Municipal Meeting Recaps

Terrain Café Proposal for Boston Post Road Site Raises Economic Hopes and Business Concerns The Economic Development Committee (EDC) heard what started as public comment that lasted for an hour about a proposal for redeveloping 297 and 311 Boston Post Road, the Wayland Village Shopping Center aka the former Whole Foods Building and the Dentist

Wayland Select Board Reorganizes Carol Martin Elected Chair Carol Martin was unanimously elected chair of the Select Board and Doug Levine as vice chair. Anne Brensley, who supported the appointments, departed the meeting at 7:08 p.m. The board postponed discussion of liaison assignments to its May 19 meeting to ensure full member participation. Town Clerk

Prior to a vote, Town Planner Robert Hummel confirmed that Kevin O’Leary, applicant for 13 Charena Road, PB #24-07 Amendment to Definitive Subdivision, had been granted an extension of the decision deadline to May 27. Lacking a quorum, the Planning Board voted to continue the public hearing to May 13 to preserve the panel voting

The Town’s Licensed Site Professional (LSP), Ben Gould of CMG Environmental explained the history of how LSPs became MassDEP’s solution on how to regulate and ensure cleanup of hazardous waste releases to a “safe” standard under the 1992 Massachusetts Contingency Plan. Organzied under the LSP, the public may participate in the cleanup by means of

The March 28 Recreation meeting was spent discussing field fees and reviewing the Winchester Soccer Club and its public-private partnership model as a proposed approach for the proposed 195 Main Street parcel re-use. At public comment Gretchen Dresens urged the commission to prioritize additional grass playing fields over an indoor complex, citing years of documented

Dave Burgess, co-founder of the Wayco Amateur Sports Development League with his mother Connie Burgess, warned commissioners that a $6,400 increase in summer field fees may threaten the future of the 18-year-old program. The 2024 season’s total budget was $11,377. The league serves approximately 125 Wayland youth aged 16 to 22 each summer, operating with

Himanshu Patel, former president of Winchester Soccer Club, detailed the private club’s development of a $15 million indoor-outdoor sports complex in 2021 on privately purchased land. The Winchester Soccer Club, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) entity incorporated in 1980 that owns the facility located at Winchester Community Park (WCP), which includes a 70,000-square-foot indoor field house,

Commissioner Brud Wright questioned the applicability of Winchester’s model to Wayland, noting differences in land ownership, the absence of adjacent fields and information on the financial model from Wayland Sports Community Center group. Commissioner Leslie Stewart observed that Winchester’s success hinged on upfront capital and site control which Wayland does not currently possess. Commissioner Mark

At its March 24 meeting, the Select Board entered executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1978 and to negotiate a new contract with Town Manager Michael McCall. Returning to regular session, the board announced that they had unanimously approved a second amendment to McCall’s employment agreement and extended

The Planning Board meeting began with a continued Public Hearing on the site plans for Veritas Christian Academy located on 164–172 Cochituate Road with updated site plans and a peer review letter from Greg Roy of Dillis & Roy. They covered whether a special permit is required for earth removal (Section 198-504) and for a

The board started with a discussion on what design details were needed for the pump station building on the MWRA easement by the Hultman Aqueduct. Tom Holder, DPW director, provided a photo of the location on the southwest corner of the intersection of Castle Road and Old Connecticut Path. He also offered a selection of

The Zoning Board of Appeals on March 25 voted unanimously to continue its co-sponsorship of the proposed Article 20, Restaurant Pickup Window Overlay District, following a detailed review of the still redlined warrant article language. The 4-0 vote came after members discussed revisions made by the Planning Board and town counsel and concluded that the

Present at the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) connection informational forum were the members of the Board of Public Works, MWRA Commissioner Maureen Rizzi, Kleinfelder Engineering Owners Project Manager Kirsten Ryan, Abrahams Group (Financing) Matt Abrahams, Don Millette water superintendent, Joe Doucette DPW superintendent, and Tom Holder DPW Director.  Key Takeaways The BoPW and DPW

