Select Board Meeting Recap: August 20, 2026
The Select Board met at Town Hall and via Teams on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Below are the key highlights from the meeting (not official minutes).
Dedham Police Plan Road Race for 2027
The Board approved the First Annual “No Quig Deal” Four-Mile Road Race, organized by Dedham Police to honor Sergeant James Quigley. The race follows the former Rally for Sally Road Race route, with proceeds benefiting Sgt. Quigley’s family.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Leon I. Goodwin provided the following updates:
- Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee: Continues meeting regularly; community engagement coming this Fall.
- Short-term rentals / Airbnb: The Town is actively responding to complaints and working with Planning and Building to discuss regulatory options.
- Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program: Conversations with nonprofits continue.
- Budget Planning: FY28 budget planning underway; Town faces an estimated $2M annual structural deficit.
Swearing-In Ceremony: Dedham Police Sergeant
The Select Board held a ceremony for Sergeant Brian Crump, recognizing his 27 years of service and leadership within the department.
Public Health Nurse: Overdose Awareness & Recovery Month
Dedham’s Public Health Nurse Katie Paciorkowski presented upcoming observances by the Town:
- International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31
- Purple flag display at Barnes Memorial Park beginning Aug. 24
- Community remembrance vigil at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31
- National Recovery Month is September
- Recovery Coach information session (Sept. 15)
- Community naloxone training (Sept. 24)
- “Wear Purple Day” (Sept. 30)
The Select Board issued proclamations supporting these observances.
Human Rights Commission Presentation
Representatives from the Human Rights Commission (HRC), Lance Hartford (Chair) and Maureen Hurley (member), presented an overview of its work, including:
- HRC mission to promote inclusion, education, and celebration of community diversity
- Recent programming (MLK Day, Pride, Juneteenth, BIPOC Day)
- Interest in collaborating on public statements, diversifying civic leadership, and participating more directly in board/committee recruitment
Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission Presentation
Tara Ikenouye, Chair of the Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission provided the following updates:
- Overview of Dedham’s local and national historic districts
- Explanation of homeowner review processes and preservation standards
- Recent survey projects and National Register updates
- Upcoming priorities, including digital permitting integration (OpenGov), educational outreach on energy‑efficient retrofits, and potential National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Dedham Powder House
Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP) Update
Town Environmental Specialist Leonel Lainez and Ron Willey, member of the Open Space & Recreation Subcommittee shared a detailed update on the 2026 OSRP:
- Completed a multi‑month engagement process including forums, surveys, and nine mini‑sessions
- Expanded 10‑year action plan informed by public feedback
- Recent accomplishments across parks, trails, signage, land acquisition, and conservation partnerships
- Request for Select Board’s letter of support for final submission to the state
The Select Board voted to support the updated plan.
Sewer Inflow Removal Program
Director of Engineering Jason Mammone presented the proposed new Private Inflow Removal Program to remove illegal sump pump and drain connections affecting the Bonham/Greensboro Road neighborhood, including:
- Town will fund necessary corrections (approx. $250,000), with homeowners selecting contractors
- Eliminating prohibited connections benefits both impacted neighborhoods and Townwide MWRA costs
- Letters to homeowners will be issued beginning in September
The Select Board voted unanimously to adopt the program.
Facilities Master Plan (FMP) Steering Committee Update
As its representative to the Steering Committee, Select Board Vice Chair Dimitria Sullivan provided the following update on the FMP Project:
- Arrowstreet will present municipal building options to community this Fall
- School model options expected to be selected in late September
- Community listening session: October 7 at 7 p.m. at Parks & Recreation Building (former Capen School)
More Information
This document is a summary/recap of a public meeting and does not replace official meeting minutes.
