On the agenda: Wellesley meeting — Datacenter (Jan 13)

SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA
HYBRID MEETING
6:30 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Juliani Room, Town Hall
525 Washington Street
https://www.wellesleymedia.org/live-streaming.html
View on TV on Comcast 8/Verizon 40
1.
2.
3.
4.

6:30
6:31
6:35
6:40

5. 7:20

6. 7:45
7. 8:00
8. 8:30
9. 8:40
10. 8:45

Call to Order – Open Session
Citizen Speak
Executive Director’s Report
Public Safety Quarterly Update
• Police Chief
• Fire Chief
Traffic Committee Update
• Traffic Regulation Public Hearing
• Vote Stop Sign at Ivy Road at Poplar Road
• Vote Parking Prohibition on Halsey Avenue and Turner Road
Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Preparation
• Discuss and Vote ATM Warrant
FY27 Budget Update
• Discuss FY27 Operational and Capital Budgets
• Discuss Use of Reserves
Discuss and Vote Modification to Town Bylaw Committee Charge
Administrative Matters
• Discuss and Vote Minutes
Chairs Report
• Update on MassBay/DCAMM Land Disposition Project

2026 Annual Town Meeting Budget Documents for Fiscal Year 2027 can be found at:
www.wellesleyma.gov/2026budgetbook
This page will be updated throughout the budget season
Next Select Board Meeting:
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026
Please see the Select Board Public Comment Policy
CITIZEN SPEAK PROTOCOL
Residents seeking to provide public comment on topics identified on the Board’s agenda shall email
[email protected] prior to the meeting and you will be added to the list of speakers. Residents shall verbally
identify themselves by name and address prior to commenting. All comments shall be addressed to or through the chair
or acting chair of the Board. Each comment period shall not exceed 15 minutes and each speaker shall not exceed three
minutes, unless otherwise determined by the Chair.

SELECT BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
🟥 = Town Hall Closed (Holiday)
📌 = Budget Milestone from FY27 Calendar
Date
January 19, 2026

January 20, 2026

January 27, 2026
February 4, 2026
February 10, 2026
February 11, 2026
February 12, 2026
February 16, 2026
February 24, 2026

Feburary 25, 2026
March 3, 2026
March 10, 2026
March 24, 2026
March 30, 2026
March 31, 2026
April 6, 2026
April 7, 2026
April 13, 2026
April 14, 2026
April 20, 2026
April 27, 2026
April 28, 2026
May 5, 2026
May 19, 2026
May 25, 2026
June 2, 2026
June 16, 2026
June 30, 2026

SB Event / Notes
MLK Day - Town Hall Closed
Select Board Meeting
CONSENT - approve name & hours change for Maugus Cafe/Maugus Res.
Town Clerk SalaryDiscuss on Municipal Lien Certificate Fee Increase
PSI - 592 Washington Street
BPW joint meeting on Feasibility Study
Exec. Session
Select Board Meeting
Weston/Linden Takings?
Citizen Leadership Academy Update - Corey

Other Event/Notes

| SC Votes Budget 📌

Select Board Meeting
HRB Joint Meeting on Policies
LWV Meet the Candidates Night
🟥 Presidents’ Day – Town Hall Closed (School Vacation Week)
Select Board Meeting
Follow up with BPW Feasibility
Draft TWFP Presentation and ATM Articles to
Advisory📌
| Advisory Public Hearing (tentative) 📌
Annual Town Election 📌
Select Board Meeting
Select Board Meeting

🟥 Patriots Day – Town Hall Closed (School Vacation Week)
Select Board Meeting
Select Board Meeting
Select Board Meeting
🟥 Memorial Day – Town Hall Closed
Select Board Meeting
Select Board Meeting
Select Board Retreat

Annual Town Meeting Begins (Monday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Tuesday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Monday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Tuesday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Monday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Tuesday) 📌
Annual Town Meeting (Monday) 📌 If needed
Annual Town Meeting (Monday) 📌 If needed

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

MASSACHUSETTS

SELECT BOARD

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992
MARJORIE R. FREIMAN , CHAIR
THOMAS H. ULFELDER, Vice Chair
COLETTE E. AUFRANC, Secretary
ELIZABETH SULLIVAN WOODS
KENNETH C. LARGESS III

FACSIMILE: (781) 239-1043
TELEPHONE: (781) 431-1019 X2201
WWW.WELLESLEYMA.GOV
MEGHAN C. JOP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

The Select Board will be meeting on January 13, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the Juliani Room at Town Hall. This meeting
will be a hybrid meeting with some participants joining via Zoom.
1.

6:30

Call to Order – Open Session

2.

6:31

Citizen Speak

3.

6:35

Executive Director’s Update

4.

6:40

Public Safety Quarterly Update

•
Police Chief Update – Chief Scott Whittemore will provide an update to the Board on the recent activities
of the Wellesley Police Department.
•
Fire Chief Update – Chief Steve Mortarelli will provide an update to the Board on the recent activities of
the Wellesley Fire Department.

5.
•

7:20 Traffic Committee Update
Traffic Regulation Public Hearing

MARJORIE – open the public hearing at the start of the agenda item.
•

Vote Stop Sign at Ivy Road at Poplar Road

The Town’s Traffic Committee received a request to install a stop sign on Ivy Road at Poplar Road. After reviewing
the request and relevant traffic data, the Traffic Committee recommends that the Board amend the Traffic
Regulations (Section 7-11, Schedule IV Stop Signs) to add a stop sign on Ivy Road at Poplar Road. This request
originated from the Complete Streets public engagement process.

Included in your FNM packet is a memorandum from the Traffic Committee dated January 8th, 2026, with additional
background information regarding the recommendation. Public notice was published in the January 8th, 2026, edition
of the Wellesley Townsman.
MOTION
MOVE to close the public hearing.
MOTION
MOVE to amend the Traffic Regulations under Section 7-11, Schedule IV Stop Signs by adding:
Ivy Road
Ivy Road
•

Located On

Poplar Road

At

Poplar Road

So As to Face
Southbound Drivers on Ivy
Road
Northbound Drivers on Ivy
Road

Vote Parking Prohibition on Halsey Avenue and Turner Road

The Traffic Committee also recommends that the Board amend the Traffic Regulations Schedule I No Parking to
prohibit parking on Halsey Avenue and Turner Road near the entrance (i.e., intersection of) to Morses Pond Road.
The specific request also originated through the Complete Streets public engagement process; however, the residents
of this neighborhood have been pursuing traffic mitigation and parking calming efforts for a number of years. This
recommendation makes permanent a condition that has often been addressed in the neighborhood through temporary
signage.

The same memorandum referenced in the preceding item includes additional background information for this
recommendation. Public notice was included in the same 1/8/26 edition of the Wellesley Townsman, and abutters’
notice was sent to neighborhood residents via USPS in December 2025.
MOTION
MOVE to amend the Traffic Regulations under No Parking Schedule I by adding:
Location

Side

From

Halsey Avenue

South

Turner Road

Halsey Avenue

North

Turner Road

Turner Road

West

Halsey Avenue

To
~140 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
~110 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
Hodges Avenue

TOWNOFWELLESLEY

MASSACHUSETTS

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992

Date: January 8, 2026
To: Select Board.
Fr: Traffic Committee

RE: Recommended Traffic Regulation Amendment - Stop on Ivy Road at Poplar Road and Parking Prohibition
on Hasley Avenue and Turner Road

Action Requested: Vote to amend Traffic Regulations Section 7-11 Schedule IV Stop Signs to add a stop sign on Ivy
Road at Poplar Road
Background:
In response to a stop sign request, the Traffic Committee recommends that the Select Board amend the Traffic Regulations
Section 7-11 Schedule IV Stop Signs to add a stop sign on Ivy Road at Poplar Road. The stop sign request originated
through the Complete Streets public engagement process.
Typically, at + intersections with minor or local roads, a stop sign is not needed when a less travelled street intersects a
through street with more traffic. In this case, it is not obvious to the driver on either road which street carries the dominant
traffic and who has the right of way. The Traffic Committee feels that a stop sign is appropriate in this location. In
addition, the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) advises that Ivy Road which has the best sightlines
have the stop control.

Action Requested: Vote to amend Traffic Regulations Schedule I No Parking to prohibit parking on Halsey Avenue and
Turner Road near the corner of Morses Pond Road
Background:
The Traffic Committee recommends that the Select Board amend Traffic Regulations Schedule I No Parking to prohibit
parking on Halsey Avenue and Turner near the intersection with Morses Pond Road. The request also originated through
the Complete Streets public engagement process, and makes permanent a condition that is often present in the
neighborhood with temporary signs.
Many days, particularly when the weather is nice, drivers park on Halsey Avenue and Turner Road near the intersection
with Morses Pond Road. Even though Wellesley’s Traffic Regulations prohibit parking within 20 feet of an intersection,
the parked cars make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to maneuver safely through the intersection.

REQUESTED MOTIONS
MOVE to amend the Traffic Regulations under Schedule I No Parking by adding:
Location

Side

From

Halsey Avenue

South

Turner Road

Halsey Avenue

North

Turner Road

Turner Road

West

Halsey Avenue

To
~140 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
~110 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
Hodges Avenue

MOVE to amend the Traffic Regulations under Schedule IV Stop Signs by adding:
Ivy Road
Ivy Road

Located On

Poplar Road
Poplar Road

At

So As to Face
Southbound Drivers on Ivy
Road
Northbound Drivers on Ivy
Road

MAS SACHUS ETTS

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

SELECT BOARD

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992
MARJORIE R. FREIMAN, CHAIR
THOMAS H. ULFELDER, VICE CHAIR
COLETTE E. AUFRANC, Secretary
BETH SULLIVAN WOODS
KENNETH C. LARGESS III

FACSIMILE: (781) 239-1043
TELEPHONE: (781) 431-1019 X2201
WWW.WELLESLEYMA.GOV
MEGHAN C. JOP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Select Board will hold a public hearing on January 13, 2026, in the Juliani Room at Town Hall, 525
Washington Street, Wellesley, MA at a meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. to consider amending the Town’s
Traffic Regulations. The Select Board will consider the following amendment or act in any manner in
relation:
Add No Parking to Schedule I
Location

Side

From

To

Halsey Avenue

South

Turner Road

Halsey Avenue

North

Turner Road

Turner Road

West

Halsey Avenue

~140 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
~110 feet westerly on
Halsey Avenue
Hodges Avenue

Public comment is invited. Individuals may attend the hearing or submit written testimony to the Select
Board, 525 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482, or by emailing [email protected].

TOWNOFWELLESLEY

MASSACHUSETTS

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992

Date: January 13, 2026
To:

Select Board

From: Traffic Committee
Re: Traffic Committee 2025 Summary
The Traffic Committee (TC) is a staff working group with representatives from the Select Board
Office, Police Department, Department of Public Works, School Department and Fire
Department. TC administers the various traffic calming and safety policies, makes
recommendations to the Select Board to amend traffic and parking regulations, and reviews
project development plans. The group meets monthly to review and act on inquiries or requests
related to traffic/mobility issues, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and parking safety. Resident
inquiries often include improved roadway signage, crosswalks, parking restrictions, intersection
improvements, speeding and traffic calming measures. TC judiciously makes decisions and
recommendations using best current practices, historical and up-to-date traffic data, and the
guidance of federal and state standards.
Highlights of Calendar Year 2025 include:
•

Launched an e-bike safety campaign blitz - this effort, led by Police, has seen success and
is being implemented in other communities.

•

Reviewed requests for traffic calming, mirrors and non-regulatory signs. As a result of
some of these requests, a speed feedback/message trailer was deployed on several roads
throughout town. Deploying highly visible temporary signs is more effective over time
than permanent fixed signs and are proven to have a more immediate impact on operator
behavior.

•

Installed RRFB’s (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) on Washington at Denton and
Washington at Croton, and conduit for future RRFB on Weston Road.

•

Developed the Complete Streets Prioritization Plan with considerable public input
including 2 surveys, visits with various committees and a public meeting on March 24,
2025. Received MassDOT approval for Complete Streets Prioritization Plan.

•

Provided review/comment for 3 PSI permits.

•

Worked with MassDOT to:
o Install lights under Rt. 9 bridge on Weston Road.
o Install RRFB on Weston Road.
o Protection for Worcester St. residential property at NW corner of Oakland/Rt. 9
intersection.

o Conduct traffic count at Bacon and Central intersection.
o Provide wheelchair access on Rt. 16 over I-95 (bumped out sidewalk to fit around
utility pole) at the request of mobility-impaired resident.
o Trim vegetation around Rt. 9 ramps on Weston Road.
•

Restriped and signed crosswalk on Washington at Upland for better visibility.

•

Worked with MBTA to post new directional signs at Wellesley Square Station.

•

Hosted Wellesley Square mini-high celebration. Attendees included Congresswoman
Katherine Clark, Senator Cynthia Creem, Representative Alice Peisch, MBTA General
Manager (and now Interim Transportation Secretary) Phil Eng, Wellesley Residents Will
Fahey and Loraine O’Hanlon, and MBTA staff.

•

Lobbied state legislative delegation for two state earmarks in a 2025 transportation
funding bill:
o $600,000 for the redesign of the Rt.9/Weston Rd. “Fells Interchange” (secured by
Rep. Peisch).
o $150,000 for the purchase of a 14-passenger van for the Youth and Rec
Departments (secured by Sen. Creem).

•

Evaluated the need for pedestrian activated “no-right on red” on Hardy Drive. Sign
installation is imminent.

•

Vegetation encroachments continue to be tricky as sightline encroachments from
vegetation is on both public and private property. Once identified DPW trims back
vegetation when possible.

•

Investigated traffic and pedestrian light timing issues and equipment malfunctions
submitted by residents.

•

Secured Urban SDK services for internal traffic data analysis and used it for more costeffective decision-making throughout the community.

•

Hosted community meeting with Longfellow Road neighborhood after many concerns
reported about traffic and speed of vehicles. Added Longfellow sidewalk to capital plan.

•

Worked with Atwood Street residents and Star Academy to address safety issues
pertaining to school arrival and dismissal procedures. Proposed and had successfully
adopted “no parking” regulations in the neighborhood during the school year.

•

Considered the following regulatory requests and made recommendations to the Select
Board when appropriate:
Request

Decision

Reasoning

Seasonal Parking Prohibition
on Atwood

accepted by
SB 9/9/25

Traffic flow impeded, vulnerable users
present near Star Academy

Yield Sign on Linden at
Rockland

accepted by
SB 2/25/25

Iterative approach to maintain traffic flow.

Stop on Lexington at
Beechwood

declined

T-intersection - the vehicles on the through
street has right of way

All-way Stop Request at
Pilgrim and Linwood

declined

Pilgrim is through street – Linwood has stop
control

All-way Stop Request at Oak
and School

declined

Oak is through street – School has stop
control

All-way Stop at Lanark and
Garden

declined

Garden is the through street. Lanark has a
stop control

All-way Stop at Albion and
Woodcliff

declined

Albion is dominate way – Woodcliff has stop
control.

