MassVoter.com← Needham Select BoardNeedham Select Board · 2021–2022 Board · Regular meeting
August 17, 2021
12 recorded votes, 6 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Matthew D. Borrelli, Marianne B. Cooley, Daniel P. Matthews, Marcus Nelson, Lakshmi Balachandra
Absent: None
During the meeting:
- Mr. Borrelli recused himself, turned the gavel over to Ms.
Every vote, in order
Public Hearing: Eversource Grant of Location - 21 Rosemary Street
Approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 30 feet of conduit in Rosemary Street
The Select Board vote to approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 30 feet of conduit in Rosemary Street.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Select Board vote to approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 30 feet of conduit in Rosemary Street. Second: Mr. Nelson. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Nelson)
Public Hearing: Eversource Grant of Location 100 Lawton Road
Approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 9 feet of conduit in Lawton Road
The Select Board vote to approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 9 feet of conduit in Lawton Road.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Nelson that the Select Board vote to approve and sign a petition from Eversource Energy to install approximately 9 feet of conduit in Lawton Road. Second: Ms. Cooley. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Nelson, second: Cooley)
Appointments and Consent Agenda
Approve the Appointments and Consent Agenda as presented
The Select Board vote to approve the Appointments and Consent Agenda as presented. APPOINTMENTS: 1. Committee Reappointments. See attached. 2. Election Workers for 2021-2022. See attached. CONSENT AGENDA: *=Backup attached 1.* Approve Minutes of July 20, 2021 (Open Session & Executive Session); July 30, 2021 (Open Session); June 22, 2021 (Executive Session); July 14 (Open & Executive) 2. Approve the utilization of two parking spots at meters #417 and #418, near 890 Highland Avenue, for free, 10-minute parking until the conclusion of the Shared Streets parklet pilot. 3.* Grant permission for the Newton Needham Regional Chamber to use the Town Common and surrounding area for the Fall Harvest Fair on Sunday, October 3. Permission includes: Town Common for local businesses' booths; Businesses to have items for sale on the sidewalk in front of their own stores; parking lot behind Town Hall and for the one handicapped accessible portable toilet and one hand washing station (to be delivered and picked up on the same day); ); close Chapel Street from corner of Great Plain Avenue to the Chapel Street parking lot for food court, fire truck, touch the trucks, and Michelson's Shoe table; use of the Town's generator on Chapel Street to power the food court and other activities as needed; use of the outlets on the town common to provide requested electricity for popcorn and other activities as needed; trolley ride that will start at Highland Avenue by the Town Common and loop back around t
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Matthews that the Select Board vote to approve the Appointments and Consent Agenda as presented. APPOINTMENTS: 1. Committee Reappointments. See attached. 2. Election Workers for 2021-2022. See attached. CONSENT AGENDA: *=Backup attached 1.* Approve Minutes of July 20, 2021 (Open Session & Executive Session); July 30, 2021 (Open Session); June 22, 2021 (Executive Session); July 14 (Open & Executive) 2. Approve the utilization of two parking spots at meters #417 and #418, near 890 Highland Avenue, for free, 10-minute parking until the conclusion of the Shared Streets parklet pilot. 3.