Bellingham's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
229 items across 22 meetings.
July 6, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Year-end budget transfers reviewed jointly with Finance Committee at 7:00 PM.
📋 Proposed
Coming up July 6: interviews of applicants William O'Connell Jr., Jason Morin, Beverly Pierce, Timothy McWade, and Anna Colvell; more candidates July 20.
💬 Discussed
Continued discussion and vote on a trash rate increase at 8:00 PM on July 6.
💰 Trash rate increase, amount unspecified
📋 Proposed
Bid award for water and sewer treatment chemicals purchased through the SERSG cooperative.
📋 Proposed
Vote on tax abatement requests spanning December through May.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept gifts and grants received by the town.
📋 Proposed
Vote to execute a local regulatory and use agreement with Curtis Apartments Bellingham LLC.
📋 Proposed
Vote on June 15 and June 22, 2026 minutes.
June 22, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Chairman Hennessy opened the meeting at 6:00 PM; Mr. Martinis was absent, limiting action to discussion only.
💬 Discussed
Trash fund projected to hit ~$2.5M deficit by FY31; Option 1 is 12.5% in FY27 then 5%/yr (single-family +~$13/quarter); Option 2 is 7.5%/yr (+~$7/quarter); vote deferred to July 6.
💰 FY27 trash budget $2,308,450; Option 1 single-family +~$13/quarter (senior +~$8); Option 2 +~$7/quarter (senior +~$4)
💬 Discussed
Consultant recommends ending the per-unit discount for multifamily properties so every unit pays the same rate as a single-family home.
💰 Multifamily units currently pay a discounted per-unit rate; elimination would raise each unit to full single-family rate
💬 Discussed
Board discussed reviewing Recycle Center expenses and creating a capital plan to address items needing attention; no specifics decided.
June 15, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Annual reorganization of the Select Board (officer roles).
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on transferring all-alcohol, common victualer, and weekday entertainment licenses from Uno Restaurant LLC to NURURH Sub 1 LLC at 205 Hartford Ave.
📍 205 Hartford Ave.
📋 Proposed
Hearing on National Grid's request to remove public shade trees.
📋 Proposed
7:30 PM interview of a candidate for the Historical Commission.
📋 Proposed
Application to change manager and officers/directors/LLC managers.
📋 Proposed
Application to change officers/directors/LLC managers.
📋 Proposed
Awarding a contract to rehabilitate the Chestnut Street water standpipe.
📍 Chestnut Street
📋 Proposed
Awarding a contract for the Well 10 access road.
📋 Proposed
Awarding a contract for sewer improvements at the Middle School.
📋 Proposed
Discussion and authorization to engage a consultant for the Hartford Ave District Improvement Financing program, with timeline for potential implementation.
📍 Hartford Ave
📋 Proposed
Authorization of a contract with Hilb Group to study health insurance.
📋 Proposed
Proposed increases to Silver Lake visitor day pass and seasonal pass rates for non-residents.
📍 Silver Lake
📋 Proposed
Vote to appoint Town Counsel.
📋 Proposed
Acceptance of a deed to property on Freeman Street, Assessor's Parcel 94-73.
📍 Freeman Street (Parcel 94-73)
📋 Proposed
Annual appointments, including amending the May 18 vote to change Interim Tree Warden to Acting Tree Warden.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept gifts/grants received.
📋 Proposed
Vote on upcoming Select Board meeting dates.
📋 Proposed
Vote on June 1, 2026 meeting and executive session minutes.
📋 Proposed
Council on Aging Director Josie Dutil to be honored with the Commonwealth Pride Award at the State House June 17.
📋 Proposed
Closed session on litigation: Wall Street Development regarding 119 South Maple and Blackstone Street/Maddie's Way, and ZPB 2020-030 LLC over a ZBA special permit denial.
📍 119 South Maple; Blackstone Street/Maddie's Way
June 1, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Chairman Hennessy presented a proclamation and plaque to Board member Ann Odabashian for over 19 years of service.
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0-1 to appoint Joseph Altomonte to the Cemetery Commission to fill an unexpired term; Altomonte offered to waive the stipend.
💰 Stipend waived by appointee
❌ Denied
National Grid withdrew its plan to install a new pole ~135 ft northeast of Pulaski Blvd on Center Street; Board closed the hearing and took no action.