Stop Request on Farm at Eliot

recommend

Angled intersection. Not on Town Property –
installed by Dana Hall School

Stop Request on Hampshire at
Fox Hill

Further
study

Parking Prohibition corner of
Halsey and Turner

recommend
on 1/13/26
SB agenda

Parking on corner impedes traffic flow and
creates a pedestrian safety hazard

Stop on Ivy at Poplar

recommend
on 1/13/26
SB agenda

No stop control exists – through street not
clear

Yield on Westgate

watch

Volume counts to be collected

Plan to install additional striping in the spring

Looking ahead to 2026
•

Issue Wellesley Square Amenities Project RFP

•

Issue Fells Safety Project RFP in conjunction with MassDOT

•

Work with MBTA Wellesley Square Station Ramp Accessibility Project -

•

Develop Traffic Request Guidelines to guide decisions on installation of both regulatory
and non-regulatory traffic signs, mirrors, RRFB, speed feedback signs.

•

Evaluate and develop capital plan for needed improvements to Town-owned parking lots.

•

Evaluate and develop capital plan for traffic signals and devices.

6.
•

7:45 Annual Town Meeting Preparation
Discuss and Vote Draft Warrant

Please review the list of articles for the Annual Town Meeting along with an updated draft of the Warrant after being
reviewed by Town Counsel.
MOTION
MOVE to approve the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

2026 DRAFT Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
Description

Sponsor

1

Choose Moderator & Receive Reports

SB

2

Town-Wide Financial Plan & Five Year Capital Budget Program

SB

3

Appropriations - Operating and Outlay
Consent Agenda - Simple Majority

SB

4

Amend Job Classification Plan

HR

5

Amend Salary Plan - Pay Schedule

HR

6

Set Salary of Elected Official

SB

7

FY26 Budget Supplemental Appropriations (Legal, HR/Finance)

SB

8

Omnibus Municipal Budget, School Budget, and Capital (FY27)

SB

9

Revolving Funds: Set Amounts for FY27

SB

10

Stabilization Funds (IOD, SPED Reserve, Baler Stabilzation - Funds from RDF Revolving)

SB

11

Water Program with Appropriation from PFAS Settlement Funds

BPW

12

Sewer Program

BPW

13

Stormwater Program

BPW

14

Wellesley Media Contribution

SB

15

Appropriations - Special Capital Projects
Community Preservation Fund Appropriations

CPC

16

WHS Hunnewell Field Irrigation Improvements

BPW

17

Playground Reconstruction

BPW

18

Great Plain Avenue Road Construction

19

Weston/Linden Intersection Design

20
21

DPW Campus/Municipal Service Building Feasibility Study
Comprehensive Plan Funding

22

Authorizations
Authorize Increase in Retirement COLA Base

23

Add/Modify Personnel Policies

HRB

24

Authorize Water Fund and/or Sewer Fund Bond Authorization (MWRA)

BPW

25

Authorize Water Fund Loan - Water Treatment PFAS - Design and Construction

BPW

26

Authorize Water Fund Loan - MWRA Connection Design

BPW

27
28
29
30

Authorize Use of Uber/Lyft Funds
Establish Special Purpose Municipal Stabilization Fund - Acquiring Land
Land Swap DPW/NRC/MWRA - Article 97
Amend Town/General Bylaws
Amend HR Board Requirement for Policies to ATM

31

Amend Zoning Bylaw
Amend the Flood Plain or Watershed Protection District Bylaw

PB

32

Amend the Residential Incentive Overlay District

PB

BPW
BPW/SB
BPW
PB
RB

SB
NRC
NRC/DPW
HRB

Citizen Petitions
33

General
Rescind or Transfer Debt; Appropriate Premiums

SB

34

Settle Claims

SB

35

Disposal of Property

SB

36

Appoint Fire Engineers

SB

C= Consent Agenda Recommendation

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

WARRANT
for the
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ELECTION
MARCH 3, 2026

ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING (WARRANT ARTICLES)
February 25, 2026, at 7:30 P.M.
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC ZONING HEARING (ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENTS)
February XX, 2026

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk, ss.
To any Constable of the Town of Wellesley in the County of Norfolk,
GREETINGS:
In the name of the CommonwMBTAealth aforesaid, you are hereby required to notify the
qualified voters of said Town of Wellesley to meet in their respective voting places on
March 3, 2026:
The voters of Precinct A, in Upham Elementary School, 35 Wynnewood Road;
The voters of Precinct B, in Isaac Sprague School, 401 School Street;
The voters of Precinct C, in Upham Elementary School, 35 Wynnewood Road;
The voters of Precinct D, in Warren Building, 90 Washington Street;
The voters of Precinct E, in Warren Building, 90 Washington Street;
The voters of Precinct F, in Dana Hall School, Shipley Center, 142 Grove Street;
The voters of Precinct G, in Dana Hall School, Shipley Center, 142 Grove Street;
The voters of Precinct H, in Tolles Parsons Center, 500 Washington Street
at 7:00 A.M., at which time the polls in said precincts will be opened and remain open
continuously until 8:00 P.M. on said day when they will be closed, during which time
1

aforesaid qualified voters of said Town may vote their ballots at the polling locations where
the Election Officers, duly appointed and sworn for said precincts of said Town of
Wellesley, in said meetings so assembled for the following:
To cast their votes in the Town Election for the election of candidates for the following
offices:
OFFICE

VACANCIES

TERM

Select Board
Board of Assessors
Board of Health
Housing Authority
Housing Authority

Two
One
One
One
One

Three Years
Three Years
Three Years
Four Years
Two Years

Moderator
Natural Resources Commission
Trustees of the Wellesley Free Library
Planning Board
Board of Public Works
Board of Public Works
Recreation Commission
School Committee

One
Two
Two
One
One
One
One
Two

One Year
Three Years
Three Years
Five Years
Three Years
Two Years
Three Years
Three Years

and for TOWN MEETING MEMBERS, under the provisions of Chapter 202 of the Acts of
1932, as amended.
You are further required to notify the qualified Town Meeting Members of said Town of
Wellesley to meet in the
Wellesley High School Auditorium
50 Rice Street
Monday March 31, 2026
at 7:00 P.M., at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and
determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 202 of the
Acts of 1932, as amended, and subject to referendum as provided therein:
ARTICLE 1. To receive and act on the reports of Town officers, boards, and
committees, including the Annual Town Report, the Report to this Town Meeting of the
Advisory Committee, and the Report of the Community Preservation Committee, and to
discharge presently authorized special committees, or to take any other action in relation
thereto.
(Select Board)
2

ARTICLE 2. To receive the Reports of the Select Board on the Town-Wide
Financial Plan and Five-Year Capital Budget Program in accordance with Sections 19.5.2
and 19.16 of the General Bylaws, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
APPROPRIATIONS – OPERATING AND OUTLAY
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to act on certain articles set forth in this
warrant by a single vote, pursuant to a consent agenda, or to take any other action in
relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with Section 31.7 of the
General Bylaws, to amend Appendix Schedule A of Section 31.1 of the General Bylaws,
which is the Town’s Classification Plan, entitled “Job Classification by Groups,” by
establishing new job classifications, reclassifying current positions, and/or deleting
existing classifications, copies of which Plan are available for inspection at the Human
Resources Department, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Human Resources Board)
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote, in accordance with Sections 31.6 and
Section 31.7 of the General Bylaws, to amend the Salary Plan, entitled “Salary Plan –
Pay Schedule,” copies of which are available for inspection at the Human Resources
Department, and to authorize the Town to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, or borrow a sum of money for the purposes of complying with said Salary Plan, as
so amended, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Human Resources Board)
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of the
Town Clerk, as provided by G.L. c. 41 § 108, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to supplement or reduce appropriations
approved by the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money for the following:
1) The operation and expenses of certain Town departments, including capital outlay,
maturing debt and interest, and the provision of a Reserve Fund;
3

2) Extraordinary maintenance, special capital projects, and other capital outlay items
for the several Town departments;
3) Such purposes as may be voted contingent upon passage by the voters of
referendum questions as authorized by Section 21C(g) of Chapter 59 of the
General Laws;
and further to authorize the Board of Assessors to use any monies paid to the Town from
the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant as an estimated receipt when computing the Fiscal
Year 2026 Tax Rate, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to take the following actions:
Pursuant to G.L. c .44, §53E ½, to set the limit on the total amount that may be
spent from each revolving fund for Fiscal Year 2026 as follows:
a. Street Opening Maintenance Fund: $225,000.00
b. DPW Field Use Fund: $200,000.00
c. Turf Field Fund: $150,000.00
d. Tree Bank Fund: $75,000.00
e. Baler, Compactors, and other RDF Equipment Repair Fund:
$50,000.00
f.e. Council on Aging Social and Cultural Programs Fund: $140,000.00
g.f. Teen Center Program Revenues Fund: $100,000.00
h.g. Library Room Rental Fund: $35,000.00
i.h. Lost/Damaged Library Materials Replacement Fund: $20,000.00
j.i. Brookside Community Gardens Fund: $4,000.00
k.j. Weston Road Gardens Fund: $10,000.00
l.k. Library Copier Fees Fund: $20,000.00
m.l. Cultural Council Revenues Fund: $6,500.00
and to terminate the Baler, Compactors, and other RDF Equipment Repair Fund, effective
as of the end of the fiscal year; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
4

(Select Board)
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to the following Reserve and Stabilization
Funds:
•

Special Injury Leave Indemnity Fund established under Article 9 of the 2017
Annual Town Meeting;

•

Special Education Reserve Fund established by the vote taken under Article 10
at the 2017 Annual Town Meeting to pay, without further appropriation, for
unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education, out-of-district tuition or
transportation; and

•

Baler Stabilization Fund established by the vote taken under Article 10 at the 2016
Annual Town Meeting for replacement of the Recycling and Disposal Facility
(RDF) Baler, RDF Compactors, and other RDF equipment;

or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, including the PFAS Settlement Fund, or borrow a sum of money, to be
expended under the direction of the Board of Public Works for the purposes of operating
and managing the Water Program; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money, to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works for the purposes of operating and managing the Sewer Program;
or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money, to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works for the purposes of operating and managing the Stormwater
Program; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will transfer from the PEG Access and Cable
Related Fund a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the Wellesley Media
Corporation for purposes of operating and managing the Town’s public, educational, and
5

government access cable television services; or to take any other action in relation
thereto.
(Select Board)
APPROPRIATIONS – SPECIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the
Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Preservation
Budget, to appropriate or reserve for future appropriation, from Fiscal Year 2027
Community Preservation Fund annual revenues and reserves, sums of money to meet
the administrative expenses and all other necessary and proper expenses of the
Community Preservation Committee for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2026, to make
debt service payments, to undertake community preservation projects as recommended
by the Community Preservation Committee, and which recommendations may involve the
transfer or borrowing of funds and expenditures, and to amend prior fiscal year
Community Preservation Act appropriations and authorizations; or to take any other
action in relation thereto.
(Community Preservation Committee)
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for engineering services, bid documents, construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repair and improvements of the High School Hunnewell
Field Irrigation System, including all costs incidental and related thereto; and for the
purpose of meeting such appropriation, to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the
approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in accordance with Chapter 44, Section
7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority and to issue
bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for engineering services, bid documents, construction,
reconstruction, remodeling, rehabilitation, of playgrounds including all costs incidental
and related thereto; and for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, to authorize the
Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in accordance
with Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling
authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take any other action in
relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for engineering services, bid documents, construction,
6

reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repair of Great Plain Avenue, including street, sidewalk
and drainage repairs and improvements, and including all costs incidental and related
thereto; and for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, to authorize the Town
Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in accordance with
Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling
authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take any other action in
relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for engineering services, bid documents, construction,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repair of the intersection of Weston Road and Linden
Street, including street, sidewalk and drainage repairs and improvements, and including
all costs incidental and related thereto; and for the purpose of meeting such appropriation,
to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said
sum in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or
any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take
any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Facilities Management Department, for architectural designs, engineering services, bid
documents, and bidding support for the construction, reconstruction, replacement, and
retrofitting, of the Department of Public Works Park, Highway and Fleet Maintenance
Building located at 30 Municipal Way and a new Municipal Service Building including all
costs incidental and related thereto; and for the purpose of meeting such appropriation,
to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said
sum in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or
any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take
any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Planning Board, for the purpose of preparing and completing a Comprehensive Plan for
the Town, including but not limited to community engagement, data collection and
analysis, technical studies, consultant services, and preparation of final reports and
recommendations; and for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, to authorize the
Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in accordance
with Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling
authority and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor; or to take any other action in
relation thereto.

