The meeting began with a discussion on the veterans tax work-off program, which would allow eligible veterans or their families to work in town departments up to 125 hours annually in exchange for a prorated property tax abatement. The program is modeled after the existing senior tax work-off program and aims to provide meaningful work opportunities to veterans while offering financial relief in the form of reduced property taxes. The board highlighted the program’s collaborative design, emphasizing its minimal fiscal impact, estimated at around $30,000 annually for ten slots at the maximum abatement level. A board member underscored the importance of public policy in uniting diverse opinions within the town, and the enabling nature of the legislation was reiterated, allowing for flexibility in program design based on community needs.

Concerns were raised about ensuring the effectiveness of the existing senior work-off program while introducing the new veterans initiative. The discussion included comments emphasizing the importance of not creating conflict between different groups regarding access to available work positions. The program is expected to start as a pilot, similar to the initial phase of the senior work-off program, with anticipated participation ranging from one to three individuals. Questions about the administrative burden and job availability were addressed, with assurances that the program would be adjusted as needed based on demand.

Transitioning to another key topic, the board discussed proposed changes to the outdoor dining fee structure for the 2025 fiscal year. The outdoor dining program, initially implemented as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, has transitioned to a permanent model. Proposed changes include a reduction in fees to align with practices in other municipalities and to promote increased participation from local businesses. The seasonal sidewalk renewal fee would be set at $250 for renewals and $500 for first-time applicants, while the seasonal off-street fee would be $500, with first-time applicants paying $1,000.

The presentation noted a significant decline in participation—from 48 businesses in 2020 to 25 in 2024—attributed to the return to indoor dining and adverse weather conditions. Despite this decline, many businesses expressed support for the outdoor dining program, recognizing its benefits for commercial vibrancy. Discussions highlighted the balance between outdoor dining and parking availability, with some businesses expressing dissatisfaction with the loss of parking spaces due to outdoor dining setups. The conversation also touched on the broader economic benefits associated with outdoor dining, including an increase in the meals tax, although concrete evidence linking the two was lacking.

The board also considered the implications of new construction projects and their effects on street use, particularly the Washington Street redesign project. The project, part of a nearly $30 million state Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), involves a timeline extending to Fiscal Year 2028. Concerns were raised about the need for thorough community input and prioritization before reaching the critical 25% design stage. There was consensus on the necessity of robust conversations about balancing outdoor dining, safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and adequate parking for commercial areas.

In other business, the board addressed the closure of Mission Brookline, a local cannabis retailer, resulting in one retail marijuana establishment license becoming available. Plans to open the application process for this license were announced, with a focus on adhering to the select board’s marijuana establishment equity policy. This policy prioritizes applications from individuals or entities recognized as having economic empowerment or social equity status by the state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with preference given to applicants who have resided in Brookline for the past five years.

The meeting also featured the approval of various appointments to boards and commissions, including the reappointment of Rita McN to the Housing Advisory Board and appointments to the Age Friendly Cities Committee and the Brookline Commissioner for the Arts. Additionally, the town clerk presented items related to the upcoming November 5th state election, including executing the election warrant, setting early voting dates, and authorizing police details for the election.

Public comments were solicited, leading to a discussion on the preservation of historical significance regarding properties at 90 and Bellingham Road. Several community members voiced concerns over the transparency of decision-making processes, particularly regarding the preservation committee’s earlier votes affirming the historical status of the homes in question. They urged the select board to uphold the committee’s decisions, emphasizing the need for transparency and public engagement in governance.