April 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes
MONTELLO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES FOR April 1, 2026
IN ATTENDANCE:: Scott Dwyer President, Greg Belcher Treasurer, Lisa Waitt Belcher Secretary, Gale Lutz-Henrickson and Lee, David Lynch, Brendan Weeks BFD, Derek Salamone BPD, Win Farwell, Sam Audi Bassam, Jeff Smith, Al Davis, Jim Stapleton, Chief Brenda Perez, Phil Nessralla, Dan Trout, Vincent Colarusso, Ken Galligan, retired BFD chief, Senator Mike Brady, Amanda Gomez, Jay McLaughlin.
Scott opened with Old Business. Greg announced Treasurer report. Greg updated Snow Clock plans to beautify for the summer with plantings.
Brendan Weeks report: new recruits coming in and recent fires have been well-managed and extinguished.
Chief of Police spoke: traffic control one on days, two on afternoons, full funding has been secured to address the homeless issue with all aspects of bettering their situations.
2 ordinances: needles and “gas station heroin” items sold that are not illegal but very dangerous in bottle and tablet form 7OH/Kratom being proposed. Avon mutual aid aligned with their Chief Bukunt to provide support at D.W. Field Park spots.
Win Farwell Councilor at Large: Division of Local Services letter from Dept. of Revenue warning Brockton
of serious financial problems here. World Cup event brings up residents renting space to attendees.
Brendan said this is a potentially dangerous situation where fire risk is a possibility, $150 city permit and inspection would be new ordinance to rent private spaces. Fireworks illegal in streets and parking issues examples of what could happen.
Ken Galligan as current president spoke about Brockton Historical Society. Founded 1969, current location since 1970, membership has dwindled in recent years. Financial woes as well. Lots of history there but lack of interest threatens its future. The house and fire museum are located there, former shoe industry history was very important but now collections have been moved to Stonehill College. Pictures from George’s Café have been donated to the museum. All old Enterprise newpapers bound there to peruse full articles to over 100 years old. The iconic Christo’s podium, Carney family furniture, many local artifacts there Dave Lynch commented. Ken’s love of Brockton drives him to volunteer there and try to preserve history. Motion to donate $200 to Brockton Historical Society. Jim Stapleton offered donation and also proposed to have a July fundraiser at Enzo gallery. Greg gave a shout out for Ken.
Open 1st and 3rd Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Mike Brady said he hopes the people do not vote to reduce the income tax to 4% because it could be devastating to Brockton. He said to reach out if you want help. Desalination plant purchase proposal (Aquaria), MWRA, surrounding towns needing water help, all brought up. Win Farwell brought up City residents need a right to vote on water purchases per state statute. 5 million gallons per day currently and this plant needs updating. State can’t waste savings because we don’t know the future; there have been many federal cutbacks on funding. Legislation to be filed to monitor marijuana levels at dispensaries and hemp product sales at gas stations. Several attendees asked about the revenue from tax on marijuana sales. Win said it can be about 3.5 million a year into the general fund.
Greg contacted DCR whose funding now cannot provide trees; Greg will keep us updated.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.










