Wayland Board of Health weighs permit-fee overhaul, tracks flu surge

WAYLAND — December 15, 2025 — Wayland Board of Health tracks flu surge and weighs broad permit-fee hikes. Public health nurse Moira told the board Monday that confirmed flu A cases hit 29 in the first two weeks of December, up from six for all of November, while COVID-19 cases rose to eight from six; the department has given 457 vaccines this season. Health Director Julia presented proposed fee increases benchmarked against Newton, Framingham, Maynard, Acton, Franklin and Natick, including raising the refuse hauler permit from $100 to $200, the seasonal pool permit to $150 and food service permits for establishments over 50 seats to $510. The board also previewed tobacco rule changes with regional coordinator Perry that would ban vape sales and flavored pouches, plus a separate prohibition on kratom — which member Genevieve Anand said left a young patient "full blown addicted." The board voted 4-0 to appoint Brenda Monaco as animal inspector. Chair Robert Defrancesco was absent.