Message from Town Manager, Michael McCall | |
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Happy November, I hope you all had a wonderful October. The Town continues to work on its various projects including the Council on Aging and Community Center and Stone’s Bridge Restoration Project. With the Election just a few days away, please make sure to check the Town Clerk’s Page for updates as well as your voting precinct. Polls will be open on Tuesday, November 5 from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Are you interested in serving on a Town Board or Committee? Various Boards and Committees including the Cultural Council, Historic District Commission, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, and many more are looking for volunteers! If you are interested, please visit the Board and Committee Vacancies to see what positions are available as well as instructions on how to apply!
Please Note: All sandwich board and H-Frame/Lawn Signs are now approved by the Town Manager. To view the policies and application, please click the following link: Town of Wayland Sandwich Board & H-Frame Lawn Sign Policies/Application.
My next office hours for residents to discuss topics of interest or concern will be held on Tuesday, November 12 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
Lastly, I would like to remind residents that Veteran’s Day is on November 11, the Public Ceremonies Committee will host their Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11 A.M. at the Wayland Veterans Memorial (Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road). I wish you all a happy and safe November.
Sincerely,
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Prepare for the Heating Season
With the colder weather upon us, the Building Department would like to remind homeowners that residents should have their heating systems checked and tuned by a professional. Additionally, monitor the gauge on your oil tank; you should not let it go below 1/4 full. This could cause sediment to build up, clogging your filters and causing damage. To conserve oil, be sure to lower your thermostat in the evening and while you are at work.
If you are experiencing problems with your heating system, you should do the following:
- Make sure your thermostat is turned on
- If heating by oil, check to make sure you have at least 1/4 tank of oil.
- Contact your landlord or property manager immediately.
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2025 Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program
Would you like to offset your property taxes by working in a Town department? The Senior Tax Work-Off Program enables senior residents to work for a set number of hours in Town departments to earn a credit that will be applied to their property tax bill. This year participants may choose to work 65 or 125 hours. The program benefits both the Town and residents.
The program will run from January 1, 2025 through November 15, 2025. Completed applications received by Friday, November 15 at noon will be entered into a lottery to determine the order in which applicants are considered for placement. After November 15, Tax Work-Off applications will be processed in the order received.
You may pick up an application at the Council on Aging (COA), in the front lobby of the Town Building, and on the COA website. You may also call the COA and ask to have an application mailed to you. Applications should be returned to the COA.
There are increasingly diverse positions available in town departments. While we do our best to place all interested seniors, we cannot guarantee that there will be a position available for all applicants.
For more information, contact Shawna Levine, Project Coordinator at the Council on Aging. You may also call the COA at 508-358-2990 or email us at coa@wayland.ma.us.
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Department of Public Works | |
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Crosswalk Improvements
The Wayland Department of Public Works and Police Department have formed a collaboration to inventory, evaluate and implement improvements to Town crosswalks. The Town has approximately 155 crosswalks that vary in service levels from having basic road markings through having sophisticated signalization. Staff strive to be proactive in determining beneficial safety improvements which will provide for safety measures appropriate for each particular crosswalk location using annual funding available for improvement purposes.
It is important for pedestrians to note, that although a crosswalk may be clearly marked and/or signaled, it is still necessary for walkers to use extreme caution when entering and passing in a crosswalk. Crosswalks do not offer a protected barrier from road-sharing vehicles, they only act as a warning to drivers to be diligently alert and yielding to crossing pedestrians.
We welcome people to click here to see recent crosswalk improvement work.
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The Town of Wayland is pleased to provide trash and recycling disposal services at the Transfer Station. The Town offers “green” recycling of metal, Styrofoam bubble material, electronics, oil, batteries, tires, mattresses & box springs, yard waste, give-n-take items and textile materials & composting. Additional services include paper-shredding events and the disposal of bulky waste items (non-recyclables too large to fit in PAYT (Pay As You Throw) bags). Residents with an active Transfer Station sticker may pay these disposal fees at the Transfer Station at the time of disposal. | |
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It's that Time of Year 🍂
Autumn's cascade of colorful leaves, provides an opportunity for each of us to help with water quality! At the Wayland Department of Public Works, we're focusing on maintaining our MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) compliance and we need your help.
