Rachel Lopes DeRoche

The meeting focused on reviewing and discussing several policy documents. Key discussions included clarifying the role, responsibilities, and membership, particularly regarding the library's representation, for the Draft Town-Wide Capital Planning Committee memorandum. The committee also discussed edits and voted to approve the updated Appointments Policy incorporating feedback from the full Select Board and Town Counsel. Furthermore, feedback from the Natural Resources Commission on the updated Draft Encroachment Policy was reviewed and accepted. Finally, the Fiscal Year 2026 Policy Subcommittee Work Plan was discussed, leading to the addition of developing an Human Resources handbook and conducting an indemnification study.

The meeting featured the reading of the Michael Eby Resolution, followed by project updates and approvals across several capital projects. For the Town Hall Interior Renovation, Change Order #16 for $42,623.45 and Requisition for Payment #32 for $65,375.19 were approved. Regarding the Warren Building HVAC project, Change Order #005 totaling $86,911.41 was approved, with the work pending warmer weather. For the DPW RDF Administration Building, Requisition #002 for $177,270 was approved, and the status of ground improvement was noted. Discussions on the Morses Pond Beach and Bathhouse included the review of the Supplemental Feasibility Study transition schedule and comments on the Weston and Sampson Contract Scope Proposal. New Business introduced Kevin Rutherford as the new Project Analyst. Finally, the minutes for the January 29, 2026 meeting and the February 2, 2026 Retreat were approved, along with several outstanding invoices.

The agenda for this joint meeting and zoning public hearing included a confirmation of participants, public comments on non-agenda items, and approval of previous minutes from January 12, 2026, and January 26, 2026. Key discussion items included a joint meeting with the R.I.O. Task Force concerning discussion and potential vote on amendments to the Planning Board Recommendation for ATM Article 32 Motion Language. The Zoning Public Hearing addressed the RIO Task Force Update and Amendment to Zoning Bylaw Section 3.2 Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) District. A Project of Significant Impact (PSI) review for 592 Washington Street was continued, as was a Large House Review (LHR) Waiver Request for 48 Livermore Road. The agenda also covered several Zoning Board of Appeals applications and reports from the Planning Director and Planning Board Chair.

The agenda for the hybrid Select Board meeting included several key action items and discussions. Consent Agenda items involved a vote to change the alcohol license manager for Babson College Dining Hall, votes on One Day Licenses for Wellesley Country Club for July 2026 events, and a vote on a disclosure for a School Department employee. Major discussion points included an update from the Town Hall Art Working Group, a vote on a Winter Supplemental Request of $400,000 from Free Cash for snow and ice removal, and preparation for the Annual Town Meeting (ATM), including discussing and voting on Select Board Motions. The Board also addressed the FY27 Budget Update, including a discussion and vote on the Town Wide Financial Plan, and received updates from the Policy Subcommittee concerning the Town-Wide Capital Planning Committee work plan. Administrative matters and a report from the Chair were also scheduled. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss strategy regarding negotiations with the Wellesley Firefighters and potential litigation with Albany Road-Wellesley, LLC.

The Permanent Building Committee reviewed several construction projects. For the Hardy School, the committee approved Shawmut's Requisition for Payment #49 and authorized the signatory. Regarding the Warren Building HVAC project, the committee reviewed the project update and approved a Change Proposal for foam insulation installation to mitigate cold temperatures and potential sprinkler freezing, along with approving Tower Construction's Requisition for Payment #011 and Change Order #4. For the DPW RDF Administration Building, the committee reviewed the project update, approved the LiRo Contract Amendment #02 for part-time clerk services, approved Construction Dynamics Inc.'s (CDI) Requisition for Payment #001, and approved the Builder's Risk Proposal. Under New Business, an overview of the town's capital planning process and the proposed establishment of a town-wide Capital Planning Committee was presented by a Select Board representative. The committee also reviewed and approved invoices for Warren projects and reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule.