Wayland energy panel backs revolving fund article, sidelines solar bylaw push

WAYLAND — October 10, 2024 — Wayland Energy and Climate Committee backs revolving fund article and waves off solar bylaw. Meeting remotely Oct. 10, the panel directed member Neil Gordon to draft a three-slide pitch and FAQ for a dedicated energy revolving fund — modeled on Natick and Salem bylaws — in time for the spring annual town meeting, with Finance Director Brian Kevney and Town Manager Michael McCall to be consulted first. Sustainability Manager Abby Schuett reported a roughly $50,000 MassSave rebate from National Grid and Eversource for the Council on Aging solar project, but said Wayland missed the fall Green Communities competitive round because vendor payments had not closed. Chair Ellen Tohn pushed back on a planning-board proposal for a ground-mount solar bylaw, saying the committee should instead tackle rooftop permitting, which member William Huss called "a freaking mess." The town's 100 percent green electricity tier stands at 127 households against a 200-household goal.