Wayland selectmen approve fast-track outdoor-dining permits for restaurants

WAYLAND -- June 20, 2020, Wayland selectmen clear outdoor-dining permits and three stopgap budgets. The Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on June 5 to adopt an expedited application process for temporary outdoor table service under Gov. Charlie Baker's COVID-19 Order No. 35, with permits expiring Nov. 1. Town Administrator Louise Miller said health, building, fire and police staff will sign off before selectmen vote, and restaurants need not attend a hearing. Chair Cherry Carlson said the board would weigh neighborhood impacts at restaurants abutting homes. The board then approved one-twelfth budgets of $10,946,377 for July, $4,436,637 for August and $6,263,645 for September because annual town meeting has been postponed; Finance Director Brian Keveny said September includes $115,000 for a possible town meeting and a $184,000 school increase tied to special-education contracts. Selectmen also issued the 2020 Race Amity Day proclamation "in perpetuity."