The following are recaps of recent town committee meetings for the week of April 24, compiled from volunteer citizen-reporters, as reported on “Wayland Weekly Buzz.”
New Foreclosure Policy; Energy Committee charge; WRAP Forum; Mahoney’s 40B; Glezen Lane Settlement
Board of Selectmen
At its April 18th meeting, the Selectmen elected Lea Anderson as its Chair. Cherry Karlson had held the position for two terms. Anderson had previously served as chair of the successful High School Building Committee.
The Town Treasurer has recommended to the Selectmen that several parcels comprised of “land-only,” be foreclosed on by the Town. These are not desirable properties but they are included in and increase our annual tax levy. Foreclosing on them will exclude them from our levy. She further recommends that since the Town has not foreclosed on any properties in the past 20 years, the Town should establish a foreclosure policy.
The IT director is looking into updating the Town Website. The initial estimates are about $12,000 over a 3-year term. Besides a more modern look, the upgrade would allow for easier web page editing, integration with social media, and scheduled publishing. Each department would review and be involved in the new implementation.
And finally, the Conservation Administrator and DPW Director are working on their annual Stormwater Report for the EPA. The Town is in the process of hiring a Town Engineer who will be responsible for stormwater planning and compliance.
Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee
The EIAC has asked the Selectmen to change the committee name because the nature of its work is changing. Chair Ellen Tohn has asked that their name be changed to the Energy and Climate Committee. And their mission be changed to advising on actions to reduce energy use and mitigate climate risks.
Board of Public Works
It’s Spring, so the main issue at last week’s Board of Public Works meeting was the playing fields. Are they open yet? Well, those that have dried out are, some will be soon, and some in a week or two. This spring has been more wet than usual. They warn that if a field is marked closed, it’s not ready for use, and it should not be used. Public Works is opening the fields as quickly as possible, so please heed the signs.
Real Assets Planning Committee (WRAP)
The WRAP Committee will issue its draft final report at the end of April. The report will include Municipal Property like Land and Buildings; Project Evaluations and Siting Criteria; a List of Current and Prospective Projects; Long-Range Facilities Planning; a Capital Funding Plan; and Recommendations. WRAP will hold a Community Forum on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:30pm at the Town Building. They hope that Town Boards, Commissions and Committees, as well as interested residents, will submit comments during the month of May and the first week of June. Their report, which will be available on the Town’s website, will be finalized in time for WRAP’s end date of June 30th.
In other related news…
The neighborhood group, Protect Wayland, has written to the Mahoney family, which owns Mahoney’s Garden Center on Route 20. The Buzz reported on this proposed 40B project on April 16. The group opposes the current proposal for the construction of an 89 bedroom project near the Pine Brook and wetlands. They’re urging the Mahoney family to consider an alternative plan to erect a smaller, not-for-profit project for low-income residents. Metro West Collaborative Development and the Wayland Housing Collaborative have agreed to support the effort. The group hopes this new opportunity would enable the Mahoney family to sell the property for a reasonable price, and result in a development that would be embraced by the surrounding Wayland community.
Remember the Glezen Lane lawsuit? Some residents of Glezen Lane sued the Town to erect permanent turn restrictions on entering and exiting Glezen Lane. The Town had received temporary relief, but on March 31, the Superior Court made the relief permanent. The complaining parties have until April 30th to appeal that decision.
Airing April 30: Spotlight Interview on the Recreation Commission: Big Budget Dollars for Fields of Dreams
Watch “Wayland Weekly Buzz” on Sundays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Comcast channel 8 and Verizon channel 37, or online anytime (waycam.tv/buzz).
