The meeting opened with a public comment session where issues of equity and transparency in governance were prominently highlighted. A resident raised concerns regarding the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and a specific reasonable accommodation request for a disabled child, alleging that the ZBA’s actions undermined equity and integrity. The speaker urged the board to deliberate publicly to restore community trust, mentioning that supporting documentation would be shared with both Town Council and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Adding to the discourse on governance, another participant criticized an interjection from a board member during these discussions, which they felt dismissed their testimony. This speaker requested that their detailed concerns be included in the next meeting’s packet.

The board also approved a request from Bell 86, a restaurant on Harvard Street, to extend its operating hours from midnight to 2:00 a.m. The restaurant, which had initially opened with a midnight closing time due to neighborhood objections, argued for the extension to cater to patrons from the nearby Coolidge Corner Theater seeking late-night dining options. The establishment assured the board of its quiet, low-key atmosphere. The board agreed, noting the restaurant’s location in a predominantly commercial area, and unanimously approved the extended hours.

In the realm of sanitation services, the board discussed a new five-year contract with Casella Waste Management, valued at approximately $26 million. This contract, set to begin in 2026, aims to stabilize service delivery and address operational challenges faced by the Department of Public Works (DPW). A 4% annual increase in sanitation fees was also proposed to cover rising service costs and maintain a balance between resident fees and tax subsidies. The board approved the contract and the associated fee schedule, although concerns about the impact of fee increases on residents were raised.

A detailed examination of proposed increases in solid waste collection fees for fiscal year 2026 followed, with suggested rises of 10% for 35-gallon carts, 11% for 65-gallon carts, and 12% for 95-gallon carts. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee approved these proposals. The conversation highlighted a significant drop in requests for special waste pickups after fees were introduced. The board acknowledged the need to balance financial sustainability with the residents’ financial burden amid rising costs.

The meeting further addressed the implementation of a language access policy to improve communication with non-English speaking residents. This policy involves translating vital documents and providing interpreting services to ensure equitable access to town resources. The board unanimously approved the policy, recognizing its importance in serving the diverse Brookline community.

Public comments concluded the meeting, with residents expressing concerns about the lack of community-focused spaces in Brookline Village and the application of restorative justice programs. One resident emphasized the need for amenities that cater to all community members, particularly Black and brown residents. Another called for restorative justice initiatives to be applied across all community conflicts, not just those involving Black individuals.