Town of Wenham

Key discussions during the meeting focused on the review of the meeting minutes process, where Chal volunteered to become the primary person to submit minutes on behalf of the Chair. The Committee discussed the language in the EV-First policy draft, concluding it was not overly burdensome and should be adopted as is, though no formal vote was taken. A lengthy discussion on the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Update involved input regarding the addition of a small fee per kilowatt hour, with the consensus being not to pursue the additional fee due to unclear fund usage. Other business included brief discussions on Ethics Training, the location of Solar Panels at the Town Hall, a Water Department update, and input for the Wenham Town Annual Report.

The agenda for this public meeting includes a Call to Order followed by a period for Public Comment on items not listed on the agenda. A Public Hearing is scheduled for a petition by Hamilton-Wenham Little League regarding the installation of a batting cage at Pingree Park, located at 211 Main Street. Subsequent items include discussion and potential vote to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Pingree Park batting cage project, an update on the Historic District Guidelines rewrite, a review of minutes from previous meetings dating from August 2025 through January 2026, and an update regarding the Demo Delay Warrant Article.

The joint meeting between the Select Board and the Finance Committee focused on several key areas. A period for general public input was scheduled with specific rules regarding time limits and identification requirements. Under Consent Agenda items, approval was sought for a One Day Liquor License for the First Church. New Business included a joint discussion regarding Fiscal Year 2027 income projections, potential funding sources, project selection, and recommendations for the Town Meeting. Old Business involved continued discussion and review of Warrant Article items and the warrant contents for the FY2027 Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for April 11, 2026. Other anticipated and unanticipated matters were also scheduled for discussion.

The meeting agenda includes a Public Hearing concerning three petitions from the Town of Wenham: roof restoration for the Town Hall (138 Main Street) and the Police Station (140 Main Street) due to deterioration, and the installation of granite benches at the Civil War Monument (133 Main Street). The agenda also covers potential votes to approve Certificates of Appropriateness for these three projects, an update on the Historic District Guidelines rewrite, a discussion on voting criteria during the rewrite, and a review of the Demo Delay Warrant Article.

The Select Board agenda includes public input sessions, reports and announcements from the Town Administrator, Chair, and Select Board Members. The Consent Agenda covers approval of minutes from December 2, 2025, and an appointment to the Council on Aging Board. New Business items include discussions and potential votes on opening the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, selecting articles for the warrant, selecting an alternate town meeting venue, and a public hearing regarding a petition from National Grid and Verizon New England to relocate a utility pole on Maple Street. Old Business items focus on reviewing the current status of the Town and School budget development, capital plan, projected deficit, and discussing potential spending reduction options.