← Brookline Select Board

Brookline Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting

August 19, 2025

28 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda

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Attendance

Present: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein

Absent: None

During the meeting:

  • Paul Warren is listed as absent for at least one vote.

Every vote, in order

Enter into executive session

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · 4–0

On motion, it was, Voted to enter into executive session

Yes: Greene, Pearlman, Rubenstein, VanScoyocPaul Warren is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“On motion, it was, Voted to enter into executive session Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein Absent: Paul Warren was absent for Roll Call into executive session.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Approve miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. 5a

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. 5a. Question of approving the meeting minutes from August 5, 2025.

From the minutes

“Approval of miscellaneous items, licenses, and contracts. 5a. Question of approving the meeting minutes from August 5, 2025. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Authorize the Commissioner of Public Works to file all documentation, including inventory submissions, compliance certifications, and grant fiscal reports, required to close the Clean Water Trust...

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to file all documentation, including inventory submissions, compliance certifications, and grant fiscal reports, required to close the Clean Water Trust / MassDEP lead service line inventory grant, and to certify that the Town of Brookline has fully completed the project in accordance with program requirements.

From the minutes

“5c. Question of authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to file all documentation, including inventory submissions, compliance certifications, and grant fiscal reports, required to close the Clean Water Trust / MassDEP lead service line inventory grant, and to certify that the Town of Brookline has fully completed the project in accordance with program requirements. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve Change Order 19 with Miller Dyer Spears in the amount of $51,837 for additional hazmat supervision and removal due to unexpected PCB in soil near the Pierce historical building

Minutes, page 3

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving Change Order 19 with Miller Dyer Spears in the amount of $51,837 for additional hazmat supervision and removal due to unexpected PCB in soil near the Pierce historical building.

From the minutes

“5e. Question of approving Change Order 19 with Miller Dyer Spears in the amount of $51,837 for additional hazmat supervision and removal due to unexpected PCB in soil near the Pierce historical building. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve and authorizing the execution of the Purchase and Installation Agreement between the Town of Brookline and Solect Energy for the Driscoll School Solar Project, for a total contract price...

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving and authorizing the execution of the Purchase and Installation Agreement between the Town of Brookline and Solect Energy for the Driscoll School Solar Project, for a total contract price not to exceed $540,491.

From the minutes

“5f. Question of approving and authorizing the execution of the Purchase and Installation Agreement between the Town of Brookline and Solect Energy for the Driscoll School Solar Project, for a total contract price not to exceed $540,491. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Accept a donation to the Brookline Police Department in the amount of $1,200 from the Captain Francis J. Hayes Foundation to support their 2025 Summer Youth Program

Minutes, page 3

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of accepting a donation to the Brookline Police Department in the amount of $1,200 from the Captain Francis J. Hayes Foundation to support their 2025 Summer Youth Program.

From the minutes

“5g. Question of accepting a donation to the Brookline Police Department in the amount of $1,200 from the Captain Francis J. Hayes Foundation to support their 2025 Summer Youth Program. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve an Authorization to Hire request from the Director of Recreation for the following position: Lead Teacher/Classroom Support (GN06)

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Director of Recreation for the following position: Lead Teacher/Classroom Support (GN06).

From the minutes

“5h. Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Director of Recreation for the following position: Lead Teacher/Classroom Support (GN06). Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Accept the transmission of the Human Resource Board's Annual Report to the Select Board

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of accepting the transmission of the Human Resource Board's Annual Report to the Select Board.

From the minutes

“5i. Question of accepting the transmission of the Human Resource Board's Annual Report to the Select Board. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve a Special Permit for the "Bike to the Beach - New England" event to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 5:00 am to 6:00am

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving a Special Permit for the "Bike to the Beach - New England" event to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 5:00 am to 6:00am. This has been approved by the Chief of Police as required.

From the minutes

“5j. Question of approving a Special Permit for the "Bike to the Beach - New England" event to be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 5:00 am to 6:00am. This has been approved by the Chief of Police as required. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages, Non-Sales License to Brenden Collins for Thistle + Leeh (Alma Hilton LLC) for a Wine Dinner Event to be held on August 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00...

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages, Non-Sales License to Brenden Collins for Thistle + Leeh (Alma Hilton LLC) for a Wine Dinner Event to be held on August 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at 259 Allandale Rd., Allandale Farm. Approximately 100 people are expected to attend.

From the minutes

“5k. Question of approving a Temporary Wine and Malt Beverages, Non-Sales License to Brenden Collins for Thistle + Leeh (Alma Hilton LLC) for a Wine Dinner Event to be held on August 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at 259 Allandale Rd., Allandale Farm. Approximately 100 people are expected to attend. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein 5l..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve the proposed Conservation Restriction at 294 Warren Street

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving the proposed Conservation Restriction at 294 Warren Street.

