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Wareham, MA

Wareham public meetings in 2025

350 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 29, 2025

Community Events Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved amended minutes and paid Veterans Day invoice

The Community Events Committee approved amendments to the June 30 and September 22, 2025 meeting minutes, each with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The committee also approved payment of the Wareham Veterans Day Organization, Inc. invoice with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned.

Mon Dec 22, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

finance
Mon Dec 22, 2025

Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee

No specific agenda items were listed for this meeting.

The Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee met on Dec. 22, 2025. The agenda provided does not list any concrete items, contracts, or votes. The committee’s purpose is to review and revise the town’s zoning bylaws, but no specific actions were detailed in the agenda.

zoningplanningcommittee
Mon Dec 22, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Board approved release of lots at 69 Great Neck Road from covenant

The Planning Board voted 4-0-1 to release the lots at 69 Great Neck Road from their covenant, conditional on the homeowners association documentation being recorded. The board also voted to continue the AD Makepeace Co. ANR review to Jan 26 2026 (5‑0‑0), the Pierceville Road subdivision to Jan 26 2026 (5‑0‑0), and the 2 East Boulevard project to Mar 23 2026 (5‑0‑0). Earlier motions approved the minutes from the November 24 and December 8, 2025 meetings (each 4‑0‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Dec 18, 2025

School Committee

Wareham School Committee meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

educationschool-committee
✓ Decided: School Committee approved FY27 budget of $38,244,686

The Wareham School Committee approved the FY27 proposed budget of $38,244,686, a $2,155,185 (5.97%) increase. It also adopted the CTE Exploration Policy and the Competency Determination policy, each with unanimous votes. Additional approvals included a Spain tour for students, an after‑school drop‑off care program, a side‑letter for the Unit A contract, and a three‑year contract for Dr. Amy Hartley Matteson.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
motion to approve the proposed budget, seconded by Roger Bonin
1 yea
Joyce Bacchiocchi yea
Thu Dec 18, 2025

Board of Assessors

✓ Decided: Board found Great Neck Road ATB appeal without merit due to late taxes

The Board signed the warrants and commitments for the upcoming tax bills. It ruled that the ATB appeal on Great Neck Road was without merit because of a late tax payment. The Board approved the minutes of the November 20, 2025 meeting by a 3‑0‑0 vote and then adjourned the session by the same vote.

Wed Dec 17, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission holds public hearing

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on December 17, 2025. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom and phone.

conservationpublic-hearingwarehammeetingzoom
Tue Dec 16, 2025

Select Board

Select Board meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and remote access information. No specific business items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board grants Comcast cable renewal license through 2035

The Board unanimously approved appointments to the Historical Commission and Community Events Committee, and approved the list of Certified Weighmasters. It approved two contract amendments to the Comcast cable agreement and then voted to grant Comcast a ten‑year cable renewal license. The Board also unanimously renewed a slate of annual food‑service, alcoholic‑beverage, club, wine‑and‑malt, and retail package‑goods licenses for 2026.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

Cable Advisory Committee meeting scheduled; agenda items not listed

The Wareham Cable Advisory Committee will meet on Dec 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda currently lists only the meeting time and access information, with no specific items detailed. No decisions or discussions are identified in the provided agenda.

cableadvisory-committeemeeting
✓ Decided: Cable Advisory Committee approves minutes and removes PEG funding clause

The committee approved the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0-0). It voted to delete the $1.25‑per‑subscriber sentence in Section 6.5‑PEG Access Capital Funding (3-0-0). The meeting was then adjourned (3-0-0).

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA adopted Storefront Renovation Grant Program and funded two town festivals

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority approved $7,500 funding for each of the proposed Harbor Fest and Harvest Fest. It also adopted and will implement the Storefront Renovation Grant Program. The board authorized press releases about the Community Planning Grant, the MEPA Review project, and the Community One‑Stop tax‑credit program. All motions passed unanimously.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approves Monster-Vac contract for sewer services

The Sewer Commissioners approved a one‑year contract with Monster‑Vac LLC, effective Nov 27 2025‑Oct 31 2026, with an option to extend two additional years. They rescinded a prior billing error for the Town of Bourne and then approved the corrected capital‑costs billing of $98,757.89 for FY 26. The meeting was adjourned at 3:56 PM.

Wed Dec 10, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Agenda lists only meeting time and online access, no substantive items

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Dec 10 2025 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with an optional Zoom link. No specific rezoning proposals, contracts, ordinances, fee changes, or public hearings are listed in the agenda.

zoningboard-of-appeals
✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved several special permits and variances

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting and continued a comprehensive permit for 4 West Street to January 28, 2026. It also approved as‑built sign‑off for 21 Old Glen Charlie Road and granted multiple special permits and variances for projects on Oak Street, Sandwich Road, Sixth Street, and North Water Street, all with 5‑0‑0 votes.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Affordable Housing Trust meeting agenda contains only procedural items

The December 9, 2025 Affordable Housing Trust meeting agenda lists only Zoom access details and a placeholder for documents. No specific rezoning, contracts, ordinances, fee changes, or public hearings are identified for discussion or decision.

housingaffordable-housingtrust
✓ Decided: Appointed clerk pro tem, approved Oct 14 minutes and adjourned meeting

The board unanimously appointed Judith Whiteside as clerk pro tem. It also unanimously approved the October 14, 2025 minutes, adding a list of documents referenced in that meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM. Because the November 18 meeting lacked a quorum, the clerk will notify the Town Clerk’s Office that it was cancelled.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

✓ Decided: Board approved November minutes and new computer internet policy

The trustees approved the November meeting minutes, adding book‑club comments, with a 4‑0‑0 vote. They also approved a new Computer Internet Use Policy, again by a 4‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0‑0 motion.

Mon Dec 8, 2025

Open Space Committee

Open Space Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 8 2025 was cancelled

The Wareham Open Space Committee meeting set for December 8, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items or decisions were presented.

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Mon Dec 8, 2025

Planning Board

No agenda items listed; meeting appears procedural

The Planning Board meeting on December 8, 2025 provides only the meeting time, online connection details, and a placeholder for documents. No specific rezoning, contracts, ordinances, fee changes, or public hearings are listed.