7

(Planning Board)

AUTHORIZATIONS
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will authorize the Contributory Retirement Board
to increase the maximum base on which the cost-of-living increase is calculated for
retirees and beneficiaries of the Wellesley Contributory Retirement System by $1,000
(ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS) each July 1 for the next 4 years resulting in a base change
from $21,000 (TWENTY ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS) to $22,000 (TWENTY TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS) effective July 1, 2026, from $22,000 (TWENTY TWO
THOUSAND DOLLARS) to $23,000 (TWENTY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS)
effective July 1, 2027, from $23,000 (TWENTY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS) to
$24,000 (TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS) effective July 1, 2028, and from
$24,000 (TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS) to $25,000 (TWENTY FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS) effective July 1, 2029, or take any other action in relation thereto.
(Contributory Retirement Board)
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to add, modify, or delete certain
personnel policies and procedures for Town employees not covered by collective
bargaining agreements, or authorize the Human Resources Board to do the same, in
accordance with Article 30.10 of the Town Bylaws Personnel Policies Nonunion
Employees; and to amend Article 30.10 of the Town’s Bylaws to assign to the Human
Resources Board responsibility for Town personnel policies and procedures by:
Repealing and replacing Section 30.10 in its entirety for purposes of transferring
responsibility for the adoption, amendment, and repeal of personnel policies and
procedures from Town Meeting to the Human Resources Board, a redlined copy of Article
30 reflecting such amendment shall be made available on the Town’s website for
inspection; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Human Resources Board)
ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works for water and sewer line rehabilitation, and for any equipment or
services connected therewith; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for water system improvements including design, construction,
engineering, procurement, permitting, inspection, and contract administration for the
installation of additional water treatment, and for any other equipment or services
connected therewith; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
8

(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, for water system improvements including design, construction,
engineering, procurement, permitting, inspection, and contract administration for
additional connections to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply,
and for any other equipment or services connected therewith; or to take any other action
in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works)
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of money
received from the Commonwealth Transportation Infrastructure Fund (“Fund”) pursuant
to St. 2016, c. 187, § 8(c)(i) for calendar year 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 to
address the impact of transportation network services on municipal roads, bridges, and
other transportation network services in the Town including the complete streets program
established in Section 1 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws and other programs that
support alternative modes of transportation; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 28. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to grant
permanent and/or temporary easements to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority (MBTA) on portions of the Town-owned land known as the “Tailby Commuter
Parking Lot” and the “Railroad Parking Lot”, for the purpose of constructing, installing,
and maintaining Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps and related
accessibility improvements, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board may
determine, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 289. To see if the Town will vote to create a special purpose municipal
stabilization fund establishing a reserve for acquiring interests in land for general
municipal or other purposes in accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the General
Laws; to dedicate all, or a percentage not less than 25 per cent, of a particular fee, charge
or other receipt to said fund; and to raise and appropriate, transfer, or otherwise provide,
a sum of money into such stabilization fund; or take any other action in relation thereto.
(Natural Resources Commission)
ARTICLE 3029. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the :
1. transfer of care, custody, management, and control of certain parcel(s) of land
currently owned by the Town and under the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources
Commission, located at 125 Barton Road, Wellesley, more particularly shown as
the areas labeled “PE-1”, “PE-2” and “FIL-1” on the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority (MWRA) plan titled “Hegarty Pumping Station Connection
9

Shaft Site, Acquisition/Easement Map”, prepared by WSP, a copy of which is on
file with the Town Clerk (the “MWRA Parcels”), which are designated as protected
open space pursuant to Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts
Constitution, to the Board of Public Works and/or the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority; and further to authorize the MWRA;
2. transfer of care, custody, management, and control of certain parcel(s) of land
currently owned by the Town and under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public
Works to the Natural Resources Commission, as shown on the Town of Wellesley
plan titled “Morses Pond, Proposed Article 97 Land Swap at Morses Pond Access
Road”, a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, such parcel(s) to be
permanently protected for open space purposes pursuant to Article 97; all as part
of a land swap intended to preserve and enhance public open space; said transfers
to be subject to such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Select
Board, including the execution of any necessary instruments; or to take any other
action relative thereto.
3. Executive Director of General Government Services, on behalf of the Town, to file
legislation to dispose of the MWRA Parcels, for good and valuable consideration
to the MWRA, in furtherance of its Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program to construct
a shaft site and install subsurface piping with connection to the existing Hegarty
Pump Station thereby providing water redundancy for the Town, on such terms as
the Executive Director of General Government Services and Select Board may
deem advisable,
all as part of a land swap intended to preserve and enhance public open space; said
transfers to be subject to such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Select
Board, including the execution of any necessary instruments; or to take any other action
relative thereto.
(Natural Resources Commission/ Board of Public Works)

AMEND GENERAL BYLAW
ARTICLE 310. To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 30 of the Town’s
Bylaws to assign to the Human Resources Board responsibility for Town personnel
policies and procedures by: Repealing and replacing Section 30.10 in its entirety for
purposes of transferring responsibility for the adoption, amendment, and repeal of
personnel policies and procedures from Town Meeting to the Human Resources
Board. A redlined copy of Article 30 reflecting such amendment shall be made available
on the Town’s website for inspection. Or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Human Resources Board)
10

AMEND ZONING BYLAW
ARTICLE 321. To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.7.E.5.f.i of the
Zoning Bylaw, relating to the Flood Plain or Watershed Protection Districts, with the
insertions indicated with bolded text, as follows:
i. In A, A1-30, AH, AE Zones, V1-30, VE, and V Zones, all Recreational
Vehicles to be placed on a site must be elevated and anchored in
accordance with the zone’s regulations for foundation and elevation
requirements or be on the site for less than 180 consecutive days or be fully
licensed and highway ready.
or take any other action in relation thereto.
(Planning Board)
ARTICLE 332. To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.2 of the Zoning
Bylaw, relating to the Residential Incentive Overlay (RIO) zoning district, to identify in
Section 3.2.B the land that may be included in the RIO by future zoning map changes as
defined by its underlying base zoning classification, and to provide that an applicant for
the special permit required by Section 3.2.O must execute a development agreement with
the Select Board prior to making application to the Planning Board; or take any other
action in relation thereto.
(Planning Board)
GENERAL
ARTICLE 343. To see if the Town will vote to rescind authorized and unissued
loans, to authorize the transfer of unused proceeds from previously issued loans to one
or more eligible appropriations, and/or to amend existing borrowing authorizations on
unissued debt in order to allow the use of premiums for project costs and to reduce the
amount of the borrowing so authorized in accordance with Section 20 of Chapter 44 of
the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended by Section 67 of Chapter 218 of the Acts
of 2016; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 354. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
available funds, or borrow a sum of money, to be expended under the direction of the
Select Board, for the purpose of paying expenses related to the settlement of claims,
actions, and proceedings against the Town; or to take any other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 365. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board, on behalf
of the Town, to dispose of tangible Town property having a value in excess of $50,000.00
11

(FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS), on such terms as it may deem advisable; or to take any
other action in relation thereto.
(Select Board)
ARTICLE 376. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to appoint
one or more of its members as a fire engineer; or to take any other action in relation
thereto.
(Select Board)
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies in not less than two
conspicuous places in the Town, i.e., the Town Hall and Police Station, and by causing
this warrant to be posted to the Town of Wellesley website (www.wellesleyma.gov) at
least seven days before the date on which the meeting is to be held.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant and your doings thereon unto
the Town Clerk at or before the time of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands this 13th of January 2026.

____________________________________________
Marjorie R. Freiman,, Chair
____________________________________________
Thomas H. Ulfelder, Vice Chair
____________________________________________
Colette E. Aufranc, Secretary
____________________________________________
Elizabeth Sullivan Woods
____________________________________________
Kenneth C. Largess III

A true copy, __________________________________________
Attest:
Constable, Town of Wellesley

12

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Norfolk, ss.
Wellesley, MA January ___, 2026
I have this date caused the within Warrant to be served by posting two copies in
two conspicuous places in the Town, i.e., the Town Hall and Police Station, and causing
the Warrant and said request to be posted to the Town of Wellesley website.

____________________________________________
Constable, Town of Wellesley

13

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Norfolk, ss.
Wellesley, MA
On __________, 2026, I caused a true copy of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting
to be posted to the Town of Wellesley’s website in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Town’s
General Bylaws.

______________________
Stephanie Hawkinson, Public Information Officer
Town of Wellesley
____________, 2026

14

7.
•
•

8:00 FY 2027 Budget
Discuss FY27 Operational and Capital Budgets
Discuss Use of Reserves

Please find the attached budget memo detailing the current budget status and deficit, along with a proposal
for discussion to close the deficit. CFO Rachel DeRoche will be present to address questions.
DOCUMENTS:
1. FY27 Budget Memo
2. Guideline to Budget Comparison
3. Current Sources and Uses Detail
4. Five Year Capital Plan
5. Reserves Calculation

NO MOTIONS

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

MASSACHUSETTS

Executive Director’s Office
General Government Services

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992
MEGHAN C. JOP, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
[email protected]

FACSIMILE: (781) 239-1043
TELEPHONE: (781) 431-1019 X2200
WWW.WELLESLEYMA.GOV

To: Select Board
From: Meghan Jop
Date: January 9, 2026
Re: Status of the FY27 Budget
This memo provides an update on the status of the FY27 Operating and Capital Budgets. It explains
the major cost drivers, key assumptions, and the size of the remaining budget gap. Additionally, the
memo outlines recommended steps to close the gap while protecting core services and following the
Board’s financial policies (Capital Financing and Reserves).
DOCUMENTS:
1. Guideline to Budget Comparison
2. Current Sources and Uses Detail
3. Five Year Capital Plan
4. Reserves Calculation
The FY27 budget is still in development and reflects a careful and conservative approach,
particularly in areas where costs remain uncertain. To date:
• All union contracts remain open
• Known cost pressures—especially employee benefits—are fully reflected
• The budget aligns with the Town-Wide Financial Plan (TWFP)
• Reserves remain within Select Board policy ranges, even after anticipated Town Meeting
actions
As currently projected, the FY27 budget shows a deficit of $2,291,230
All collective bargaining agreements are open. To account for this, the Sources and Uses includes a
$1.2 million line item for future contract settlements, consistent with past practice.
The School Department’s budget similarly includes anticipated contract settlement costs.
Employee Benefits and Health Insurance
After salaries, employee benefits are the largest driver of cost increases in FY27, rising by 5.81%,
or about $2.3 million.
This increase is largely due to Group Health Insurance, which is currently projected to increase by
12.5%. That estimate reflects:

•
•
•
•

Updated enrollment data based on year-end subscribers
The addition of 10 Blue Cross Blue Shield family plans
Reductions tied to the School Committee’s elimination of 18.5 FTE positions, which lowers
anticipated new plan enrollment
A 6% increase in Medicare plans, effective January 1, 2027

Other benefit categories such as Workers’ Compensation, OPEB, Retirement, Unemployment, and
Compensated Absences are flat or declining, which helps offset some of the health insurance
increase.
The West Suburban Health Group is expected to vote on FY27 rates in mid-February. Once those
rates are finalized, health insurance projections will be updated.
Revenue Assumptions
The FY27 budget continues to follow the assumptions outlined in the Town-Wide Financial Plan
discussed in September 2025:
• Property taxes reflect a 2.5% Proposition 2½ increase and $1.7 million in new growth
• State aid remains conservative while municipalities await further guidance from the
Governor
• Local receipts are slightly higher than earlier estimates, largely due to a $400,000 increase
in Motor Vehicle Excise revenue
• $2.2 million in Free Cash is applied, consistent with the TWFP
Recommended Approach to Close the Deficit
The deficit is driven mainly by external cost pressures, particularly health insurance. Staff
recommend a one-time, two-part approach that avoids service reductions and maintains long-term
stability.
1. Reduce Cash Capital by $1.0 Million
Staff recommend reducing cash capital funding by $1.0 million and redirecting those funds to
operating needs. The FY27 capital guideline was already set at the low end of the Board’s policy
range at 6.2%. With this reduction, combined inside the levy debt and cash capital would be at
5.74%.
This approach:
• Avoids cuts to services or staffing
• Delays, rather than eliminates, certain cash capital projects
• Provides immediate relief to the operating budget
Department Heads have been informed of this possibility, and the reduction could be implemented
quickly if approved.
2. Use One-Time Free Cash for Health Insurance – $1.3 Million
To fully close the gap, staff recommends applying $1.3 million in one-time Free Cash to offset the
unusually large increase in health insurance costs.
This figure is based on the current 12.5% estimate. If final rates come in closer to 10%, the Town
could see approximately $400,000 in additional savings, reducing the need for Free Cash.
While this approach relies on non-recurring revenue, it is targeted at a volatile cost and does not add
a new ongoing expense.

Other Options Considered
Another option would be to reduce COLA or merit funding. Staff do not recommend this approach
at this time given the Town’s recent efforts to remain competitive with comparable communities
and retain experienced employees.
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget continues to be reviewed. For Annual Town Meeting, staff recommend using
Free Cash for the following projects:
• WHS Hunnewell Field Irrigation Improvements – $500,000
• Playground Reconstruction – $500,000
• Weston/Linden Intersection Design – $600,000
• DPW Campus / Municipal Service Building Feasibility Study – $1,000,000
• Comprehensive Plan Funding – $400,000
Reserves
At the start of FY26, reserves totaled 16.93%. After accounting for Special Town Meeting actions,
anticipated Annual Town Meeting articles, capital appropriations, use of Free Cash to balance the
budget, and the proposed health insurance offset, reserves are projected to remain at approximately
14.59%.
This level is within—and toward the higher end of—the Select Board’s Reserves Policy range,
preserving financial flexibility and long-term stability.

The Budgets to Guideline Table is below.

Town Departments-Guideline Table (provides for existing positions only)
Department
PS
Exp.
PS
Exp.
Guideline
Guideline
Submitted
Submitted
Executive Director's Office
3.00%
3.00%
2.99%
2.96%
Climate Action Committee
2.00%
3.00%
2.00%
2.92%
Central Administrative Services
3.00%
2.74%
Finance Department
3.00%
3.00%
2.99%
2.48%
Information Technology
3.00%
8.00%
2.58%
7.98%
Treasurer & Collector
3.75%
3.00%
2.86%
2.99%
Town Report
0%
0%
Audit Committee*
$12,600
Council on Aging
3.10%
3.00%
2.41%
2.98%
West Suburban Veterans District
3.00%
0%
4.74%
Youth Commission
2.00%
3.00%
2.08%
0%
Facilities Management
Union
5.00%
1.17%
4.94%
Negotiations
Affordable Housing Trust
0%
0%
Historical Commission
0%
0%
Memorial Day
2.00%
2.00%
Celebrations Committee
3.00%
3.00%
Cultural Council
3.00%
3.00%
Zoning Board of Appeals
5.00%
3.00%
3.65%
6.36%
Town Clerk
3.00%
3.00% +75K
5.72%
$70,850
Board of Assessors
3.20%
3.00%
2.37%
8.84%
Planning Board
2.50%
3.00%
-0.98%
0%
Advisory Committee
2.00%
3.00%
2.00%
2.99%
Human Resources Board
3.00%
3.20%
2.39%
8.10%
Police
Union
4.00%
1.50%
4.00%
Negotiations
Fire
Union
3.00%
2.58%
3.00%
Negotiations
Building
4.25%
3.00%
3.96%
0%
Sealer of Weights & Measures
2.00%
3.00%
2.00%
2.88%
DPW
Union
3.00%
1.7%
3.3%
Negotiations
Library
Union
3.50%
3.51%
3.5%
Negotiations
Recreation
2.50%
3.00%
2.17%
2.20%
Board of Health
3.00%
3.00%
2.60%
3.51%
Mental Health Services
3.00%
2.78%
Natural Resources Commission
3.10%
3.00%
2.80%
2.89%
Morses Pond Project - (NRC,
3.00%
2.97%
DPW, Rec)
Schools –
3.00%
3.00%
3%
3%
- Union Contracts Open

*Audit Committee will have bids in hand prior to end of February.