Together, we can make a big impact, one leaf at a time. 🍁🌟
Learn More about our Stormwater Management System, visit: https://www.wayland.ma.us/department-public-works/pages/residents
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Captain James P. Gemelli retired from the Wayland Fire Department on October 16, 2024. Captain Gemelli has over 42 years of career service to the Town of Wayland and has served in the following positions:
- Appointed Firefighter, August 29, 1982
- Promoted to Lieutenant, January 9, 2002
- Promoted to Captain, March 17, 2015
Captain Gemelli is the longest serving member in Wayland Fire Department’s history.
During this time, Captain Gemelli also served as department clerk, fire investigator, district fire investigator, quarter master, association treasurer and executive board member for Local 1978. Additionally, he was a call firefighter in Lincoln and Wayland prior to being hired fulltime.
Captain Gemelli grew up in Wayland and spent a great deal of time around the fire department because his father Peter served as a call firefighter in Wayland. Captain Gemelli was very proud to follow in his father’s footsteps and was passionate about honoring the traditions of those who served before him.
Throughout his career, Captain Gemelli was recognized numerous times in the performance of his duty, perhaps most notably for having the first ever EMS save in Wayland using a defibrillator.
Captain Gemelli will be remembered for his dedication to the department and willingness to answer the call no matter the time of day, weather or events happening in his personal life.
We thank Captain Gemelli for his service to the community and wish him a long healthy retirement.
Captain Gemelli pictured in white (middle) with his shift on his last day.
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Wayland Free Public Library | |
Welcome Joanne Lee, Library Assistant Director.
We are pleased to share Joanne Lee is the new Assistant Director. Joanne was most recently the Head of Reference Services at Goodnow Library in Sudbury where she oversaw adult services and programming.
Joanne is excited to meet and assist Wayland residents. Please stop by and say hello!
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Sarah McQuaid in Concert
Wednesday, November 20 | 7 P.M.
Wayland Free Public Library is a stop on the USA tour of internationally known singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid! Join us for this free concert in our acoustically vibrant Round Room on Wednesday, November 20 at 7:00 pm.
“One of the most instantly recognizable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc.
Sarah is promoting her live-in-lockdown album The St Buryan Sessions. Her music has been likened to classic 1970s British folk and incorporates blues, rock and country styles. Her lush, chocolatey voice combines with her engaging personality, “subtle mastery onstage” (Huffington Post) and “brilliant musicianship” (Roots) on acoustic and electric guitars to create a truly immersive experience.
For more information on Sarah, check out sarahmcquaid.com.
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Save the Date: Wayland Center Holiday Open House
Brought to you by The Grout-Heard House, the Wayland Free Public Library, First Parish, and the Depot will come alive with seasonal music and fun on Sunday, December 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wayland Free Public Library
Local musician Stacey Peasley will give a holiday concert in the Round Room at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Grout-Heard House
The museum will be adorned with greenery provided by the Wayland Garden Club and the Stone Room will feature a tree decorated by the Girl Scouts with a Winter Wonderland theme. There will be refreshments, tours of the Museum, and a scavenger hunt for children.
First Parish in Wayland
Outdoor sing-along caroling fest with music provided by the Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band.
The Depot
The depot will be open and will offer unique selection of items as well as Booster apparel.
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Meet Archie!
Police Chief Ed Burman is pleased to announce that the Wayland Police Department has welcomed it's new comfort dog, Archie!
Archie is an 8-month-old black Labrador who arrived in March from Boonefield Labs in Rindge, N.H. Archie began his training upon arrival and will continue to undergo training as he joins the department full-time.
He will be assigned to School Resource Officer Shane Bowles, who will house him. Archie will provide general support for students, faculty, and staff of Wayland Public Schools. He will also be a calming influence should the Department meet with a child or witness, provide a sense of comfort during a mental health intervention, and reduce the stress felt by residents during a critical incident.
The addition of Archie was made official to Wayland Police at the October 7 Select Board meeting. Welcome to Wayland Archie!
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Thank you to everyone who came to our Touch A Truck on October 21! 🚒
Our Touch A Truck was well attended with hundreds of residents in attendance. We would like to thank our sponsors, Chris Reynolds with Arts Wayland for providing live music, all the amazing businesses and organization that had a table!
Thank you to Wayland Department of Public Works for bringing over all the supplies, setting up, and breaking down the event, as well as supplying many of their vehicles and staff. Thank you to Chief Ed Burman, Wayland Police Department for promoting the event, coordinating with local businesses to attend, and providing multiple vehicles. And thank you to the Wayland Fire Department for providing vehicles for the event.