✓ Decided: Board denies extension of 2019 planning permit for 16 Broad Street

The Planning Board voted 4‑0‑0 to deny the request to extend the planning permit for 16 Broad Street, stating the permit had expired and must be refiled. The board approved the ANR for 42 Blackmore Pond Circle with a 4‑0‑0 vote. Several hearings—including the AD Makepeace project, the 1031 Pierceville Road subdivision, and the 370 County Road solar project—were continued to later dates, each by a 4‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Joint meeting hears FY27 school budget presentation; no votes taken

The Wareham Finance Committee met jointly with the School Committee and Selectboard on December 4, 2025. The Superintendent of Wareham Public Schools presented the FY27 budget. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was unanimous adjournment.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board joint meeting with School and Finance Committees

The agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

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✓ Decided: Select Board adjourned meeting unanimously

The meeting was concluded with a motion to adjourn, moved by Jared Chadwick, seconded, and approved by a 3‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: Joint hearing reviews $38.2M school budget with $2.16M increase

The Wareham School Committee, Select Board, and Finance Committee held a joint public hearing on the FY2026 school budget. The proposed level-service budget totals $38,244,686, a $2,155,185 (5.97%) increase over the current year, including 3.5 new positions. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and adjourned unanimously.

Wed Dec 3, 2025

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved conditions for 72A Burgess Point Rd development

The Conservation Commission approved the conditions for the proposed accessory structure and related site work at 72A Burgess Point Rd with a unanimous 6‑0‑0 vote. It also approved an amended order of conditions for paving the driveway at 34 Briarwood Dr, and issued a Certificate of Compliance for 31‑33 Prospect St. Several pending applications were continued to future dates, and the meeting minutes were approved as amended.

Wed Dec 3, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Agenda lists only meeting logistics, no substantive items

The Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on December 3, 2025 provides only logistical information such as Zoom link, meeting ID, passcode, and dial‑in numbers. No specific agenda items, decisions, or public hearings are listed in the document.

refuse-disposalmeetingzoomlogisticsadministration
✓ Decided: Committee approved minutes, October bills/payroll, and set Jan 21 meeting

The committee approved the November 5 meeting minutes and accepted the October bill and payroll amounts. The financial report was accepted. Members scheduled the next meeting for January 21, 2026 and then adjourned the session.

Tue Dec 2, 2025

Select Board

✓ Decided: Select Board unanimously appointed three members and approved numerous liquor licenses

The Board voted 4‑0‑0 to appoint Donna Fox‑Rubin to the Council on Aging, Anastatia Andrade to the Community Events Committee, and Ronald Dunham to the Veterans Council. The Board also approved the renewal of a large number of annual Common Victualler and Retail liquor licenses for 2026, each with a 4‑0‑0 vote. All actions were unanimous and recorded as approved.

Mon Nov 24, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for November 24, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific items for decision or discussion.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Board approved a one-year extension for the 24 Oak Street permit

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to grant a one‑year extension for the permit at 24 Oak Street, moving the deadline to February 14, 2027. The board also voted 5-0 to continue the public hearing on the 2 East Boulevard project to December 22, 2025. Additionally, a 5-0 vote continued ANR 1525 for A.D. Makepeace to December 8, 2025, with a deadline extension to December 11, 2025.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

Cable Advisory Committee reviews Comcast draft renewal license

The Wareham Cable Advisory Committee will consider the draft renewal license from Comcast, discuss issues with the cable attorney, and vote on the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting. The agenda also includes public participation and other standard procedural items.

cablelicensingminutespublic-participationmunicipal
✓ Decided: Committee approved side letters for senior discount and HD channel discussion

The Cable Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting by a 2-0-0 vote. The committee then voted 2-0-0 to proceed with including side letters in the cable contract renewal to provide a senior discount and to discuss adding additional high‑definition channels. The meeting was adjourned after a 2-0-0 motion.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

Board of Assessors

✓ Decided: Board accepted prior minutes and adjourned the meeting

The Board approved the minutes from the October 16, 2025 regular session with a 3‑0‑0 vote, while John Donahue abstained. Afterwards, the Board voted 4‑0‑0 to adjourn the November 20 meeting. No other substantive actions were recorded.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee adjourned meeting after budget workshop

The committee voted to adjourn the budget workshop. No substantive budget items or policy proposals were approved, denied, or tabled during this meeting.

Thu Nov 20, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee approved FY27 budget warrants with $2.15M increase

The committee approved the three sets of May 2025 meeting minutes with a 4-0-1 vote. It then approved all bill and payroll warrants for the FY27 budget, reflecting a 5.97% increase and a $2,155,185 rise, by a 5-0-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous motion.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

School Committee

Policy Review Sub‑Committee meeting via Zoom on Nov 19, 2025

The School Committee Policy Review Sub‑Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. No specific agenda items are listed in the provided document; the agenda consists only of meeting logistics.

educationpolicy-reviewschool-committeezoom
Wed Nov 19, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission holds public hearing for 11-19-2025 agenda

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on November 19, 2025, at the Multi Service Center. The meeting will be accessible remotely via Zoom and phone lines. The agenda includes a review of documents.

conservationpublic-hearingwarehammeetingremote
✓ Decided: Commission approved three coastal‑storm‑zone projects with conditions

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved three Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA‑127, RDA‑128, RDA‑129) with negative 3 and negative 6 determinations and tree‑replacement conditions. It also postponed hearings on several Notices of Intent, including the Safe Harbor Marina redevelopment, to December 2025. All votes were 6‑0‑0.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Agenda lists only meeting logistics, no substantive items

The Affordable Housing Trust agenda for November 18, 2025 provides Zoom access details, meeting IDs, passcodes, and phone numbers. It includes a placeholder for documents at 9:00 A.M. but does not list any specific proposals, contracts, or decisions. No substantive agenda items are presented for discussion or action.

housingmeetingprocedural
Tue Nov 18, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for November 18, 2025

The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and remote access information. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board adopted a residential factor of 1.0 for FY2026

The board voted 4‑1‑0 to adopt a residential factor of 1.0 for the FY2026 tax classification. It unanimously confirmed Michael Mercier as the Open Space Representative on the Community Preservation Committee. The board also unanimously approved the renewal of numerous Common Victualler, Entertainment, and Alcoholic Beverage licenses for 2026.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for November 17, 2025

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions. The meeting is scheduled to take place online.

planningwareham
✓ Decided: Board votes to continue Maple Springs subdivision discussion to Nov 24

The Planning Board did not decide whether the Maple Springs Road parcel qualifies as an ANR or a subdivision. Members voted to postpone the decision and continue the discussion at the November 24, 2025 meeting (3‑1‑0). The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote (4‑0‑0).