2,021,735

Free Cash Supplementals FY26

14,398,695

550,244
0

CPA Funds applied to North 40
Town Clerk reimbursed elections

Subtotal - Other Sources

2,065,000

Appropriated CPA Surcharge

47,244

6,549,525

Free Cash items

Free Cash Supplementals FY26 - ATM26

2,246,401

Free Cash to balance budget

175,411
743,135

Water/Sewer Indirect costs

13,126,994

200,000
156,994

1,000,000

Parking Meter Receipts

Other Sources

Subtotal - Local Revenue

MLP Indirect Costs
Other Local Revenues

MLP Payment In Lieu of Taxes

75,000

185,000

Rentals

Pilot Payments

750,000
250,000

Penalties and Interest on Taxes

320,000

Fines & forfeits

Meals/Hotel/Motel Tax

650,000
740,000

RDF Revenue

3,000,000

Interest Earnings

5,800,000

12,628,641

1,612,663
63,321

10,952,657

185,486,817

170,343,395
15,143,422

Licenses and Permits

FY26 SOURCES OF FUNDS

Motor Vehicle Excise

Local Revenue

Subtotal - From the Commonwealth

Lottery Aid
Other Aid

Chapter 70 Aid

From the Commonwealth

Subtotal - Real Estate & Personal Property Tax

Within the Levy Limit
Outside the Levy Limit

Real Estate & Personal Property Tax

SOURCES OF FUNDS
FY27 SOURCES OF FUNDS

3,700,952

549,444

2,200,000

770,835

180,673

13,932,994

206,000
156,994

1,000,000

75,000

185,000

250,000

750,000

320,000

740,000

650,000

3,400,000

6,200,000

12,728,641

1,612,663
63,321

11,052,657

189,887,927

176,301,980
13,585,947

TOWN OF WELLESLEY - TOWN MEETING APPROVED ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

-74.30%

-0.15%

-2.07%

3.73%

3.00%

6.14%

3.00%
0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

13.33%

6.90%

0.79%

0.00%
0.00%

0.91%

2.37%

3.50%
-10.28%

% Change

1/9/2026 3:28 PM

-10,697,743

(800)
0

(2,065,000)

(2,021,735)

(6,549,525)

(46,401)

27,700

5,262

806,000

6,000
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

400,000

400,000

100,000

0
0

100,000

4,401,110

5,958,585
(1,557,475)

$ Change

CHANGE - FY26 to FY27

Exhibit B

Treasurer & Collector

0
0

Celebrations Committee

Cultural Council

0
0

Risk Management

Street Lighting

Subtotal - Select Board - General Government

9,460,978

3,220
0

0

Audit Committee

Class and Comp Study
Contract Settlements

0

Law

Select Board - Shared Services

96,753

0

Memorial Day

Zoning Board of Appeals

0
0

Historical Commission

0

5,778,023

111,927

0

548,646

Housing Development Corporation

Select Board - Other Services

Land Use Departments relocation

Facilities Management

Select Board - Facilities

Youth Commission

West Suburban Veterans District

Council on Aging

Select Board - Human Services

0

905,437
463,238

Information Technology

Town Report

616,432

0

Finance Department

Central Administrative Services

764,068
173,234

Climate Action Committee

Pers Srvs

7,664,649

0
0

142,000

1,010,592

63,000

480,000

9,430

8,500

20,000

5,950

750

6,500

128,500

4,477,682

17,090

85,264

88,850

2,250

140,700

889,600

14,100

14,600

10,291

49,000

Expenses

17,125,627

3,220
0

142,000

1,010,592

63,000

480,000

106,183

8,500

20,000

5,950

750

6,500

128,500

10,255,705

129,017

85,264

637,496

2,250

603,938

1,795,037

630,532

14,600

183,525

813,068

Total Ops

FY26 USE OF FUNDS (Tax Rate)

Executive Director's Office

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Select Board - Administration

USES OF FUNDS

225,593,903

10,825,828

0
1,200,000

0

0

0

0

100,286

0

0

0

0

0

0

5,845,659

114,259

0

561,868

0

476,486

928,767

634,882

0

176,699

786,922

Pers Srvs

8,021,962

0
0

142,000

1,037,600

75,600

490,000

10,030

8,755

20,600

6,069

750

6,500

128,900

4,699,021

17,090

89,306

91,500

2,250

144,900

960,600

14,450

15,000

10,591

50,450

Expenses

18,847,790

0
1,200,000

142,000

1,037,600

75,600

490,000

110,316

8,755

20,600

6,069

750

6,500

128,900

10,544,680

131,349

89,306

653,368

2,250

621,386

1,889,367

649,332

15,000

187,290

837,372

Total Ops

FY27 USE OF FUNDS (Request)

47,244

1,364,850

(3,220)
1,200,000

0

0

0

0

3,533

0

0

0

0

0

0

67,636

2,332

0

13,222

0

13,248

23,330

18,450

0

3,465

22,854

Variance
Pers Srvs

357,313

0
0

0

27,008

12,600

10,000

600

255

600

119

0

0

400

221,339

0

4,042

2,650

0

4,200

71,000

350

400

300

1,450

Variance
Expenses

10.06%

-100.00%
#DIV/0!

0.00%

2.67%

20.00%

2.08%

3.89%

3.00%

3.00%

2.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.31%

2.82%

1.81%

4.74%

2.49%

0.00%

2.89%

5.26%

2.98%

2.74%

2.05%

2.99%

Variance
Total - %

1/9/2026 3:28 PM

1,722,163

(3,220)
1,200,000

0

27,008

12,600

10,000

4,133

255

600

119

0

0

400

288,975

2,332

4,042

15,872

0

17,448

94,330

18,800

400

3,765

24,304

Variance
Total - $

CHANGE - FY26 to FY27

Exhibit B

428,853

Planning Board

26,061

902,429

555,220
8,219,869

0

0

43,460

175,000

20,070

85,600

129,800

101,290

Expenses

142,285

485,452
485,452

2,512,917

LIBRARY TOTAL

RECREATION TOTAL

2,512,917

WELLESLEY FREE LIBRARY
Library Trustees

RECREATION
Recreation Commission

5,212,180

470,480
0

Management
Winter Maintenance

PUBLIC WORKS TOTAL

1,690,805
1,387,636

Recycling & Disposal

223,230

1,025,157

414,873

16,126,569

711,884
16,451

7,581,182

3,887

25,000

25,000

813,736

813,736

3,288,519

22,865
390,000

1,868,361

535,720

44,331

379,580

47,662

1,461,196

39,100
2,600

513,180

510,452

510,452

3,326,653

3,326,653

8,500,699

493,345
390,000

3,255,997

2,226,525

267,561

1,404,737

462,535

17,587,765

750,984
19,051

8,094,362

146,172

8,577,196

2,213,734
19,339,361

26,061

-115,632

572,788

175,000

51,897

514,453

504,781

484,386

Total Ops

see Risk Management Dept 945

7,674,767

1,658,514
11,119,492

Park

Fleet Maintenance

Highway

Engineering

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

PUBLIC SAFETY TOTAL - Select Board

Building Department
Sealer of Weights & Measures

Fire Department

Special School Police

Injured on Duty

Police Department

PUBLIC SAFETY - Select Board

Subtotal - Other General Government
GENERAL GOVERNMENT TOTAL

HR Salary adjustments

529,328
-115,632

HR Salary Adjustment Carryforward

0

Human Resources Board

Reserve Fund

31,827

374,981

Advisory Committee

383,096

Board of Assessors

Pers Srvs

FY26 USE OF FUNDS (Tax Rate)

Town Clerk

Other General Government

USES OF FUNDS

938,516

597,519
8,619,481

0

0

46,979

175,000

20,670

85,600

141,280

127,990

Expenses

148,792

496,005

496,005

2,573,194

2,573,194

5,301,875

483,345
0

1,407,525

1,710,508

227,025

1,050,256

423,216

16,472,516

740,104
16,780

7,776,632

4,004

25,550

25,550

842,203

842,203

3,384,907

22,865
390,000

1,943,749

535,720

44,331

400,580

47,662

1,512,856

39,100
2,675

528,561

521,555

521,555

3,415,397

3,415,397

8,686,782

506,210
390,000

3,351,274

2,246,228

271,356

1,450,836

470,878

17,985,372

779,204
19,455

8,305,193

152,796

8,728,724

2,728,251
21,576,041

300,000

0

588,962

175,000

53,134

510,260

525,164

575,731

Total Ops

see Risk Management Dept 945

7,790,208

2,130,732
12,956,560

300,000

0

541,983

0

32,464

424,660

383,884

447,741

Pers Srvs

FY27 USE OF FUNDS (Request)

10,553

10,553

60,277

60,277

89,695

12,865
0

19,889

19,703

3,795

25,099

8,343

345,947

28,220
329

195,450

6,507

115,441

472,218
1,837,068

273,939

115,632

12,655

0

637

(4,193)

8,903

64,645

Variance
Pers Srvs

550

550

28,467

28,467

96,388

0
0

75,388

0

0

21,000

0

51,660

0
75

15,381

117

36,087

42,299
399,612

0

0

3,519

0

600

0

11,480

26,700

Variance
Expenses

2.18%

2.18%

2.67%

2.67%

2.19%

2.61%
0.00%

2.93%

0.88%

1.42%

3.28%

1.80%

2.26%

3.76%
2.12%

2.60%

4.53%

1.77%

10
11.57%

1051.15%

-100.00%

2.82%

0.00%

2.38%

-0.81%

4.04%

18.86%

Variance
Total - %

1/9/2026 3:28 PM

11,103

11,103

88,744

88,744

186,083

12,865
0

95,277

19,703

3,795

46,099

8,343

397,607

28,220
404

210,831

6,624

151,528

514,517
2,236,680

273,939

115,632

16,174

0

1,237

(4,193)

20,383

91,345

Variance
Total - $

CHANGE - FY26 to FY27

Exhibit B

1,109,792

HEALTH TOTAL

81,889,427

SCHOOL TOTAL

0

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TOTAL

118,798,782

0
0

Unemployment Compensation
Compensated Absences

ALL PERSONAL SERVICES & EXPENSES

0
0

Retirement Contribution

Workers Compensation

OPEB Liability Fund

0
0

Group Insurance

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1,926,389
21,647,437

1,456,475

56,859,126

Operations
Special Education

Administration

Instruction

WELLESLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

36,909,355

342,953

NATURAL RESOURCES TOTAL

NON-SCHOOL TOTAL

342,953
0

Natural Resources Commission
Morses Pond Project - (NRC, DPW, Rec)

NATURAL RESOURCES

1,109,792
0

Pers Srvs

65,631,883

38,979,042

100,000
130,000

9,310,462

3,100,000

740,348

25,598,232

12,145,599

2,514,399
6,257,926

154,875

3,218,399

14,507,242

213,350

36,350
177,000

485,572

185,000
300,572

Expenses

184,430,665

38,979,042

100,000
130,000

9,310,462

3,100,000

740,348

25,598,232

94,035,026

4,440,788
27,905,363

1,611,350

60,077,525

51,416,597

556,303

379,303
177,000

1,595,364

1,294,792
300,572

Total Ops

FY26 USE OF FUNDS (Tax Rate)

Board of Health
Mental Health Services

HEALTH

USES OF FUNDS

122,800,896

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

83,509,492

2,008,119
21,727,106

1,517,740

58,256,527

39,291,404

352,554

352,554
0

1,138,700

1,138,700
0

Pers Srvs

69,694,464

41,242,145

100,000
130,000

9,225,765

3,000,000

725,963

28,060,417

13,346,583

2,582,079
7,331,516

264,812

3,168,176

15,105,736

219,650

37,400
182,250

501,089

191,500
309,589

Expenses

192,495,360

41,242,145

100,000
130,000

9,225,765

3,000,000

725,963

28,060,417

96,856,075

4,590,198
29,058,622

1,782,552

61,424,703

54,397,140

572,204

389,954
182,250

1,639,789

1,330,200
309,589

Total Ops

FY27 USE OF FUNDS (Request)

4,002,114

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

1,620,065

81,730
79,669

61,265

1,397,401

2,382,049

9,601

9,601
0

28,908

28,908
0

Variance
Pers Srvs

4,062,581

2,263,103

0
0

(84,697)

(100,000)

(14,385)

2,462,185

1,200,984

67,680
1,073,590

109,937

(50,223)

598,494

6,300

1,050
5,250

15,517

6,500
9,017

Variance
Expenses

4.37%

5.81%

0.00%
0.00%

-0.91%

-3.23%

-1.94%

9.62%

3.00%

3.36%
4.13%

10.62%

2.24%

5.80%

2.86%

2.81%
2.97%

2.78%

2.73%
3.00%

Variance
Total - %

1/9/2026 3:28 PM

8,064,695

2,263,103

0
0

(84,697)

(100,000)

(14,385)

2,462,185

2,821,049

149,410
1,153,259

171,202

1,347,178

2,980,543

15,901

10,651
5,250

44,425

35,408
9,017

Variance
Total - $

CHANGE - FY26 to FY27

Exhibit B

0
0
0

NRC Capital
Morses Pond

Subtotal - Cash Capital

0

Subtotal - Debt Service

0

Property Tax Abatements
State & County Assessments

SPECIAL ITEMS TOTAL

13,797,424

920,944
1,497,214

2,021,735

6,549,525

13,797,553

920,944
1,497,214

2,021,735

6,549,525

SURPLUS (DEFICIT)

0

225,641,147

0
0

Free Cash ( 2026)

743,135
2,065,000

225,641,147

0

Free Cash items (2027)

743,135
2,065,000

27,412,929

19,262,072

3,568,406
15,693,666

8,150,857

320,000
35,000

227,000

436,376

1,941,000

1,299,481

3,892,000

Total Ops

TOTAL SOURCES OF FUNDS

0

Community Preservation Appropriated

27,412,929

19,262,072

3,568,406
15,693,666

8,150,857

320,000
35,000

227,000

436,376

1,941,000

1,299,481

3,892,000

Expenses

TOTAL USES OF FUNDS

0
0

Traffic & Parking Operations

Receipts Reserved for Appropriation

SPECIAL ITEMS

CAPITAL & DEBT TOTAL

0
0

Current Inside Levy Debt Service - Issued
Outside Levy Debt Service - Issued/Unissued

Debt Service

0
0

Library Capital

0

Facilities Capital

Select Board Capital

0
0

School Capital

Pers Srvs

FY26 USE OF FUNDS (Tax Rate)

Public Works Capital

Departmental Cash Capital

CAPITAL & DEBT

USES OF FUNDS

0

0

0
0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

127,235

0
0

127,235

Pers Srvs

3,128,244

950,000
1,534,644

643,600

26,790,905

19,370,513

5,235,122
14,135,391

7,420,392

210,500
0

234,000

364,554

1,577,000

1,381,338

3,653,000

Expenses

(2,291,230)

220,250,514

222,541,744

3,255,479

950,000
1,534,644

0

0

0

770,835

26,790,905

19,370,513

5,235,122
14,135,391

7,420,392

210,500
0

234,000

364,554

1,577,000

1,381,338

3,653,000

Total Ops

FY27 USE OF FUNDS (Request)

0

0

0

0
0

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

127,235

0
0

0

0

0

127,235

Variance
Pers Srvs

(10,669,308)

29,056
37,430

(2,021,735)

(6,549,525)

(2,065,000)

(99,535)

(622,024)

108,441

1,666,716
(1,558,275)

(730,465)

(109,500)
(35,000)

7,000

(71,822)

(364,000)

81,857

(239,000)

Variance
Expenses

-2.39%

-1.37%

-76.41%

3.16%
2.50%

-100.00%

-100.00%

-100.00%

3.73%

-2.27%

0.56%

46.71%
-9.93%

-8.96%

-34.22%
100.00%

3.08%

-16.46%

-18.75%

6.30%

-6.14%

Variance
Total - %

1/9/2026 3:28 PM

(5,390,633)

(3,099,403)

(10,542,073)

29,056
37,430

(2,021,735)

(6,549,525)

(2,065,000)

27,700

(622,024)

108,441

1,666,716
(1,558,275)

(730,465)

(109,500)
(35,000)

7,000

(71,822)

(364,000)

81,857

(239,000)

Variance
Total - $

CHANGE - FY26 to FY27

Exhibit B

Note:

26,733,196

8,340,857
7,512,000
170,000
800,000
790,000
9,120,339
$

21,020,392

7,370,392
3,300,000
600,000
400,000
850,000
4,500,000
4,000,000

FY2027

$

74,609,784

9,509,784
5,000,000
850,000
16,000,000
43,250,000

FY2028

$ 106,384,154

9,534,154
850,000
1,000,000
95,000,000

FY2029

$

72,207,445

9,182,445
850,000
4,175,000
58,000,000

FY2030

$

58,134,744

9,434,744
850,000
11,850,000
36,000,000

FY2031

This document represents all department capital requests for the years preferred by each department.
Because the Town doesn't have the funding to afford every project in the requested year, capital needs are
discussed and re-evaluated annually, in an effort the achieve the best result for the entire Town. Projects
currently labelled "inside the levy' may in fact need to be financed with exempt debt .

