Wenham Select Board – HWCAM
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Wenham Select Board 10.20.26

Deirdre Pierotti called the Wenham Select Board meeting to order on October 20, 2026, with members Gary Cheeseman, Finn, Greg, Benjamin Tymann, and Peter present. Steve, the town administrator, reported on early voting at Town Hall (October 29 deadline), state election (November 3), hydrant flushing (October 19–November 13), bagged leaf collection (November 21, December 12), affordable housing trust survey, and Wreaths Across America ceremony (December 19, $17 sponsorship). The Council on Aging, represented by Jim Reynolds and Jeannie Moran, detailed services, outreach, partnerships (Gordon College, Accord Food Pantry), senior tax work-off program ($2,000 threshold), and activities for Wenham’s 33% senior population. The board approved a new public meeting posting policy, FY28 budget memo, and discussed capital requests, free cash ($2–$2.3 million), and town meeting schedule (April 1, 2027).

Wenham Select Board 10.6.26

The Wenham Select Board meeting on October 6, 2026, included announcements from Steve about the Community Preservation Committee’s CPA funding application deadline (October 15), the Wenham Veterans Committee’s Wreaths Across America ceremony (December 19, $17 per wreath), and new town signage. The board appointed Thomas Regan to the Finance Committee and recognized Sally Barbara Black’s decades of service. Diane, the Town Clerk, detailed logistics for the November 3, 2026 state election, including two precincts, nine ballot questions, vote-by-mail, and early voting dates. The board updated the notary policy to restrict services to Wenham residents and nonprofits, discussed Pingree Park’s community center proposal, and addressed Iron Rail property redevelopment, including Scout Barn use, DPW needs, and potential land disposition. The board also reviewed FY27 goals, objectives, and budget process changes.

Wenham Select Board 9.22.26

On September 22, the Wenham Select Board, including Deirdre Pierotti, Gary Cheeseman, Finn Sprague, Peter Clay, and Benjamin Tymann, met at Town Hall. Key topics included updates on the Route 1A project, municipal fiber ring, and Pingree Park community engagement. The board discussed the condition and future of the Iron Rail Scout Barn, with input from Boy Scouts and staff, highlighting significant structural and safety concerns, potential costs ($500,000–$2 million), and the need for a working group to explore options for a new youth/community center. The board also approved a YMCA North Shore partnership, advanced Iron Rail site zoning for mixed uses, and set April 1, 2027, as the tentative date for annual town meeting at the high school. Updates on Penguin Hall’s tax lien and safety status were provided.

Select Board Iron Rail Community Forum 9.17.26

The Wenham Select Board held a community forum on June 11, 2026, to discuss the future of the Iron Rail property (80 acres), focusing on three developable sites: the Iron Rail building (site 1), soccer fields (site 2), and land near the cemetery (site 3). Key entities included Iron Rail Gymnastics Academy (400+ members), Boy Scout Barn (Troop 28, 100+ years), and Hamilton-Wenham Youth Soccer. Major topics were a $6 million repair estimate, potential land lease or sale, zoning changes (including Chapter 40Y for middle-income housing), and preservation of community organizations, with strong public support for maintaining existing uses and calls for more stakeholder engagement and financial clarity.

Wenham Select Board 9.8.26

The Wenham Select Board meeting on September 8, 2026, included a police ceremony led by Chief Kevin DiNapoli recognizing Sergeant Mike Mrsa’s retirement, Sergeant John Phillips’ promotion, new hires Officer Dumas and Matt, and a unit citation for Officers Kerkorian, DeLucia, and Dumas for a dog rescue during an August 27, 2026 structure fire. Public comments addressed Penguin Hall property bankruptcy, water arrears, and safety concerns, and opposition to Hamilton-Wenham Recreation Department’s pickleball classes at Pingree Park due to noise. Chief DiNapoli presented a one-year update on the town-wide 25 mph speed limit, showing an 18% drop in accidents and 40% fewer speeding complaints. The Iron Rail Working Group’s recommendations for site development, including land lease, recreation, and housing, were discussed, with input from Hamilton-Wenham Youth Soccer, Iron Rail Gymnastics, and Wenham Scouts. The Select Board also approved Purple Heart Community signage, firefighter appointments, and heard updates on town hiring and library events.