📍 Center Street near Pulaski Blvd
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0-1 to approve a new utility pole ~100 ft south of Scott Street on South Main Street to support a new recloser for voltage reliability.
📍 South Main Street near Scott Street
🔄 Postponed
Transfer of all-alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses from Uno Restaurant LLC to NURURH Sub 1 LLC continued to June 15, 2026 because the applicant was absent.
📍 205 Hartford Ave
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to waive the permit-denial tied to outstanding back taxes at 11 Summer Street, allowing prospective buyer Owen Harren to pursue a ZBA special permit for a small engineering office/prototype shop.
📍 11 Summer Street
🔄 Postponed
Item was passed over with no action taken.
📍 Chestnut Street
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to approve Option 1, adding 44 parking spaces, an emergency-only gate to the high school driveway, and potential rear access to the police station; funded by a $65,000 federal earmark for Phase 1 design.
💰 $65,000 federal earmark for design
📍 Senior Center
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0-1 to designate Unit 2 (Building 1) and Unit 10 (Building 2) at Whitman Acres as affordable/low-income units under the Local Initiative Program, triggered by the inclusionary bylaw for the Blackstone Street development.
📍 267 Blackstone Street
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to appoint Ryan Jennings to the Open Space and Recreation Committee and Kaya Sahin as a volunteer to lead trail map work.
✅ Approved
Board approved minutes from May 4, May 18, and May 27, 2026.
💬 Discussed
854 residents attended the Annual Town Meeting, described as outstanding turnout.
💬 Discussed
A leaf pile spontaneously combusted at the recycling center; tanker trucks from Hopedale, Milford, and Mendon assisted due to no nearby water source.
📍 Recycling Center
💬 Discussed
ZBA will hold a hearing on a proposed 58-unit age-restricted affordable housing development on Depot Street.
📍 Depot Street
💬 Discussed
Town staff met with consultants to scope work for a District Improvement Financing Program; details to follow at a future meeting.
💬 Discussed
Town received grant funding last fall for a feasibility study on the Center Street Housing Authority parcel; RFP is being finalized.
📍 Center Street
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to enter executive session to review/release prior executive session minutes and discuss strategy for Town Administrator contract negotiations.
June 1, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: interview of Joseph Altomonte for the Cemetery Commission.
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: hearing on installing a new utility pole (#64) about 100 feet south of Scott Street to hold a recloser improving South Main Street power reliability.
📍 South Main Street near Scott Street
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: hearing on a new utility pole near Pulaski Blvd to hold a recloser improving Center Street power reliability.
📍 Center Street near Pulaski Blvd
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: hearing on transferring the all-alcohol, common victualer, and entertainment licenses from Uno Restaurant to new operator NURURH Sub 1 LLC.
📍 205 Hartford Ave
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: vote on waiving the denial of permits for back taxes at 11 Summer Street under G.L. c.40 §57.
📍 11 Summer Street
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: bid award for rehabilitating the Chestnut Street standpipe (water storage tank).
📍 Chestnut Street
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: discussion and vote on the design of the Senior Center parking lot.
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: vote to designate two units at Whitman Circle as eligible for the state's affordable-housing inventory under a Local Initiative Program application.
📍 Whitman Circle
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: appointment to the Open Space and Recreation Committee.
📋 Proposed
Vote on May 4, May 18, and May 27, 2026 minutes.
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: closed session to review and decide release of various executive session minutes.
📋 Proposed
Coming up June 1: closed session on negotiation strategy for the Town Administrator's contract.
May 18, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0 a food license for Paris Baguette, a French café/bakery opening at 253 Hartford Ave Suite C in Charles River Plaza, operating 6AM-10PM daily.
📍 253 Hartford Ave Suite C
✅ Approved
Granted a second 90-day temporary Class III license; most inspection items resolved but two leaking drums in a box trailer still need mitigation before final approval.
✅ Approved
Appointed Christopher Kerkhoff, a 7-year resident, to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.
💬 Discussed
Most paving this season hits the south end of town; the Hartford Ave traffic project faces a $5.8M shortfall despite $5.5M in grants, with the bid valid only until July 22.
💰 $5.8M shortfall; $5.5M grant plus expected $2.66M from WS
📍 Hartford Ave; south end of Town
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator is exploring DIF — using new development's increased tax revenue to fund infrastructure — to close the Hartford Ave gap; it wouldn't affect tax rates but needs Town Meeting approval.