Grand Total $

Cash Capital
Free Cash
CPC Funding
Gift/Fundraising/Other
Chapter 90
Debt Capital Inside Levy
Debt Capital Exclusion *

FY2026

Summary Schedule

Five Year Capital Budget Program FY2027-2031

Town of Wellesley

1/9/2026 3:41 PM

$ 332,356,519

FY2027-2031
Total
45,031,519
3,300,000
5,600,000
400,000
4,250,000
37,525,000
236,250,000

Exhibit C

120,000
44,554
180,000
20,000
234,000
160,500
3,653,000
1,381,338
1,577,000
7,370,392
850,000
1,000,000
300,000
400,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
600,000
400,000
5,150,000
4,500,000
4,500,000
4,000,000
4,000,000
21,020,392

215,000
211,376
10,000
227,000
320,000
35,000
3,892,000
1,299,481
1,941,000
8,340,857
790,000
1,055,000
190,000
182,000
1,200,000
2,000,000
1,100,000
1,785,000
170,000
800,000
9,272,000
3,610,181
5,510,158
9,120,339
26,733,196

$

FY27

FY26

$

10,000,000
29,000,000
3,000,000
750,000
500,000
43,250,000
74,609,784

3,000,000
5,500,000
6,000,000
1,500,000
16,000,000

850,000
5,000,000
5,850,000

70,000
66,189
175,000
20,000
227,000
278,000
150,000
4,562,000
1,329,595
2,632,000
9,509,784

FY28

90,000,000
5,000,000
95,000,000
$ 106,384,154

1,000,000
1,000,000

850,000
850,000

75,000
75,000
240,452
320,000
15,000
227,000
808,000
4,005,000
1,356,702
2,412,000
9,534,154

FY29

$

54,000,000
4,000,000
58,000,000
72,207,445

675,000
3,500,000
4,175,000

850,000
850,000

140,000
35,954
430,000
15,000
230,000
312,000
70,000
3,847,000
1,370,491
2,732,000
9,182,445

FY30

$

**STM25 - Special Town Meeting 2025

* Projects may not be able to be financed 'inside the levy' depending upon the total amount of projects requested within any one year .

Total Cash Capital
Other Funding Sources
DPW Street Resurfacing (Ch 90)
Fire Engine (FC)
Assessor's CAMA Databse (FC) (STM25)
Air-Condition Schools (FC)
DPW Highway & Park Renovation Study (FC)
War Memorial & Tower Repair Design (FC) (STM26)
Hunnewell Tennis Courts (FC)
PLN - Comprehensive Plan (FC)
Weston @ Linden Intersection Design (FC)
Playground Reconstruction (FC)
HS & Hunnewell Field Irrigation (FC)
DPW - Street Rehabilitations
SCH - Teamrooms Construction (FC - STM25)**
Reeds and Duck Pond Dredging (CPC)
Reeds and Duck Pond Dredging (Stormwater)
Supplemental Morses Pond Study (CPC)
MOPO Renovation Project (CPC)
RDF Baler (Stabliziation)
Total Other Sources
Debt Capital Inside Levy*
Tower Truck Replacement (Fire)
Main Library HVAC System Renovation
War Memorial & Sprague Tower Repair
MS Roof Replacement
Sprague Roof Replacement
DPW - Street Rehabilitations
RDF Admin Building (STM25)
Wellesley Square Reconstruction
Hunnewell Track and Field Turf Replacement
Storage Sheds
Total Borrowed Inside Levy
Debt Capital Exclusion
Highway & Park Renovation (PBC)
Air Condition Schools (STM26)
MOPO Renovation Project
Fire HQ Renovation & Station 1 Replacement
New Preschool Building
Total Capital Exclusion
Grand Total $

Department
Cash Capital
Climate Action Committee
Financial Services
Information Technology
Police
Fire
Council on Aging
Youth Commission
Library
Natural Resources Commission
Morses Pond
Department of Public Works
Schools
Facilities Management

Five Year Capital Detail Summary FY2027-2031

Town of Wellesley

36,000,000
36,000,000
58,134,744

2,500,000
575,000
8,500,000
275,000
11,850,000

850,000
850,000

165,000
31,508
20,000
247,000
517,000
4,182,000
1,316,236
2,956,000
9,434,744

FY31

$

100,000,000
33,000,000
3,000,000
59,750,000
40,500,000
236,250,000
332,356,519

2,500,000
575,000
3,000,000
9,175,000
275,000
13,500,000
6,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
37,525,000

4,250,000
1,000,000
300,000
400,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
600,000
400,000
5,000,000
13,550,000

75,000
570,000
418,657
1,105,000
90,000
1,165,000
2,075,500
220,000
20,249,000
6,754,362
12,309,000
45,031,519

FY26-FY30 Total

Exhibit C

1,491,376

Grand Total Select Board $

-

436,376

1,055,000
1,055,000

Total SB Borrowed

SB Cash Capital Total

10,000
10,000

-

-

176,372
18,045
16,959
211,376

200,000
15,000
215,000

FY2026

Total SB Other Sources

Other Funding Sources
Replace Fire Engine Vehicle(Free Cash)

Borrowed
Tower Truck Replacement (Fire)

Council on Aging
Replacement of Tables and Chairs
Storage Unit
Upgrade Audio/Visual
Reconfiguration of Cubicles
Exercise Equipment
Furniture Upgrades

Climate Action Committee
Climate Action Plan Update

Fire
Command Vehicle Hybrid
Air Compressor SCBA Fill Station
Communication Equipment
Boat
Pickup Truck
Turnout Gear
SCBA Air Pacs Upgrade

Police
Electronic Control Devices
In-Car Video Replacement
Server Replacement
Radio Repeater Replacement
Records Management System

Information Technology
Telephone Upgrade (VoIP 2.0)
Replace Wi-Fi Equipment
Cybersecurity Assessment 2.0
Upgrade Office Software
Aerial Flyover & Orthophotography
Networik/Fiber Resiliency
Windows Datacenter
Backup/Disaster Recovery System
Firewalls/Web Security
Town Hall AV Systems

Capital Project

FY2027-2031 SB Capital Request

Town of Wellesley

$

364,554

-

-

364,554

10,000
10,000
20,000

-

70,000
60,000
50,000
180,000

19,412
25,142
44,554

20,000
25,000
50,000
25,000
120,000

FY2027

$

331,189

-

-

331,189

20,000
20,000

-

50,000
25,000
100,000
175,000

19,412
21,635
25,142
66,189

30,000
40,000
70,000

FY2028

$

725,452

-

-

725,452

15,000
15,000

75,000
75,000

320,000
320,000

14,319
226,133
240,452

40,000
35,000
75,000

FY2029

$

620,954

-

-

620,954

15,000
15,000

-

80,000
350,000
430,000

21,635
14,319
35,954

140,000
140,000

FY2030

$

2,716,508

-

2,500,000
2,500,000

216,508

20,000
20,000

-

-

-

31,508
31,508

45,000
120,000
165,000

FY2031

$

4,758,657

-

2,500,000
2,500,000

2,258,657

10,000
10,000
20,000
15,000
35,000
90,000

75,000
75,000

150,000
60,000
100,000
25,000
100,000
320,000
350,000
1,105,000

38,824
43,270
110,430
226,133
418,657

20,000
25,000
50,000
55,000
80,000
35,000
140,000
45,000
120,000
570,000

FY27-31 Total

Total FMD Capital Requests

Other Funding Sources
Air-Condition Schools (Free Cash)
DPW Hway & Park Renovation Study (Free Cash)
War Memorial & Tower Design (Free Cash)
Total other funding sources
Borrowed Inside
DPW RDF Admin Building
War Memorial & Sprague Tower Repair
MS Roof Replacement
Main Library HVAC System Renovation
Sprague Roof Replacement
Total Borrowed Inside
Debt Capital Exclusion
DPW Highway & Park Renovation
Air-Condition Schools: Bates/Scho/Fiske/MS
Fire HQ Renovation & Station 1 Replacement
New Preschool Building
Total Borrowed Outside

School Cash Capital
Districtwide (Schools)
Preschool at Wellesley (PAWS)
Bates Elementary
Fiske Elementary
New Hardy Elementary
New Hunnewell Elementary
Sprague Elementary
Schofield Elementary
Upham Elementary
Middle School
High School
Subtotal Cash Capital - Districtwide
Other Unidentified Cash Capital
Total Cash Capital Requests

Building Description
Town Cash Capital
Townwide (Municipal)
Senior Center
Town Hall
Police
Fire Department Main (Headquarters)
Fire Department Central (Station 1)
Warren (Recreation and Health)
Main Library
Hills Library
Fells Library
DPW Operations
DPW Water & Sewer
DPW Highway & Park
DPW RDF
Subtotal Cash Capital - Municipal

7,633,158

-

5,510,158
5,510,158

182,000
182,000

1,941,000

146,000
163,000
170,000
20,000
580,000
12,000
1,091,000

115,000
560,000
25,000
20,000
60,000
70,000
850,000

FY26

-

5,577,000

4,000,000
4,000,000

-

1,000,000
300,000
-

196,000
40,000
30,000
30,000
296,000
1,577,000

35,000
30,000
1,091,000
75,000
50,000
1,281,000

FY27

45,882,000

10,000,000
29,000,000
750,000
500,000
40,250,000

3,000,000
3,000,000

-

2,632,000

258,000
325,000
600,000
80,000
80,000
475,000
22,000
200,000
230,000
2,270,000

35,000
35,000
60,000
30,000
100,000
90,000
12,000
362,000

FY28

FY2027-2031 Facilities Capital Request

Town of Wellesley

-

97,412,000

90,000,000
5,000,000
95,000,000

-

-

2,412,000

235,000
20,000
45,000
782,000
400,000
16,000
114,000
1,612,000

115,000
50,000
215,000
105,000
100,000
160,000
55,000
800,000

FY29

61,407,000

54,000,000
4,000,000
58,000,000

675,000
675,000

-

2,732,000

239,000
185,000
536,000
45,000
393,000
24,000
515,000
1,937,000

40,000
75,000
35,000
465,000
125,000
20,000
35,000
795,000

FY30

48,306,000

36,000,000
36,000,000

8,500,000
575,000
275,000
9,350,000

-

2,956,000

476,000
1,400,000
1,876,000

40,000
475,000
125,000
180,000
45,000
50,000
70,000
60,000
35,000
1,080,000

FY31

258,884,000

100,000,000
33,000,000
59,750,000
40,500,000
233,250,000

3,000,000
9,175,000
575,000
275,000
13,025,000

300,000
300,000

-

1,404,000
20,000
510,000
1,221,000
80,000
80,000
1,332,000
823,000
46,000
731,000
1,744,000
7,991,000
12,309,000

265,000
50,000
75,000
760,000
555,000
155,000
180,000
1,421,000
230,000
62,000
135,000
230,000
165,000
35,000
4,318,000

FY27-31 Total

Exhibit C

Planning Board Total

Grand Total Non-Select Board

Grand Total School Department

Capital Project
School Department (non-Facilities)
Cash Capital:
Furniture/Furnishings/Equipment
Technology
Subtotal Cash Capital

Comprehensive Plan (Free Cash)

Total NRC Capital
Morses Pond
Invasive Treatment
Kayaks (volunteer/non-recreation use)
Morses Pond Dam Evaluation
Subtotal Cash Capital
Library
IT Infrastructure Replacement
Computer/Peripheral Replacement
New Technology & Devices
Self Check System
Website Construction/Redesign
Sign Replacement
Security Cameras
Strategic Planning
Parking Lot Improvements
Automated Material Handler
Time Card system
Electric Van Replacement
Traffic Study
Total Library Cash Capital
Board of Assessors
Other Sources:
CAMA database software (Free Cash) (STM25)
Total Assessors
Planning Board
Other Sources:

Capital Project
Natural Resources Commission
Squirrel Road Restoration
Fuller Brook Park Knotweed Removal
Town Forest Improvements
Hunnewell Track and Field Landscape
Tree Planting/Management Program
Park Sidewalk Paths/ Parking Lot Repairs
Natural Landscape Development
Improvements: Result of Active Field/Court Study
Micro Forest
Centennial Erosion Restoration
Stream Flooding/Imapaired Waters Assessment
Land Conservation Fund
Schofield Tennis Courts
Kelly Field Tennis Courts
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Subtotal Cash Capital
Other Sources:
Reeds and Duck Pond Dredging (CPC)
Reeds and Duck Pond Dredging (Stormwater)
MOPO Renovation Project (CPC)
MOPO Renovation Project (Debt Exclusion)
Supplemental Morses Pond Study (CPC)
Subtotal Other Sources
1,160,500

