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Needham Select Board
How the Needham Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide. Joshua Levy joined the board after the April 2024 town election (Kevin Keane re-elected); Marcus Nelson left. On April 16, 2024 the board chose Kevin Keane as Chair, Heidi Frail as Vice Chair and Cathy Dowd as Clerk (each 5-0). Covers 33 meetings, April 16 to April 7, 2025.
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 budgetBoard years
Coming up
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Members
ChairKevin KeaneChair · Elected townwide · at 33 of 33 meetings
Vice-ChairHeidi FrailVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 31 of 33 meetings
Catherine Reid DowdClerk · Elected townwide · at 30 of 33 meetings
Joshua LevyMember · Elected townwide · at 33 of 33 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 (called the Board of Selectmen until 2019) from January 9, 2018 through August 3, 2026, from the town’s online Archive Center, which holds Select Board minutes back to 2006 (MassVoter has loaded 2018 on). Joint meetings with other boards are included, but only the Select Board’s own votes. Not here: executive-session minutes; minutes of the board’s two-member subcommittees; minutes the town has not posted for 23 other meeting dates that have an agenda in the Archive Center: March 13, April 9 and April 24, 2018; March 26, 2019; April 29, 2020 (joint meeting with the Council of Economic Advisors), August 11, 2020 (joint meeting with the Affordable Housing Trust), November 3, 2020 (executive session) and November 19, 2020; March 15, April 27, October 21, October 25, November 16 (executive session), November 23, November 30 and December 14, 2021; October 24 and November 9, 2022; January 9, January 18 and October 30, 2023; November 25, 2024; and June 23, 2025; and every meeting after August 3, 2026 (the town usually posts minutes about two months after a meeting). The minutes are typed PDFs with a text layer, except 2 scanned files from 2018–2019 that MassVoter read with text recognition. Needham’s minutes give the mover and seconder of each motion and the result, almost always with a count (“Unanimously approved 5-0”, “Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy against”), and sometimes a roll call by name. When the minutes say the vote was unanimous and the count matches the members present, we show every member present as voting yes; when they name the members who voted no or abstained and the count adds up, everyone else present is shown voting yes. Where a count does not match the members the minutes show as present, or a split count does not say who voted which way, we show the count only and add a note. Members who stepped aside (recused), had not yet arrived or had left are left out of that vote. 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 1Appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5,…Motion: the Board vote to appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective…Passed 4–1 · No: Levy
April 1, 2025 (Special meeting): Appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee…
The Board vote to appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee to work with Town Counsel to conduct contract negotiations with Katie King. The final terms of employment shall be approved by the Board.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to appoint Katie King as Town Manager effective July 5, 2025 subject to successful negotiation of an employment contract; and further to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair as a subcommittee to work with Town Counsel to conduct contract negotiations with Katie King. The final terms of employment shall be approved by the Board. Second: Ms. Cooley. Discussion: There was discussion regarding the timeline for negotiations and allowing the existing team to stay on through the negotiation period. It was agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair for the negotiations subcommittee would be Mr. Keane and Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1 with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
Mar 25Award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the…Motion: the Select Board votes to award the Town of Needham Babson…Passed Unanimous, 4 present · see note
March 25, 2025: Award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* -...
The Select Board votes to award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 4. Rebecca Hwang - Admitted Freshman 5. Mark Khudisman - Rising Sophomore, Renewal Recipient 6. Henry London - Part-Time Graduate Student, Babson Alumnus 7. Isabella Reidy - Admitted Freshman *Conditional Pending Application Receipt by Babson
Heidi Frail stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Select Board votes to award the Town of Needham Babson Scholarships to the following applicants: 1. Alberto Colon* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 2. Isabella Farese - Admitted Freshman 3. Danielle Friedline* - Rising Senior, Renewal Recipient 4. Rebecca Hwang - Admitted Freshman 5. Mark Khudisman - Rising Sophomore, Renewal Recipient 6. Henry London - Part-Time Graduate Student, Babson Alumnus 7. Isabella Reidy - Admitted Freshman *Conditional Pending Application Receipt by Babson Second: Ms. Cooley. Unanimously approved 4-0..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
Mar 25Delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency…Motion: the Select Board delegate the authority to declare or rescind an…Passed 4–1 · No: Levy
March 25, 2025: Delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's…
The Select Board delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's Water Management Act registration. The Town's compliance with the conditions of the registration will include all exemptions as allowed under the regulation including: irrigation of public parks and recreation fields outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM; irrigation to establish replanted or resodded lawn or plantings during the months of May and September; irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) in the current calendar year for homes or businesses newly constructed in the previous twelve months; and filling of privately owned outdoor pools. Discussion: In response to a question from Ms. Cooley, Ms. Fitzpatrick explained that this information would be released to the public using the Town website's active notification feature, the Town newsletter, posting on the website and social media, and alerting media. Mr. Levy stated that he does not see a reason to change the process that is currently in place and has been working for some time. Mr. Keane stated that he would have liked the Board to be able to hold a Zoom meeting in order to make these calls during times of drought, but that does not seem to be an option. He is torn on this item.