* Grant permission for the Newton Needham Regional Chamber to use the Town Common and surrounding area for the Fall Harvest Fair on Sunday, October 3. Permission includes: Town Common for local businesses' booths; Businesses to have items for sale on the sidewalk in front of their own stores; parking lot behind Town Hall and for the one handicapped accessible portable toilet and one hand washing station (to be delivered and picked up on the same day); ); close Chapel Street from corner of Great Plain Avenue to the Chapel Street parking lot for food court, fire truck, touch the trucks, and Michelson's Shoe table; use of the Town's generator on Chapel Street to power the food court and other activities as needed; use of the outlets on the town common to provide requested electricity for popcorn and other activities as needed; trolley ride that will start at Highland Avenue by the Town Common and loop back around the town via Great Plain Avenue, Webster Street, May Street, and back to the Town Common; delivery and pickup of a dumpster in the parking lot behind town hall; delivery and pick up of trash cans to be placed around the event area including specifically at the food court and near the portable toilets; and any changes as recommended by the Needham Police Department. Also grant permission for meter free parking in the downtown area for both days. 4.* Approve Weekday entertainment license for Needham Golf Course Saturday, August 28th 5.* Approve a Weekday and Sunday entertainment license for Hungry Coyote. 6.* Accept a donation of a 6x10 nylon flag to fly at Avery Square from Ted Shaughnessy, a Needham resident. 7.* RATIFY a request from Allan Wyden Race Coordinator for the Pan Massachusetts Challenge, PMC Road Race. The event passed through Needham on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8, 2021. The route was approved by the following departments: DPW, Police, Fire, Park and Recreation. 8.* Approve a request from Marcia Robinson Race Coordinator for The Ride for Food Bike Ride. The event begins and ends in Dedham and passes through Needham. The event is scheduled for October 3, 2021. The route of the race has been approved by the following departments: DPW, Police, Fire and Park and Recreation. 9.* Approve a 20B Exemption for Eric Weloth who is an employee of the Needham Public Schools to engage in work with the Park & Rec Dept as a Playground Maintenance/Park Ranger. 10. Accept the following donation made to Needham Youth & Family Services for the Crisis Support Donation Fund by Emily Gaberman; $100. 11. Accept the following donation made to the Needham Health Division's Gift of Warmth from the Christ Episcopal Church; $300. 12.* Approve and sign Water & Sewer Abatement #1308 13.* Approve and sign the integrated collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Independent Town Workers Association for the period FY2022 - FY2024, as authorized by the May 1, 2021 Special Town Meeting. 14. Grant permission for the following residents to hold block parties: Name Address Party Party Party Party Christine Holland 104 Newell Ave. Corner of Newell, 9/11 9/12 5pm-8pm Prospect, Lewis, & Meadowbrook Courtney Rowe 9 Lakin Street 40 Ardmore Road 9/11 9/12 4pm-7pm Eric Kaplan 33 Elmwood Rd Elmwood Rd 9/11 9/12 4pm-10pm Bet. Fuller& Lancaster Katherine Calzada 9 Morton St. Morton St. 9/1 9/12 1pm-4pm between Webster & Highland Kim Karelis 7 Rolling Lane Rolling Lane 9/11 N/A 6pm-9:30pm Kate Deeley 61 Kenney St Corner of Lois 9/18 9/19 3pm-9pm & Barbara Rd Paul Kaboub 57 Parkinson St Otis St. between 9/18 9/25 4pm-7pm Manning & Webster Valerie Maio 15 Park Ave. Park Ave. bet. 9/25 N/A 2pm-10pm Webster and Greendale Maureen Callahan 67 Bradford St. Cleveland Road 9/26 N/A 4:30-6:30pm Julie O'Connor 89 Stockdale Rd 42 to 89 Stockdale 10/2 10/3 12pm-5pm Road Second: Ms. Cooley. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Matthews, second: Cooley)
Town Manager
Designate the position of Trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust as a special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A
The Select Board vote to designate the position of Trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust as a special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A.
Yes: Borrelli, Cooley, Matthews, NelsonNo: Balachandra
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Matthews that the Select Board vote to designate the position of Trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust as a special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. Second: Ms. Cooley. Approved 4-1 by roll call vote. Ms. Balachandra voted no..” (Motion: Matthews, second: Cooley)
Not have any special municipal employee designation for those who serve on boards and committees
The Select Board vote to not have any special municipal employee designation for those who serve on boards and committees.
