MassVoter.com← Needham Select BoardNeedham Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
November 25, 2025
8 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Heidi Frail, Catherine Reid Dowd, Joshua Levy, Marianne B. Cooley, Kevin Keane
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Public Hearing: Application for a New All Alcohol Beverages License - Bohemian
Find that the issuance of an on-premises liquor license, pursuant to Section 12 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, to Bohemian LLC d/b/a Taberna, located at 1037 Great Plain Avenue, with Mary...
The Board vote: 1. To find that the issuance of an on-premises liquor license, pursuant to Section 12 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, to Bohemian LLC d/b/a Taberna, located at 1037 Great Plain Avenue, with Mary Kiely as the manager of record, will not be detrimental to the educational and spiritual activities of schools and churches with a five hundred feet radius of the establishment; and 2. To issue said license to Bohemian LLC, as outlined in the application and subject to the rules and regulations of the ABCC and the Town of Needham Regulations for the Sale of Alcohol Beverages; and 3. To authorize the Town Manager to send written notice of this decision to the applicant pursuant to Section 16C and the ABCC pursuant to Section 16B.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Board vote: 1. To find that the issuance of an on-premises liquor license, pursuant to Section 12 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, to Bohemian LLC d/b/a Taberna, located at 1037 Great Plain Avenue, with Mary Kiely as the manager of record, will not be detrimental to the educational and spiritual activities of schools and churches with a five hundred feet radius of the establishment; and 2. To issue said license to Bohemian LLC, as outlined in the application and subject to the rules and regulations of the ABCC and the Town of Needham Regulations for the Sale of Alcohol Beverages; and 3. To authorize the Town Manager to send written notice of this decision to the applicant pursuant to Section 16C and the ABCC pursuant to Section 16B. Second: Mr. Levy. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Levy)
Public Hearing: Tax Classification
Establish a residential factor of 0.8988 for the purposes of setting the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rates
The Board vote to establish a residential factor of 0.8988 for the purposes of setting the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rates.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Cooley that the Board vote to establish a residential factor of 0.8988 for the purposes of setting the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rates. Second: Ms. Dowd. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Cooley, second: Dowd)
Open Meeting Law Complaint Filed by Carol Rosskam on November 12, 2025
Authorize Town Counsel to prepare and submit a response to the Open Meeting Law complaint
The Board vote to authorize Town Counsel to prepare and submit a response to the Open Meeting Law complaint.
Yes: Cooley, Dowd, Frail, KeaneNo: Levy
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Keane that the Board vote to authorize Town Counsel to prepare and submit a response to the Open Meeting Law complaint. Second: Ms. Dowd. Mr. Levy asked if the Board could provide input to the response provided by Mr. Heep. Discussion ensued regarding whether this was appropriate given the motion put forth and that a response be based upon Mr. Heep's legal expertise as opposed to the opinions of any or all Board members. Approved 4-1, with Mr. Levy against..” (Motion: Keane, second: Dowd)
Application for Amendment to an All-Alcohol Restaurant License - Lieutenant
Approve and sign an application for a Change of Manager for Lieutenant Manson Carter VFW Post 2498, 20 Junction Street, and to forward this application to the ABCC for approval
The Select Board, as Local Licensing Authority, approve and sign an application for a Change of Manager for Lieutenant Manson Carter VFW Post 2498, 20 Junction Street, and to forward this application to the ABCC for approval.
From the minutes
“Motion by Ms. Dowd that the Select Board, as Local Licensing Authority, approve and sign an application for a Change of Manager for Lieutenant Manson Carter VFW Post 2498, 20 Junction Street, and to forward this application to the ABCC for approval. Second: Ms. Cooley. Ms. Cooley asked what provisions are in place to prevent underage drinking when the hall is rented out. Mr. Greene ensured the Board that everyone is carded and there is an app on each bartender's phone to scan IDs. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Dowd, second: Cooley)
Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda
Approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 6 on the Consent Agenda
The Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 6 on the Consent Agenda.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Keane that the Board vote to approve the Appointment Calendar and Consent Agenda with the exception of Item 6 on the Consent Agenda. Second: Ms. Dowd. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Keane, second: Dowd)
Sign Notice of Traffic Regulation
Rescind Special Speed Regulation #734 for Dedham Avenue (Route 135); 2. To approve and sign the Special Speed Regulation #SSR-MW-199-10048 for the amendment of existing speed zones on Dedham...
That the Board vote: 1. To rescind Special Speed Regulation #734 for Dedham Avenue (Route 135); 2. To approve and sign the Special Speed Regulation #SSR-MW-199-10048 for the amendment of existing speed zones on Dedham Avenue between the Dedham Town Line and Great Plain Avenue; and 3. To approve and sign the Special Speed Regulation #SSR-MW-199-10072 for the amendment of existing speed zones on Great Plain Avenue between Dedham Avenue and the Wellesley Town Line.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Levy That the Board vote: 1. To rescind Special Speed Regulation #734 for Dedham Avenue (Route 135); 2. To approve and sign the Special Speed Regulation #SSR-MW-199-10048 for the amendment of existing speed zones on Dedham Avenue between the Dedham Town Line and Great Plain Avenue; and 3. To approve and sign the Special Speed Regulation #SSR-MW-199-10072 for the amendment of existing speed zones on Great Plain Avenue between Dedham Avenue and the Wellesley Town Line. Second: Mr. Keane. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Levy, second: Keane)
Town Manager
Accept the proposed zoning article, Amend Zoning By-Law (Pollard Middle School), for referral to the Planning Board for its review, hearing, and report
The Board vote to accept the proposed zoning article, Amend Zoning By-Law (Pollard Middle School), for referral to the Planning Board for its review, hearing, and report.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Keane that the Board vote to accept the proposed zoning article, Amend Zoning By-Law (Pollard Middle School), for referral to the Planning Board for its review, hearing, and report. Second: Mr. Levy. Unanimously approved 5-0..” (Motion: Keane, second: Levy)
Adjourn
Enter into Executive Session pursuant to Exception 7: to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements, for the purposes of (a)...
The Board vote to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Exception 7: to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements, for the purposes of (a) reviewing and approving executive session minutes and (b) reviewing executive session minutes to determine whether continued nondisclosure is warranted, and to adjourn at the conclusion of the executive session without returning to open session.
From the minutes
“Motion by Mr. Keane that the Board vote to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Exception 7: to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements, for the purposes of (a) reviewing and approving executive session minutes and (b) reviewing executive session minutes to determine whether continued nondisclosure is warranted, and to adjourn at the conclusion of the executive session without returning to open session. Second: Mr. Levy. Unanimously approved 5-0 by roll call..” (Motion: Keane, 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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