Wayland climate committee finalizes town meeting plan, approves handouts 5-0

WAYLAND — May 8, 2024 — Wayland's Energy and Climate Committee preps for town meeting climate votes and tallies nearly $250,000 in grants. Co-chair Ellen Tohn told members Wednesday she expects Articles 29 and 30 — a power purchase agreement extension and adoption of the state's specialized opt-in building code — to come up on the second night of town meeting Monday, after Article 28 is referred for study without debate. The committee voted 5-0 to approve a specialized-code FAQ and a regional "Plug In" flyer for distribution, with Tom Sciacca seconding the motion from Ann Harris. Sustainability Manager Abigail Schuett reported a confirmed $50,000 LEAP rebate (down from a projected $100,000 after eligibility changes), pending Mass Save rebates that could reach six figures, and selection for a DOER decarbonization planning grant worth roughly $14,000 per building. Tohn cited Natick's 102-10 vote on the specialized code, saying Wayland "doesn't want to be seen as less interested in climate." Member Harvey Boshart announced he will not seek reappointment July 1 after roughly 15 years.