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment The board approved the seventh commitment for motor vehicle and trailer excise taxes for calendar year 2024, totaling $22,083.64, based on a total valuation of $7,434,319.  Abatement Review and Office Updates Leroux reported that fiscal year 2025 abatement inspections were nearly complete, with one outstanding case awaiting property access. The

ELVIS Chair Bernstein provided updates on discussions on the status of remote participation implementation. The committee discussed the ongoing debate between allowing remote participation in open town meetings versus public meetings governed by the Open Meeting Law. Public meetings, such as school committee meetings, have operated with hybrid participation since the pandemic under temporary emergency

The Finance Committee met on March 3 to finalize its report for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting which includes recommendations on the operating and capital budgets. Budget Analysis and Free Cash Discussion A central discussion revolved around discrepancies in financial tables, particularly Table Two, which outlines revenue sources and budget expenditures. Vice Chair Brian O’Herlihy

House Plaque Project Bradford Carver reported difficulties in maintaining an accurate record of historic homes with plaques. He agreed to compile and digitize a uniform list. Gardner-Westcott emphasized the need for document security and required Carver to sign for any files removed from the office. 250th Anniversary Events The commission reviewed proposed activities for the

Article T: Amendment to Town Code Chapter 19 The board voted unanimously to support Article T, which amends sections of the town finances code, including 19.2: Budget and capital improvement program, 19.4: Estimates of expenses and income; budgeting schedules and authorities and 19.10: Revolving funds (MGL c. 44, § 53E ½), to create an energy

ConCom discussed a recent draft of updated Chapter 193 regulations supporting the Stormwater and Land Disturbance bylaw. They focused on tree removal and planting regulations prompted by the significant increase in tree removal requests. A draft revision for tree replacement policies was reviewed, with proposals for more stringent requirements regarding the removal of trees over

Chair Asa Foster opened the meeting acknowledging the passing of Dave Pearlman, whose contributions were praised by fellow members. Foster and Brud Wright shared heartfelt memories of Pearlman’s service and leadership, which left a lasting impact on the commission. The board moved on to discuss the procedure for filling the vacancy left by Pearlman’s death.

Executive Session and Labor Negotiations The board entered executive session to discuss the ongoing collective bargaining strategy with the Wayland Firefighters Local 1978, as well as a grievance related to a firefighter’s employment. They also continued preparations for non-union personnel negotiations with the town manager. Public Comment and Community Concerns During the public comment portion

City Point Partner’s Project manager Kim Treacy reported that most interior work on the Council on Aging/Community Center, including tiling, flooring, and fixture installation, is nearly complete. However, delays in securing full sized permanent power from Eversource have extended the project timeline. The electrical and mechanical teams are scheduled to initiate testing and commissioning once

New members Kevin Goodwin and Maryam Libdi were welcomed, and members introduced themselves. Chair Pallavi Nagesha provided an overview of her tenure with the council and experience with cultural grants.  The 2025 grant cycle has closed, and successful applicants have received their paperwork. Treasurer Naresh Mysore confirmed that one 2024 grant submission remains outstanding. Unclaimed

The School Committee approved a new competency determination framework for high school graduation requirements during its March 12 meeting. The proposal, developed by Superintendent David Fleishman, Assistant Superintendent Betsy Gavron, and High School Principal Allyson Mizoguchi, was unanimously approved. Students must pass English 9 and 10, Geometry, Algebra II, and either Biology or Physics to

The Design Review Board convened on March 14, 2025, to discuss signage applications for Jersey Mike’s and a follow-up regarding Wayland Pack and Ship. Sean McGlone, accompanied by his sales colleague Laura Young, outlined their request for signage at the Jersey Mike’s location going in where Loyal Companion had been at Route 30 and Main

On February 24, the Wayland Board of Health convened to address a range of public health issues, from lifeguard requirements and septic system challenges to PFAS contamination and budget constraints. The meeting opened with a review of lifeguard protocols for the Alta Oxbow semi-public pool under 105 CMR 435.00. With the new management yet to

The Wayland HRDEI Committee convened on February 18 to address several critical issues related to affordable housing, community support, and resource expansion. The meeting featured comprehensive updates from the Wayland Housing Authority, the Community Preservation Committee, and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, highlighting both current developments and ongoing challenges in the affordable housing landscape. Affordable

February 2025 – The Wayland Select Board held two pivotal meetings addressing key municipal issues ranging from water supply security and environmental remediation to capital improvement and budgeting initiatives. The February 24 meeting set the stage with a series of public comments and detailed discussions on the town’s water infrastructure and environmental challenges, while the

The Finance Committee’s recent meetings in February 2025 provided a comprehensive overview of the town’s fiscal strategy, capital planning, and procedural updates in preparation for FY26 and beyond. The discussions, spanning sessions on February 24 and February 27, addressed operating and capital budget details, infrastructure projects, zoning amendments, and warrant article clarifications aimed at ensuring

The Wayland School Committee convened on February 26, 2025, to address topics affecting the district’s educational environment.  Cell Phones – The cell phone policy review findings from a diverse working group were presented. The group—comprised of school administrators, teachers, parents, and students—conducted surveys and gathered feedback from other districts. Results revealed that most elementary school

Jared Cotton, operations manager, reported that the wastewater treatment plant continued to operate smoothly, with phosphorus levels consistently low. The department has reduced phosphorus treatment usage to cut costs while maintaining compliance. A minor power disruption affected the pack pumps but did not trigger generator activation. Cotton and Abigail Charest, town engineer, attended the New

At the Council on Aging (COA) Board meeting on Feb 10, Vice Chair William Sterling provided an update on the construction of the new Community Center/Council on Aging facility, noting that the project remains on schedule for completion by the end of March. Progress is contingent on Eversource providing permanent power, however. Board members expressed

The Finance Committee met on Feb. 10 to review the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating and capital budgets, address ongoing infrastructure concerns, and evaluate financial articles for Town Meeting. The committee discussed updates on the capital budget, including anticipated funding for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) connection. A $2 million allocation is set aside

The Planning Board resumed its review of the definitive subdivision application for 13 Charena Road. Kevin O’Leary of the Jillson Company provided an update on responses to a DTG Associates peer review. O’Leary had submitted responses addressing Planning Board regulations; drainage-related issues raised by the Board of Health are still under review. Board members emphasized

At the Select Board meeting Feb. 10, Fire Chief Neil McPherson presented an update on the ongoing discussions about transitioning to a regional dispatch model. The Select Board considered joining the Middlesex Regional Emergency Communication Center, a district model that includes Wayland, Natick, and Framingham. McPherson highlighted cost savings, improved staffing, staff career path opportunities

The Audit Committee met to discuss its annual report for the Select Board, focusing on financial statements, internal controls, and audit recommendations. Key topics included cash reconciliation, the warrant process, student activity fund oversight, and the ongoing management of guaranteed deposits. Committee members reviewed the draft report for the Select Board, which detailed findings from

Energy and Climate Committee, Jan. 7 A focus of discussion at the Jan. 7 meeting of the Energy and Climate Committee was the Loker Elementary School solar array project.  Members discussed the project’s near completion, highlighting that the interconnect electrical inspection had been passed and that they were awaiting utility approval for operation.  The committee

Led by Chair Maryanne Peabody, at its Jan. 7 meeting the Personnel Board addressed updates to the town’s personnel bylaws and wage classification plans and discussed a grievance with the firefighters’ union (International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1978). The board entered into an executive session shortly after opening the meeting to address a grievance

Personnel Board Chair Maryanne Peabody opened the meeting, and the board voted to revise and submit its annual report in an expanded format by the Sep. 30 deadline. Grant to assess staffing efficiency: Katherine Ryan, the town’s human resources manager, provided an update on a Community Compact grant, which was applied for in conjunction with

The Oct. 15 Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (HRDEI) Committee meeting began with Emma Gargano, a Wayland High School senior and Girl Scout, discussing the results of her cultural blindness project as part of her Girl Scouts’ Gold Award. Gargano described cultural blindness as the inability to recognize cultural differences, often leading to feelings