Town of Needham

The agenda for the meeting included several key items. The Select Board planned to introduce the newly appointed Emergency Management Administrator, Michael Lethin. There were multiple mandated Public Hearings scheduled: one for an Eversource Energy Grant of Locations request concerning Country Way and Stockdale Road, another for the Needham Cable Television Public Joint Ascertainment Hearing involving RCN, VERIZON, and COMCAST, and a third for the Small Cell Wireless Facility Policy. Additional agenda items involved hearings regarding KENO licenses, a report from the Director of Public Works concerning Traffic Markings, and an update from the Town Manager regarding COVID-19 and the Town Manager's Report. Board discussion was planned for a Special Town Meeting Recap and Committee Reports. The Consent Agenda included accepting two separate donations for the Health Division/Flu Clinic programs and signing the State Election Warrant for November 3, 2020.

The agenda for the meeting included several proclamations, one for Purple Heart Day on August 7, 2022, and another for India Independence Day on August 15, 2022. Key discussions involved the Fire Chief Swearing In, public hearings regarding a Grant of Location for Eversource Energy at 233 Great Plain Ave, the Verizon Cable Television Contract Renewal with Comcast, and a Public Hearing on Water & Sewer Rates. Further items included the transfer of an All-Alcohol Innkeeper License, proposed alcohol regulations changes for Breweries, discussion on Recycling and Transfer Station Charges and Fees, and a Dangerous Dog Hearing continuation. The agenda also contained presentations on Leadership ICMA Recruitment & Retention and the National Community Survey, followed by Town Manager reports and Board Discussion, concluding with an Executive Session.

The meeting agenda included several public hearings: continued hearing regarding an alteration of premises for Needham Food and Beverage, LLC d/b/a The Heights; removal of three public shade trees at St. Sebastian's Country Day School; and an ABCC amendment application for change of officers/stock interest for Gordon's Fine Wines of Needham, Inc. Other topics included an HRC Complaint Resolution, an update on the Castle Farm/484 Charles River Street Project with discussion of draft agreements, Town Manager reports covering Housing Plan Approval, budget presentation, and a general Town Manager report, and a final Board Discussion covering a Liberty Tree Vote and FY2023--FY2024 Goal Statement revision. The agenda also included several appointments and a consent agenda covering donations, exemptions, special liquor licenses, race approvals, and a vote to place the Assessor position on the ballot for the Annual Town Election due to a resignation.

The agenda for the meeting included an informal session with citizens, followed by discussions with representatives from the Needham Housing Authority. Key topics involved the Commercial Marijuana Law, an update on the Age-Friendly Community Project, and reports from the Town Manager concerning the FY2018-FY2022 Capital Improvement Plan, Budget Best Practices & Priorities, and a DPW Feasibility Study. The Board Discussion segment was scheduled to cover a Community Statement, Housing Strategies, and Committee Reports. The agenda also included appointments to the Needham Cultural Council and Conservation Commission, and consideration of numerous items under the Consent Agenda, such as accepting donations to various funds, ratifying and approving Special One Day Alcoholic Beverages licenses for several events and establishments, addressing Water & Sewer Abatement Order #1228, approving an entertainment license for RFK Kitchen, approving a decrease in the employee mileage reimbursement rate effective January 1, 2017, and approving liquor license extensions for New Year's Needham and Sheraton Needham.

The proceedings included several public hearings concerning utility matters such as NSTAR applications for 300 Hillside Avenue and Reservoir Street (including Pump Station B), and a Verizon application for 300 Hillside Avenue. A Public Shade Tree Hearing addressed Beech Street and Washburn Avenue. Other key discussions involved a DPW Grant of Sewer Easement for Wilson Lane, Land Management Practices, a Public Hearing regarding the Sale of Alcohol Consumption off Premises, and Town Manager agenda items covering an Easement Agreement for Eaton Square, Conveyance of Property to DCR, and Annual and Special Town Meeting Articles. The board also held discussions regarding Greene's Field Play Structure and Committee Reports, considered a request from The Exchange Club for 4th of July Activities, reviewed a One Day Special License request from Suzanne Leslie of Newman School PTC, and addressed Water and Sewer Abatement Order #1141.