Katherine Bender

The agenda focuses on providing an opportunity for citizens to speak on matters not related to the Residential Incentive Overlay Bylaw and holding a discussion and vote regarding the RIO Task Force draft appendix intended for the Annual Town Meeting.

The agenda includes foundation appointments and various updates regarding the Hills branch, specifically concerning sign design, interior renovations, and a mural request. Additionally, the board will discuss the draft budget for the FY27 branch, foundation requests for both the Hills location and the annual fund, a request from the Wellesley Gardener's Guild, a draft of the public printing policy, and preparations for Town Meeting.

The Board discussed voter challenges related to the use of non-residential addresses for voter registration. After providing background on the challenge process, the Board conducted a public hearing and voted to remove several individuals from the Wellesley voter registration list who were registered at a retail location. Additionally, the Board received an update on the upcoming Annual Town Election, including candidate information for various offices and the status of Early Vote by Mail applications.

The Committee discussed administrative updates including modernization of document management. Active matters included review of maintenance notification letters, administrative approvals for tree removal, and emergency certification for water main repairs. Public hearings covered project extension requests, negative determinations for construction and equipment storage, issuance of Orders of Conditions for residential redevelopment and landscape modifications, and Certificates of Compliance for completed works. Significant deliberation occurred regarding performance standards for multi-family development, peer review concerns on stormwater management, and ongoing compliance requirements for residential properties.

The board held a public hearing for the Annual Town Meeting regarding a minor zoning bylaw amendment to the Flood Plain or Watershed Protection District. Discussions were held concerning the Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) District, including the transparency of legal memoranda and future coordination with the Select Board. The meeting included the continuation of a Project of Significant Impact review, the approval of a written decision for a major modification at 192-194 Worcester Street/150 Cedar Street, and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals for site plan approval regarding a temporary residence hall project at Wellesley College.