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RecPass Afterschool Activities - Winter Registration
Registration for Winter 2025 Programs will open on Monday, November 25. Winter 2025 Programs will run from January 2 to February 14. ❄
Please visit Wayland Recreation for updates.
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Town Clerk Office - Notary Services
Please note that notary services are a courtesy, not a function of the Town Clerk's Office, and are at the discretion of the Notary. There is no fee for this service, however we do ask for your patience and understanding of these new changes.
Effective October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Due to the upcoming November Election which will be busy for the Town Clerk's Office, notary services will be as follows:
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Appointment only between the hours of 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. (Monday - Thursday). Please call 508-358-3630 or email townclerk@wayland.ma.us for an appointment.
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The Town Clerk's Office no longer provides witnesses. Please review your document - if it requires a witness or two, you will need to bring them with you.
Beginning January 1, 2025
- Appointments no longer required.
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The Town Clerk's Office no longer provides witnesses. Please review your document - if it requires a witness or two, you will need to bring them with you.
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FY25 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills were due by November 1st.
The City Hall Systems webpage updates RE & PP bill balances every night so take a quick peek to confirm your payment was received. You can check by clicking the button below.
Please Note: Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 60 Section 3 states that that failure to receive a bill does not relieve the taxpayer/ratepayer of the responsibility of paying all taxes, charges, interest, and fees.
Please take a moment to review your mailing address with the Town, and any forwarding mail you have on file with the U.S. Post Office, to ensure timely delivery of your bills. If you do have an update to your mailing address, find the change of address form on the Assessor’s page:
https://www.wayland.ma.us/assessors-office/pages/forms
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Be sure to make the address change with our Assessor’s office for your Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills, the DPW for your Utility bill, and the RMV for your Motor Vehicle Excise tax bills. For added assurance, sign up for electronic bills through City Hall Systems, (click the link below) and your bills will be emailed, in addition to mailed. | | |
Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Tax Rate & Tax Classification Hearing
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, November 18, 2024 | 7 P.M.
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The Town of Wayland Select Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m in the Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA and remotely via Zoom (link to be found on the Town of Wayland Website on the day of the meeting). The Board of Assessors will present data relative to the setting of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 tax rate and its effect on taxpayers for the different classification of properties in Wayland.
The Select Board will vote whether a uniform tax rate will be maintained for residential, commercial and industrial properties and whether an open space discount and/or residential and/or small commercial exemption will be approved for FY 2025. In addition, Town officials responsible for preparing the tax recapitulation submission to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue will review and answer questions from the public concerning the proposed FY 2025 tax rate. Public comment will follow.
If residents are unable to attend the hearing in person or remotely, written opinions, may be sent to the Select Board, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778, or by email to sbmembers@wayland.ma.us prior to November 18, 2024.
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November’s Spotlight is the Town Clerk’s Office who have been busy with the Election Season!
Trudy Reid, Town Clerk
Trudy Reid recently celebrated her two year anniversary in Wayland. One of her major accomplishments is the state initiated a new program in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and Trudy was the first Town Clerk chosen to participate. She led the Town of Wayland through an elections audit done by the State and Homeland Security. Trudy was also one of the four clerks chosen from the state to participate in a security workshop where she was able to discuss and develop ideas to improve elections. Trudy also obtained her Certified MA Municipal Clerk Certification in 2017 and currently still holds. She also currently serves as chair of the MA Clerk’s Association Education Committee.
Trudy is proud of her public service as she has several opportunities to serve the public including serving as chair for her hometown's 375th Anniversary Celebration Committee, served as Town Moderator in Wenham and was Director of the Wenham COA.
Trudy’s favorite part of her job is customer service whether it’s assisting residents with dog registrations, vital records, birth, marriage, or death certificates. Trudy’s favorite thing to work on is elections whether it’s scheduling, mailing out ballots to preparing ballots for the local election.
Fun Fact about Trudy: She is an identical twin and the youngest of nine! She also enjoys boating and riding her e-bike and has discovered many bike trails in MA.
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Theresa Mansfield, Assistant Town Clerk
Theresa (Terry) has worked in Wayland since June 2023. Her major accomplishment is having the opportunity to work in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Terry enjoys many aspects of her job but her favorite part is interacting with Wayland residents whether helping, listening to their stories or making them smile.
Fun Fact about Terry: She is obsessed with Christmas and Disney and both conversations are sure to make her day! When not working, she enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with family.