490,000

302,975
1,078,363
1,381,338
1,381,338
3,175,838

2,241,481

400,000
400,000
FY27

-

12,000
60,000
40,000
35,000
12,000
50,000
25,000
234,000

1,299,481
1,299,481
1,299,481

FY26

-

190,000
190,000

12,000
60,000
40,000
30,000
50,000
35,000
227,000

-

600,000
400,000
1,000,000

170,000
170,000

35,000
35,000

60,500
15,000
25,000
50,000
10,000
160,500

FY27

55,000
100,000
10,000
25,000
55,000
15,000
25,000
35,000
320,000

FY26

9,984,595

220,327
1,109,268
1,329,595
1,329,595

FY28

-

-

12,000
60,000
40,000
35,000
25,000
45,000
10,000
227,000

150,000
150,000

8,278,000

5,000,000
3,000,000
8,000,000

60,500
15,000
27,500
50,000
50,000
75,000
278,000

FY28

FY2027-2031 Non‐SB Departments Capital Request

Town of Wellesley

2,391,702

142,738
1,213,964
1,356,702
1,356,702

FY29

-

-

15,000
60,000
40,000
35,000
12,000
65,000
227,000

-

808,000

-

60,500
20,000
27,500
500,000
200,000
808,000

FY29

1,982,491

157,962
1,212,529
1,370,491
1,370,491

FY30

-

-

15,000
60,000
40,000
35,000
10,000
60,000
10,000
230,000

20,000
50,000
70,000

312,000

-

62,000
20,000
30,000
200,000
312,000

FY30

2,080,236

1,316,236

94,375
1,221,861
1,316,236

FY31

-

-

15,000
60,000
40,000
35,000
50,000
35,000
12,000
247,000

-

517,000

-

62,000
20,000
30,000
350,000
55,000
517,000

FY31

19,614,862

918,377
5,835,985
6,754,362
6,754,362

400,000
400,000
FY27-31 Total

190,000
190,000

69,000
300,000
200,000
175,000
60,000
60,000
36,000
110,000
25,000
45,000
10,000
65,000
10,000
1,165,000

150,000
20,000
50,000
220,000

11,075,500

600,000
400,000
5,000,000
3,000,000
9,000,000

305,500
90,000
140,000
600,000
10,000
50,000
75,000
200,000
200,000
350,000
55,000
2,075,500

FY27-31 Total

Exhibit C

743,000
600,000
40,000
1,265,000
305,000
100,000
600,000
3,653,000

820,000
600,000
40,000
1,347,000
615,000
470,000
3,892,000

790,000
2,000,000
1,100,000
1,785,000
800,000
6,475,000

3,610,181
1,200,000
4,810,181
15,177,181

Other Funding Sources:
DPW Street Resurfacing (Ch 90)
Weston @ Linden Intersection Design (Free Cash)
Playground Reconstruction (Free Cash Only)
HS/Hunnewell Field/Irrigation (Free Cash)
Street Rehabilitation-Weston Road (Free Cash)
Hunnewell Teamrooms (Free Cash) (STM 25)
RDF Baler Replacement (Stabilization)
Total Other Funding Sources:

Borrowed Inside
Street Rehabilitation-Weston Road
Hunnewell Tennis Courts
Street Rehabilitation-Great Plain Avenue
Weston @ Linden Intersection
High School Track & Field Turf Replacement
Wellesley Square Reconstruction
Street Rehabilitation-Wash.-West.
Storage Sheds
Street Rehabilitation- Dover
Total Borrowed
Grand Total DPW
4,500,000
4,500,000
10,603,000

850,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
2,450,000

FY27

FY26

Capital Project
Cash Capital
Street Improvement
Sidewalk Restoration
Private Ways
Vehicle/Equipment Procurement
DPW Facilities
Street Rehabilitation- Design
Athletic/Playground Improvements
Total Cash Capital

2,000,000
1,500,000
6,000,000
3,500,000
13,000,000
18,412,000

850,000
850,000

882,000
1,065,000
40,000
1,620,000
445,000
510,000
4,562,000

FY28

FY2027-2031 Public Works Capital Request

Town of Wellesley

1,000,000
1,000,000
5,855,000

850,000
850,000

855,000
850,000
40,000
1,385,000
295,000
100,000
480,000
4,005,000

FY29

3,500,000
3,500,000
8,197,000

850,000
850,000

855,000
850,000
40,000
1,367,000
215,000
520,000
3,847,000

FY30

5,032,000

850,000

850,000
-

855,000
850,000
40,000
1,602,000
215,000
100,000
520,000
4,182,000

FY31

4,500,000
2,000,000
1,500,000
6,000,000
3,500,000
1,000,000
3,500,000
22,000,000
48,099,000

4,250,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
5,850,000

4,190,000
4,215,000
200,000
7,239,000
1,475,000
300,000
2,630,000
20,249,000

FY27-31 Total

Reserves Projection After ATM 2026
Reserves as of 6/30/2025
FY26 Budgeted Operating Revenue
Free Cash certified
General Purpose Stabilization fund
Reserves as of 6/30/2025
% of FY26 Revenue

Amount
$
$
$

196,099,030.00
29,210,417
3,988,185
33,198,602
16.93%

Sources and (Uses) of Reserves in FY26
Appropriations at STM 11/3/25
Building Department
Advisory Committee
Hunnewell Team Room Construction
Assessor's CAMA Reporting Software

(60,000)
(11,000)
(1,785,000)
(190,000)

Appropriations ATM 4/2026
Snow and Ice Supplemental
Balance Operating
Health Insurance Balance Budget
Legal supplemental appropriation
HR/Finance supplemental appropriation
DPW Campus / Municipal Service Building Feasibility Study
Comprehensive Plan Funding
Weston/Linden Intersection Design
Playground Reconstruction
WHS Hunnewell Field Irrigation Improvements
SPED Stabilization
IOD Stabilization Transfer
Baler Stabilization Transfer

(700,000)
(2,200,000)
(1,300,000)
(200,000)
(36,244)
(1,000,000)
(400,000)
(600,000)
(500,000)
(500,000)
(75,000)
(21,870)
(11,512)

Estimated Turnback*
Estimated Reserves as of 6/30/26

6,000,000
29,607,976

FY27 Budgeted Operating Revenue
% of FY27 Revenue

$
$

202,963,615
14.59%

* Anticipated returns from encumbrances not spent, over performance of revenue
projections, and operating budgets.

8.

8:30

Discuss and Vote Modification to Town Bylaw Committee Charge

Please find in your FNM packets a brief memorandum from Chair Marjorie Freiman to the Board dated January 9th,
2026, regarding the Bylaw Review Committee Charge. A redlined version of the Charge is included in your
materials.
Chair Freiman’s memorandum reads:
“I met with Moderator Mark Kaplan prior to Christmas break about the Bylaw review committee charge. His
view is that the Moderator should not be a voting member of the committee; he doesn’t want to conflate the
executive and legislative branches of government, and he felt that ruling on a bylaw proposal or amendment
at Town Meeting if he had voted on its recommendation would be awkward.
I also removed the section in the charge about the committee voting on any motion to amend a bylaw article,
because it would be the ultimate decision of the Select Board or the relevant Board/Committee proponent
whether to move to amend, not the committee’s.
In deference to the responsibilities of the Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director, I also changed
their membership to “and/or” to leave the decision in their hands regarding their bandwidth and availability.
If they both sit on the committee, the presumption would be that they would attend as their workload allows.
Moving the Moderator and staff all to Ex Officio status, I felt it appropriate to increase the number of Town
Meeting members to three, designated by all voting and ex officio members together. Five voting members
and additional ex officio members will allow sufficient discussion exchange, enough members among whom
to divide the work, and an odd number to facilitate a vote.”

A General Bylaw Review Committee, subject to the provisions of the Town of Wellesley (“Town”)
Town Bylaws Sections 1-7, shall be established to review the General Bylaws of the Town and
report to the Select Board with any recommendations concerning proposed amendments and
updates that the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable. The Committee shall:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•
•

Conduct a holistic review of the General Bylaws, ensuring that the Bylaws remain current,
clear, well organized, internally consistent, enforceable, and consistent with applicable law;
Consider proposed amendments, additions and updates to Town Bylaws suggested by
Town bodies, officials and residents;
Recommend amendments, additions and updates to Town Bylaws as the Committee
determines to be necessary or desirable;
Invite to participate in Committee discussions Town staff and the Chair or designee of any
Town body having jurisdiction over any particular Bylaw provision under review;
Submit to Town Counsel for legal review, and whenever practicable to the Select Board,
any proposed amendments to the General Bylaws or draft warrant articles within the
foregoing scope of review prior to their inclusion in the warrant for any Town Meeting;
Consider all articles in the warrant for any Town Meeting which propose an amendment of
or addition to the General Bylaws, and recommend revisions for clarity, enforceability, and
consistency with the General Bylaws and applicable law;
Report its vote to Town Meeting on any proposed Bylaw or Bylaw amendment; and
Assist the Town Clerk in preparing updates to the General Bylaws, including all
amendments and additions thereto.

Membership of the Committee shall include:
•
•

Two members of the Select Board, appointed by the Chair
Three Town Meeting Members designated by the Committee, to serve a term concurrent
with their Town Meeting membership, renewable at the Committee’s discretion

•

Ex Officio Members: Town Moderator, Town Clerk, Executive Director and/or
Assistant Executive Director (at Executive Director’s discretion and in attendance as
their workload permits)

MRF v.5, 1-7-26

A General Bylaw Review Committee, subject to the provisions of the Town of Wellesley (“Town”)
Town Bylaws Sections 1-7, shall be established d to review the General Bylaws of the Town of
Wellesley and report to the Select Board with any recommendations concerning proposed
amendments and updates that the Committee may determine to be necessary or desirable. The
Committee shall:
•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•

Formatted: Justified

Conduct a holistic review of the General Bylaws, ensuring that the Bylaws remain current,
clear, well organized, internally consistent, enforceable, and consistent with applicable law;
Consider all articles in the warrant for any Town Meeting which propose an amendment of
or addition to the General Bylaws, and recommend revisions for clarity and consistency
with the General Bylaws and applicable law;
Consider proposed amendments, additions and updates to Town Bylaws suggested by
Town bodies, officials and residents;
Recommend amendments, additions and updates to Town Bylaws as the Committee
determines to be necessary or desirable;
Invite to participate in Committee discussions Town staff and the Chair or designee of any
Town body having jurisdiction over any particular Bylaw provision under review;
Submit to Town Counsel for legal review, and whenever practicable to the Select Board,
any proposed amendments to the General Bylaws or draft warrant articles within the
foregoing scope of review prior to their inclusion in the warrant for any Town Meeting;
Consider all articles in the warrant for any Town Meeting which propose an amendment of
or addition to the General Bylaws, and recommend revisions for clarity, enforceability, and
and consistency with the General Bylaws and applicable law;
Whenever practicable, submit to the Select Board any proposed amendments to the General
Bylaws or draft warrant articles within the foregoing scope of review prior to their
inclusion in the warrant for any Town Meeting; Report its vote to Town Meeting on any
proposed Bylaw or Bylaw amendment;
Review, vote, and report to Town Meeting on any motions to amend proposed Bylaws
or amendments to Bylaws; and
Assist the Town Clerk in preparing the publication from time to time of updates to the
General Bylaws, including all amendments and additions thereto.

The Committee may consult with Town Counsel as to the legality of any provisions or proposed
provisions of the General Bylaws. The Committee shall have the power to create subcommittees,
which shall be public bodies in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
Membership of the Committee shall include:

Formatted: Font: Bold, Strikethrough

•

Two members of the Select Board, as appointed by the Chair
The Executive Director or designee
The Assistant Executive Director
The Town Clerk or designee
Town Moderator or designee
• Three Town Meeting Members as designated by the Committee, to serve a term
concurrent with their Town Meeting membership, renewable at the Committee’s
discretion
•

Ex Officio Members: Town Moderator, The Town Clerk or designee, Executive
Director and/or Assistant Executive Director (at Executive Director’s discretion and
in attendance as their workload permits)

Formatted: List Paragraph, Bulleted + Level: 1 +
Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"

Formatted: List Paragraph, Bulleted + Level: 1 +
Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"

Formatted: Font: Italic, No underline
Formatted: Font: Italic, No underline
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: List Paragraph

MRF v.5, 1-7-26

Formatted: Underline
Formatted: Font: Italic

9.
•

8:40 Administrative Matters
Discuss and Vote Minutes

Please find in your packet a draft of the minutes for the December 16, 2025.
MOTION
MOVE to approve the minutes of December 16, 2025.

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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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23
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25
26
27
28
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30

Approved:

31
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34

Ms. Freiman called the Select Board meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Juliani Room, Town Hall.
Ms. Freiman noted Ms. Jop was attending the meeting via Zoom. Ms. Freiman announced that the
meeting was being broadcast live on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 40 and would be
available for later viewing on wellesleymedia.org.

Select Board Meeting: December 16, 2025
Present: Marjorie Freiman, Thomas Ulfelder, Colette Aufranc, Beth Sullivan Woods, Kenneth
Largess
Also Present: Executive Director Meghan Jop (via Zoom), Assistant Executive Director Corey
Testa
Meeting Documents:
1. Agenda
2. Select Board Calendar
3. Meeting Overview
4. Memo from Chief Mortarelli to Corey Testa Re: Donation dated 12/1/25
5. Memo to Meghan Jop from Cathryn Meagher Re: Annual License Renewal dated 12/12/25
6. Common Victual and Alcoholic Beverages License Application – Change in Manager and
Alteration of Premises for Fiorella’s Express Wellesley LLC at 575 Washington Street
7. Memo from Sheila Page to Select Board Re: Request for Zoning Article Sponsorship dated
12/10/25
8. Draft Amendments to Zoning Bylaw Section 5.17 Off-Street Parking – draft as of
December 10, 2025
9. General Bylaw Review Committee Proposal – Redlined
10. General Oder – Personnel Selection Firefighters dated 6/17/2019 - Redlined
11. Draft Minutes
a. November 3, 2025
12. Additional Documents
a. Wellesley 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
b. Report to Select Board from the Wellesley Audit Committee PowerPoint dated
12/16/25
1.

Call to Order

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36

2.

Citizen Speak

37
38
39
40
41

Andrew Hoar, Abbott Road, expressed concern about the recent state legislation regarding
surplus property and its potential impact on MassBay Woods, noting that many people from
multiple surrounding communities use this green space. Mr. Hoar emphasized that the legislation
poses an "existential threat" to valuable green space resources and urged the board to pursue
litigation to protect the woods for future generations. He argued that while he understands housing

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affordability concerns and budget constraints, the legislation works against sustainability goals
and environmental preservation.

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3.

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Executive Director Meghan Jop provided several updates:
• The Warren Building renovations are nearly complete, with Health and Recreation
departments moving back today. The building will reopen to the public on Monday,
December 22nd.
• Free two-hour parking at Wellesley's on-street meters continues through January 2nd to
encourage local shopping.
• The MBTA Green Line will have closures between Kenmore Square and North Station
from December 8th to December 22nd for tunnel repairs, affecting C and D branches.
• She extended Hanukkah wishes to the community during what has been a challenging time
for many residents.

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Executive Director’s Report

Ms. Freiman expressed appreciation for Ms. Mahoney’s extensive service, noting the Board
recognizes the significant contribution of the Town’s excellent staff.
4.