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: Board approved chair’s authority to sign estoppel agreements for housing projects

The Authority entered an executive session to discuss lease or property‑value matters, approved unanimously (5‑0‑0). The board then voted unanimously (5‑0‑0) to authorize Chair Dan Butler to execute the estoppel agreements for the Littleton Drive senior and family housing projects. No other items received a vote.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

No substantive agenda items listed for this meeting

The agenda for the Wareham Sewer Commissioners meeting on November 13, 2025 contains only the meeting time, location, and broadcast channels. No specific resolutions, contracts, or public hearings are detailed. Therefore, no decisions or discussions can be reported from this agenda.

sewergovernmentmeeting
✓ Decided: Board accepts prior minutes, tables two items, and adjourns meeting

The Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting. The board again tabled the force main extension and the capital fees for the Town of Bourne. The meeting was then adjourned to a workshop session at 3:22 PM by unanimous vote.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer Commissioners workshop meeting broadcast live, no agenda items listed

The Board of Sewer Commissioners scheduled a workshop meeting on November 13, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. in the Multi Service Center, Room 520. The agenda provides only the meeting time and broadcast channels (Comcast Channel 26, Verizon Channel 29) and does not list any specific items for discussion or decision. No documents or proposals are detailed in the agenda.

sewermeetingbroadcast
✓ Decided: Board unanimously accepts revised Flow Neutral Regulations

The Board accepted the Land Use Controls Wastewater Flow Management Regulation (the Flow Neutral Regulations) as modified, with a 4-0-0 vote. The motion was moved by Ms. Slavin and seconded by Dr. Soby. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 4:30 p.m.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes

The Historic District Commission voted to approve the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting. No other actions were decided; updates on the Besse Park Gazebo, Fearing Tavern registration, and preservation restriction wording were informational.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved taking the Spillane Field Lighting MOU to Attorney Bowen for review

The committee voted 5-0-0 to approve the minutes from the October 8 meeting. It also approved moving the Memorandum of Understanding for Spillane Field lighting to Attorney Bowen for review. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Recycling Committee

✓ Decided: Committee voted to close Wednesday before Thanksgiving and adjourned

The committee accepted the September 17 minutes unanimously (5-0-0). It agreed to explore adding a new swap shed. A motion to close the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) passed unanimously (5-0-0). The meeting was then adjourned unanimously (5-0-0).

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Little Harbor Golf Course Advisory Committee

✓ Decided: Committee discussed equipment upgrades and course improvements, no decisions made

The committee discussed the pending tractor replacement, a new course sign, and several course improvement projects including leveling tee boxes, adding irrigation lines, and ordering new carts. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

Planning Board

No substantive agenda items listed for this planning board meeting

The agenda for the Wareham Planning Board meeting on November 10, 2025 contains only procedural information. No specific rezoning, contract, ordinance, fee change, or public hearing items are listed.

planningmeetingwareham
✓ Decided: Board postpones Water Wizz hearing to Jan 12 2026

The Planning Board voted unanimously to continue the Water Wizz project hearing to January 12, 2026. It also approved a sidewalk compromise for the Pierceville Road subdivision and set its hearing to continue on December 8, 2025. The board closed the public hearings for the 6 Recovery Road site plan and the Scribbles Learning Center project, directing staff to draft conditions within 60 days.

Mon Nov 10, 2025

Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee

No substantive agenda items listed for the meeting

The Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee will meet on November 10, 2025, at Wareham Town Hall. The agenda does not specify any particular items, resolutions, or contracts to be considered. The committee’s purpose is to review the town’s comprehensive zoning bylaw, but no concrete actions are detailed in this agenda.

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Mon Nov 10, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Committee appoints Michael Mercier as clerk and CPC rep, approves minutes

The committee approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑0 vote. Michael Mercier was appointed as the Open Space Committee clerk by a 3‑0‑0 vote. He was also appointed as the committee’s representative to the Town’s Community Preservation Committee, approved 3‑0‑0. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 6:33 pm.

Thu Nov 6, 2025

Council on Aging

✓ Decided: Board elects Elizabeth Lindquist as COA clerk (4‑0‑0 vote)

The Council on Aging Board approved the October 2 minutes with a unanimous 5‑0‑0 vote. Elizabeth Lindquist was elected clerk by a 4‑0‑0 vote. The board voted 5‑0‑0 to recommend Donna Fox‑Rubin’s appointment to the COA Board and to have the recommendation emailed to the Selectboard chair. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Nov 6, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee appoints Dr. Amy Hartley-Matteson as superintendent

The Wareham School Committee voted to hire Dr. Amy Hartley-Matteson as superintendent. The motion passed 4‑1‑0, was reconsidered and re‑voted with the same 4‑1‑0 result, and the meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

Conservation Commission

Wareham Conservation Commission holds remote public hearing

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on November 5, 2025, to discuss agenda items. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom.

conservationpublic-hearingremote-meetingwareham
✓ Decided: ConServ Group permit approved with conditions (4-2-0 vote)

The Conservation Commission approved the ConServ Group, Inc. NOI‑150 for two commercial buildings with a standard order of conditions and a 50‑foot no‑activity boundary marker (vote 4‑2‑0). The commission also moved recommendations for three RDAs, continued several Notices of Intent to the November 19 meeting, and approved a withdrawal for a Great Neck stream determination, all by unanimous votes.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved all financial items and scheduled next meeting for Dec 3

The committee approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted August and September payroll and bill amounts. The financial report was approved, and the board set the next meeting for December 3, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approves demolition of two unsafe buildings

The commission voted 4‑0‑0 to allow demolition of the building at 48 Barlow Ave, finding it has no historic value. It also voted 3‑0‑1 to allow demolition of the building at 2424 Cranberry Hwy. The treasurer’s financial report was accepted as read by a 4‑0‑0 vote.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

Select Board

Agenda lists only meeting time and remote-access details, no items

The agenda for the Wareham Select Board meeting on November 4, 2025 includes only the meeting start time and remote‑access information. No specific agenda items, decisions, or discussions are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board unanimously approved transfer of Mayflower Liquors license

The board opened, closed, and approved the transfer and pledge of the §15 Annual All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License from Sri OM, LLC d/b/a Mayflower Liquors to BRTRAI, Inc. d/b/a Mayflower Liquors, with a change of hours, by a 4‑0‑0 vote. It also approved a seasonal off‑premise liquor license extension for The Jug Shop and changed operating hours for Retrocade, d/b/a RWND. Additionally, the board renewed numerous year‑round common victualler, alcohol, entertainment, and retail package goods store licenses, all unanimously.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee approved October meeting minutes (6-0)

The committee approved the October meeting minutes with a vote of six in favor and none against. The remainder of the agenda featured presentations on MCAS/NWEA results, a school improvement plan, and a preliminary budget to be reviewed at the next meeting. No other motions were voted on.

