WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, Chairman Mike Champoux read the Board’s 2015 Annual Report into the record.
Read the report below:
Dear Fellow Resident,
It is my privilege and honor to submit, on behalf of The Wilmington Board of Selectman, this annual report summarizing the activities of the Board throughout 2015.
Our nation, the Commonwealth, and out town continue to inch out of the recession of a few years ago. Evidence of this can be seen in the continued growth of single-family housing developments throughout town. Those, balanced with the presence of multi-family residential developments and the early phases of new, mixed-use, retail and residential projects are giving existing and new residents greater choice from a varied, diverse housing stock. Other positive economic indicators can be seen in the improving strength of Wilmington’s commercial and Industrial base. Some key examples of this being the establishment of the US headquarters of Osram Sylvania to Wilmington formally opened in early 2016. Additionally, we saw new ventures including K1 Speed, Savers and a number of small businesses in the Ballardvale, Target store area, with more new businesses on track to come in 2016 and beyond.
Town finances, as indicated throughout this document, remain strong. The Board maintains its support of the Town Manager and the Administration’s conservative budgeting and operations methods, spending within our means, saving for the future and investing in infrastructure where prudent and possible. Once again, all operations have been fully funded with no Proposition 2 ½ overrides or additional fees. A key change made in 2015 was the transition to the all-automated trash and recycling pick-up program. While there was some initial resistance to the change early-on, the system has proven successful. In just the first six months of the new program, trash tonnage that the town pays to have picked up, has been reduced by 8% and recycling, for which there is no charge, has increased by 19%. This represents a saving to the town of nearly $68,000 for just this short period of time. One cannot think of 2015 without also thinking of SNOW! The town, like everyone in the region, was challenged with massive, multiple, back-to-to back storms that stretched our resources. But, the DPW and town contractors dutifully kept our roads safe, minimized the need for school closings, and kept Wilmington open for business. The Board compliments the efforts of all who helped navigate those challenging weeks.
In February of 2015, The Board of Selectmen, in conjunction with School Committee and other local and state officials celebrated the grand opening of the new Wilmington High School. The new facility is the culmination of years of planning and construction, the result of which is an environment conducive to the 21st century methods of collaborative learning and education. It is a true investment in the future of those who will learn there as well as for the town as a whole. The open and public process adhered to from the project’s conception are a testament to then heights and accomplishments that can be achieved through a constructive, collaborative partnership of public and private enterprise, as well as between staff and elected and appointed volunteer representatives. The Board offers heartfelt thanks to our designee to the High School Building Committee, Michael Newhouse, for his consistent advocacy of this project on the Board’s behalf.
2015 also saw the Board take a formal and unanimous position of opposition to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline / Kinder Morgan plans for a natural gas pipeline lateral line through North Wilmington. While the question of how the region’s existing and future demand for electric power can be met with by the utilities to supply it continues to be researched and debated, the Board could not endorse the pipeline as it has been planned. The Lynn field Lateral will travel through North Wilmington, much of it along existing power line easements. However, the pipeline plans include it traveling in close proximity to two of Wilmington’s water supply wellfield areas and then traveling below the Benevento quarry where active heavy vehicles and blasting occurs. The Board, in reviewing the plan put forth by Kinder Morgan takes the position that there is too much actual and potential negative and no foreseeable positive to the people of Wilmington if the pipeline were to be permitted by the Federal agency (FERC) in charge. Additionally, the Board took further action to pursue becoming an “intervenor”’ in the permitting process. As an Intervenor, the Town will have a louder voice at the table and be able to participate more actively in the process. Wilmington’s state and federal legislators are engaged in this process with the town and we will continue to work with them and others for the best outcome for the town.
In September 2015, the Board of Selectmen, together with members of Wilmington and State Government, residents and distinguished guests, joined in the solemn celebration and ribbon-cutting grand opening of a playground at Silver Lake constructed and named in the memory of our own Sean Collier. Sean, who grew up here in Wilmington, was an MIT police officer who became one of the victims of the terror attacks around the Boston Marathon in 2013. Being able to pay tribute to Sean and his heroic, selflessness in the manner was an honor for the town. We are forever grateful to Sean’s family and to Where Angels Play, the organization who spearheaded this effort to build the playground in Sean’s hometown.
Speaking of playgrounds, at the Town Meeting in May of 2015, residents voted to permanently connect the name “Yentile” with the property at 9 Cross Street. The town purchased the property in 2013 with the intention of it becoming a flagship recreational facility for all ages. The Yentile Recreational Committee, guided by Board of Selectman member Judy O’Connell, completed designs in 2015 and, as I write this letter, plans for breaking ground and its construction are actively under way.
Other activities that members of the Board participated in in 2015 and where we do traditionally include the Little League Opening Day Parade and ceremony. Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies, Veteran’s Day reflections, Relay for Life, Good Guy Awards and many more throughout the year, maintaining the Board’s commitment to staying visible and accessible within the community as your leaders in Town Government.
The spirit of our town is founded in its people. We, as elected members of your Board of Selectmen are privileged to be able to serve you and work with the Town’s Administration for the continued advancement of our common goals. We extend great appreciation to our Town Manager and all department heads, managers and staff for their efforts to consistently provide residents with the services that you deserve to expect. Additionally, we want to acknowledge and compliment the great many organizations and individuals throughout town that volunteer thousands of hours all year, every year for the benefit of our friends and neighbors. Giving back, and donating of one’s time and talents for to help others is a hallmark of Wilmington and part of our heritage. You make Wilmington a great place to live.
Once again, allow me to express, on behalf of the entire Board of Selectmen, our sincere gratitude to you for placing your trust in us. We understand and do not take lightly our charge to work hard to continue to make Wilmington a desirable place to live, work and play.
This report will be included in the Town’s 2015 Annual Report, which will be released to the public later this month.
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