7) Librarian II - Circulation (K02) Librarian I - Teen Services (K06) Chair...
Question of approving the following three (3) Authorization to Hire requests from the Town Librarian: Librarian II - Youth Services (K7) Librarian II - Circulation (K02) Librarian I - Teen Services (K06) Chair Greene made the following statement: The library is seeking authorization to fill three positions. We are losing three valuable library staff who are resigning for various reasons. I have been asked to give a shout-out to one very special librarian with unique expertise and a national reputation in library circles. That is Robin Brenner, Teen Services librarian. Robin is moving on to a supervisory position at the Woburn Library. Robin served as a librarian for the Town of Brookline for the last eighteen years and was the library's first Teen Librarian. She was instrumental in starting the teen collection and running popular teen programs. Brenner helped redesign the library space that became the Teen Room, the first dedicated space for teens at the Library. Brenner championed library services for teens and was named one of the American Library Association's Movers and Shakers in 2007. Brenner is also a comics and manga expert and represented the Public Library of Brookline annually at both national and international conferences.
From the minutes
“e. Question of approving the following three (3) Authorization to Hire requests from the Town Librarian: Librarian II - Youth Services (K7) Librarian II - Circulation (K02) Librarian I - Teen Services (K06) Chair Greene made the following statement: The library is seeking authorization to fill three positions. We are losing three valuable library staff who are resigning for various reasons. I have been asked to give a shout-out to one very special librarian with unique expertise and a national reputation in library circles. That is Robin Brenner, Teen Services librarian. Robin is moving on to a supervisory position at the Woburn Library. Robin served as a librarian for the Town of Brookline for the last eighteen years and was the library's first Teen Librarian. She was instrumental in starting the teen collection and running popular teen programs. Brenner helped redesign the library space that became the Teen Room, the first dedicated space for teens at the Library. Brenner championed library services for teens and was named one of the American Library Association's Movers and Shakers in 2007. Brenner is also a comics and manga expert and represented the Public Library of Brookline annually at both national and international conferences. In the past, she has been a selector on the prestigious Printz and Odyssey award committees. More recently, she served as the President of the Graphic Novel and Comics Round Table for ALA and has used her expertise to curate Brookline's large graphics and manga collection for both teens and adults. During her time in Brookline, Brenner was often the creative mind behind many of the libraries largest and most successful programs. From bringing talented authors to our libraries for visits, to coordinating large scale annual events, Brenner expanded the library's programming to fit the evolving interests of our patrons. Beyond these impressive events, her unwavering dedication to teen patrons was a daily effort and one that Brookline's families will miss dearly. The Select Board, on behalf of the Town of Brookline and its many past, present, and future teens, thank you Robin for your 18 years of service to Brookline. We wish you well in your future endeavors and take pride in our contribution to your continued success. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve an Authorization to Hire request from the Chief of Police for a Public Safety Dispatcher
Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Chief of Police for a Public Safety Dispatcher.
From the minutes
“f. Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Chief of Police for a Public Safety Dispatcher. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., "Main Library HVAC System" in the amount of $914,400.00
Question of approving a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., "Main Library HVAC System" in the amount of $914,400.00.
From the minutes
“g. Question of approving a contract with Enterprise Equipment Co., "Main Library HVAC System" in the amount of $914,400.00. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve amendment #1 to contract PW/23-08 "Water Service Line Inventory" with Weston & Sampson Engineers in the amount of $30,300
Question of approving amendment #1 to contract PW/23-08 "Water Service Line Inventory" with Weston & Sampson Engineers in the amount of $30,300.
From the minutes
“h. Question of approving amendment #1 to contract PW/23-08 "Water Service Line Inventory" with Weston & Sampson Engineers in the amount of $30,300. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Accept an award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program, distributed through the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR) and the...
Acceptance of an award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program, distributed through the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR) and the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management in the amount of $227,000.
Yes: Greene, Pearlman, Sandman, WarrenNo: VanScoyoc
From the minutes
“i. Acceptance of an award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program, distributed through the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region (MBHSR) and the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management in the amount of $227,000. Chair Bernard noted that some questions have been raised by residents about this agenda item. Chief Paster explained that these funds have been ear marked by UASI; Brookline is the only community that does not own a similar vehicle. This is a 2024 Mercedes van that will be used as security in the event that would require reinforced security measures. This is an unmarked vehicle, the purpose of it is strictly defensive and to protect lives. She hopes it is never engaged. Board member VanScoyoc noted the Surveillance Committee is tasked with reviewing these types of equipment, and asked if that committee reviewed this equipment? The Chair added they are trying to wind this committee down and assign its duties elsewhere. This van does not look military at all, it is intended to be used as a shield in the event of a security threat. The charge of the committee was not to continue the oversight, and the committee provided its report previously with a recommendation to set up a procedure for equipment. Board member VanScoyoc does not agree the committee does not have oversight of equipment like this. He will be voting against this only because he believes the committee should be making a recommendation The majority of the board members supported the purchase of this van, feeling that it is not a military, surveillance type vehicle, it is a public safety vehicle. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, Mike Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman Against: John VanScoyoc,.”