Tue Nov 4, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

✓ Decided: Board adopts written Art Shows policy and approves prior meeting minutes

The Trustees unanimously approved the October 14th meeting minutes. They also unanimously adopted a written Art Shows policy. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned. No other actions were decided.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

School Committee

Meeting agenda lists only time and virtual link, no items

The Wareham School Committee agenda for November 3, 2025 includes only the meeting time (9:00 a.m.) and a Zoom link. No specific agenda items, proposals, or decisions are listed. Therefore the meeting appears to be procedural.

school-committeemeetingprocedural
Mon Oct 27, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved Fearing Tavern rehab and zoning articles 16, 17, 18

The Finance Committee voted favorable on Article 10 for the Fearing Tavern rehabilitation (4‑1‑0). It also referred Article 16 to Town Meeting and approved Articles 18 and 17, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The committee accepted prior meeting minutes and appointed the Finance Chair as a non‑voting member of the Community Events Committee.

Mon Oct 27, 2025

Select Board

✓ Decided: Select Board adjourned meeting with unanimous vote; no substantive actions taken

The Select Board met on October 27, 2025, and a quorum was present. No town business items were discussed or voted on. The board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting. No other decisions were made.

Thu Oct 23, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA approved prior meeting minutes and adjourned

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority approved the September 25 and October 9 minutes by a 3‑0 vote. The board then adjourned the meeting by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were decided; discussions on program items were deferred to future meetings.

Thu Oct 23, 2025

School Committee

Superintendent search sub‑committee holds remote meeting and executive session

The School Committee will hold a remote meeting and an executive session of the Superintendent Search Sub‑Committee on October 23, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The session will be conducted via Google Meet from the central office at 4 Viking Drive, Room D103. No specific agenda items or decisions are listed in the provided document.

educationsuperintendent-searchschool-committee
Wed Oct 22, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Meeting agenda lists no substantive items, only procedural details

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals agenda for October 22, 2025 includes only the meeting time (6:30 p.m.) and online connection details. No rezoning, contract, ordinance, fee change, or public‑hearing items are listed. Therefore no decisions or discussions are scheduled in the agenda.

zoningboard-of-appealsproceduralmeeting
✓ Decided: Board voted to continue the hearing on the 4 West Street project to Dec 10 2025

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The board also voted 5‑0‑0 to continue the public hearing on the 4 West Street comprehensive permit to the December 10, 2025 meeting.

Tue Oct 21, 2025

Select Board

No specific agenda items listed; meeting appears procedural

The agenda provides only the meeting time and remote‑access instructions. No concrete items such as rezoning, contracts, ordinances, or fee changes are listed for discussion or decision.

meetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Board unanimously recommended 9 Town Meeting articles, including zoning changes

The Select Board approved a seasonal off‑premise liquor license extension for The Bottle Liquors. It unanimously recommended the Town Meeting “pass over” the Transfer of Available Funds and Prior Years Bills & Deficits items. The board also unanimously recommended favorable action on nine articles covering the Fearing Tavern rehab, Groezinger Hall, field lighting, community‑preservation fund, and several zoning bylaw amendments. Minutes from prior meetings were approved unanimously.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Community Events Committee

Community Events Committee meets to review agenda documents

The Community Events Committee is scheduled to meet on October 20, 2025, to review a revised agenda and associated documents. The meeting is currently listed as a procedural item with no specific decisions or public hearings.

community-eventsmeetingagenda
✓ Decided: Community Events Committee elected Sarah Corbitt as Chair and Nicole Miceli as Clerk/Treasurer

The committee voted 3-0-0 to elect Sarah Corbitt as Chair and Nicole Miceli as Clerk/Treasurer. They approved an amendment to the September 22 minutes to note that sample resignation letters were handed out. The guideline packet was accepted as presented with a 3-0-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 pm by a 3-0-0 vote.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Planning Board

No substantive agenda items were listed for this meeting.

The Wareham Planning Board agenda for October 20, 2025 contains only the meeting time and online connection details. No specific rezoning, contract, ordinance, fee change, or public hearing items are listed.

planningmeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Planning Board approved minor modification and as‑built plans for 2731 Cranberry Highway (5‑0‑0)

The board voted unanimously to approve the minor modification to the site plan at 2731 Cranberry Highway and to accept the as‑built plans as modified. It also approved the Kevin Welch project with conditions (4‑0‑1) and decided not to recommend Article 16 for the upcoming town meeting (5‑0‑0). The hearing for the 2 East Boulevard project was continued to November 24, 2025 (5‑0‑0).

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Capital Planning Committee

✓ Decided: Committee unanimously approved prior minutes and posted updated 5‑year plan online

The Capital Planning Committee approved the minutes from April 9 and September 15, 2025, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The committee also approved posting the updated five‑year capital plan on the Capital Planning website, again by a 5‑0‑0 vote. No other actions were taken.

Thu Oct 16, 2025

Board of Assessors

✓ Decided: Board voted unanimously to support Article 7 for two solar pilot ATB cases

The Board approved a motion to support Article 7 of the Fall Town Meeting, authorizing two solar pilot projects to settle ATB cases (vote 4-0-0). A motion to accept the September 18, 2025 regular session minutes passed with a 3-0-1 vote, John Donahue abstaining. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 4-0-0 vote.

Thu Oct 16, 2025

Cemetery Commissioners

✓ Decided: Cemetery Commissioners approved burial licenses, monuments and minutes

The commission approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting. They approved seven burial licenses, a monument for Harold Bonaparte and a flat marker for Karen D. Barry. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Oct 15, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

Cable Advisory Committee to review Comcast draft renewal license

The Wareham Cable Advisory Committee will meet on October 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM in Town Hall room 24 and via Zoom. The committee will approve the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting, discuss matters with the town’s cable attorney, and review Comcast’s draft renewal license. Any additional business will be announced up to 48 hours before the meeting. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

cablelicensingattorneyminutespublic-participationmunicipal
✓ Decided: Committee approved three HD community channels and upgrade schedule

The Cable Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting (2‑0‑0). It rescinded the prior vote and accepted Comcast’s offer of three channels, passing the motion 3‑0‑0. The committee also amended the draft license language to require three HD community access channels, with specific upgrade timelines, passing that motion 3‑0‑0. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 3‑0‑0 vote.