Yes: BalachandraNo: Borrelli, Cooley, Matthews, Nelson
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Balachandra that the Select Board vote to not have any special municipal employee designation for those who serve on boards and committees. Second: Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson suggested a Code of Conduct be enacted in order to continue having special municipal designations. Mr. Borrelli said a goal of the Select Board is to have a Code of Conduct manual, agreeing with Mr. Nelson that the time is now, especially as there is member turnover. He said the current list of designees would be under the impression the designation would continue, noting to remove a designation without a public hearing and further discussion would be completely unfair. Ms. Cooley noted Ms. Balachandra's motion is challenging in many ways. She said all municipal employees are required to comply with the state ethics law. She said there is value in having the designation, but more clarity on a Code of Conduct is necessary. She said the reason for the designation is so people can do the work to assist the town on boards and committees and to live their life in Town. Discussion continued on the role of special and regular municipal employees, their volunteer service in town, and conflict of interest laws. Mr. Matthews commented eliminating the entire list will affect the lives of hundreds of people who work in Needham. He said a posted public hearing should be held to inform the public of what has been proposed and so everyone can be heard and make an informed community decision. He said he will vote no on Ms. Balachandra's motion. Ms. Balachandra said she is very familiar with conflict-of-interest laws, noting many emails have been received and is one of the reasons to think about eliminating the special designation because of ethics concerns before the Select Board. She said it is affecting the lives of many citizen's, but you can do business with the Town, but you don't have to serve on the Board at the same time. She said there must be a clear delineation between business and service. Ms. Balachandra said the integrity of the conversation with a biased perspective leading the discussion and vote is not appropriate and a slippery slope. She concluded saying there is no need to serve on a board if you would like to do business with the Town. Mr. Borrelli cautioned Ms. Balachandra on the difference between a violation and an accusation, and anyone can discuss any question of ethics with Town Counsel. Mr. Borrelli called for the vote. Motion failed 1-4 by roll call vote. Mr. Nelson, Ms. Cooley, Mr. Matthews, and Mr. Borrelli voted no..” (Motion: Balachandra, second: Nelson)
Approve Motions 2-6 as follows: 2. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Council of Economic Advisors as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A....
The Select Board vote to approve Motions 2-6 as follows: 2. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Council of Economic Advisors as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 3. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Needham Council for Arts & Culture as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 4. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Needham Unite Against Racism Working Group as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 5. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Rail Trail Advisory Committee as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 6. That the Board vote to rescind special municipal employee designation for the following municipal employees, and for all those holding positions on the following Town entities: Accessory Study Committee Auxiliary Police Officer Cable Television Advisory Board Economic Development Advisory Committee Emergency Management Volunteer Facility Working Group Field Study Committee Fire Staffing Study Committee Insurance Advisory Committee Joint Regional Transportation Committee Representative Korean War semicentennial Memorial Committee Local Building Code Appeals Board Local Emergency Planning Committee-Executive Committee MWRA Advisory Board Alternate Member New England Business Center Advisory Council Norfolk County Advisory Board Alternative Representative
Yes: Borrelli, Cooley, Matthews, NelsonNo: Balachandra
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Select Board vote to approve Motions 2-6 as follows: 2. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Council of Economic Advisors as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 3. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Needham Council for Arts & Culture as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 4. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Needham Unite Against Racism Working Group as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 5. That the Board vote to designate the position of member of the Rail Trail Advisory Committee as special municipal employee pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A. 6. That the Board vote to rescind special municipal employee designation for the following municipal employees, and for all those holding positions on the following Town entities: Accessory Study Committee Auxiliary Police Officer Cable Television Advisory Board Economic Development Advisory Committee Emergency Management Volunteer Facility Working Group Field Study Committee Fire Staffing Study Committee Insurance Advisory Committee Joint Regional Transportation Committee Representative Korean War semicentennial Memorial Committee Local Building Code Appeals Board Local Emergency Planning Committee-Executive Committee MWRA Advisory Board Alternate Member New England Business Center Advisory Council Norfolk County Advisory Board Alternative Representative Open Space Recreation Plan Advisory Committee Permitting By-laws, Regulations and Policies Committee Planned Production Task Force Property Tax Relief Study Committee Special Police Officer Stephen Palmer Future Planning Committee Stephen Palmer Rent Review/Tenant Committee Substitute Building Inspector Substitute Plumbing Inspector Substitute Wiring Inspector Town Hall Display Committee Trustee School Trust Fund Youth Center Committee Second: Mr. Matthews. Approved 4-1 by roll call vote. Ms. Balachandra voted no..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Matthews)
Place a list of special municipal employees, updated in accordance with its prior votes taken during this meeting, on file with the Town Clerk and to deliver a copy to the State Ethics Commission
The Select Board vote to place a list of special municipal employees, updated in accordance with its prior votes taken during this meeting, on file with the Town Clerk and to deliver a copy to the State Ethics Commission.
