Select Board Meeting Recap: May 28, 2026
The Select Board met on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Town Hall and via Zoom. Below are the key highlights from the meeting:
Town Manager’s Report
The Town Manager shared several updates:
- Outreach to nonprofits continues following the Town’s new PILOT policy. Several organizations have already responded, and one has committed to making a payment.
- Condon Park Splash Pad will be opening soon with a larger celebration planned for late June.
- The Council on Aging (COA) will hold its annual Senior Prom on Wednesday, June 10 and those interested can all 781-751-9495 to RSVP.
- The Town will soon update its web domain to match its email addresses (remove the hyphen from the URL).
- A new tool will allow residents to sign up for text alerts from the Town Manager’s Office later in June.
Outdoor Dining Jersey Barriers
The Select Board discussed concerns about the appearance of outdoor dining barriers in the Square. Board Members agreed to explore design options, learn from other communities, and consider updates to local guidelines.
Consent Agenda
The Select Board approved several requests, including:
- Use of the Town Green for community events and outdoor fitness classes
- One‑day entertainment and alcohol licenses
- Block party approvals
- Acceptance of a $1,200 donation to the Youth Commission
Public Hearing: Rivian Class 1 License
Representatives from Rivian outlined plans to open an electric vehicle showroom at Legacy Place. The location will display vehicles and offer test drives, but all purchases will be completed online. The Select Board approved the Class 1 license.
Grant Awards
Town staff presented two newly awarded grants:
- A $130,000 Community Compact IT Grant to digitize permanent and historic records and create a searchable public archive
- A $6,905 public safety grant to support police staffing needs during FIFA World Cup events
The Select Board voted to accept both grants.
Public Hearing: Stock Transfer – Abby’s Beverly Inc.
The Select Board approved a stock transfer resulting in one individual becoming the sole owner of Abby’s Beverly Inc., with no expected changes to daily operations.
Sawmill Lane Artwork Selection
The Select Board finalized selections for 40 art pieces that will be installed along the Sawmill Lane Pollinator Pathway. The project is supported by a $30,000 grant. Mother Brook Arts & Community Center will notify selected artists and coordinate installation.
Commission on Disability Candidate Statements
Four current members shared their interest in continuing to serve another term, describing their experience and goals for supporting accessibility in Dedham. The Select Board voted to advance all candidates.
Old & New Business
- The Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee continues its work, including reviewing existing building conditions and discussing survey findings. The next major public meeting will be Monday, June 15 at 7PM at Dedham Middle School.
- Select Board members noted upcoming World Cup‑related commuter rail impacts. Town will be pushing out reminders and information to the community.
- Community events were highlighted, including a puppy adoption event on June 1 and the upcoming Flag Day Parade on June 14.
- The Town recognized staff and volunteers who supported Memorial Day events.
More Information
This document is a summary/recap of a public meeting and does not replace official meeting minutes.
