Wayland's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
138 items across 22 meetings.
May 4, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Meeting called to order at 6:03 p.m. with quorum present; one member absent (A. Brensley).
📍 Wayland High School Field House, 264 Old Connecticut Path
💬 Discussed
Board entered executive session 3-0 to discuss bargaining strategy and a memorandum of agreement with the Wayland Library Staff Association MFT, AFT, AFL-CIO.
🔄 Postponed
State law H. 5350 requires Wayland, which bans cannabis retail, to actively opt out if it also wants to prohibit licensed cannabis deliveries to residents; board tabled the opt-out vote for further discussion.
💬 Discussed
Petitioner advised all five articles — including Article 40 (Amend Town Code – Planning Board Appeals) — will be postponed indefinitely at Annual Town Meeting.
🗳️ Voted on
School Committee withdrew support for Article 16 after further review; board voted 4-0 to support its indefinite postponement.
💬 Discussed
Article 9 updated to reflect the signed Library Staff Association memorandum of agreement and a new Cost-of-Living Adjustment for non-union town positions.
💰 COLA for non-union employees added; no dollar figure stated
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0 to recess to Annual Town Meeting at 6:25 p.m.
April 27, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order at 6:02 p.m. with all five members present.
💬 Discussed
Board acknowledged Brensley's last regular session meeting; she chose not to seek reelection.
💬 Discussed
Local election is Tuesday, April 28 at the Town Building; Annual Town Meeting (ATM) is May 4–5, 2026.
💬 Discussed
HDC member distributed a memo with parking ideas for the historic district for the Board's consideration.
💬 Discussed
Board of Public Works representative asked the Select Board to add a $200,000 retained-earnings line item as errata to the 2026 ATM Warrant.
💰 $200,000
💬 Discussed
Several Orchard Lane residents asked that the committee include neighbors, a Conservation Commission rep, and a broader scope for considering site alternatives.
📍 25 Holiday Road
💬 Discussed
Two Sherman's Bridge Road residents asked the Board to defer its vote until traffic data is made publicly available, calling the project unnecessary.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
✅ Approved
Board entered executive session to discuss litigation on 16 Whispering Lane, fire truck price-fixing cost recovery, collective bargaining with five unions, and to approve prior executive session minutes.
📍 16 Whispering Lane
💬 Discussed
Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert needs more time to compare new traffic data to historical data; final recommendations will come at a future meeting.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
✅ Approved
Approved a one-day liquor license for a Wayland Post event at the Council on Aging, 8 Andrew Avenue (May 3), and an entertainment license for The LOCAL Restaurant, 11 Andrew Avenue, for live music up to a 3-piece band.
📍 8 Andrew Avenue; 11 Andrew Avenue
✅ Approved
Minutes of March 30 and April 13, 2026 approved as amended, both 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed the full ATM Warrant; errata noted for Article 1 (award winners), an amendment to Article 19 shifting playground funds from Town Building to Happy Hollow school, and handouts planned for Article 21 (Rail Trail easements).
💬 Discussed
Town offices will close 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on April 30 for a workplace anti-discrimination/harassment training; new website launch delayed one week.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to adopt a seven-member advisory committee charge with a narrow scope tied to ATM Article 16 (preliminary design, engineering study, and appraisal for 25 Holiday Road).
📍 25 Holiday Road
💬 Discussed
Graffito SP president Jesse Baerkahn and Legacy Capital Ventures plan to present a full community vision for the Town Center in June, including a dog park, improved wayfinding, and activated green spaces.
📍 Wayland Town Center
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to authorize the Town Manager to apply for grants to fund a mural at the Wayland Community Pool; grant could provide up to $10,000 of the $27,000 total budget, with $15,857 already raised by WaylandCAN.
💰 Up to $10,000 grant; $27,000 total project budget
📍 Wayland Community Pool
💬 Discussed
Thirteen new interpretive signs will be installed along the Rail Trail; first sign before August 15, 2026, remainder by end of 2027.
📍 Mass Central Rail Trail
💬 Discussed
Two Finance Committee members resigned; the Finance Committee Appointing Board will soon meet to fill the seats.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m., 5-0.
April 13, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. with quorum present; hybrid format confirmed.
📍 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland
💬 Discussed
Local election April 28, Annual Town Meeting May 4–5; resident Elisabeth Carter publicly opposed the Regional 911 IMA and requested a Special Town Meeting article on Sherman Bridge.
✅ Approved
Board approved a template letter to thank members of recently disbanded committees.
