Wayland energy panel endorses solar warrant article for capped landfill

WAYLAND — January 11, 2023 — Wayland energy panel votes 5-0 to advance landfill solar article to Spring Town Meeting. The Energy and Climate Committee on Wednesday recommended the Select Board file a warrant article authorizing the town manager to lease the capped landfill and enter a power-purchase agreement for a solar installation, with a separate PILOT to smooth tax collections. Member Tom Sciacca pushed for language clarifying any transfer of control from the Board of Public Works would be "solely for the purposes" of the project; Chair Ellen Tohn said the article should be "developed in collaboration with the Board of Public Works." Tohn also reported the search for the town's first sustainability manager has been reopened after the top candidate declined in mid-December, and member Bill Huss raised the possibility of hiring a headhunter at roughly 20 percent of first-year salary. Facilities Director Ben Keller said construction of the Loker School rooftop solar and battery system is unlikely before 2024.