💰 Would not affect tax rate or count as debt
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0 a one-year extension of an access road agreement giving the Town direct access to a potential new well site.
✅ Approved
Appointed project manager Barry Lariviere as interim Tree Warden.
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0 an intermunicipal agreement for dispatch services with the Town of Holbrook, including a strong exit clause.
✅ Approved
Designated the substitute custodian position as a special employee, allowing a current custodian to work extra hours in that role.
🔄 Postponed
Tabled until June 1; board considering assigning Kaya Sahin to trail maps and appointing Mr. Jennings to the open seat.
✅ Approved
Re-appointed Kevin Staley to the Cultural Council for a 3-year term.
✅ Approved
Approved 4-1 (Spencer abstaining) installation of a new utility pole on Pulaski Blvd.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator warned departments have maxed out budget cuts and further cuts would hit services and staff; $1.6M free cash to be allocated, leaving an estimated $174,000 balance.
💰 $1.6M free cash allocated; ~$174,000 remaining; 5-7% stabilization recommended
✅ Approved
Approved prior meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Owners are stepping back from the 800-unit proposal and bringing in a new developer to better fit the Town's needs.
📍 New England Country Club
💬 Discussed
Town declined to accept Lakeview Estates streets after peer reviewers found inconsistencies in as-built plans; goal to resolve and accept by Fall Town Meeting.
📍 Lakeview Estates
💬 Discussed
Town staff working to wrap up Duhamel Way street acceptance in time for Fall Town Meeting.
📍 Duhamel Way
🗳️ Voted on
Voted 5-0 by roll call to enter executive session to review and release prior executive session minutes.
May 18, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on a food-service license for Paris Baguette at 253 Hartford Ave Suite C, coming up May 18.
📍 253 Hartford Ave Suite C
💬 Discussed
Update and review of license status for John's Used Auto, a used-car dealer, coming up May 18.
💬 Discussed
Interview of Christopher Kerkhoff for a Norfolk County representative position, coming up May 18.
💬 Discussed
DPW Director to update on upcoming road projects and discuss Hartford Ave traffic improvements and next steps, coming up May 18.
📍 Hartford Ave
📋 Proposed
Authorization to execute a revised access agreement with Varney Bros. Sand & Gravel, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote to appoint an interim Tree Warden, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote to execute an intermunicipal agreement for dispatch services with the Town of Holbrook, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote on special municipal employee designation for a substitute custodian, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Appointment to the Open Space and Recreation Committee, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Re-appointment of Kevin Staley to the Cultural Council, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote on a National Grid utility pole petition, coming up May 18.
💬 Discussed
Discussion on Annual Town Meeting, the FY27 budget, and next steps, coming up May 18.
📋 Proposed
Vote to approve prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Board to enter executive session to review and approve release of past executive session minutes from multiple 2025–2026 dates.
May 4, 2026 · minutes
🔄 Postponed
Public hearing closed 3-0; vote on installing a mid-span pole (~55 ft from P101-1) deferred to next meeting so a quorum can vote — Spencer abstained.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to approve transfer of the Package Store Wine & Malt Beverages License from New Frank Corp. to SHEDA, Inc. (same manager, same location, new corporate partner).
📍 20 North Main Street
💬 Discussed
Board interviewed two candidates — Kaya Sahin (trail mapping, former Conservation Dept. intern) and Ryan Jennings (youth sports volunteer, land preservation focus) — for appointment.
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to officially sanction the May 17 parade (1 PM, Middel School to Town Common); Chief Fitzgerald noted a permitting process will be required going forward.
💬 Discussed
Proposed agreement would route all 911 and fire calls to Holbrook's dispatch center; described as cost-neutral via reduced capital expenses and contingent on Holbrook's State 911 grant — both towns' counsels are reviewing, vote expected at next meeting.
💰 Cost-neutral per Chief Fitzgerald; dependent on State 911 grant funding
💬 Discussed
If the override fails: 37 staff positions eliminated, all middle/high school sports and extracurriculars cut, late buses eliminated, and building maintenance reduced by $150,000; FY26 total school cost was ~$41M with $26M from the town.
💰 $41M total FY26 school cost; $26M town contribution; $150,000 maintenance cut if override fails
💬 Discussed
Town carpenters recently completed dugout upgrades at the Harpin Street baseball fields.
