October 20, 2024

Paul,

The Select Board's next meeting will be October 29. The Board will not meet this week. A summary of the October 15 meeting is included below.

The Comprehensive Plan survey deadline has been extended to November 3rd. Please take a few minutes to complete this important on-line survey. Your input will help develop policies that provide direction for Town departments, guide future zoning changes, and act as a reference for prioritizing future investments.

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.

Warmest Regards,

Paul Warren

Please note that this email is being sent by me as an individual and not as an official action on behalf of the Board. The content is created by me and any errors or omissions are solely my responsibility.

News and Updates

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Here is some helpful information from the Town Clerk's website.

• Sample Ballot
• Information on Ballot Questions from Secretary of the Commonwealth
• List of Polling Locations
• Last Day to Register to Vote - Saturday, October 26
• First Day for in-person Early Voting - Saturday, October 19
• Last Day to Request a Mailed Ballot - Tuesday. October 29 @ 5PM
• Last Day for in-person Early Voting - Friday, November 1 @ 12:30PM
• Election Day - Tuesday, November 5 from 7AM - 8PM

Flu Clinic - The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services is hosting Family Flu Clinics for residents aged 6 months and older at The Ridley School (345 Harvard St) on Thursday, October 24th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Please visit the Town website for more information and to register for the clinic.

Comprehensive Plan Survey Extended to November 3rd - The Planning Department and Comprehensive Plan Committee want to hear from you. Please complete an on-line survey by November 3rd. Your input will help develop policies that provide direction for Town departments, guide future zoning changes, and act as a reference for prioritizing future investments.

This Week's Meetings and Events

The calendar is subject to change. Please see the Board and Commissions Calendar and the Non-Board Calendar for updates.

Monday, October 21

• 5:00 PM - School Policy Subcommittee
• 6:00 PM - Advisory Council of Public Health
• 6:00 PM - Immigrant Advancement Subcommittee
• 6:30 PM - Community Preservation Act Committee Public Hearing
• 7:00 PM - Open Space and Recreation Plan Subcommittee

Tuesday, October 22

• 8:00 AM - Land Use and Zoning Subcommittee Public Hearing Article 15
• 1:15 PM - Board of Library Trustees Executive Committee
• 5:00 PM - Public Safety Subcommittee Hearing Warrant Articles 12 & 13
• 6:00 PM - School Committee Workshop
• 7:00 PM - Planning Board Public Hearing on Warrant Articles 7, 14 & 15
• 7:00 PM - Advisory Committee Meeting on Warrant Article 12, 13 and 16
• 7:00 PM - Housing Advisory Board Public Hearing on Warrant Article 15
• 7:00 PM - Zoning Board of Appeals
• 7:00 PM - Conservation Commission

Wednesday, October 23

• 8:45 AM - Zero Emissions Advisory Board
• 5:00 PM - Committee on Town Organization and Structure
• 5:00 PM - Conservation Commission Public Hearing Warrant Article 16

Thursday, October 24

• 8:00 AM - Land Use and Zoning Subcommittee
• 4:00 PM - School Capital Subcommittee
• 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Flu Clinic at Ridley School

Saturday, October 26

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Boylston St. Playground Community Day

Sunday, October 27

• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Stewardship Sunday at D Blakely Hoar Sanctuary

Previous Select Board Meeting - October 15

Agenda, Packet, Meeting Recording

Miscellaneous - The Board approved the following miscellaneous items:

• Meeting minutes from September 24, 2024 and September 17, 2024
• Grant in the amount of $25,000 from DHS UASI cybersecurity
• Hire request for PSBO Business Manager
• Hire request for a Leave & Disability Specialist
• Special permit for the BAA annual half-marathon on November 10, 2024.
• Temporary alcohol license for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral private wedding October 19, 2024 4PM – 1AM at 162 Goddard Ave. 240-250 people are expected to attend.
• Temporary alcohol License for Trillium 2024 Harvest Fest to be held on October 27, 2024, from 1:00PM - 4:00PM at 1281 West Roxbury Parkway 1500 - 2000 people are expected to attend.

Interview - The Board interviewed Wendy Drobnyk for the Age-Friendly Cities Committee

Walnut-High Project - The Board discussed and voted in favor of the following items related to the Brookline Housing Authority and Housing Advisory Board requests:

• Committing $7.5 million in Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) funds for phase I of the BHA's redevelopment project at Walnut High Apartments to include 96 affordable housing units ("the Project") with conditions as outlined by HAB.
• Entering into a revised Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreement to update the actual number of units that will be included in the project.
• Waiving building permit fees, including demolition permit fees for the Project subject to conditions as outlined by HAB.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - The Board discussed and voted to modify to the scope of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded Centre Street Lot project study.

Update on ARPA-funded projects and spending - The Board received and discussed an update on ARPA-funded projects and spending.

Zero Emissions Advisory Board Charge - The Board discussed and voted to amended the Zero Emission Advisory Board (ZEAB) Charge.

Free Cash Policy and Allocations - The Board received and discussed a proposal regarding the Town's Free Cash Policy and Allocation.

Warrant Articles - The Board reviewed and discussed the following Articles and will be voting at a later date.

• Warrant Article 7 - Amend Table 5.01 in the Town's Zoning By-Laws to restrict height to 2.5 Stories in select S, SC, and T Districts and revise the definition of Story in Section 2.19
• Warrant Article 12 - Amend the Town's Zoning By-Laws to add a section on outdoor lighting standards in residential districts
• Warrant Article 13 - Amend Article VII (Signs, Illumination, & Regulated Facade Alternations) of the Town's Zoning By-Laws to address sign design and commercial signage
• Warrant Article 14 - Amend Sections 5.03 and 5.04 of the Town's Zoning By-Laws to allow separate ownership of buildings on the same lot.
• Warrant Article 15 - Amend Use 51B and Section 4.05.03 of the Town's Zoning By-Law to comply with the state requirements in the Affordable Homes Act

The Board voted the following Warrant Articles

• Recommended Favorable Action on Warrant Article 18 - Petition for a special act to allow the restriction of rodenticides
• Make no recommendation on Warrant Article 20 - Resolution to support a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Boards and Commissions - The Board discussed and voted to appoint Carol Caro to the to the Park and Recreation Commission and Rory Hallowell as an associate member.