💬 Discussed
Public Buildings Director reviewed major repair needs at the Library, Fire Station #2, Public Safety Building, DPW Building, and Town Building (elevators, roofs, windows); budget expected in coming months; some projects may qualify for grants.
✅ Approved
Town Manager authorized to accept a $15,110.37 Mass. Dept. of Fire Services grant for firefighter safety equipment upgrades.
💰 $15,110.37 grant
✅ Approved
Town Manager authorized to accept a $388,214 HUD Capital Fund grant for capital improvements at Wayland Housing Authority properties.
💰 $388,214 grant
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0 to authorize Town Manager to sign the revised IMA for the Middlesex Regional Emergency Communications Center shared with Framingham and Natick; Town Counsel and both other communities had approved the revisions.
💬 Discussed
Board held public forum on ATM Article 16 seeking $200,000 for preliminary design, engineering, and appraisal of the 13.72-acre town-owned parcel at 25 Holiday Road; potential uses include a new elementary school, housing, or open space; residents raised concerns about cost, infrastructure, and process; Board agreed to form an advisory working group.
💰 $200,000 appropriation proposed
📍 25 Holiday Road, Wayland
💬 Discussed
Board discussed warrant updates including a Town Counsel amendment to Article 40 on Planning Board Appeals, and Town Moderator presented three procedural rule revisions; warrant was reviewed with Moderator Miranda Jones.
💬 Discussed
Board discussed five EDC proposals: a Town Center playground (zoning review needed), a Shared Streets grant (insurance/license questions), a Route 20 property-owner cleanup letter, use of meals-tax revenue for economic development, and a post-permitting survey of applicants.
📍 Route 20, Town Center
💬 Discussed
Resident Trash & Recycling Survey results are being analyzed; report from consultant expected in a few weeks.
💬 Discussed
Finance Director recommends a 20-year level-principal bond for water supply, estimated at $40–$54 million versus $67 million for longer options; numbers being refined with consultant Hilltop.
💰 $40–$54 million bond (20-year level principal recommended)
💬 Discussed
New town website launch delayed one week to April 23; Town offices closed April 20 for Patriot's Day; flag-raising held at new Council on Aging Community Center.
• Status unclear
Item was on the agenda but the Board did not discuss it.
✅ Approved
Minutes of March 23, 2026 approved 4-0; no action taken on March 30, 2026 minutes.
💬 Discussed
Board acknowledged correspondence on parking and other topics.
💬 Discussed
Rail Trail new signs to be installed before August 15, 2026; remaining signs by end of 2027; C. Martin summarized a Board of Public Works meeting.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
March 30, 2026 · minutes
• Status unclear
Meeting called to order remotely at 6:30 p.m. with quorum of three members.
💬 Discussed
Public forums announced: long-term water supply (ATM Article HH) on April 7 at Council on Aging, and 25 Holiday Road engineering study (ATM Article DD) on April 13.
💬 Discussed
A trash and recycling survey is being circulated to residents.
💬 Discussed
Resident Carol Plumb challenged the draft expanded EDC charge, questioning whether it appropriately limits Select Board authority over permitting and Town Counsel access.
💬 Discussed
Resident Elisabeth Carter urged the Board to reconsider budget goals given declining school enrollment, employee wages, and the water supply situation.
🗳️ Voted on
Town Counsel found the senior property-tax credit article conflicts with M.G.L. Ch. 59 and cannot proceed without a means test; Board voted 2-0-1 to withdraw it from the 2026 ATM Warrant.
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted 2-1 to place Articles HH (Long-Term Water Supply) and DD (25 Holiday Road) immediately after the Consent Calendar, ahead of other articles, given high resident interest.
💬 Discussed
Board discussed the time-sensitive option to hold a Special Town Meeting within Annual Town Meeting but took no action.
🗳️ Voted on
Both advisory committees were formally disbanded with thanks after completing their final reports; vote was 3-0-0.
💬 Discussed
Consultants found the capped landfill on Route 20/Boston Post Road is reusable but cannot support structures or housing; top recommendations are a grass playing field, school bus/EV parking, and a DPW materials center — estimated cost ~$5 million.
💰 ~$5 million estimated implementation cost
📍 Route 20 / Boston Post Road
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted 3-0-0 to authorize Town Manager McCall and T. Fay to finalize and publicly issue an RFP for redevelopment of the 4-acre parcel, prioritizing accessible housing for adults with disabilities and SHI-eligible affordable units.