📍 Harpin Street
💬 Discussed
Additional funding secured after a budget shortfall; contracts being finalized and bids will be solicited to complete the ADA improvements.
📍 Blackstone Street
💬 Discussed
Algonquin Gas is testing the existing pipeline ahead of a planned expansion; public open house May 14 at Coachmen's Lodge.
📍 Coachmen's Lodge
💬 Discussed
State housing office granted project eligibility for the senior and veteran housing project at 46 Depot St, allowing the applicant to finalize their application and seek ZBA approval.
📍 46 Depot Street
💬 Discussed
The town was targeted by a scam emailing board applicants to pay fees via wire transfer; the town states it will never request wire payments.
💬 Discussed
New flooring installed in the library's activity room over April vacation.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned 4-0 at 8:30 PM.
May 4, 2026 · agenda
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on National Grid plan 31282407 to install a mid-span pole (P101-2) about 55ft from P101-1 on Pulaski Blvd, plus underground laterals and wires.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
📋 Proposed
Hearing on transferring the package store wine & malt license from New Frank Corp. to SHEDA, Inc. (dba Bellingham Beer & Wine), manager Nimaben Patel.
📍 20 North Main Street
📋 Proposed
Candidate Kaya Sahin to be interviewed for the Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee.
📋 Proposed
Jim Hastings to present parade details, with a board vote to sanction the parade.
📋 Proposed
Vote on an intermunicipal agreement with Holbrook for cooperative operation of a primary Fire/911 dispatch system.
💬 Discussed
School Committee presents the FY27 budget.
• Status unclear
Standard closing agenda items for additional business and the Town Administrator's report.
April 27, 2026 · minutes
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted 4-0 to support naming High Street Field 1
✅ Approved
Board approved a Class 1 motor vehicle dealers license for Cranes 101, Inc. at 57 Mendon St., limited to 4 on-site trucks, indoor upfitting, and online-only vehicle sales.
📍 57 Mendon Street
✅ Approved
Town Administrator's appointment of Rachel Benson as Town Planner was ratified 4-0.
✅ Approved
Town Administrator's appointment of Caleb Moody as Director of Inspections/Inspector of Buildings was ratified 4-0.
✅ Approved
Board approved upgrading Jema, Inc. dba Famous House of Pizza's license from wine & malt to all alcoholic beverages; drinks will be prepared in kitchen/basement, not at a bar.
📍 40 North Main Street
🔄 Postponed
Hearing continued to May 4, 2026 after National Grid's representative was absent; proposal is to install a mid-span pole (P101-2) roughly 55 ft from P101-1 on Pulaski Blvd.
📍 Pulaski Boulevard
💬 Discussed
Auditors reported a $4.4M net operational surplus for FY25 and an AA+ credit rating, but flagged low contributions to the Post-Employment Trust Fund against a $47M liability.
💰 $4.4M surplus; $47M post-employment liability
💬 Discussed
Town faces a $1.6M FY27 deficit driven by a $3.3M health-insurance cost jump, reduced new growth, and rising retirement/utility costs; a Prop 2½ override is being considered, with a tax-impact calculator to be posted online.
💰 $1.6M deficit; $3.3M health insurance increase; ~$468K in departmental cuts; $3.7M free cash certified last year
✅ Approved
Richard Marcoux appointed to Town Common Trustees, 4-0; he has served the Town for 54 years.
✅ Approved
Board accepted the deed for Union Cemetery at 84 Mechanic St. as Town-owned property, completing the acquisition authorized at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
📍 84 Mechanic Street
✅ Approved
Michael Forrest appointed to Board of Registrars on a 3-1 vote, with Mr. Martinis dissenting in favor of another candidate.
✅ Approved
Board signed the warrant for the June 2, 2026 Annual Town Election, which includes the Prop 2½ override ballot question.
✅ Approved
Board accepted a $10,000 donation from Edward W. Guzowski for the Historical Commission's firetruck restoration account.
💰 $10,000 donation
✅ Approved
Board consented 4-0 to allow KP Law to review an inter-municipal agreement (IMA) with Holbrook on Bellingham's behalf, even though KP Law also represents Holbrook in an unrelated matter.
💬 Discussed
Memorial Day Parade set for May 17; nonprofits are invited to participate in the July 4th fireworks festivities.