Yes: Cooley, Matthews, NelsonNo: BalachandraAbstained: Borrelli
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Matthews that the Select Board vote to place a list of special municipal employees, updated in accordance with its prior votes taken during this meeting, on file with the Town Clerk and to deliver a copy to the State Ethics Commission. Second: Ms. Cooley. Approved 3-1-1 by roll call vote. Ms. Balachandra voted no. Mr. Borrelli abstained..” (Motion: Matthews, second: Cooley)
Open the warrant for the October 25, 2021 Special Town Meeting
The Select Board vote to open the warrant for the October 25, 2021 Special Town Meeting.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Nelson that the Select Board vote to open the warrant for the October 25, 2021 Special Town Meeting. Second: Mr. Matthews. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Nelson, second: Matthews)
Authorize $210,000 in ARPA funds to support a full-time public health nurse, a full-time epidemiologist, and two part-time contact tracers for 12 months, to address the Town's ongoing response to...
The Select Board vote to authorize $210,000 in ARPA funds to support a full-time public health nurse, a full-time epidemiologist, and two part-time contact tracers for 12 months, to address the Town's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Matthews that the Select Board vote to authorize $210,000 in ARPA funds to support a full-time public health nurse, a full-time epidemiologist, and two part-time contact tracers for 12 months, to address the Town's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second: Mr. Nelson. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Matthews, second: Nelson)
Board Discussion
Engage a consultant to review our policing policies and help rewrite operations guidelines, including de-escalation matters and complaint/IA processes, required bias reviews etc
The Select Board vote to engage a consultant to review our policing policies and help rewrite operations guidelines, including de-escalation matters and complaint/IA processes, required bias reviews etc.
Yes: Balachandra, NelsonNo: Borrelli, Cooley, Matthews
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Balachandra that the Select Board vote to engage a consultant to review our policing policies and help rewrite operations guidelines, including de-escalation matters and complaint/IA processes, required bias reviews etc. Second: Mr. Nelson. Motion failed 2-3 by roll call vote. Mr. Matthews, Ms. Cooley, and Mr. Borrelli voted no..” (Motion: Balachandra, second: Nelson)
Adopt the Select Board goals for FY2022 - 2023 consisting of the draft goals list from the July 31, 2021 Select Board meeting, plus the draft goals list from the August 17, 2021 meeting with the...
The Select Board vote to adopt the Select Board goals for FY2022 - 2023 consisting of the draft goals list from the July 31, 2021 Select Board meeting, plus the draft goals list from the August 17, 2021 meeting with the adjustment made by roll call vote during the course of the August 17, 2021 Select Board meeting, subject to review and technical correction.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Matthews that the Select Board vote to adopt the Select Board goals for FY2022 - 2023 consisting of the draft goals list from the July 31, 2021 Select Board meeting, plus the draft goals list from the August 17, 2021 meeting with the adjustment made by roll call vote during the course of the August 17, 2021 Select Board meeting, subject to review and technical correction. Second: Ms. Cooley. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Matthews, second: Cooley)
Adjourn
Adjourn the Select Board meeting of Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The Select Board vote to adjourn the Select Board meeting of Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
Matthew D. Borrelli stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Nelson that the Select Board vote to adjourn the Select Board meeting of Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Second: Mr. Matthews. Unanimously approved 4-0 by roll call vote..” (Motion: Nelson, second: Matthews)
From the Needham Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Archive Center. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Needham, “Needham Select Board, April 2026–April 2027” member sheet.
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