Prior to joining the Brookline Select Board, I found it difficult to keep up with what the Board was doing from one week to the next.

In an effort to improve transparency, I am launching a weekly email to help keep you informed on the work of the Select Board from my perspective.

The email will include a summary of actions taken at the last Select Board meeting, items on the agenda for the next meeting, and other relevant matters that are on my mind.

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

It is always my intent to help as best I can. Please let me know if this type of update is useful and how I might improve it.

Warmest Regards

Paul Warren

Last Meeting - February 13, 2024

Rental Assistance - Board authorized the use of $129,000 from the Housing Trust Fund to support a rental assistance program based on a similar program piloted by the Brookline Community Development Corporation. A Request For Proposal (RFP) will be issued pending a program structure and legal review. View Meeting Segment

Zoom Protocols for Public Meetings - Board discussed a policy proposal that would require Boards and Commissions to utilize Zoom in a way that more closely simulates in-person meetings. Action deferred for two weeks. View Meeting Segment

Recording Public Meetings - Board discussed requiring that certain Boards and Commissions record all public meetings. Staff will investigate and make a recommendation at a future meeting. View Meeting Segment

Noise Bylaw Waiver - Board approved a request from National Grid for work to be performed at Rt 9 and Hammond Street, April 16 - 19th, for patch repairs. View Meeting Segment

Miscellaneous Items - Board approved the following items as part of its consent agenda.

• Banner at Warren Field for the BHS Baseball Sponsorship program.
• Accept $600 donation to The Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations.
• Accept grant of $35,000 from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Department of Fire Services.
• Accept $30,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability.
• Hiring of an IT Data Center Manager and Library Assistant.
• Request for a temporary Wine and Malt Beverages license by the Brookline Education Foundation.

Links:

• Complete Meeting Video
• Meeting Agenda and Packet

Next Meeting - Tuesday, February 20 @ 6pm

In addition to Public Comment, the following items are on the Agenda

Presidential Primary - Executing the Warrant for the March 5 Presidential Primary.

Appropriation Transfer - Request to transfer $141,917.50 from Planning and Community Development to the Department of Public Works Parks and Open Space Division.

FY2025 Financial Plan - Town Administrator Chas Carey and Deputy Town Administrator Melissa Goff will present the FY 2025 Financial Plan to a joint meeting of the Select Board and Advisory Committee.

Links:

• Meeting Agenda and Packet
• Zoom Registration
• FY-2025 Financial Plan

What's on My Mind

Condition of our Roadways - I recently sent an email asking for feedback on budget priorities. The #1 response was to improve the conditions of our roads. This request came from many perspectives including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. I have had conversations with the Town Administrator and the Commissioner of Public Works on this subject and hope to see this topic taken up by the Select Board in the near future.

Washington Street Complete Streets Project - Washington Street is being redesigned between Washington Square (at Beacon Street) and Brookline Village (at Route 9) using a Complete Streets approach. The project has generated a lot of interest from the community including questions about the type and extent of potential changes. I have asked that an update on the status of the project be added to an upcoming Select Board Meeting.