✅ Approved
Prior meeting minutes approved 4-0 as submitted.
April 27, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Parks Commission chairman William Roberts to discuss dedicating the High Street field, coming up April 27.
📍 High Street
📋 Proposed
Vote on a Class I auto dealers license for Cranes 101 at 57 Mendon Street, coming up April 27.
📍 57 Mendon Street
📋 Proposed
Ratification of Rachel Benson as Town Planner and Caleb Moody as Inspector of Buildings, coming up April 27.
🔄 Postponed
Continued hearing on National Grid's plan 31282407 to install a mid-span pole (P101-2) about 55ft from P101-1 plus underground laterals on Pulaski Blvd.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
📋 Proposed
Hearing on Jema, Inc. dba Famous House of Pizza request to upgrade from wine & malt to all alcoholic beverages at 40 North Main Street.
📍 40 North Main Street
📋 Proposed
Robert Brown II to present review of the town's FY25 audited financial statements, coming up April 27.
📋 Proposed
Town Administrator Joseph Laydon to discuss Town Meeting process and update the FY27 budget, coming up April 27.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept deed for Union Cemetery at 84 Mechanic Street.
📍 84 Mechanic Street
📋 Proposed
Execution of the warrant for the June 2, 2026 Annual Town Election.
📋 Proposed
Vote on a Board of Registrars appointment.
📋 Proposed
Vote to appoint Richard Marcoux as Town Common Trustee.
📋 Proposed
Vote to accept gifts or grants received by the town.
📋 Proposed
Vote on March 16 and April 6 meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Determination and consent under Rule 1.7 of Mass. professional conduct rules to review an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Holbrook.
April 6, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Board observed a moment of silence for Denis Fraine, who passed away March 17, 2026.
• Status unclear
Sergeant Henderson promoted and new officer Ryan Tracey sworn in by the Town Clerk.
• Status unclear
Officers Ribeiro and Gonthier and resident Matthew Hunt honored with plaques for life-saving efforts.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously backed Police Chief's push to return Bellingham's criminal court jurisdiction from Milford/Worcester County to Wrentham, citing Norfolk County alignment and shorter travel for victims and witnesses.
🗳️ Voted on
Uno Chicago Grill, Sol De Mexico, and Bellingham Beer & Wine each got a written warning after failing alcohol compliance checks (selling to a 20-year-old); all first-time offenses.
💬 Discussed
Kevin Keppler and Mike Forrest interviewed for registrar openings; appointments deferred to the next meeting.
✅ Approved
Amanda Verdone appointed to the Open Space and Recreation Committee, 5-0.
🔄 Postponed
Public hearing closed on Cranes 101's used-vehicle dealer license; conditions on noise and traffic to be drafted, with license decision set for April 27, 2026.
✅ Approved
Board authorized 11 regional procurement contracts covering guardrails, line painting, crack sealing, catch basin cleaning, sidewalk/curb construction, and hot-mix asphalt paving (Zone B).
• Status unclear
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new PFAS water treatment facility set for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
✅ Approved
Board adopted a formal road-acceptance policy putting cost and procedural responsibility on developers, giving them a clear, consistent process for getting streets accepted by the Town.
✅ Approved
Kerry Farrell appointed to the Parks Commission to fill an unexpired term, 5-0.
✅ Approved
Board accepted small donations totaling about $135.50, mostly for the Fire Prevention account.
💰 $30, $50, $50 (Fire Prevention); $5.50 (Celebration)
✅ Approved
March 2 meeting minutes approved as submitted.
💬 Discussed
Updates: July 4th fireworks planning underway; Town Planner offer accepted; ZP Battery solar project before Zoning Board; Candlelight Estates street acceptance expected this fall; Road Committee reviewing paving, Hartford Avenue, and Grove/Depot Street intersection; Finance Committee finishing warrant recommendations by end of April.
📍 Hartford Avenue; Grove Street and Depot Street; Candlelight Estates
April 6, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Coming up April 6: ceremonial recognition of police officers, including promotions and life-saving awards.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 6: discussion of proposed legislation to shift Bellingham's court jurisdiction back to Wrentham District Court.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 6: hearings on alcohol violations by three local establishments, with possible penalties.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 6: candidate interviews for Board of Registrars positions.
💬 Discussed
Coming up April 6: candidate interview for the Open Space & Recreation Committee.