Wed Oct 15, 2025

Conservation Commission

Only procedural details; no agenda items listed

The Wareham Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The agenda provides remote‑access information and mentions accompanying documents, but it does not list any specific items for discussion or decision.

conservationmeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Commission approves invasive plant management permit with monitoring conditions

The Conservation Commission approved a permit for a 20‑acre invasive species management project in Mark’s Cove, adding standard conditions and an annual monitoring report (vote 6‑0‑0). It also issued a negative determination for a shed proposal and continued several pending applications and notices of intent to future dates, all unanimously. The commission approved certificates of compliance for multiple properties. All actions passed with a 6‑0‑0 vote.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Meeting agenda lists only logistics; no substantive items provided

The Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for October 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. includes only Zoom connection details and a placeholder for documents. No specific rezoning, contracts, ordinances, or fee changes are listed. The agenda appears to be procedural.

affordable-housingmeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Carl Schulz appointed as Clerk of the Wareham Affordable Housing Trust

The Trust appointed Carl Schulz as Clerk by a 4‑0‑0 voice vote. Members confirmed the June 24 minutes (3‑0‑1, with Schulz abstaining) and approved the August 12 minutes (3‑0‑1, with Schulz abstaining). The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0‑0 voice vote.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee

Wareham Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee meets October 14

The committee is scheduled to meet on October 14, 2025. The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and a link to the session.

zoningwareham
Thu Oct 9, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Agenda lists only meeting logistics, no substantive items

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority meeting on October 9, 2025 is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. The agenda provided contains only the Zoom link, meeting ID, and a placeholder for documents, with no specific items, proposals, or decisions listed.

meetingzoomredevelopment-authority
✓ Decided: WRA approved $295 spend to join National Main Street Program

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority voted 5‑0‑0 to authorize a $295 expenditure to join the National Main Street Program. The motion was moved by Ms. Whiteside and seconded by Mrs. Corbitt. All other agenda items were deferred or pending. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

Minot Forest Committee

Minot Forest Committee meeting on Oct 9, 2025 has been cancelled

The scheduled Minot Forest Committee meeting for October 9, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items or decisions were presented. Residents should await notice of a rescheduled meeting for any future discussions.

forestrycancellationcommittee
Thu Oct 9, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Board of Sewer Commissioners meets on Oct 9, 2025

The Board of Sewer Commissioners is scheduled to meet on October 9, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. The agenda is currently listed as a revised document with no specific topics or actions provided.

sewerboard-meetingagenda
✓ Decided: Board approved $987,578.89 Bourne capital costs for FY26

The Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved the Town of Bourne usage fee billing of $463,877.37 and accepted a receipt of $31,790.25 for the EQ basin project. They also unanimously approved Bourne capital costs of $987,578.89 for FY26. Earlier agenda items included accepting the September meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑1 vote.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved investigation and RFP to review governing documents

The Board voted unanimously to begin investigating how to proceed with creating a Request for Proposals (RFP) to review its Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Bylaws. The motion was moved by Mr. Scanlon, seconded by Mr. Paster, and passed 5‑0‑0. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously at 3:57 PM.

Wed Oct 8, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for October 8, 2025

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific items for decision or discussion.

zoningwareham
✓ Decided: Board approved bond release for 3012 Cranberry Highway Phase 2 project

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the meeting minutes from September 10, 2025. It conditionally approved the 3138 Cranberry Highway project, requiring a Cape Cod berm and an updated as‑built. The board released the bond for the 3012 Cranberry Highway Phase 2 project and approved minor modification requests for 2512 Cranberry Highway and 47 Cleveland Way.

Wed Oct 8, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved Grant Agreements for town property and non‑town projects

The committee approved the meeting minutes (4‑0‑0). It voted to accept a Grant Agreement for use of Wareham Town Property (5‑0‑0) and to accept Grant Agreements for non‑town projects (5‑0‑0). A separate vote on the Fearing Tavern presentation resulted in a 3‑0‑2 outcome with two abstentions.

Tue Oct 7, 2025

Select Board

Select Board meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board adopts Cannabis Equity Policy, approves appointments and permits

The Select Board unanimously adopted the Town of Wareham Cannabis Social Equity Policy. It confirmed appointments of Nicole Miceli, Jennifer Morris Pina, and Treasurer/Collector Tracy Donovan‑Lynch. The board also approved the Christmas Parade permit, a rain‑date for the Full Throttle motorcycle run, the FY26 second‑half curbside commitment of $1,383,040, a $425 curbside billing abatement, and a letter of support for a Turning Point grant.

Tue Oct 7, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: Historic District Commission approved September 2 minutes, 4‑0‑0 vote

The commission approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 4‑0‑0 vote. No other actions were taken; items such as the 59 Main St roof extension, Besse Park gazebo plan, and district expansion were discussed but not decided.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee referred Fearing Tavern rehab request to Town Counsel

The committee voted on Town Meeting Warrant articles, approving most items unanimously. Article 10, a $640,000 request to rehabilitate the exterior of Fearing Tavern, was referred to Town Counsel and the Moderator because of a potential conflict of interest. Articles 15‑18 were tabled pending Planning Board votes, and Article 25, a zoning bylaw amendment, was rejected. Several other articles (11‑14, 19‑22, 23) received favorable action with varying vote counts.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved site plan review for 2424 Cranberry Highway

The Planning Board approved the site plan review for 2424 Cranberry Highway (Taco Bell) after receiving the Fire Department’s approval. The vote was 4‑0‑1, with Vice Chair Schulz abstaining because he is not eligible to vote. The board also voted to continue the Rick Valente subdivision hearing to November 10, 2025, and to continue the Kevin Welch site‑plan review to the October 20, 2025 off‑cycle meeting.

Thu Oct 2, 2025

Council on Aging

✓ Decided: Board approves prior minutes and postpones clerk election

The board approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote. The election of a clerk and the review of the Board Members Rules and Regulations were both postponed until the November meeting. The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous 3‑0 vote. The minutes of this meeting were later approved on November 7, 2025 by a 5‑0 vote.

Wed Oct 1, 2025

Conservation Commission

Public hearing meeting scheduled for Oct 1, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

The Wareham Conservation Commission has posted a public‑hearing notice for October 1, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. No specific agenda items, documents, or decisions are listed in the agenda. The notice provides remote‑access details and contact phone numbers.

public-hearingconservationmeeting
✓ Decided: Commission approved two‑apartment building project with conditions

The Conservation Commission approved the 0 Rosebrook Way apartment development (180 units) with a standard order of conditions and signage, voting 6‑0‑0. It also approved the 3 McKinley St deck and greenhouse project with conditions and a $600 fine, voting 6‑0‑0. Several hearings were continued, including RDA‑119, RDA‑122, and NOI‑153, each with unanimous votes. Negative determinations were adopted for RDA‑120, RDA‑121, and RDA‑105, all voting 6‑0‑0.

