Select Board — June 22, 2026
The meeting featured spirited debate from both the board and the public regarding the legality and scope of a new bylaw, as well as a principled debate over board compensation policy.
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During the June 22nd Select Board meeting, several decisions were made that will have a lasting impact on Brookline residents, ranging from land use to town ethics.
Most notably, the Board voted to adopt a new bylaw prohibiting target practice on all town-owned lands. This decision came after significant debate regarding the legal validity of such a ban under state law (RSA 159-26). While some argued the restriction should be limited specifically to conservation lands to avoid legal overreach, the Board opted for a broader application across all town property. Member Steve Dolfini was the lone dissenting vote on this matter.
The Board also faced a difficult ethical dilemma regarding the stipend for the family of the late board member, Mark Fesendon. Discussion centered on whether to strictly adhere to the policy of pro-rating stipends or to grant the full amount in recognition of his service. The Board has delayed a final decision to research how past resignations or deaths were handled.
Finally, the Board stood behind the town planner’s assessment of the Onyx gravel operations, authorizing a letter to the state that criticizes the adequacy of recent traffic studies used to justify the project. Residents should continue to monitor these developments as the Board moves toward final decisions on these items.
Public impact
Prohibition of target practice on all town-owned lands.
The board voted to adopt the broader version applying to all town-owned lands.
Authorization of significant funds for structural shoring and unsealing of project management bids.
Bids were recorded for review, and phase 1 funding was approved.
Board members will review detailed proposals over the next two weeks.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed and approved the public minutes from the June 8th meeting with a correction regarding attendance.
The public minutes were approved with the attendance amendment; Jerry Roche abstained from the vote.
Review and approve non-public minutes at the end of the meeting.
The board adopted a proclamation celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Brookline Fire Department and the 50th anniversary of the Brookline Ambulance Service.
The proclamation was officially adopted by the board.
Two copies of the proclamation will be sent to the respective departments for signatures.
The board formally noticed the intention to appoint Buddy Doherty as the Fire Ward.
The intention to appoint Buddy Doherty was officially noticed.
Final appointment will be decided at the next meeting in two weeks following the public comment period.
The board discussed and approved a recommendation to the state to extend Gathering Grounds' liquor license to include outdoor seating.
The board voted to send a letter to the state recommending the expansion.
The letter will be signed and provided to the safety committee for submission.
The board debated a proposed bylaw regarding prohibited target practice on town-owned lands, specifically considering whether to limit it to conservation lands or all town lands.
The board opted for the broader version applying the prohibition to all town-owned lands.
The board discussed concerns regarding the Onyx company's gravel operations and the potential inadequacy of recent traffic studies.
The board authorized the Chair to sign the town planner's letter on behalf of the board.
The letter must be mailed out by the following morning.
The board unsealed three bids for the Town Hall project management position.
Bids were unsealed and basic details (company name and price/rate) were recorded.
Board members and appointed reviewers (including Scott and Andrea) will review the detailed proposals over the next two weeks.
The board discussed and approved funding for the first phase of structural work at Town Hall.
The board approved $9,115.00 to Warren Construction for the initial exploration and demolition phase.
The board reviewed two bids submitted for the Pierce Pond dam removal project.
Bids were received and recorded.
Board members and Scott will review the bids in detail before a decision is made at the next meeting.
The Board discussed whether to pay the full annual stipend to the family of a recently deceased member (Mark Fesendon) or follow the existing policy of pro-rating it.
The board decided to delay a final decision to research past precedents and allow time to think about the matter.
Revisit the Fesendon stipend at a future meeting after researching how previous members were paid out and potentially amending the policy to distinguish between resignation and death.
A report on the progress of the public health portal and coordination between the welfare and health officers.
The board noted the progress and 'closed the loop' on this item.
Review of upcoming hearings regarding a zoning appeal and a variance request for Piper Investments LLC.
The board noted the upcoming hearing dates.
Discussion regarding the upcoming Mason Planning Board decision on the annex application and the long-term implications of road maintenance and state responsibility.
The board reaffirmed their position of wanting specific conditions on any permits, including town input on renewals.
The board will monitor the Mason Planning Board's decision on Wednesday.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Target Practice Bylaw
Stipend for Deceased Board Member
Onyx Gravel Operations
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.3, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-08.
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