Consent Agenda
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Vote Gift Acceptance for Fire Department
Vote Town Accountant Appointment
Discuss and Vote 2025 License Renewals Common
o Victualler Licenses through 12/31/26
o Alcohol Licenses through 12/31/26
o Class I and Class II Auto Dealers through 1/1/27
o Entertainment through 12/31/26
o Club (Town License) 12/31/26
o Lodging Houses through 12/31/26
Discuss and Vote New Year’s Eve Extensions

Ms. Freiman reviewed the consent agenda items and confirmed with Ms. Jop that there had been
no requests for removal of any items from the Consent Agenda.
Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to
approve the Consent Agenda.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – Aye

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Ms. Freiman thanked Ms. Meagher for her extensive work processing the numerous license
renewals.

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5.

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Audit Committee Annual Update
Audit Committee Members Chair Tim Egan, Lacey Brandt, Neal Cammarano, Charles
Cassidy, and Lori Silverstein joined the meeting with Chief Financial Officer Rachel DeRoche,
Town Accountant Tiana Moreau, and CBIZ Representative Laura Stone.

Tim Egan, Chair of the Audit Committee, introduced the committee members and Laura Stone,
Director at CBIZ (formerly Markham), the Town's auditing firm. Ms. Stone provided an overview
of the audit process and results.
Ms. Stone explained that CBIZ had merged with Markham but maintained the same audit team
and approach. The audit process includes a hybrid approach with both electronic and in-person
work. Multiple reports are issued as part of the process, including the school end-of-year
compliance report, Municipal Light Plant report, retirement system report, and the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
The audit showed positive results with:
• Clean audit opinions on all reports
• No significant audit findings or adjustments
• Full cooperation from Town management and departments
• Positive budgetary results
• No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies
Ms. Stone noted that previous comments from prior years had been addressed, and a site visit to
the School Department showed their budget system to be well-organized and comprehensive.
The Audit Committee meets regularly throughout the year to review various aspects of the Town's
financial reporting. The ACFR will be submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association
(GFOA) by December 31st.
Board members asked questions about the schedule and direction of areas of interest to the Audit
Committee and hoe the committee sets its scope. Committee members were recognized for their
service, particularly Tim Egan and Lacey Brandt, whose terms are concluding at the end of the
year.
Mr. Egan thanked the Finance Department staff and Ms. Jop for their support and engagement
with the committee commending Town staff on their experience and professionalism. Mr. Egan
adjourned the Audit Committee meeting.

6.

Public Hearing and Vote on Modification of Common Victualler and Alcohol Licenses
for an Alteration of Premises and Change of Manager for Fiorella's at 575 Washington
Street

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Support Services Manager Cay Meagher joined the meeting via Zoom.
Ms. Freiman opened the Public Hearing.
Ms. Jop gave an overview of the request stating Fiorella's is expanding into an adjoining space
previously occupied by Papa Wheelie’s. The expansion would add approximately 47 seats to the
restaurant. Staff from the Department of Public Works Engineering, Building Department, and
Health Departments have reviewed and recommended approval.
Ms. Donna Bond, a resident of Wiswall Circle, expressed concerns about parking in the area.
She noted that parking is already congested, and the restaurant expansion would likely exacerbate
the problem. Ms. Bond also inquired about how grease waste would be managed with the expanded
space.
Ms. Jop addressed these concerns, noting that:
• The Town requires grease traps for restaurants
• Parking is a challenge but is typical for a commercial district
• Patrons are directed to various public parking lots in the area
• Employees are encouraged to park in remote lots
Mr. Testa mentioned that the Town will be issuing an RFP in the new year for a design firm to
study parking throughout the Wellesley Square commercial area.
Ms. Meagher clarified that the request does not include a change of hours and explained that
Fiorella's would like to be able to serve food (but not alcohol) in the new section until the ABCC
approves the license modification, which the Board has permitted in similar situations previously.
Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to close
the public hearing.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder - Aye
Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to
approve the modifications to the Common Victualler and alcohol licenses for an alteration
of premises and the change of manager for Fiorella's restaurant located at 575 Washington
Street, approving food only in the new section of the restaurant until such time as final
approvals are received by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye

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Ulfelder – Aye

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7.

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Ms. Jop noted the Board is considering hiring special counsel and as such was recommended
setting aside approximately $200,000 from Free Cash for legal services in anticipation of
exceeding the FY26 budget, with the exact amount to be refined closer to Annual Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting Preparation
Transportation and Mobility Manager Sheila Page joined the meeting.
•

Article 7 Transfers (Legal, HR/Finance)

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For HR/Finance transfers, Ms. Jop and Ms. DeRoche provided a detailed explanation of aa
administrative/book keeping staffing issue that involves rebalancing positions between the
Finance, Human Resources (HR) and Retirement Departments. Initially, a half-time position was
divided between Retirement and HR duties. The Retirement Department has made their half-time
position full-time (Non-Tax Impact), leaving a half-time vacancy in HR. The half-time position in
Finance that had previously assisted with the West Suburban Veterans District (WSVD) has been
transitioned to HR and as a result makes whole the existing half-time position. The reorganization
results in the hiring of an HR professional, who now manages HR and WSVD duties, and allows
a better understanding of benefits and social services than what was previously provided by
staffing the position through the Finance department. As a result, Finance maintains the half-time
position within its department to adjust for future staffing needs.
Finance has reclassified the Assistant Finance Director/Town Accountant position and has hired a
new Chief Financial Officer. The realignment does not leave funding for the transfer of the halftime position to HR, and a Free Cash appropriation is necessary. Moreover, the Finance department
will turn back to Free Cash at year-end an amount exceeding the initial Free Cash request due to
the CFO position remaining vacant during the first quarter. This return is a result of salary savings
from that vacancy, which will more than account for the current request from Free Cash to support
the HR budget.
During the discussion, a Board member expressed the importance of maintaining the additional
half-time position within the Finance Department to align future budgets. Ms. Jop and Ms.
DeRoche clarified that although the offset has moved to HR, a comprehensive realignment in the
Finance Department allows for efficient management of responsibilities. The Board agreed that
these budget adjustments were primarily a matter of housekeeping, improving the financial
structuring of HR and Finance without incurring additional benefit expenses.
• Discuss Uber/Lyft Funds
Transportation and Mobility Manager Sheila Page presented a request to use $8,000 from the
Town's TNC (Transportation Network Companies, e.g., Uber/Lyft) funds, which currently has a
balance of approximately $101,630. The funds would support transportation-related educational
programming, including:

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"Rules of the Ride" for middle schoolers
Bicycle rodeo for elementary students
Transit explorers’ program for middle schoolers and adults
Incentive programs to encourage MWRTA services use
Safe driving/walking campaign with the Police Department

Board members discussed whether these funds could also support transportation for seniors
through the Council on Aging. Ms. Jop noted that there are many transportation options available
that people might not be aware of, suggesting that education about existing services could be
valuable. The Board generally agreed that senior transportation needs require a more
comprehensive approach rather than piecemeal funding. The discussion concluded with a general
consensus to continue to focus on educational programming for now, while acknowledging that a
more comprehensive study into senior transportation needs should align with future
considerations.
•

Easement with MBTA for ADA Accessible Ramps

Ms. Jop noted that the MBTA will make a presentation to the Board on January 13th regarding
easements needed to install ADA-accessible ramps at the Railroad and Tailby parking lots. These
ramps will provide access to the mini-high platforms and are part of longer-term accessibility
improvements. The Board will need to consider the easement and potential temporary parking
disruptions during construction.
•

Discuss Co-Sponsorship of Zoning Amendment to Parking Provisions to include
provisions for EV, Bike Parking, and Parking Lot Landscape Provisions

Ms. Page presented a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would support the Sustainable
Mobility Plan and Climate Action Plan. Key provisions include:
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Requirements for bicycle parking (both short-term and long-term) for multifamily and
commercial developments
Requirements that 50% of parking spaces be EV-capable (with conduit but not necessarily
wiring)
Requirements for soil depth and planting area size for parking lot trees
Clarification that parking can be "unbundled" for residential uses
Clarification that stacked parking is allowed
Streamlining of outdoor lighting requirements
Clarification of the parking plan review process

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The Board discussed whether to sponsor this amendment for Town Meeting. Some members were
supportive of putting it on the warrant, while others felt more analysis was needed on the potential
costs and benefits. The Board agreed to hold the item for further review and to submit questions
to Ms. Page so she could provide more information at a future meeting.

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The Board discussed whether to place an article on the Warrant for the Town Wide Capital
Committee but ultimately decided to establish a standing committee to do that work.

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Discuss and Vote Town Bylaw Review Committee
Ms. Freiman presented an updated proposal for the Town Bylaw Review Committee. Ms. Freiman
noted the committee would be subject to Town Bylaws regarding open meeting laws, that review
of bylaws includes enforcability, and that cost-benefit is considered when reviewing bylaws. Ms.
Freiman noted the committee would be a standing committee under the Select board’s purview.
8.

Board members discussed the proposed committee membership and the appropriate reporting
structure. Ms. Freiman emphasized that the objective of the committee is to ensure that all Town
Bylaws are consistent, enforceable, and reflect current practices. She clarified that the committee
is not intended to examine the entire town government structure.
The conversation noted the importance of ensuring that modifications and recommendations result
from a collaborative process with input from relevant departments.
Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to
approve the General Bylaw Review Committee as amended and to authorize Chair Marjorie
Freiman to make any final ministerial edits that may be required.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – Aye

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9.

Discuss and Vote Minor Modification to Fire Department Hiring General Order
Fire Chief Stephen Mortarelli joined the meeting via Zoom.

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Fire Chief Mortarelli gave a brief update on the modifications to the Hiring Policy. He detailed
that the adjustments made to the hiring general order were designed to update and clarify an
outdated policy originally established in 2019. These modifications aim to align the policy with
the current practices and procedures in place within the department. Mr. Largess highlighted that
he had engaged in discussions with Ms. Jop and the Chief regarding additional refinements. These
included the removal of unnecessary language concerning conflicts of interest and the update of
provisions related to the 35-mile residency requirement, ensuring clarity and relevance.

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Chief Mortarelli and Ms. Jop were supportive of the suggested changes raised by Mr. Largess.

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Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to
approve the modifications to the Fire Department hiring general order as amended.
Aufranc – Aye

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Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – Aye

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10. Discuss and Vote Special Counsel

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Ms. Freiman noted that the Board had held an executive session the previous Thursday regarding
the MassBay development proposal. The Board identified special counsel to assist with this
matter.

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Ms. Aufranc made a motion to approve the hiring of Phillips and Angley as special legal
counsel for the Town of Wellesley and to authorize Chair Marjorie Freiman to sign an
engagement letter on behalf of the Select Board.
Ms. Sullivan Woods proposed amending the motion by adding “that communications with
the firm would include Chair Marjorie Freiman, member Kenny Largess, and Meghan Jop.”
Mr. Largess seconded the motion to amend, and the Board voted 2-3 on the motion to amend.
Ms. Freiman asked Ms. Sullivan Woods to explain her motion to amend. Ms. Sullivan Woods
noted she felt there needed to be a defined process for communications with the law firm and that
it made logical sense to have the Chair and the newest board member who brings a new
perspective. Ms. Freiman noted we had explained to Special Counsel candidates that the points of
contact would be the Chair and the Executive Director.
Ms. Freiman noted there was a motion to amend the original motion and called for a vote.
The Board voted 3-2 against amending the original motion.
Aufranc – No
Freiman – No
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – No
The motion failed.
Mr. Ulfelder seconded the original motion by Ms. Aufranc, and the Board voted 5-0 to
approve the hiring of Philips and Angley as special counsel for the Town of Wellesley and to
authorize Chair Marjorie Freiman to sign an engagement letter on behalf of the Select
Board.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye

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Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – Aye

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11. Administrative Matters

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The Board reviewed the minutes of November 3, 2025.

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Ms. Freiman noted that matters then need to be discussed with the board will be discussed with
the full board in executive session. Ms. Freiman further noted special counsel were being engaged
for advice on the Mass Bay proposal and no broader purpose that that at current.

o

Discuss and Vote Minutes

Upon a motion by Ms. Aufranc and seconded by Mr. Ulfelder, the Board voted (5-0) to
approve the minutes of November 3, 2025, as amended.
Aufranc – Aye
Freiman – Aye
Largess – Aye
Sullivan Woods – Aye
Ulfelder – Aye

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12. Chair’s Report

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Ms. Freiman reported on several meetings:
Regarding school budget discussions:
• The Superintendent's budget (level service) came in just below 3%
• School Committee asked for budget versions including exactly at 3%, which would include
only $26,000 for strategic initiatives
• The 3% budget reflects an 18.5 FTE reduction in filled positions at the middle and high
schools
• Schools are also working with FMD on funding options for solar on Hardy and Hunnewell
schools, and air conditioning feasibility for several schools
• Brief discussions on the need for a new School Building Committee given the extensive
work proposed including a new preschool and the need to consider future Middle School
needs
• Schools are issuing an RFP for an updated demographic and enrolment study which would
be needed to support an updated school facilities masterplan
Regarding MassBay Property:

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Chair Freiman, Ms. Jop, and Mr. Testa met with state officials including Secretary
Augustus, Commissioner Baake and other key DCAMM staff, MassBay president Podell
and Board of Trustees Chair Povich, and state legislators Peisch and Creem.
Secretary Augustus indicated the state sees an opportunity to preserve 39-40 of the 45 acres
of forested area that residents are most concerned about. The vehicle for preservation was
not defined. They will look to find a developer that would commit to keeping that land
undisturbed and available to the community, and to provide legal protection on the land
against any future development
The development would concentrate on the parking lot area with not more than 180 units.
The Secretary said that multiple kinds of housing would be acceptable, whether it be age
restricted, senior housing, workforce housing, family units, but that he expected they'd be
self-contained living units, not a bed for short term rehab.
Town representatives and legislators suggested the state be more flexible on unit count,
that it is a constrained area and traffic mitigation measures are necessary.
Ms. Freiman noted litigation was not the Town’s preferred method of resolution, but the
Board would explore all options to protect the town, the residents, and to comply with the
statutory requirements The Town will discuss points of concern and request written
confirmation to support rescheduling a visioning session
The state's timeline for the project may need to be extended to allow for proper town
process (4-5 months)

Ms. Freiman wished everyone happy holidays and noted the next meeting would be in early
January.

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13. Adjournment

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The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 pm
The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 6:30 pm in Juliani Room, Town Hall.

10.
•

8:45 Chair’s Report
Update on MassBay/DCAMM Land Disposition Project

The Chair will update the Board and the public on the status of the Project and the letter sent by the Town to the
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) and the Division of Capital Asset Management and
Maintenance (DCAMM) on January 9th, 2026.