Wed Oct 1, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Historical Commission approved demolition of three unsafe, non‑historic properties

The commission voted 3‑0‑0 to allow demolition of the buildings at 80 Marion Rd (Permit B‑25‑586), 38 Andrews St (Permit B‑25‑569) and 66 Jefferson Shores Rd (Permit B‑25‑549), citing damage and no historical value. The September 3, 2025 meeting minutes and the Treasurer’s Report showing a $200 town expense and $870.36 balance were each accepted as read by a 3‑0‑0 vote. The report from the WHC representative to the CPC was tabled until the next meeting.

Mon Sep 29, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee meeting with no agenda items listed

The agenda for the Wareham Finance Committee on September 29, 2025 includes only the meeting time (6:00 P.M.) and a remote‑connection link. No specific agenda items, contracts, or policy proposals are listed.

financebudgetmeeting
✓ Decided: Finance Committee unanimously accepted minutes and approved chair billing process

The committee voted 5-0-0 to accept the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved, by a 5-0-0 vote, allowing the Chair to submit bills for transcription of minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M. with a unanimous 5-0-0 vote.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

Appointing Authority

✓ Decided: Bernard Pigeon appointed to Wareham Finance Committee (2-0-1 vote)

The appointing authority appointed Judith Whiteside as clerk pro tem unanimously. Bernard Pigeon was appointed as a member of the Finance Committee for a term ending June 30, 2028 with a 2‑0‑1 vote. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Wareham Redevelopment Authority meeting scheduled for September 25, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

redevelopmentwareham
✓ Decided: WRA approves storefront grant draft, extends internship, and adopts Zoom recordings

The Authority voted unanimously to develop a draft policy for a Storefront Renovation Grant Program. It also approved extending the current intern Emma McWilliams through December 2025 and hiring a second intern. Members adopted a motion for future meetings to be held via Zoom with recordings provided to WCTV. Additionally, the Authority authorized sending a letter of support for proposed MEPA review amendments and approved the minutes from August 7, 2025.

Thu Sep 25, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Meeting agenda lists only time and document placeholders, no items

The Board of Sewer Commissioners agenda for September 25, 2025 contains only the meeting time (1:00 P.M.) and headings for documents. No specific rezoning, contracts, ordinances, fee changes, or public hearings are listed. Therefore no decisions or discussions are detailed in the agenda.

sewerboardagendameeting
✓ Decided: Board approved Reilly Electrical Contractors contract unanimously

The Sewer Commissioners approved a contract with Reilly Electrical Contractors, with a cap under $50,000, by a 4‑0‑0 vote. The board also tabled discussion of the sewer billing insert, the Rules & Regulations update, and the monthly agenda items. No other actions were taken.

Tue Sep 23, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for September 23, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and remote access information. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board unanimously approves propane license and several town‑meeting recommendations

The Board voted 5‑0‑0 to approve an Aboveground Storage Tank Use License for Dead River Company LLC d/b/a Roby’s Propane Gas. It also appointed Jordan T. Gomes to the Wareham Cultural Council, issued a Letter of Warning to Pier View Restaurant, and signed a Letter of Support for House Bill 2432. Additionally, the Board recommended favorable action to the Town Meeting on multiple articles, including the FY26 Capital Plan, Solar PILOT, and a $150,000 budget transfer.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee accepted July 15 minutes and adjourned meeting

The committee voted unanimously to accept the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes. It then voted unanimously to adjourn the September 22 meeting at 6:55 P.M. No other actions were decided.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Community Events Committee

Community Events Committee meeting scheduled for 9/22/2025

The agenda for the Wareham Community Events Committee on September 22, 2025 lists only the meeting time (6:00 PM) and references to the agenda PDF. No specific discussion items, decisions, or proposals are detailed.

community-eventswarehammeeting
Mon Sep 22, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for September 22, 2025

The Wareham Planning Board has scheduled a meeting for September 22, 2025, with an option to attend via Zoom. The agenda is currently listed as procedural with no specific items detailed in the provided text.

planning-boardwarehammeetingagenda
✓ Decided: Board denies ANR endorsement for Hamilton Beach parcel, classifies it as subdivision

The Planning Board voted 3‑0‑0 to find that the Hamilton Beach Association plan is a subdivision, not an ANR, and denied the endorsement as an Approval Not Required. The board also voted to continue four pending site‑plan reviews (Rick Valente, Kevin Welch, ConServ Group, and 2 East Boulevard) to the October meetings. All continuance motions passed unanimously (3‑0‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. with a 3‑0‑0 vote.

Wed Sep 17, 2025

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved garage addition, porch, and deck projects with conditions

The Conservation Commission approved three Request for Determination of Applicability applications: a garage addition at 8 Adams St (RDA‑116), a screened porch at 17 Nephi Rd (RDA‑117), and a deck replacement at 22 Pinehurst Dr (RDA‑118). The deck approval included a $600 fine for unpermitted actions and required the floating deck to be secured. Several Notice of Intent items were continued for further review on future dates.

Tue Sep 16, 2025

Select Board

Meeting agenda contains only procedural items, no decisions listed

The September 16, 2025 Select Board meeting agenda lists the meeting time and remote‑access information. No specific agenda items, such as rezoning, contracts, or ordinances, are included. Therefore, the board has no listed decisions or discussions for this meeting.

proceduralmeeting
✓ Decided: Select Board approved $3.15 M bond sale for Wareham Middle School project

The Board unanimously approved the sale of a $3,150,000 General Obligation municipal bond at a price of $3,566,346.46 to finance the Wareham Middle School roof project. It also unanimously appointed Elizabeth Lindquist and Robert Short to the Council on Aging, Faith Berry to the Conservation Commission, and Peter Gold to the Minot Forest Committee. Additionally, the Board approved a $3,020.01 curbside‑billing abatement for FY26.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee meeting scheduled for September 15, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

finance
✓ Decided: Finance Committee recommends Bernie Pigeon for appointing authority

The committee approved the minutes from August 28 and September 8, 2025 with a 4‑0‑1 vote. It re‑voted on the recommendation for a new member to the appointing authority, giving Bernie Pigeon four votes and Brenda Eckstrom two, and will forward that recommendation. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 P.M. by a unanimous vote.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

Capital Planning Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved FY25 WPCF capital line item of $766,446