Question of directing the Division of Transportation to work with NETA, a marijuana retailer located at 160 Washington Street, to amend the retailer's Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP)...
Question of directing the Division of Transportation to work with NETA, a marijuana retailer located at 160 Washington Street, to amend the retailer's Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP) to eliminate the requirement that the retailer rent six off-site parking spaces for adult-use customers across Route 9 on the Eastbound side.
From the minutes
“j. Question of directing the Division of Transportation to work with NETA, a marijuana retailer located at 160 Washington Street, to amend the retailer's Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP) to eliminate the requirement that the retailer rent six off-site parking spaces for adult-use customers across Route 9 on the Eastbound side. Attorney Jennifer Dopazo Gilbert requested the removal requires 6 private spaces rented across the street from NETA on Route 9 eastbound. She explained that when NETA first opened, the volume of patrons was much higher, requiring additional parking spaces. Those additional parking spaces are no longer needed. Attorney Dopazo Gilbert has been engaging with the Transportation staff and Town Counsel and will continue to work with them gathering information. Town Administrator Carey added that this is a request to delegate this request to the Transportation division. Public hearing: No speakers Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approved the recommendation from the Town Administrator as amended: The Select Board authorizes the Licensing Panel to review and recommend applications for late night (12-1 a.m.) common...
On motion, it was, Voted to approved the recommendation from the Town Administrator as amended: The Select Board authorizes the Licensing Panel to review and recommend applications for late night (12-1 a.m.) common victualler, alcohol, and/or entertainment licenses for approval on the Select Board's miscellaneous agenda if located in one of the four designated districts (Brookline Village, Commonwealth Ave., Coolidge Corner, or Washington Square), with applicants requesting 2 a.m. closures or falling outside of those four districts (and requesting closure at 1 or 2 a.m.) to come before the Select Board-on the regular agenda-for review and discussion.
From the minutes
“On motion, it was, Voted to approved the recommendation from the Town Administrator as amended: The Select Board authorizes the Licensing Panel to review and recommend applications for late night (12-1 a.m.) common victualler, alcohol, and/or entertainment licenses for approval on the Select Board's miscellaneous agenda if located in one of the four designated districts (Brookline Village, Commonwealth Ave., Coolidge Corner, or Washington Square), with applicants requesting 2 a.m. closures or falling outside of those four districts (and requesting closure at 1 or 2 a.m.) to come before the Select Board-on the regular agenda-for review and discussion. Aye: Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve the Moderator's request for a hybrid Town Meeting
On motion, it was, Voted to approve the Moderator's request for a hybrid Town Meeting
From the minutes
“On motion, it was, Voted to approve the Moderator's request for a hybrid Town Meeting Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Approve and execute the warrant for the November 19, 2024, Special Town Meeting
Voted to approve and execute the warrant for the November 19, 2024, Special Town Meeting.
From the minutes
“Voted to approve and execute the warrant for the November 19, 2024, Special Town Meeting. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
No Action on Article 1
On motion, it was, Voted 5-0 No Action on Article 1.
From the minutes
“On motion, it was, Voted 5-0 No Action on Article 1. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Agreement regarding responsibilities for circulating information on outcomes from Town Meeting
On motion, it was, Voted to authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Agreement regarding responsibilities for circulating information on outcomes from Town Meeting.
From the minutes
“On motion, it was, Voted to authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Agreement regarding responsibilities for circulating information on outcomes from Town Meeting. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman..”
Reappoint the following candidates to various Boards and Commissions: t
Question of reappointing the following candidates to various Boards and Commissions: t. Small Business Development Committee David Gladstone
From the minutes
“Question of reappointing the following candidates to various Boards and Commissions: t. Small Business Development Committee David Gladstone Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Preservation Commission Peter Kleiner
Preservation Commission Peter Kleiner
From the minutes
“u. Preservation Commission Peter Kleiner Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Brookline Commission on Disability Robert P. Heist w
Brookline Commission on Disability Robert P. Heist w. Conservation Commission Marcus Quigley Roberta Schnoor
From the minutes
“v. Brookline Commission on Disability Robert P. Heist w. Conservation Commission Marcus Quigley Roberta Schnoor Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
Reappoint the following members as Citizen Members: Judith Casin (exp
Question of reappointing the following members as Citizen Members: Judith Casin (exp. Aug. 2027) Alberta Lipson (exp. Aug. 2027) Question of reappointing the following members as Associate Members: Clara Chin (exp. Aug. 2027) Rina Jacobson (exp. Aug. 2027) Joanne Katz (exp. Aug. 2027) Question of promoting the following Associate Members to Citizen Members: Peggy Maguire (exp. Aug. 2026) Monique Richardson (exp. Aug. 2027)
From the minutes
“Question of reappointing the following members as Citizen Members: Judith Casin (exp. Aug. 2027) Alberta Lipson (exp. Aug. 2027) Question of reappointing the following members as Associate Members: Clara Chin (exp. Aug. 2027) Rina Jacobson (exp. Aug. 2027) Joanne Katz (exp. Aug. 2027) Question of promoting the following Associate Members to Citizen Members: Peggy Maguire (exp. Aug. 2026) Monique Richardson (exp. Aug. 2027) Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Michael Sandman, Paul Warren, David Pearlman.”
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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