From the minutes

“Question of approving the proposed Conservation Restriction at 294 Warren Street. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Health and Human Services: Regional Epidemiologist (T5)

Minutes, page 4

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Health and Human Services: Regional Epidemiologist (T5)

From the minutes

“5m. Question of approving an Authorization to Hire request from the Department of Public Health and Human Services: Regional Epidemiologist (T5) Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Approve approving the application for an alteration of licensed premises for an All- Alcohol Restaurant License for D2 Restaurant LLC d/b/a Esmai's at 1306 Beacon St. The alteration of premises is...

Minutes, page 5

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

On motion, it was, Voted to approve approving the application for an alteration of licensed premises for an All- Alcohol Restaurant License for D2 Restaurant LLC d/b/a Esmai's at 1306 Beacon St. The alteration of premises is to construct a roof deck to include 1000 sq. ft with 45 occupancy, and is seeking to amend its license to include the deck under the description of licensed premises.

From the minutes

“On motion, it was, Voted to approve approving the application for an alteration of licensed premises for an All- Alcohol Restaurant License for D2 Restaurant LLC d/b/a Esmai's at 1306 Beacon St. The alteration of premises is to construct a roof deck to include 1000 sq. ft with 45 occupancy, and is seeking to amend its license to include the deck under the description of licensed premises. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Approve a Noise By-Law Waiver request from the Department of Public Works - Engineering & Transportation Division for work related to Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon's on Beacon St./Strathmore...

Minutes, page 6

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Voted to approve a Noise By-Law Waiver request from the Department of Public Works - Engineering & Transportation Division for work related to Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon's on Beacon St./Strathmore St-Inbound to conducted by Dagle Electrical Construction Corp. in accordance with the accepted MassDOT grant. Work to be conducted between August 25-August 29 and September 2September 5 between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

From the minutes

“Voted to approve a Noise By-Law Waiver request from the Department of Public Works - Engineering & Transportation Division for work related to Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon's on Beacon St./Strathmore St-Inbound to conducted by Dagle Electrical Construction Corp. in accordance with the accepted MassDOT grant. Work to be conducted between August 25-August 29 and September 2September 5 between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Assign the Town's right of first refusal related to 16 Williams Street to Victory Programs, Inc., and any other action related to its right of first refusal, and to add conditions as the Town...

Minutes, page 7

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

On motion, it was, Voted to assign the Town's right of first refusal related to 16 Williams Street to Victory Programs, Inc., and any other action related to its right of first refusal, and to add conditions as the Town Administrator determines to be appropriate, and to authorize the Chair to sign the documents on the Board's behalf.

From the minutes

“On motion, it was, Voted to assign the Town's right of first refusal related to 16 Williams Street to Victory Programs, Inc., and any other action related to its right of first refusal, and to add conditions as the Town Administrator determines to be appropriate, and to authorize the Chair to sign the documents on the Board's behalf. Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

The town respectfully requests MassHousing not approve a Project Eligibility Letter for this project as the design of the buildings and the proposed site layout is inconsistent with the design...

Minutes, page 9

ApproveFailed · 2–3

The town respectfully requests MassHousing not approve a Project Eligibility Letter for this project as the design of the buildings and the proposed site layout is inconsistent with the design requirements outlined in760 CMR 56.04(4)(c) and the related Comprehensive Permit Guidelines dated December 2014. In particular, the design has a poor relationship to existing building typology. 2. will not include the language on page 2 that starts with. Thus, the town also respectfully requests MassHousing only approve a Project Eligibility Letter for this project for a design that includes mitigation for this significant tree loss 3. will include: The Select Board concludes that the development proposal on this site would not significantly further affordable housing goals in Brookline and should not be granted a Project Eligibility Letter All in favor:

Yes: Greene, WarrenNo: Pearlman, Rubenstein, VanScoyoc

From the minutes

“1. The town respectfully requests MassHousing not approve a Project Eligibility Letter for this project as the design of the buildings and the proposed site layout is inconsistent with the design requirements outlined in760 CMR 56.04(4)(c) and the related Comprehensive Permit Guidelines dated December 2014. In particular, the design has a poor relationship to existing building typology. 2. will not include the language on page 2 that starts with. Thus, the town also respectfully requests MassHousing only approve a Project Eligibility Letter for this project for a design that includes mitigation for this significant tree loss 3. will include: The Select Board concludes that the development proposal on this site would not significantly further affordable housing goals in Brookline and should not be granted a Project Eligibility Letter All in favor: Aye: Bernard Greene, Paul Warren, Against: John VanScoyoc, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein Motion fails.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