TOWN OF WELLESLEY

MAS SACHUS ETTS

SELECT BOARD

TOWN HALL • 525 WASHINGTON STREET • WELLESLEY, MA 02482-5992
MARJORIE R. FREIMAN , CHAIR
THOMAS H. ULFELDER, Vice Chair
COLETTE E. AUFRANC, Secretary
ELIZABETH SULLIVAN WOODS
KENNETH C. LARGESS III

FACSIMILE: (781) 239-1043
TELEPHONE: (781) 431-1019 X2201
WWW.WELLESLEYMA.GOV
MEGHAN C. JOP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES

January 9, 2026
Edward Augustus
Secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
100 Cambridge Street, #300
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Secretary Augustus:
The Town of Wellesley (the “Town”) appreciates the opportunity to submit the following
questions to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (“DCAMM”) and
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (“HLC”). The Town, on behalf of its
residents, wishes to engage in a constructive dialogue with DCAMM and HLC about the
Commonwealth’s plans to invoke the Affordable Home Act, Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 (the
“AHA”) to designate the property located at 40 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA (the “Property),
under the custody of Massachusetts Bay Community College (“Mass Bay”), as “surplus real
property” to be sold for “housing purposes” (the “Project”).
While it supports the underlying purpose of the AHA to promote housing and housing
affordability, the Town and its citizen constituents have serious concerns about the Project at the
Property and many questions on the meaning, effect, application, implementation, and
enforcement of the AHA in relation to the Project. The Town, therefore, sees this letter as the
opportunity for stakeholders to clarify, refine and, ultimately, reach a mutual understanding of the
AHA, the Project, and how the Project might be an appropriate use of the property within the
Wellesley community.

1

The following questions are fundamental to the Town’s understanding of the AHA, the
Project, and the Town’s ability to meaningfully engage the community. Because the timeline
established by DCAMM and HLC is tight, this letter and the questions herein are not an exhaustive
recitation of the Town’s questions, nor are they intended to convey any particular opinion or
position of the Town regarding the AHA, the Project, or the Property. Additional questions may
be forthcoming, as HLC and the Town agreed. Indeed, there remain so many open questions and
lack of clarity and detail that it is effectively impossible for the Town to assess properly and
formulate a constructive opinion or position about the Project at the Property. Thus, the Town
explicitly reserves all rights with respect to the AHA, the Project, the Property, and otherwise.
The following is the Town’s initial complement of questions intended to promote
productive discussion and greater clarity:
Foundational Questions about DCAMM, HLC, and Mass Bay’s Process:
The Town has a series of questions about how DCAMM, HLC and Mass Bay have
approached the question of identifying the Property as “surplus real property” under the statute,
and the rough details of the Project to be situated upon the five-acre parking lot portion of the
Property. Answers to the following questions would help the Town understand how and/or why
DCAMM, HLC and Mass Bay appear to have reached certain decisions about the Project at the
Property:
1. The AHA defines “surplus real property” as real property that has been determined to be
surplus to “current and foreseeable needs” of the Commonwealth or a state/public agency.
How has Mass Bay used the Property since it was acquired? Specifically, how has Mass
Bay classified and used the ±40-acre woodland area of the Property, and how has it
represented the Property in brochures, marketing and other materials provided to potential
students and the public?
2. It is the Town’s understanding that Mass Bay is presently using the Property, and indeed
has indicated a future need for parking on the Property, particularly the five-acre parking
lot portion. Why would DCAMM, HLC and Mass Bay determine that this portion of the
Property constitutes “surplus real property” under the statute?
3. The remaining ±40 acres of the Property are comprised of woodlands, adjacent to
Centennial Reservation, which have been used by the general public – residents of the
Town and surrounding communities – for recreational purposes for many decades, if not
over a century. Are DCAMM, HLC and Mass Bay aware of this extremely longstanding
public use?
4. What investigation has HLC and/or DCAMM conducted as to whether some or all of the
Property might be Article 97 land and thus protected by the Declaration of Rights? Has the
Department of Conservation & Recreation and/or other relevant stakeholders within the
Commonwealth been specifically asked this question?
5. In light of the foregoing, what is the legal basis for potentially determining that the Property
constitutes “surplus real property” under the statute?

2

6. Is the Commissioner’s determination of “surplus real property” reviewable by anyone or
any court? If not, what is the legal basis for this interpretation of reviewability/nonreviewability?
7. How did DCAMM/HLC and Mass Bay arrive upon the particular size and dimensions of
the parcel proposed as “surplus real property” on the westerly side of Oakland Street?
8. 180 dwelling units on the existing five-acre parking lot portion thereof reflects a density
level magnitudes greater (i.e., 36 units per acre) than allowed by Section 122 of the AHA
(i.e., 4 units per acre). Moreover, that density will present far greater development
challenges for the developer and the Town’s permit-granting authorities, as well as other,
potentially extensive, negative costs to the Wellesley community that those boards would
be duty-bound to consider. Would DCAMM/HLC consider a Project at the Property of
fewer than 180 dwelling units?
9. Why are DCAMM/HLC and Mass Bay only considering Mass Bay’s land on the westerly
side of Oakland Street as “surplus real property” under Section 121 of the AHA, and not
any of Mass Bay’s land on the opposite side of Oakland Street?
10. Would Mass Bay be willing to sell the Property, or the ±40-acre woodland area of the
Property, to the Town?
Questions about the Order of Operations for the Project under the AHA:
Next, the Town has questions and concerns about the sequence and order of logistical and
regulatory actions regarding the Project at the Property under the AHA, based on its recent
experiences with the MBTA Communities Act, G.L. c. 40A, § 3A and general experience with
administrative law and practice.
11. What is the anticipated timeline for release of the regulations implementing the AHA?
12. What is the legal basis for any RFP process moving ahead before regulations implementing
the AHA have been promulgated?
13. The Town has had to make multiple changes to its Zoning Bylaws recently, first in
connection with the adoption of amendments to the Zoning Act regarding accessory
dwelling units, and then again to conform to later-promulgated regulations implementing
the same provisions. There were similar issues with the Town’s MBTA Communities
zoning district, requiring Wellesley to take action at three separate Town Meetings. What
steps is DCAMM taking to ensure that any process implemented before the adoption of
regulations will not be inconsistent with the regulations it is considering?
14. What is the position of DCAMM and HLC relative to the applicability of the state
Administrative Procedures Act (G.L. c. 30A) to such regulations? If inapplicable, what is
the legal basis for such an interpretation?
15. How does the AHA, as reflected by DCAMM’s and HLC’s current nascent proposals for
the Project, not conflict with the Governor’s Biodiversity Conservation Goals for the
Commonwealth?

3

Questions about the Role of the Town in Relation to and Regulating the Project at the Property:
In the text of the AHA and from the preliminary dialogue among DCAMM/HLC, Mass
Bay, the Town and the public, the Town has a role to play in regulating and reviewing the Project
at the Property. As a practical matter, the Town would be supplying services directly to the residents
of the Project and the Project would impact the services being provided to all of the citizens of the
Town. However, from the Town’s perspective, there has been no clarity on the details of the Town’s
role. Answers to the following questions would be extremely helpful in beginning to clarify the
Town’s role:
Questions on Zoning Authority:
Section 122 of the AHA reads as an iteration of the Dover Amendment (G.L. c. 40A, § 3),
categorizing municipal zoning authority such that cities and towns must allow “residential use of
real property conveyed by the commissioner pursuant to section 121 for housing purposes as of
right[,]” while it expressly reserves municipal authority to regulate such projects according to
dimensions and density, subject to a mandatory 4-unit per acre allowance. Apart from this
provision, the AHA is silent relative to density of projects and uses under the AHA.
16. In light of the Town’s existing Educational zoning applicable to the approximately 45-acre
Mass Bay parcel, which does not permit residential use other than dormitories or
faculty/staff housing, what dimensional and bulk regulations would the Commonwealth
apply or require proposers to assume in responding to a DCAMM Request for Proposals
(RFP) issued pursuant to the AHA?
17. Can a town adopt zoning to regulate uses and projects commenced pursuant to, and
consonant with, the standards contained in, the AHA? If not, what is the legal basis for
such an interpretation?
18. Can a town regulate the bulk and height of structures, yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open
space and building coverage requirements of uses and projects commenced pursuant to the
AHA?
19. What is the standard under which administrative site plan review can be denied for AHA
projects? Can such site plan review ever end in denial? If not, what is the legal basis for
such an interpretation in relation to the AHA’s allowance for the use of this municipal
regulatory device or tool?
20. Can a municipality prohibit density above the 4-unit per acre baseline?
21. What is the legal basis for aggregating the number of units on a parcel under Section 122’s
density of 4 units per acre in an area that is less than the entire parcel?
22. How do physically/practicably unbuildable sections of land determined to be surplus
(wetland areas, extreme slope, ledge, etc.) factor into calculating the total number of units
that can be developed on a parcel, or in a particular aggregated area of a “surplus real
property” parcel?
23. If it is HLC/DCAMM’s position that unbuildable land, such as wetlands or land with
extreme slope, ledge, etc., can be counted for purposes of calculating the total number of
units that must be allowed as of right, what is the legal basis for that interpretation of the
statute? For instance, HLC’s regulations prohibit wetlands, water supply protection
districts, and conservation areas from being included in local MBTA Communities zoning
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districts under G.L. c. 40A, § 3A. What would be the basis for counting such areas with
respect to the density floor contained in Section 122 of the AHA, or for aggregated subset
area(s) of a “surplus real property” parcel?
Questions on other Land-Use Regulatory Authority:
The Town has received conflicting messages as to whether HLC/DCAMM understand that
state and local laws and regulations (that are not zoning laws/regulations), which impact the use
of land such as the Wetlands Protection Act, apply to land sold pursuant to the AHA.
24. Do the Wetlands Protection Act and local regulations promulgated thereunder remain
applicable to land sold under the AHA? What about board of health regulations? The
Building Code? If not, what is the statutory basis for that interpretation?
Practical Question Predicated on Residual Municipal Regulatory Authority:
25. Assuming that the AHA reserves some measure of local zoning and land use regulatory
authority over end uses and projects, shouldn’t any RFP be tailored to maximize the chance
of, if not conditioned to mandate, compliance with lawful local standards?
26. Given the applicability of local dimensional standards discussed above, and assuming the
AHA does not fully preempt local zoning and land use controls, is it DCAMM’s
expectation that an RFP be crafted in a manner that aligns proposed development with
applicable local requirements, rather than inviting proposals that would require
substantial zoning relief or override to proceed?
Questions about End Uses of the Project and Re-Use Restrictions:
The Town has questions and concerns about whether the end uses reflected by, and re-use
restrictions contemplated for, the Project as presently proposed comport with the statute. Answers
to the following questions would help to elucidate these issues:
Questions about End Uses:
Section 121(a) of AHA defines “housing purposes,” Section 121(b) empowers the
commissioner to convey “surplus real property” only for “housing purposes,” and Section
121(d)(4) requires that “[a]ll surplus real property . . . be conveyed with a restriction for housing
purposes[.]” Continued use by a state agency does not facially or textually meet the definition of
“housing purposes” under the statute.
27. How does the proposal to use a portion of the Property for Mass Bay parking align with
the statutory requirement that surplus land disposed of under the AHA be used solely for
housing purposes?
28. What future uses of the Property does Mass Bay intend?
29. As part of the Project, DCAMM/HLC have proposed a concomitant benefit to be conferred
on the Town, its residents and those members of the public who routinely use the ±40-acre
woodland area of the Property, by suggesting this area would be protected in perpetuity via
a conservation restriction. Would such a restriction violate the requirement that designated
“surplus real property” be used for “housing purposes”?

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Questions about Re-Use Restrictions:
Section 121(a) of the AHA expressly defines “affordable housing purposes” (consonant
with the inclusionary housing provisions of the Town’s Zoning Bylaw) and includes “affordable
housing purposes” explicitly within the definition of “housing purposes.”
30. What is the scope of “reuse restrictions” that may be imposed by DCAMM/HLC on a
parcel disposed of under the AHA?
31. Are the foregoing textual references themselves sufficient legal basis for re-use restrictions
to include an “affordable housing purposes” component as defined under the statute?
32. What types of reuse restrictions does DCAMM anticipate imposing on parcels sold under
the AHA?
33. Can DCAMM, as tentatively proposed, impose a conservation restriction upon the surplus
real property to be conveyed to a developer under the statute? Does the statute authorize
this type of restrictive covenant to be imposed?
Questions about Traffic Mitigation:
As residents, the Select Board, Senator Creem, Representative Peisch, and Town staff have
repeatedly advised DCAMM/HLC, the Town has profound concerns about traffic on the relevant
stretch of Oakland Road leading to the intersection with State Highway Route 9. Answers to the
following questions would be a good start in addressing these concerns:
34. Have or would DCAMM/HLC and Mass Bay condition acceptance of any bid for the
Project on requiring that access to the relocated campus parking come directly from State
Highway Route 9 rather than from Oakland Street (which already struggles to handle the
existing traffic level)?
35. The Town anticipates that the Project will have significant traffic impacts, including on
Route 9. How can MassDOT be required to engage with the Town on planning and
mitigation (including potential expansion of the right of way from Mass Bay Campus land)
sooner rather than later?
36. What will DCAMM/HLC do to ensure that the developer will work with the Town on
traffic planning and mitigation in connection with the Project? Can DCAMM condition the
acceptance of any offer made pursuant to an RFP upon the developer conducting a traffic
study and committing to adequate mitigation under generally accepted traffic engineering
principles?
37. Can DCAMM/HLC require a future developer of the Property to enter into a binding
development agreement with the Town? If so, will DCAMM/HLC impose such a
requirement upon the Project in any RFP?
The Town appreciates DCAMM’s and HLC’s commitment to considering and responding
to these questions, looks forward to reviewing the Commonwealth’s complete and substantive
responses in due course, and plans to follow up with further questions to continue a constructive
dialogue with the Commonwealth. The Town’s and the Commonwealth’s interests, both intended
to further the public interest, are intended to and should be aligned. It would be counterproductive
and self-defeating if efforts to encourage these goals, reflected in the questions set forth in this
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letter, received insufficient consideration or were not answered in full. The Town thanks DCAMM
and HLC in advance and in anticipation of their thoughtful answers to its questions and stands
ready to provide any further clarity requested to assist in providing such responses.
Sincerely,

Corey B. Testa
Assistant Executive Director
Town of Wellesley
Cc:

Marjorie R. Freiman, Chair, Wellesley Select Board
Thomas H. Ulfelder, Vice Chair, Wellesley Select Board
Meghan C. Jop, Executive Director
Representative Alice H. Peisch, Assistant Majority Leader
Senator Cynthia S. Creem, Majority Leader
Thomas Harrington, Esq., Harrington Heep LLP
Eric Reustle, Esq., Harrington Heep LLP
Nicholas P. Shapiro, Esq., Phillips & Angley, P.C.
Robert K. Hopkins, Esq., Phillips & Angley, P.C.

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