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Select Board delegate the authority to declare or rescind an emergency non-essential water use restriction as set forth in the General Bylaws 2.2.5.5.2 to the Town Manager in accordance with the Town's Water Management Act registration. The Town's compliance with the conditions of the registration will include all exemptions as allowed under the regulation including: irrigation of public parks and recreation fields outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM; irrigation to establish replanted or resodded lawn or plantings during the months of May and September; irrigation of newly planted lawns (seeded or sodded) in the current calendar year for homes or businesses newly constructed in the previous twelve months; and filling of privately owned outdoor pools. Discussion: In response to a question from Ms. Cooley, Ms. Fitzpatrick explained that this information would be released to the public using the Town website's active notification feature, the Town newsletter, posting on the website and social media, and alerting media. Mr. Levy stated that he does not see a reason to change the process that is currently in place and has been working for some time. Mr. Keane stated that he would have liked the Board to be able to hold a Zoom meeting in order to make these calls during times of drought, but that does not seem to be an option. He is torn on this item. Second: Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy voting no..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Frail)
Mar 25Include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws -…Motion: vote to include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws -…Passed 3–2 · No: Cooley, Levy
March 25, 2025: Include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Vote to include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Yes: Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Cooley, Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Frail to vote to include the article entitled Amend General By- Laws - Plastic Food And Beverage Serviceware And Single-Use Items in the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Second: Ms. Dowd. Approved 3-2, with Mr. Levy and Ms. Cooley against..” (Motion: Frail, second: Dowd)
Mar 25Not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws -…Motion: vote to not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws -…Failed 2–3 · No: Dowd, Frail, Keane
March 25, 2025: Not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Vote to not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Yes: Cooley, LevyNo: Dowd, Frail, Keane
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Levy to vote to not include the article entitled Amend General By-Laws - Black Plastic Kitchenware in the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Second: Ms. Cooley. Failed 2-3, with Ms. Dowd, Mr. Keane, and Ms. Frail against..” (Motion: Levy, second: Cooley)
Mar 11Approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent AgendaMotion: the Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda.Passed Unanimous, 3 present · see note
March 11, 2025: Approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda
The Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda.
Kevin Keane stepped aside (recused) and did not take part in this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda. Second: Mr. Levy. Unanimously approved 3-0..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Levy)
Feb 11Appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group…Motion: the Board vote to appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House…Passed 4–1 · No: Levy
February 11, 2025: Appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026
The Board vote to appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Board vote to appoint Oscar Mertz as the Large House Study Group representative to the Tree Preservation Planning Committee for a term to expire on June 30, 2026. Second: Ms. Dowd. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy opposed..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Dowd)
Dec 3Support the "yes" position on the ballot question and…Motion: the Board vote to support the "yes" position on the ballot…Passed 4–1 · No: Levy
December 3, 2024: Support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October…
The Board vote to support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October 21, 2024 Special Town Meeting.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to support the "yes" position on the ballot question and the ratification of the zoning adopted under Articles 8 and 9, including amendments in Articles 10 and 11, of the October 21, 2024 Special Town Meeting. Second: Ms. Frail. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Frail)
Oct 22Support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit…Motion: the Board vote to support the Local Initiative Program application for…Passed 4–1 · No: Levy
October 22, 2024: Support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street
The Board vote to support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Board vote to support the Local Initiative Program application for the six-unit development at 339 Chestnut Street. Second: Ms. Cooley. Approved 4-1 with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
Oct 21Support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno…Motion: the Board vote to support the motion to amend Article 8…Failed 2–3 · No: Cooley, Dowd, Keane
October 21, 2024 (Special meeting): Support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment")
The Board vote to support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment").
Yes: Frail, LevyNo: Cooley, Dowd, KeaneThe minutes name how each member voted ("Ms. Frail and Mr. Levy voting in the affirmative and Mr. Keane. Ms. Dowd, and Ms. Cooley voting in the negative, the motion failed to carry") but give no count.
From the minutes
“Motion: Ms. Frail moved that the Board vote to support the motion to amend Article 8 (the "Mulno Amendment"). Second: Mr. Levy. Ms. Frail and Mr. Levy voting in the affirmative and Mr. Keane. Ms. Dowd, and Ms. Cooley voting in the negative, the motion failed to carry..” (Motion: Frail, second: Levy)
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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