WILMINGTON, MA — Below are TWELVE things that happened at last week’s Wilmington Board of Selectmen Meeting:
#1) Town Manager Jeff Hull announced that the Attorney General’s Office has reviewed and approved Wilmington’s request to establish a temporary moratorium on recreational marijuana establishments in town through June 30, 2018. Voters approved this measure at the 2017 Annual Town Meeting (Article 49).
#2) Town Manager Jeff Hull announced “good news” in relation to the FY18 state budget. Wilmington will see an increase of $93,000 increase in unrestricted government aid and $33,910 increase in Chapter 70 school aid. Due to the town’s conservative budgeting approach, Wilmington will be receiving roughly $148,000 more than anticipated. Those monies will go into the town’s “free cash” account.
3) Selectmen unanimously authorized the Town Treasurer to executive a loan agreement from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for a new Balladrvale Street water main. Voters approved this $1,050,000 reconstruction project of 3,600 linear feet of water line, expanding from a 6-inch to 12-inch line, at the 2017 Annual Town Meeting (Article 32). As a part-time member of the MWRA, Wilmington was able to take advantage of a 10-year, no interest loan through the organization for a portion ($611,000) of the project’s cost.
4) Selectmen unanimously supported the request of Wilmington Recreation Director Karen Campbell to use the Town Common and Gazebo on Wednesday, August 2, from 6:30pm to 8pm, for a Concert on the Common. The concert with Jimmy & The Jesters, originally scheduled on July 12, was rained out.
#5) Selectmen unanimously supported the request of the Wilmington Rotary Club to use Rotary Park for the third annual Community Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 19 at 10:30am.
#6) Selectmen unanimously supported the request of the Wilmington Rotary Club to use the Swain Green for a Movie Night on Wednesday, August 16, beginning at 7:30pm.
#7) Town Manager Jeff Hull announced that National Grid will be replacing a main between 140 and 226 Lowell Street (Maple Meadow to Burger King), from July 24 to September 24, Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Residents can contact National Grid at 781-907-3804 with any questions. Hull was unsure of the effect the construction work would have on traffic.
#8) Selectmen unanimously supported the request of resident Mark Nelson to hold a block party on Polk Street on Sunday, September 3, from noon to 11pm.
#9) Selectman Greg Bendel complimented the Fourth of July Committee for a successful Fun on the Fourth. He also noted there were no incidents during the celebration. … Bendel encouraged residents to attend the Police Department’s National Night Out event on August 1. … Bendel reported that the town’s new Substance Abuse Coordinator position should be filled very soon. … Bendel gave a “shout out” to 1-year-old Charlee Jensen who is currently battling cancer. … Bendel congratulated Town Moderator Robert Peterson Jr. and his wife on the recent birth of their first child.
#10) Selectman Mike Champoux encouraged residents to browse the town’s most recent ‘Town Topics’ newsletter. “There is a lot of valuable information in it… There’s literally something happening for every age.” … Champoux recently attended a Massachusetts Selectmen’s Association forum on affordable housing, noting it’s something every community is struggling with. … Champoux also complimented all those involved with the town’s Fun on the Fourth celebrations.
#11) Selectman Mike McCoy asked Town Manager Jeff Hull if the town could do something about all the unaccepted ways in town, or perhaps encourage the legislature to help towards turn unaccepted ways into accepted ways. Hull noted that since unaccepted ways are technically private property, public tax dollars can’t be spent improving them.
#12) Selectman Ed Loud gave a “shout out” to Zach Lamoureux, a local resident currently serving in the army in Syria. Loud intends on starting a new tradition where, at the end of each Selectmen’s meeting, he’ll recognize a different local resident currently serving in the armed forces. Veterans Director Lou Cimaglia is assisting him with the names. … Loud also congratulated the Wilmington Police Department and Fire Department with a successful charity softball game during the Fun on the Fourth fesitivietes.
The Wilmington Board of Selectmen will next meet on Monday, August 14 at 7pm. It will be an unusual meeting in that only three members will be present. Both Selectmen Kevin Caira and Mike McCoy announced they will be unable to attend due to planned vacations.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 