The Wareham Capital Planning Committee approved the FY25 WPCF capital line item for $766,446. No vote was taken on other agenda items; the committee discussed two sewer department projects, the availability of retained earnings, and possible use of the Capital Stabilization Fund for pump‑station upgrades. It also noted that the 5‑year capital plan will be updated before the spring town meeting and referenced the previously approved purchase of 80 Marion Road.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

Minot Forest Committee

Meeting cancelled because no quorum was present

The Minot Forest Committee meeting scheduled for September 11, 2025 was cancelled due to lack of quorum. No agenda items were considered or decided.

governancemeeting
Thu Sep 11, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board unanimously denied abatement request for Atlantic Motel

The Sewer Commissioners accepted the June 3 and August 14 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. They denied the abatement request for Bharat P. Patel d/b/a Atlantic Motel. The Board chose to hold the charter article and not submit it at Town Meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board adjourned the workshop meeting unanimously

The Wareham Sewer Commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. They agreed to review and discuss the content of the sewer‑bill insert and to investigate bill preparation timing and responsibility. The CWMP contract issue was added to the list of priorities. Mr. Giberti was tasked with contacting the IT department about the commission email address.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Meeting agenda lists only time and online access, no items

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on September 10, 2025. The agenda provides a Zoom link and passcode for remote participation. No specific rezoning, contract, ordinance, or other items are listed.

zoningboard-of-appealsmeeting
✓ Decided: Zoning Board grants variances for 3 Churchill Ave ADU project

The board approved the final Certificate of Occupancy for 434 Main Street with a provision to complete the parking lot topcoat next year. It granted both front‑setback and side‑setback variances for 3 Churchill Ave to allow an ADU above a garage. Special permits were issued for 5 Medina Drive and for parking at 196 Main Street. All motions passed unanimously.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved increment to community housing reserves

The Wareham Community Preservation Committee elected Sandy Slavin as clerk (5‑0‑0) and approved the September 27 minutes (5‑0‑0). It accepted five draft articles for the fall town meeting, including the Spilliane field lighting and Fearing Tavern articles, and directed the chair to seek town‑counsel advice on exterior work at Groezinger Hall. The committee also voted to increment the community housing reserves and reallocate CPA funds to Little League, the schoolhouse, and the chapel historic reserve.

Wed Sep 10, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee Meeting

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

waste-managementregional-district
✓ Decided: Committee approved previous minutes and set November meeting

The committee approved the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes by a unanimous 6‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. Members also voted unanimously (6‑0‑0) to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 5 p.m. via Zoom, and then unanimously (6‑0‑0) adjourned the session.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee elects new chair, vice chair and clerk

The committee voted 3‑2 to elect Joseph Smith as chair. Brianna King was elected vice chair unanimously (5‑0‑0). Alan Slavin was elected clerk with a 4‑0‑1 vote (one abstention). The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural information and a start time. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the provided text.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Board voted to close the public hearing pending fire department review

The Planning Board continued the site‑plan hearing for 2731 Cranberry Highway to September 22, 2025. It then voted 4‑0‑1 to close the public hearing, pending the Fire Department’s approval letter and board‑written conditions. The board also opened a public hearing for the Scribbles Learning Center site‑plan review.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Open Space Committee approved August 11 minutes

The committee voted 4‑0‑0 to accept the August 11, 2025 meeting minutes. No other actions were formally decided. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:10 pm.

Thu Sep 4, 2025

Council on Aging

✓ Decided: Three new members approved to the Council on Aging board

The board approved three new members—Liz Lindquist, Russ Barre, and Bob Short—each with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The meeting also accepted the June 5, 2025 minutes, postponed the election of a new clerk to October, and approved a motion to place the AARP Age‑Friendly Community request on the Select Board agenda. The session was adjourned at 11:11 a.m. with a unanimous vote.

Wed Sep 3, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission meeting with no substantive agenda items

The Wareham Conservation Commission’s September 3, 2025 public hearing meeting agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed items for discussion or decision.

conservationpublic-hearingprocedural
✓ Decided: Commission approved residential pier reconstruction with conditions

The Conservation Commission approved the reconstruction of a residential pier at 28 Fisherman Cove Rd, adding standard conditions for mitigation and materials. It also approved a Title V septic system replacement at 30 Lydia’s Island Rd and granted negative two and negative six determinations for two structure‑relocation requests. Several applications were continued for further review, and one waterfront redevelopment was denied.

Wed Sep 3, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District meeting scheduled

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

waste-managementregional-district
✓ Decided: Committee scheduled FY25 review contract with Marcum for $6,000

The committee approved the July 30 meeting minutes and accepted the July payroll of $2,184.22 and July bills of $1,187.00. It accepted the financial report and voted to schedule the FY25 review contract with Marcum at a rate of $6,000. The next meeting was set for September 10, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.

Wed Sep 3, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approves demolition of Longwood Ave house and $640,000 Fearing Tavern grant

The Wareham Historical Commission voted unanimously to approve demolition of the building at 20 Longwood Avenue, finding no historic value. The commission also approved a $640,000 application from the Historical Society for work on the Fearing Tavern. Members amended the Gift Account balance to $870.36 and accepted the treasurer’s report as amended. Finally, they recommended Chair Angela Dunham discuss with the town council the town’s role in holding historic preservation restrictions.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for September 2, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural information and remote access details. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board appoints seven members to zoning review committee and backs dam grant letters

The Board unanimously approved the appointment of seven individuals to the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee, each serving until December 31, 2026. It also authorized the Chair to sign letters of support for two dam‑related grant applications. All votes were 4‑0‑0.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: 59 Main Street item tabled until next month

The commission approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The 59 Main Street agenda item was postponed and will be reconsidered next month. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

Thu Aug 28, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approves reorganization and vacancy recommendation

The Finance Committee voted 4‑0‑0 to approve a reorganization of the committee. It also approved placing a recommendation for the open vacancy on the agenda for the appointing authority. The meeting then adjourned.

Thu Aug 28, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

sewerwareham
✓ Decided: Carey Paster appointed as financial liaison for the Sewer Department

The board unanimously accepted the August 14 meeting minutes. It approved asking BOS Chair Ms. Whiteside to speak with Town Counsel about the proposed charter article and appointed Carey Paster as the Sewer Department’s financial liaison. A 4‑0‑1 vote retained the current officers—Chair Jim Giberti, Vice Chair Robert Scanlon, and Clerk Sandra Slavin—in their positions. The board also ratified GHD Change Order #2 for an extension of time.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for August 27, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate. No specific items for decision or discussion are listed in the provided text.

zoningwareham
✓ Decided: Zoning Board grants special permit and variance for 42 Ash Street

The board approved the prior meeting minutes (5-0-0) and closed the hearing on the 42 Ash Street project (5-0-0). It then voted 4-1-0 to grant a special permit to raze and rebuild the house, and also 4-1-0 to grant a variance for the floor‑area ratio, with a condition to plant at least five large shrubs in the southeast corner.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved $640,000 funding plan for Fearing Tavern project

The Community Preservation Committee approved a $640,000 funding package for the Fearing Tavern project, using $500,000 from the Historic Preservation Reserve and $140,000 from undesignated funds. It also recommended presenting a $620,000 Spillane Field Lighting request to Town Meeting. The committee voted to return $33,722 of unused funds and to move $54,000 into the housing reserve, both unanimously. Agenda items 7 and 8 were tabled.

