Politics & Government

Selectmen Announce Board, Committee Vacancies

Several spots are currently open for interested residents.

The Needham Board of Selectmen requests applications from residents to serve on the following boards and committees.

Applicants must be registered voters of the Town. Interested individuals are requested to submit an application consisting of a brief letter of interest, including a summary of relevant experience and contact information. Applications may be submitted in writing or by email, or may be completed online at www.needhamma.gov/committeeform.  Please be sure to fill in the name of the committee(s) for which you would like to apply.

Applications are requested by July 30. Applications, or any questions or requests for information, may be submitted to:

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Needham Board of Selectmen, Attn: Ms. Sandy Cincotta, 1471 Highland Avenue Needham, MA 02492 Tel: 781-455-7500 extension 204 Email: scincotta@needhamma.gov.

Community Preservation Committee

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In 2004, the Town voted to accept the Community Preservation Act, which established a special Community Preservation Fund that may be appropriated and spent for certain open space, historic resources and affordable housing purposes by a property tax surcharge of two (2) percent of the taxes assessed annually on all real property for the fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2004. The nine (9)-member Community Preservation Committee works to address 3 core community concerns: Acquisition and preservation of open space, Creation and support of affordable housing, and Acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes.  Regularly scheduled meetings occur on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, with additional meetings scheduled as needed throughout the year.

Council of Economic Advisors – Two Vacancies

The Council of Economic Advisors was established by the Board of Selectmen in October, 2005. It is charged with six general tasks relating to the promotion of economic development in Needham: (1) Study, investigate and appraise town-wide economic conditions and trends; (2) Promote, assist and encourage the preservation, development and location of new and existing industry, business, and commerce; (3) Assist the Town in attracting the preferred mix of goods, services, housing, recreation, and entertainment in the appropriate districts; (4) Make recommendations on improving permitting and licensing functions in the Town; (5) Evaluate and advise the Town on ideas for zoning changes that will improve the economic vitality of the Town; and (6) Advise and make recommendations to appropriate officials, agencies, boards, and Town departments on issues of economic development.   This Committee meets monthly at 7:45 am.

Council on Aging - Two Vacancies

The Council on Aging is the Town's general oversight board for matters affecting elders, and works directly with department staff and other town agencies on a wide range of programs and issues. The responsibilities of this Board include (1) To identify the needs and concerns and strengths of Needham's elderly and retired persons and those approaching retirement age; (2) To design, promote, coordinate or implement services and programs to meet those needs and concerns; (3) To inform the community and enlist the support and participation of all citizens in this effort; and (4) To work in coordination with programs of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.   Committee meetings are at least monthly from September through June, and more often as necessary.

Design Review Board – Alternate

The Design Review Board (DRB) evaluates and makes recommendations regarding design elements of plans and applications for new construction in the business areas of the town, and certain other categories of development. The purpose of the Committee is to encourage appropriate design criteria, including architectural appearance, historic considerations, enhancement of landscape, and relationships to the visual environment. The DRB meets about twice a month.

Golf Course Advisory Committee

The Golf Course Advisory Committee acts as liaison between the Needham Golf Club and the Board of Selectmen. The Committee monitors Golf Club operations to ensure that the Club is operated in accordance with the terms of the lease with the Town. The Committee also provides a forum for residents to obtain information about the operation of the Club and to resolve any disputes with the Club. The Committee meets prior to the beginning of the golf season and at the end of the season, and may schedule additional meetings as needed.

Historical Commission – Two Vacancies

The Historical Commission was created to ensure the preservation, protection, and development of the historical assets that are the visible evidence of the Town of Needham's history. The Commission conducts research to identify places of historic or archeological value, and seeks to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. The Commission communicates with the Board of Selectmen about recommendations as to the whether an asset should be certified as an historical or archeological landmark.

The functions of the Historical Commission include assisting residents in obtaining historical information about the Town, reviewing proposed demolition projects in accordance with the Demolition Delay By-law (2.11.5), and working with the Town in the evaluation of the future use of historic buildings.   Meetings are scheduled as required throughout the year.

Traffic Management Advisory Committee

This Committee meets monthly to hear from town staff and residents, and reviews and makes recommendations regarding both neighborhood and townwide traffic issues.

The goal of the Traffic Management Advisory Committee is to provide for the safety and continually improve the quality of life of the pedestrian and motoring public. This Committee provides a means for public input, including the opportunity for commenting on traffic management options proposed by staff.

Cultural Council (multiple vacancies)

The Cultural Council supports community-based projects and activities in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences to benefit the residents of Needham, through dispensing public funding allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The Council is responsible for informing the public about the availability of public funding for cultural projects and for reviewing and approving applications. The budget of the Massachusetts Cultural Council is determined annually by the state Legislature.

Support is also provided to the Needham Cultural Community through the facilitation of communication among the many cultural organizations and their collaboration through NeedArts and other venues. Meetings are generally meets the third Monday of each month at 7 pm.

Human Rights Committee (multiple vacancies)

The Town of Needham's Human Rights Committee strives to reaffirm the worth and dignity of every human being. The diversity of the community is embraced and celebrated through the following activities: (1) Education: Advocate appreciation for and respect for diversity; (2) Community Outreach: Organize community events to constructively promote diversity and tolerance; and (3) Community Response: response to issues that challenge the human rights of any individual or group in the Needham community.

Vacancies for this Committee include, but are not limited to, representatives from the following areas: Commission on Disabilities, Needham Housing Authority, Senior Citizen, Realtor, High School Student and Tenant of the Needham Housing Authority.   Meetings are usually held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.


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