📍 212 Cochituate Road
✅ Approved
Approved one-day liquor licenses for an Order of Sons of Italy event at 134 Cochituate Road (Apr. 11) and an indoor picnic at 233 Boston Post Road (Apr. 11).
📍 134 Cochituate Road; 233 Boston Post Road
✅ Approved
Minutes of March 9 and March 16 approved as amended; March 23 minutes not acted upon.
💬 Discussed
Wayland certified as a Climate Leader Community, making it eligible for up to $150,000 for clean-energy technical studies and up to $1 million in decarbonization accelerator grants.
💰 Up to $150,000 in technical study grants; up to $1M in decarbonization grants
💬 Discussed
FEMA awarded $1,402,809.76 through MEMA to fund the Snake Brook Dam Rehabilitation Project, addressing structural deficiencies and bringing the dam into compliance with safety standards.
💰 $1,402,809.76 federal grant
📍 Snake Brook Dam
💬 Discussed
Town Manager conducting internal surveys on a possible shift from the long-Monday schedule to a more traditional Monday–Thursday 8–5 schedule; Board input to follow.
💬 Discussed
Snow and ice removal is ~$640,000 over budget, and the Town Manager may implement a departmental spending freeze; state or federal relief may be available.
💰 ~$640,000 budget overage
💬 Discussed
EDC Chair presented five priorities: Town Center Playground, Shared Streets, Route 20 property cleanup, a meals tax, and permitting satisfaction assessment; Board discussed but took no formal vote.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
March 23, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 3:30 p.m. via remote access; agenda reviewed.
💬 Discussed
T. Fay requested Article DD.25 (Holiday Road preliminary design/engineering funding) be placed on the first night of Annual Town Meeting given resident interest; C. Martin noted it was off-agenda and the article order had already been revised four times.
📍 Holiday Road
💬 Discussed
Resident Elizabeth Carter urged the Board to prioritize safety improvements on Sherman's Bridge Road, a short residential street with no sidewalks and frequent speeding.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
✅ Approved
Board accepted a $1,402,809.76 FEMA/MEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for Snake Brook Dam rehabilitation and authorized the Town Manager to sign all related documents; voted 5-0.
💰 $1,402,809.76 federal grant
📍 Snake Brook Dam
✅ Approved
Board designated Town Manager as sole signatory and approved the Common Victualler (food-service) license for the new Dunkin'/Jimmy John's at 289 Boston Post Road; voted 5-0.
📍 289 Boston Post Road
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 3:47 p.m.
March 16, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 6:31 p.m. with quorum present.
✅ Approved
Officer Jen Stoller was sworn in by Town Clerk; Acting Chief Hebert reviewed her qualifications.
💬 Discussed
Public forum on long-term water supply project and related Town Meeting warrant article set for April 7 at Council on Aging; Transfer Station survey update coming next meeting.
📍 Council on Aging Community Center
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed traffic study showing speeding and rush-hour volume; directed Police Dept. to gather more data on speed limits and signage at the bend.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to accept two donated Historic Route 20 signs to be placed along Route 20.
📍 Route 20, Wayland
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to appoint Ken Bruss, Ed.D., to the Council on Aging Board through June 30, 2028.
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0 to support the Town Meeting warrant article funding construction of the long-term water supply project; more funding details expected before Annual Town Meeting in May.
✅ Approved
Board voted 4-0 to co-sponsor with the School Committee a warrant article funding a preliminary design, engineering study, and appraisal of 25 Holiday Road.
📍 25 Holiday Road
💬 Discussed
Board discussed the FY2027 omnibus budget warrant article with the Town Manager but did not take a position; will determine stance at Annual Town Meeting.
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to support updating personnel bylaws, wage and classification plan, and funding union and non-union agreements including COLA for FY2027; a resident raised cost concerns during public comment.
🗳️ Voted on
Board declined to reconsider its prior decision against using retained earnings to fund the Water Enterprise Fund budget, consistent with Town Manager and Finance Director recommendation.
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed revised drafts; authorized Martin and Levine to continue refining Article UU (weight restrictions) with Finance Committee liaison, particularly around bus and emergency vehicle exemptions.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
💬 Discussed
Board suggested retitling Article WW to better reflect the petitioner's intent as described at the prior meeting.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
💬 Discussed
Board suggested revisions to Finance Committee comments and corrected the applicable Massachusetts General Law citation governing speed limits.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
💬 Discussed
Board discussed adding language noting the article conveys the sense of Town Meeting voters but has no binding legal effect.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
✅ Approved
Board voted 3-0 to approve the amended all-alcoholic beverages on-premises retail license for URBN Wayland Village LLC d/b/a Terrain, as required by the state Liquor Control Commission.
