WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Select Board met on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The Select Board voted, 4-1, to grant a one-day alcohol license to In The Mix Beverage Catering to sell beer and wine at Fall Fest on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Alcohol sales will take place from 11am to 3:45pm. There will be a designated area for consumption in the Fourth of July Building’s parking lot. All customers will be carded and given a bracelet for three alcohol drinks. Event organizers with the Fourth of July Committee are working closely with the Police Department, which has formally supported the plan. Select Board member Kevin Caira voted against the request, noting he did not feel alcohol was compatible with a family-friendly event. He also wished to delay the vote to receive a recommendation from Town Counsel. Abutters to the site will be notified of the event details, including the alcohol sales.
At the recommendation of Town Manager Eric Slagle, who consulted with the Town Clerk and Town Moderator, the Select Board voted, 5-0, to call a Fall Special Town Meeting on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 9am inside the High School Auditorium. The Town will once again vote on a proposed amendment to the town’s zoning bylaws to come in compliance with the MBTA Communities Act requirements (MGL Chapter 40A, Section 3A). At the Annual Town Meeting in May, voters decided to refer the amendment back to the Planning Board, in part, to buy time to see if any court decisions alter the law. Town Manager Slagle believes it is unlikely any court rulings will come down prior to the December 31 deadline. Select Board Chair Greg Bendel intends on having Planning Director Valerie Gingrich before the board in November to discuss the proposed amendment, which is believed to be very similar to the original amendment presented at the May Town Meeting.
Town Manager Slagle notified the Board that the Public Works Director Jamie Magaldi declined to recommend the request of a resident for the installation of a stop sign at Carolyn Road and Marcia Road. Magaldi made the decision based on clear regulations from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Magaldi did, however, have his department recently install stop bars at the intersection, and will install attenuation signage (e.g., “slow down”) in the area to help with traffic calming. Magaldi also asked the Police Department to conduct stop compliances at the intersection.
The Select Board voted, 4-0-1, to appoint Stephanie Frontiera as the Wilmington’s next Finance Director/Town Accountant. The Board had publicly interviewed Frontiera on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Frontiera currently serves as Director of Finance for Gloucester Public Schools. She previously served as the Town Accountant for Ipswich (2015-2019) and Town Accountant/Business Manager for West Newbury (2019-2022). She’s also worked in the corporate section, including at State Street for more than 8 years. Frontiera was encouraged to apply for the position by current Interim Town Accountant Mike Morris. Town Manager Slagle noted her references were glowing and she has extensive experience with Munis. Select Board member Kevin Caira abstained from the vote as he wasn’t present for the interview.
The Select Board voted, 3-0-2, to appoint Joe Maselli to a vacancy on the Wilmington Economic Development Committee. Maselli, who recently obtained his Bachelors and Masters in Finance from Bentley University, is employed as a financial analyst, and also helps manage his family’s popular ice cream shop in nearby Reading. The nomination was made by Select Board member Kevin Caira. Select Board members Lil Maselli (Joe’s mother) and Gary DePalma both abstained. Town Manager Slagle noted that Maselli did reach out to the State Ethics Commission, which had no issues with Maselli participating on the Committee. Select Board Chair Greg Bendel noted the Economic Development Committee is advisory in nature, and its members are all volunteers who do not receive a salary or stipend.
The Select Board voted, 5-0, to approve the request of the Recreation Director Brett Sawin to hold the Town’s 56th Annual Horribles Parade on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Wilmington kids in costume will meet at 4:30pm at the Public Safety Building and parade down to the High School, where candy will be distributed in the cafeteria.
The Select Board voted, 5-0, to approve the request of Gigi Shenloogian to light the Town Common pink during the month of October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shenloogian donated the gels (filters) to turn the lights pink.
The Select Board voted, 5-0, to approve the license requests of the Wilmington Methodist Church and the Boy Scouts Troop #56 to sell Christmas trees.
The Select Board voted, 5-0, to approve the request of the Friends of Wilmington Field Hockey Boosters to use the Municipal Parking Lot for a Car Wash Fundraiser on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 9am to 1pm.
Select Board Chair Greg Bendel congratulated Wilmington’s Alex Flynn for recently winning a silver medal in rowing at the U.S. Paralympics in Paris. Bendel hopes to invite Flynn for a future meeting.
Select Board Chair Greg Bendel encouraged residents to review the flyer recently mailed to their homes about the proposed elementary school building project. The survey closes on October 1, 2024. The Wildwood School Building Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 6:30pm in the High School’s Large Instruction Room to choose its preferred option.
Select Board member Frank West thanked Town Clerk Beth Lawrenson and her staff for a successfully-run Primary Election on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Select Board Chair Greg Bendel echoed West’s sentiments.
Select Board member Kevin Caira wished Select Board member Greg Bendel a belated happy birthday, which he celebrated on Sunday.
During the “Salute To Service,” the Select Board recognized John T.F. Krey, who recently passed away. Krey worked for the U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Laboratory, before teaching science at Wilmington High School for 33 years.
The Select Board adjourned into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining relative to the incoming Finance Director and the Firefighters Union. The meeting concluded at 9pm.
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