🔄 Postponed
Coming up April 6: continued hearing on Cranes 101, Inc.'s application for a Class I Dealers License at 57 Mendon Street.
📍 57 Mendon Street
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 6: awarding annual bids procured through the Southeast Regional Services Group.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 6: vote to adopt a policy governing how the town accepts streets.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 6: appointment of Kerry Farrell to the Parks Commission.
📋 Proposed
Coming up April 6: vote to accept gifts or grants received by the town.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
💬 Discussed
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Hartford Ave PFAS water treatment plant scheduled for April 16 at 10:00 AM.
📍 Hartford Avenue
• Status unclear
Coming up April 6: routine update from the Town Administrator.
March 16, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0 (one abstention) to place a school-funding override question on the 2026 Annual Town Election ballot, citing a school department budget deficit.
💰 Override would raise property taxes; amount not specified
🔄 Postponed
Hearing on installing a mid-span utility pole (P101-2) on Pulaski Blvd was opened but continued to the second April meeting because National Grid's rep was on storm duty.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
✅ Approved
Board granted John's Used Auto a 60-day temporary Class III license after a complaint and DEP-flagged fire and cleanup deficiencies; final determination due May 18.
💬 Discussed
An energy developer wants to lease Town land off William Way near transmission lines for battery storage; Town must issue an RFP and get Town Meeting approval before proceeding.
💰 Potential lease revenue to Town
📍 William Way
✅ Approved
Board reopened the warrant to add three zoning bylaw amendments, two street acceptance articles, and a charter change to the CFO role, then executed the 2026 warrant.
🗳️ Voted on
Board sent three zoning amendments—definitions, use regulations, and a new drive-through regulations article—back to the Planning Board for review before the May 27 Town Meeting.
✅ Approved
Board approved Town Administrator and Select Board annual appointments, including Sharon Blanchard, Tsune Roberts, Brenda Griffin, and William Roberts to various commissions.
✅ Approved
Approved a Common Victualler license for Bellingham Youth Baseball from April 1–November 30, 2026, with the annual fee waived.
💰 Annual fee waived
✅ Approved
Board voted to name the municipal center the Denis C. Fraine Municipal Center.
✅ Approved
February 21 meeting minutes approved as submitted.
✅ Approved
Next Select Board meeting moved from April 20 (a holiday) to April 27.
💬 Discussed
Updates: $959,752 FY24 federal community project funding expected; state site visit for 46 Depot St 40B (affordable-housing) project; $22,500 reserve transfer for Old Town Hall asbestos work; Toll Brothers acquired Red Mill on the Charles development.
💰 $959,752 federal funding; $22,500 asbestos mitigation
📍 46 Depot Street; Old Town Hall
March 16, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Open public comment period at the start of the meeting.
📋 Proposed
Coming up March 16: vote on whether to ask voters to approve a tax override (raising property taxes above the normal limit) at the town election.
💰 Potential property tax increase if override passes
📋 Proposed
Hearing on National Grid's petition to install a mid-span pole (P101-2) about 55ft from P101-1 and run underground laterals on Pulaski Blvd.
📍 Pulaski Blvd
📋 Proposed
Hearing on the status of the 2026 used-auto license renewal for John's Used Auto.
📍 85 Hartford Ave
💬 Discussed
Discussion of a land lease at William Way.
📍 William Way
📋 Proposed
Votes to open, amend/insert articles into, and close the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, setting what residents will vote on.
📋 Proposed
Coming up March 16: vote to refer proposed zoning changes — including new drive-through regulations and updated use/definition rules — to the Planning Board for review.
📋 Proposed
Annual appointments to town boards and committees.
📋 Proposed
Vote on food-service license renewal for Bellingham Youth Baseball.
📋 Proposed
Confirmation vote regarding the Denis C. Fraine Municipal Center.
📋 Proposed
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
March 2, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Fully funding health insurance creates a $1.6M deficit; schools face a $4.1M shortfall that would require cutting ~36 staff, and the Board signaled voters should decide on an override.
💰 $1.6M town deficit; $4.1M school deficit; potential override
💬 Discussed
Chief Miller reported rising calls for service amid town growth but said staffing and apparatus remain fully maintained.
✅ Approved
Board approved 5-0 changing the manager of record to Esvin Merida, a Bellingham resident who has worked at Chili's since 1997.