On Member Warren's amendment

Minutes, page 10

ApproveFailed · 1–4

On motion it was, Voted on Member Warren's amendment

Yes: WarrenNo: Greene, Pearlman, Rubenstein, VanScoyoc

From the minutes

“On motion it was, Voted on Member Warren's amendment Aye: Paul Warren, Against: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein Motion fails.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Approve Member VanScoyoc' s motion

Minutes, page 10

ApprovePassed · 4–1

Voted to approve Member VanScoyoc' s motion

Yes: Greene, Pearlman, Rubenstein, VanScoyocNo: Warren

From the minutes

“Voted to approve Member VanScoyoc' s motion Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein Against: Paul Warren.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

Approve the following three Information Technology-related policies: 1

Minutes, page 11

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 5 present

On motion, it was, Voted to approve the following three Information Technology-related policies: 1. Information Technology Resource (ITR) Use Policy 2. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 3. Written Information Security Policy (WISP)

From the minutes

“On motion, it was, Voted to approve the following three Information Technology-related policies: 1. Information Technology Resource (ITR) Use Policy 2. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 3. Written Information Security Policy (WISP) Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Reappoint Meenakshi Garodia as a member on the Brookline Commission for Women

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Meenakshi Garodia as a member on the Brookline Commission for Women.

From the minutes

“Question of reappointing Meenakshi Garodia as a member on the Brookline Commission for Women. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Reappoint Lauren Bernard as a member of the Park & Recreation Commission

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Lauren Bernard as a member of the Park & Recreation Commission.

From the minutes

“16b. Question of reappointing Lauren Bernard as a member of the Park & Recreation Commission. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Reappoint Melissa MacQuarrie as a member of the Brookline Commission for the Arts

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Melissa MacQuarrie as a member of the Brookline Commission for the Arts.

From the minutes

“16c. Question of reappointing Melissa MacQuarrie as a member of the Brookline Commission for the Arts. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Reappoint Marilyn Newman as a member of the Economic Development Advisory Board

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Marilyn Newman as a member of the Economic Development Advisory Board.

From the minutes

“16d. Question of reappointing Marilyn Newman as a member of the Economic Development Advisory Board. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Reappoint Kailey Bennett and Shana Penna as members of the Indigenous People Celebration Committee

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Kailey Bennett and Shana Penna as members of the Indigenous People Celebration Committee.

From the minutes

“16e. Question of reappointing Kailey Bennett and Shana Penna as members of the Indigenous People Celebration Committee. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Reappoint Andrew Weiner as a member of the Small Business Development Committee

Minutes, page 12

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing Andrew Weiner as a member of the Small Business Development Committee.

From the minutes

“16f. Question of reappointing Andrew Weiner as a member of the Small Business Development Committee. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Appoint Ruby Debruin and Virginia Simpson-Gunner to the Brookline Youth Council as members representing Precincts 5-8

Minutes, page 13

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of appointing Ruby Debruin and Virginia Simpson-Gunner to the Brookline Youth Council as members representing Precincts 5-8.

From the minutes

“Question of appointing Ruby Debruin and Virginia Simpson-Gunner to the Brookline Youth Council as members representing Precincts 5-8. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Appoint Bruce Ehrlich as an Alternate Member on the Preservation Commission

Minutes, page 13

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of appointing Bruce Ehrlich as an Alternate Member on the Preservation Commission.

From the minutes

“17b. Question of appointing Bruce Ehrlich as an Alternate Member on the Preservation Commission. Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

Question of reappointing, promoting, and appointment members of the Council on Aging as recommended by the Council on Aging Nominating Committee: Citizen Member Reappointments Sherry Lee John...

Minutes, page 13

AppointPassed · Unanimous, 5 present

Question of reappointing, promoting, and appointment members of the Council on Aging as recommended by the Council on Aging Nominating Committee: Citizen Member Reappointments Sherry Lee John Mulhane Associate Member Reappointments Soo Moy Associate to Citizen Member Promotions Marcia Goldstein Enid Lieber Rosaline Lowe New Associate Member Appointments Mark Chadbourne Janet Gelbart Margo Rosenbach

From the minutes

“18a. Question of reappointing, promoting, and appointment members of the Council on Aging as recommended by the Council on Aging Nominating Committee: Citizen Member Reappointments Sherry Lee John Mulhane Associate Member Reappointments Soo Moy Associate to Citizen Member Promotions Marcia Goldstein Enid Lieber Rosaline Lowe New Associate Member Appointments Mark Chadbourne Janet Gelbart Margo Rosenbach Approved Aye: Bernard Greene, John VanScoyoc, Paul Warren, David Pearlman, Michael Rubenstein.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

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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