Seven Days in Brookline: Dec. 6-12.

The last seven days in Brookline was marked by frighteningly large budget deficits, irate dog owners and a better-late-than-never tribute to a Brookline legend, but it may be remembered best for the story of a condo maintenance man early this month.

Police arrested Richard Brignolo, 62, on Dec. 1 after reportedly finding fireworks and illegal weapons in his van, a red Ford van outfitted with flashing headlights and firefighter license plates. Police say Brignolo was also carrying a badge in his wallet and had previously claimed to be a retired Quincy firefighter, though the Quincy Fire Department has told police he never worked there. He now faces a variety of criminal charges, including unlawful possession of a firefighter badge.

Speaking of people pretending to be someone they're not, police also issues a warning this week about someone who may be and making unauthorized traffic stops around town. The warning came a day after a woman reported that she was pulled over near Hammond and Heath streets by someone in an unmarked car with flashing headlight who didn't seem like a real police officer. The man was not wearing uniform and never showed a badge or identified himself or his department, according to the woman, who called police after the man left. Brookline police say he doesn't work for them, and is probably not a member of any other law enforcement agency.

Brookline property owners got some rough news this week as the town unveiled the for the coming year. There are few surprises in the rate, but most homeowners will likely pay a few thousand more than last year as property value rise and the town increases its tax levy.

Unfortunately, all that new property tax money won't do much to help the Brookline schools, which are facing in the fiscal year starting next July. The gaping budget hole is the result of the schools growing enrollment and special education costs, coupled with the loss of around $1 million in federal stimulus money.

And speaking of paying more for the same thing: Brookline dog owners were incensed this week by the town's approval of a for owners who want to let their animals run free in Brookline's parks. Dog owners say the fees are unfair and uncessary, town officials say they're no different than field-use fees paid by sports teams and are needed to pay for a park ranger who can keep dog owners in line.

And on a much less contentious note: Brookline's hockey fans and town officials gathered at the top of Larz Anderson park last weekend to honor the work of by renaming the town rink in his honor. Brookline Patch visited the Jack Kirrane Skating Rink and filed from the historic occasion.