Braintree council approves utility and construction permits, adopts calendar and accepts donation

The Town of Braintree council on Dec. 2 approved several routine but operationally important items: a permit for Marr Scaffold Company to perform work on Commerce Drive, a National Grid petition to replace leak-prone pipe on Washington Street and nearby intersections, and a same-night acceptance of a donation of 10 padded chairs to the Department of Elder Affairs.

The Department of Public Works committee recommended unanimous approval for Marr Scaffold’s request; the council granted the permit with staff conditions and a unanimous voice vote. Mary Mulrony, speaking for National Grid, told the council the project replaces "leak grown pipe" and coordinates with planned town utility work; the council approved the detailed utility plan, which listed footage and pipe types for work on Washington Street, Independence Avenue and Cedar Street.

The council also recorded that an item (order 25067) had been withdrawn at the DPW meeting. Members adjusted the 2026 council meeting calendar (moving the March meeting from March 17 to March 18) and adopted it as amended.

On a same-night action the council authorized acceptance of 10 padded chairs from the Chinese American Association of Braintree for the Department of Elder Affairs under the statutory acceptance process referenced in the meeting ("section 53 a and a half of chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws"). Finance director (transcript) Mike Edsman summarized the donation and the council approved acceptance by unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned after a final referral to the Ways and Means committee.