Wenham Select Board 8.25.26

The Wenham Select Board—including Gary Cheeseman, Peter Clay, Benjamin Tymann, and Deirdre Pierotti—met on August 25, 2026, to evaluate progress on its fiscal year 2026 goals and establish priorities for fiscal year 2027. Discussions covered implementation of the master plan; the Iron Rail best-use study; economic development and downtown revitalization studies; MBTA Communities zoning; the Affordable Housing Trust; financial software and policies; succession planning; PFAS water treatment; and the appointment of an AI liaison. The board emphasized transparency, support for departmental initiatives, and alignment of its goals with the master plan. It also addressed property disposition, social services, and records retention.

Wenham Select Board 7.21.26

On July 21, 2026, the Wenham Select Board met jointly with the Historic District Commission and the Finance & Advisory Committee. Topics included the Route 1A traffic improvement project, trash contract updates, Sharon Ivey’s appointment to the Wenham Housing Authority, Sundays in Patton Park, Patrick Crockett’s Eagle Court of Honor, a proposed demolition-delay bylaw for the 2027 Annual Town Meeting, and an update to the historic district guidelines. The board and Finance Committee also discussed FY27 financial priorities, including health insurance, fire and ambulance services, Iron Rail, free cash, vendor insurance requirements, Community Preservation Committee signage, and the disposition of town-owned land. The board additionally considered a film-permit request for 36 Topsfield Road and the applicable zoning and Zoning Board of Appeals procedures.

Wenham Select Board 7.7.26

On July 7, 2026, the Wenham Select Board discussed municipal operations, school planning, recreation proposals, and FY27 priorities. Town Administrator Steve Poulos provided updates on the Casella Waste Management contract, new recycling totes, the Route 1A traffic project, state economic-development legislation, and the town audit. Superintendent Eric Tracy presented the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District’s draft five-year strategic plan, emphasizing facilities, communication, academic excellence, digital infrastructure, and an AI strategy. The board heard concerns from the Boulders Condominium Trust about possible noise from proposed pickleball courts and a skate park at Pingree Park. Other business included vendor-insurance policy revisions, opioid-settlement funding for police training, recognition of Wenham as a Purple Heart Community, Community Preservation Committee project signage, FY27 financial priorities, and vacancies on town boards and committees.

Wenham Select Board 6.23.26

Town Administrator Steve updated the Select Board on Board of Assessors inspections, DPW electronics drop-off rescheduled to July 11, and a Pingree School local government program. The Board congratulated Gary Cheeseman on re-election, thanked Trudy Reed, and noted Juneteenth and Flag Day events. The Board approved committee appointments, including Janet Burt to CPC, and discussed attendance policies. Chief DiNapoli introduced new police officers Matt Kincaid and Menards Dumas, and accepted a Perkins Fund donation for wellness screenings. The Board authorized a five-year Casella Waste contract, approved temporary easements for Route 1A improvements, granted $17,500 to Habitat for Humanity for Maple Street, adopted EV policy and carbon roadmap, and updated onboarding materials.

Wenham Select Board 6.9.26

PUBLIC INPUT REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE & TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS CHAIR’S REPORT SELECT BOARD MEMBER’S REPORT CONSENT AGENDA ANNUAL TOWN APPOINTMENTS MILES RIVER WATERSHED ACTION PLAN WEST WENHAM PARK PRESERVATION RESTRICTION AT MAPLE STREET WENHAM MUSEUM CPC GRANT ITEMS CLIMATE LEADER PROGRESS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY PLAT DU JOUR EXTENDED LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST OLD BUSINESS ADDITIONAL PATROL OFFICER AUTHORIZATION SELECT BOARD ONBOARDING AND ORIENTATION GUIDE OTHER MATTERS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT