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 his contract by three years.
Susan Weinstein, chair of the Housing Authority, presented the board with the annual payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) totaling $52,306.
Police Promotions and New Officer Sworn In
Police Chief Ed Burman introduced three officers for formal recognition before family and community members. Gabriel Lopez was sworn in as a new police officer after completing training at the MPTC Lynnfield Academy in February. Sean Fitzgerald, a 23-year department veteran and fifth-generation Wayland resident, was promoted to sergeant. Mark Hebert, a department member since 2008, was promoted to lieutenant. Hebert currently oversees the Joint Communications Dispatch Center and is leading the department’s re-accreditation process.
Public Comment on 195 Main Street Traffic Report
Gretchen Dresens and Hope Podell criticized a recently released traffic study related to potential redevelopment of 195 Main St. Dresens said the report wrongly referred to the parcel as part of the Rivers Edge Housing Overlay District, which she described as a “grossly incorrect” zoning classification. She also faulted the study for limiting its scope to a recreational center scenario, ignoring other options raised at public forums. Podell echoed those concerns and called for more comprehensive public communication.
Public Support for Earth Day
Michael Delman, Mandy Donovan Drake and Tony Lee voiced support during public comment for the town’s co-sponsorship of the Earth Day celebration. They emphasized family involvement, student volunteers, climate goals set in 2021, and the potential for fun community engagement.
Eversource and Verizon Pole Petition Approved
The public hearing on a petition from Eversource and Verizon for a new utility pole at 172 Cochituate Road heard and approved. Chris Crosby, a representative from Eversource, explained that the pole is needed to provide new overhead-to-underground service for Veritas Christian Academy. Public Works Director Tom Holder had previously reviewed and endorsed the petition.
Committee Appointments
The board appointed Jeff Vecchio to the Economic Development Committee for a term ending June 30, 2027. A resident since 2016, Vecchio is a real estate investment manager with experience in multifamily and commercial retail properties. Select Board members noted his hands-on experience with Mass Save incentives.
The Board also voted to confirm the Recreation Commission’s appointment of Mark Norton to the Route 20 South Landfill Visioning Committee for a term ending November 1, 2025. Gift funds raised by The Eliza J. Norton Foundation in 2023 were used to install new dugouts, benches, and bat holders at the Cochituate ballfield.
New Committee Proposed for 212 Cochituate Road
Board member Tom Fay proposed forming a new committee to guide a proposed development of a shared living home for adults with disabilities at 212 Cochituate Road. The property, approximately four acres in size, is the subject of Town Meeting article 30 that would authorize the board to explore housing for individuals with disabilities.
Fay suggested that the proposed committee could help articulate the community’s vision and assist in preparing a future RFP to attract qualified developers and facility managers. The board agreed to revisit the proposal and finalize a charge at its April 22 meeting, following the Town Meeting.
Town Center Gift Funds Approved for Multicultural Festival
The board approved a $9,500 expenditure from a Town Center gift fund to support a fall scheduled Multicultural “Wayland Day” Festival. The event is co-sponsored by the Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (HRDEIC), Arts Wayland, the METCO program, and the Recreation Department. The festival is intended to bring together local organizations and highlight community diversity. Town Manager McCall confirmed that this one of three Town Center’s gift account’s remaining balance was $24,957.88 before the vote.
250th Celebration Budget Deferred
The board deferred action on a proposed $45,575 budget to support Wayland’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Concerns were raised about the scope and clarity of the proposed spending, potential staffing burdens, and the absence of other funding sources. The budget includes allocations for parade costs, educational events, and performance staging. Carol Martin expressed support for the event concept but cautioned against overburdening the town manager’s office in added work in support activities. The board requested that committee representatives return to a future meeting to provide more detail and clarify roles and costs.
Earth Day Co-Sponsorship Approved
The board voted to co-sponsor an Earth Day event scheduled for May 4 at the Town Center Green. The collaboration with the Energy and Climate Committee will allow the town’s insurer, MIIA, to provide liability coverage without requiring a separate insurance certificate from Energize Wayland, a grassroots partner. Activities planned include nature walks, EV demonstrations, and youth-focused programs. Town Manager Michael McCall stated that disclaimers would be displayed at the event to clarify that participants and presentations were not endorsed by the Select Board.
Upcoming Public Hearings and Continuances
The board reviewed preparations for upcoming public forums, including the Board of Public Works’ water plan on March 25 and the League of Women Voters’ Issues Forum on March 26. The League’s event will feature Select Board members presenting on various Town Meeting articles.