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Christina Alfaro, Department Assistant
Christina Alfaro recently started in Wayland in September. In her role as Department Assistant, Christina assists with various tasks such as posting agendas in accordance with Open Meeting Law, updating Wayland Dog rabies certificates, certification of nomination papers, and assist with processing vital records.
Fun Fact about Christina: Christina attended Wayland Schools from 3rd through 12th grade. She attended college in Hawaii where she met her husband and have returned to Wayland . Christina loves plants and some time in the future would like to have a self-sustaining house.
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Community, Culture and Belonging Survey | |
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The Town of Wayland is committed to improving its ongoing approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, culture, and belonging. The Town's goal is to provide the best possible environment so that everyone is connected to Wayland can thrive.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will now remain open to November 14, 2024.
This survey is being conducted by the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation. The Center is an independent organization with a specialty in conducting secure, web-based surveys. Your participation and the inputs you share are strictly confidential. The researchers will share only summary data with the Town of Wayland.
If you wish to participate, please click this link to complete the survey: https://daw.checkboxonline.com/wayland
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Opioid Settlement Working Group | |
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Recovery Month Observance
The Opioid Settlement Working Group observed Recovery Month by hosting Ken Feldstein, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and certified recovery coach, who presented “Pathways to Recovery from Addiction.”
Ken spoke on the disease of addiction and its stigma, the importance of a recovery community for those struggling with addiction and their families, and the many possible pathways to recovery for each unique individual. His experience with his son’s journey to recovery from a drug addiction is the subject of an NPR interview, “I landed on love.”
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Opioid Settlement Working Group Ongoing Work
As part of the working group's ongoing effort to increase access, treatment, and services for prevention and harm reduction, discussion has begun to add a new position through the Wayland Police Department: Community Outreach Co-Response Clinician/Social Worker.
This position would focus on substance use prevention, intervention, recovery, and co-response with law enforcement to 911 and calls for service to people in the community who are experiencing crisis. In addition to helping de-escalate a situation, follow-up care and referrals would be provided to support community members.
More than 50 local police departments already implement co-response strategies. It’s proven to be an effective approach that is beneficial from both a police and community perspective.
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The Planning Board is pleased to report that on September 30, 2024, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) joined the Attorney General in approving Wayland’s Multi-Family Housing Overlay Zoning District (a/k/a MBTA Communities Zoning). It is the culmination of a planning effort that began more than two years ago with community forums, public hearings, and financial assistance from the Commonwealth in the form of two grants totaling $49,320 to pay for needed consulting services.
Wayland voted to adopt this zoning bylaw amendment and revised zoning map at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The Planning Board subsequently adopted regulations to implement the bylaw. Visit the Planning Department’s MBTA Communities web page to view the approved bylaw and regulations as well as all of the background information leading to the choice of four separate sub districts https://www.wayland.ma.us/planning-department-board/pages/mbta-communities-multi-family-zoning-districts-under-section-3a
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Historic District Commission | |
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Do you care about preserving architectural history in Wayland?
The Wayland Historic District Commission needs more members.
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Purpose:
- Preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Town of Wayland
- Encourage design that is compatible with the existing architecture.
Historic Districts:
Wayland has two local historic districts: The Wayland Center Historic District at the historic center of town; and the Bow Road Historic District just north of the Town Center. Each was established by Town Meeting which provided the mechanism to preserve the integrity of these two areas of significant resources associated with Wayland's historical development.
Members:
The Wayland Historic District Commission consists of seven members who the Select Board appoints. There is the potential of two alternates who may act in place of a permanent commissioner who is absent. Members include an architect, a realtor, an appointee of the Wayland Historical Society, residents of the districts, and others with an interest in historic preservation.
To learn more, please review the Historic District Commission page on the Town Website: https://www.wayland.ma.us/historic-district-commission
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Pictured left to right: 1891 Ballox Box, Literacy Test Rotating Box, Poll Tax Story and Frist Optical Reader Box. | |
Evolution of Voting Tools used in Wayland
If you have visited Town Building, you may of noticed the display in the lobby. This display highlights the evolution of voting tools used in Wayland including: 1891 Ballot Box, Literacy Test Rotating Box, Poll Tax Story and First Optical Reader Ballot Box.
This display was made possible by the Town Clerk and Historical Commission. Thank you to the Wayland Historical Society and Grout-Heard House Museum for allowing us to borrow these items.
If you are at Town Building, please make sure to visit the display in the lobby!
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Volunteer on a Board or Committee | | | | |