💬 Discussed
Four residents interviewed for Council on Aging, Parks Commission, and Commission on Disability seats; appointments expected at the next meeting.
🔄 Postponed
Hearing on a vehicle dealer license continued to April 6 after neighbor and Board concerns about on-site vehicle counts, stockpiling old cars, and stormwater system performance.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to offer mail-in voting but opt out of in-person early voting for the June 2, 2026 annual municipal election.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to add a one-year Library Trustee seat to the June 2, 2026 ballot to fill an early resignation.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to forward the balanced town-side FY27 budget to the Finance Committee, with department-head cuts closing the gap.
✅ Approved
Board awarded the water leak detection contract 5-0 to low bidder Water & Waste Pipe Testing, Inc. of Rowley, MA.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to take permanent and temporary easements by eminent domain at 182, 186, 190, 193, and 194 Hartford Avenue for a roadway improvement project.
💰 Damages per Schedule B (amounts not specified)
📍 182, 186, 190, 193 & 194 Hartford Avenue
✅ Approved
Board approved 5-0 the New England Country Club's seasonal alcohol, common victualler, and entertainment licenses.
✅ Approved
Board approved January 26, February 2, and February 18 minutes as submitted.
💬 Discussed
Updates on senior center parking lot design contract, Depot Street LIP application, and asbestos mitigation needed at Old Town Hall requiring a reserve fund transfer.
📍 Old Town Hall; Depot Street
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to enter executive session on real property and collective bargaining/litigation strategy, not returning to open session.
February 21, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Town faces a $4,713,159 budget deficit (5.57% above projected revenues), driven largely by a 39.58% jump in health insurance costs, with schools alone short $3,092,614.
💰 $4,713,159 total deficit; $3,092,614 school deficit; health insurance up 39.58%
💬 Discussed
Plan to add a third full-time animal control officer and amend the Bellingham-Franklin agreement, with Franklin now covering 50% of benefits, leaving Bellingham a net increase of just $5,925.
💰 Net increase $5,925
💬 Discussed
Slight increase for contractual salaries, kitchen gas usage, and 14 added weekly hours for a transportation coordinator; kitchen positions are funded by a self-sustaining revolving fund.
💬 Discussed
Budget driven by election costs and state mandates, reflecting three elections: state primary, state election, and local municipal election.
💬 Discussed
Municipal requirement is $672,090; trustees request a $751,485 level-service budget (full cost $769,433, gap covered by state aid), including continued popular summer Saturday hours and a new administrative coordinator.
💰 $672,090 municipal requirement; $751,485 requested budget
💬 Discussed
To close a $3M+ gap, proposed cuts include eliminating middle school sports and cutting 15.8 teachers and 15.5 support/administration positions.
💰 $3M+ shortfall; 15.8 teachers and 15.5 support staff cut proposed
💬 Discussed
Includes a 3% contractual salary increase and a $5,000 bump in professional services for town fiber repairs and utility pole transfers.
💰 $5,000 professional services increase
💬 Discussed
Budget up 3.5% for contractual obligations with no operational increase; calls at Station 1 on Wrentham Road are rising sharply, and any cut could shut that station, lengthening response times.
💰 Budget up 3.5%
📍 Station 1, Wrentham Road
💬 Discussed
Calls up 9%; budget funds three dispatchers, two school resource officers, and community event coverage, with a 5% cut likely forcing personnel and service reductions.
💬 Discussed
$400,000 shifted from highway construction to Chapter 90 state funds for road repairs; trash budget up 7% with a rate study underway, plus future costs to run the new PFAS water treatment plant.
💰 $400,000 shifted to Chapter 90; trash budget up 7%
💬 Discussed
Members opposed cutting police, fire, and DPW budgets, noting public safety risks, while acknowledging an override would be significant for many residents.
✅ Approved
Voted 5-0 to adjourn at 12:00 PM.
February 21, 2026 · agenda
💬 Discussed
Day-long workshop where town departments present their proposed FY2027 budgets, shaping next year's spending and ultimately your tax bill.
💰 FY2027 department budgets (amounts not specified)
📍 Arcand Meeting Room, 10 Mechanic Street
💬 Discussed
Scheduled presentations from CFO/Town Administrator, IT, Council on Aging, Town Clerk, Library, Schools, Fire, Police, and DPW between 9:00 and 11:15 AM.
• Status unclear
Additional items may be raised as permitted by law.