Select Board Recaps Oct. 8 Meeting Highlights

The Dedham Select Board met Oct. 8 at Town Hall and via Teams, according to a meeting recap the town posted Oct. 14.

The board recognized several Dedham Fire Department promotions and swore in four new firefighters. Tim Jenkins was promoted to deputy chief, Eric Levesque to captain and James Sheehan to lieutenant. The department also welcomed new firefighters Brian Fitzpatrick, William Casey, Patrick Cochran and Jeffrey Hickey.

Town Manager Leon Goodwin reported that a donor recognition ceremony for the new Town Green is scheduled for Oct. 22 to thank donors and unveil recognition plaques. He said Dedham received a state grant of about $409,000 to help fund replacement of the aging playground at Memorial Field. Goodwin also reported that construction has officially begun on the Vantage development at 110 Sturgis Street, a project expected to bring 154 new apartment homes to town.

Town Engineering Director Jason Mammone updated the board on the Safe Routes to School project along Whiting Avenue and Walnut Street. The Select Board voted to begin the process of formally re-establishing a roadway layout dating to the 1800s, an action required for the project to proceed under the town's Safe Routes to School grant. The matter now goes to the Planning Board for review before returning to the Select Board later this month.

The board also received the final report from the Dedham Senior Property Tax Relief Policy Study Committee. The report found that Dedham's population age 65 and older continues to grow while the town's overall population remains relatively flat, that senior households generally have lower incomes than other age groups, and that housing, utility, health care and tax costs have risen faster than many seniors' incomes. The committee recommended improving awareness of existing relief programs and exploring additional local tax relief options.

Select Board Vice Chair Dimitria updated the board on the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee, which recently held a public forum where residents discussed future uses of municipal buildings, school facility planning and the town's capital planning process. Additional public engagement opportunities are expected.

The Select Board's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Source: Town of Dedham announcement, November 1, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.