📍 297 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778
💬 Discussed
Board discussed adopting a civil discourse training program (~$10,000/year) for staff and residents; will revisit after Annual Town Meeting.
💰 ~$10,000 annually
✅ Approved
Board approved two Ameresco task orders: $177,744 for Claypit School rooftop unit replacement and $98,492 for Middle School domestic hot water heating system replacement.
💰 $177,744 (Claypit School) + $98,492 (Middle School)
📍 Claypit School; Wayland Middle School
✅ Approved
Minutes of February 23 and March 2, 2026 approved as amended; March 9 minutes tabled.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
March 9, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Routine opening; no announcements or public comment.
💬 Discussed
Board entered executive session to strategize on Town Manager contract negotiations, then returned to open session.
✅ Approved
Board approved the Third Amendment to Town Manager Michael McCall's employment agreement, setting annual base salary at $256,750 effective February 27, 2026; vote was 5-0.
💰 $256,750 annual base salary
💬 Discussed
Board debated whether to sole-sponsor (vs. co-sponsor with School Committee) a study of the 25 Holiday Rd parcel to assess school, housing, and conservation uses; article liaison to continue discussions with School Committee.
📍 25 Holiday Road, Wayland
✅ Approved
Board approved Enterprise Fund operating and capital budgets 5-0; Finance Director opposed using $200,000 of Wastewater Fund retained earnings to balance the budget, warning the fund has dropped from $4M to $1.4M.
💰 $200,000 retained earnings draw opposed; Wastewater Fund balance now $1.4M
💬 Discussed
Board discussed three funding options for a $2M high school wastewater project; Finance Director recommended using Capital Stabilization Fund transfers over 20 years rather than a debt exclusion; no vote taken.
💰 $2,000,000 project; 20-year funding via Capital Stabilization Fund
📍 Wayland High School
🔄 Postponed
Finance Director flagged a 4% 20-year loan as the best option for the MWRA water supply project; Board deferred vote to next meeting pending appeal and rate-impact data.
💰 Loan terms pending; impact on water rates forthcoming
💬 Discussed
HR Director and Personnel Board Chair presented results of the town-wide salary Classification & Compensation Study; data will inform upcoming collective bargaining.
✅ Approved
Board approved change of LLC manager to Laura Palmer for The Coach Grill's annual all-alcohol liquor license (ABCC #00002-RS-1340), 5-0.
📍 55 Boston Post Road, Wayland
❌ Denied
Motion to insert Article C failed 0-5; article will not be placed on Town Meeting warrant.
🔄 Postponed
Article still under Finance Committee review; no vote taken.
✅ Approved
Board approved inserting and supporting an article to establish a Special Education Reserve Fund, 5-0.
✅ Approved
Board voted 5-0 to insert and 4-1 to support amending Town Code §198 regarding Planning Board appeals; Brensley opposed support.
✅ Approved
Board supported a senior property tax assessment credit article 4-0-1 (Whitney abstained).
❌ Denied
Proposal to amend maximum building dimensions in the Route 20 West multi-family sub-district failed 2-3; Fire Chief had flagged safety concerns about taller structures.
📍 Route 20 West sub-district
❌ Denied
Board declined to support all six Sherman's Bridge petitioner articles (second walkway, weight limit, neighborhood agreement renegotiations, safety, and commercial vehicle ban) 0-5 each, noting MassDOT and Sudbury have already incorporated ~90% of petitioners' concerns.
📍 Sherman's Bridge Road
❌ Denied
Board voted 0-5 against supporting the article, noting the Capital Improvement Planning Committee is expected to address its goals in the next budget cycle.
💬 Discussed
Board reviewed EDC materials on residential vs. commercial tax revenue; agreed advisory boards should coordinate communications through Board liaisons before public distribution.
✅ Approved
Board authorized Town Manager to hire special counsel for Dover Amendment (G.L. c. 40A §3, which limits zoning restrictions on educational/religious uses) projects, 5-0.
✅ Approved
Approved $180,000 task order to Tata & Howard for Reeves Hill Second Water Storage Tank construction, and a one-day liquor license for an art event at 233 Boston Post Road.
💰 $180,000 (Tata & Howard, water tank construction)
📍 Reeves Hill / 233 Boston Post Road
💬 Discussed
No action taken on prior meeting minutes.