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Community Events Committee

✓ Decided: Committee keeps current advertising/marketing grant process (3‑1‑0 vote)

The Community Events Committee approved the minutes from July and June with no objections. It voted 3‑1‑0 to retain the existing advertising/marketing funding format for CEC grant applications while tightening guidelines and adjusting fiscal‑year and press‑release dates. The committee also approved payment of a $500 CORE application and several other invoices totaling $511.48. The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board meeting agenda posted with no substantive items listed

The Wareham Planning Board’s August 25, 2025 agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no decisions, proposals, or public hearings. The posted document provides a Zoom link and passcode but lists no agenda items under the 6:00 PM start time.

proceduralplanning-boardagenda-only
✓ Decided: Board postponed the ConServ Group site plan review to Sept. 22, 2025

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting (5‑0‑0). It voted to continue the ConServ Group site‑plan review for 6 Recovery Road to September 22, 2025 (5‑0‑0). The board also continued the Rick Valente subdivision hearing to September 22, 2025, the DDO SPR project to September 8, 2025, and closed the public hearing on the 2731 Cranberry Highway site plan (vote 4‑0‑1, one abstention). The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. (5‑0‑0).

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

✓ Decided: Board approved June 2 and June 6 meeting minutes

The Trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the June 2 and June 6 meetings. They set the next meeting for October 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The board then moved to adjourn the session.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee rejects Unit C Memorandum of Agreement (2-3 vote)

The Wareham School Committee voted 2-3 to reject the Unit C Memorandum of Agreement. It approved payroll and other warrants by a 4-1 vote and declared listed furniture and equipment obsolete by a 4-1 vote. The committee unanimously appointed Apryl Rossi as the MASC delegate and Geoff Swain as the alternate. The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

Finance Committee

Wareham Finance Committee meeting scheduled for August 20, 2025

The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and connection details. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

finance
Wed Aug 20, 2025

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission denies Robert Comeau step‑replacement project at 9 Fifteenth St

The Conservation Commission voted 5‑0‑0 to deny the step‑replacement request (RDA‑63) submitted by Robert Comeau. Several other applications were postponed, with hearings continued to September 3, 2025. The commission also approved two Certificates of Compliance and adopted the June 18, 2025 minutes.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

Recycling Committee

✓ Decided: Reimbursement approved and trial bulk plastic pickup authorized

The committee accepted the June 18 minutes and the treasurer's report. It approved reimbursing $446.34 to Ms. Cobb for six new composters. It authorized a trial bulk pickup for rigid plastic at a cost of $100 per pickup and $50 per month for a dumpster. All motions passed unanimously (4‑0‑0).

Tue Aug 19, 2025

Select Board

✓ Decided: Select Board creates zoning review steering committee and makes several appointments

The Board unanimously established a Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review and Revision Steering Committee to guide a full zoning bylaw update. It also appointed David Klenert to the Board of Health, reappointed Linda Scharf to the Minot Forest Committee, and reappointed Carl Schulz to the Affordable Housing Trust. Additional actions included approving a license name change, confirming a prior Open Meeting Law response, accepting a $200 donation to the Council on Aging, and approving a $577.92 curbside billing abatement.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Appointing Authority

✓ Decided: Carl Schulz appointed to Wareham Planning Board for term ending June 2028

The appointing authority appointed Judith Whiteside as Clerk pro tem and Carl Schulz as a Planning Board member, with Schulz's term set to expire on June 30, 2028. The board also approved its meeting minutes. All actions were approved unanimously.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board adjourned meeting; all agenda items were tabled

The Sewer Commissioners' workshop met at 2:09 with James Giberti, Sandra Slavin, and Scott Soby present and Robert Scanlon and Carey Paster absent. No discussion occurred and every agenda item was tabled due to lack of commissioners. The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 with a unanimous 3-0-0 vote.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Wareham Sewer Commissioners to discuss ADU rules and biweekly reports

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners will hold a workshop to review and vote on clarifications for additional dwelling unit (ADU) regulations and the superintendent’s biweekly report form. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected beyond discussion.

zoninghousingutilitiesprocedural
Thu Aug 14, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approves $3.71 M FY26 sewer usage commitment

The Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved a FY26 sewer‑usage commitment of $3,710,106.13. They also approved a $88,725 contract for a 2024 F250 truck with crane, an amendment extending the Weston & Sampson engineering contract to 24 months, and a GHD change order extending its contract to June 30 2026. Prior meeting minutes were accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

No substantive items on Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals agenda

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for August 13, 2025, contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items, decisions, or discussions listed.

zoningboilerplateprocedural
✓ Decided: Board approved a variance for a 14x28 shed at 12 Shady Lane

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from July 23, 2025. It granted a one‑year extension of the variance for 3127 Cranberry Highway until September 13, 2026. The board also approved a variance allowing a 14 × 28‑foot shed at 12 Shady Lane. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Aug 13, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approves minutes and requests town counsel meeting on historic restriction

The committee approved the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 4‑0‑0 vote. It also approved a motion to request a meeting with Town Counsel Rich Bowen regarding the historic preservation restriction for the East Wareham School, passing 4‑0‑0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. after a motion to adjourn was accepted.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for August 12, 2025

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust will hold a meeting on August 12, 2025. The agenda provided is procedural and contains no substantive items for decision or discussion.

affordable-housingprocedural
✓ Decided: Chair to contact CPC for possible trust funding

The board opened the meeting and appointed Sandy Slavin as clerk, each by a 3‑0‑0 vote. The minutes from 6/24/25 were accepted as amended by a 3‑0‑0 vote. The board discussed funding and directed the chair to contact CPC for possible annual reserve funding.

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting has no substantive agenda items

The Wareham Planning Board’s August 11, 2025 meeting agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no decisions, public hearings, or substantive items. The posted document lists only the Zoom connection details and no agenda topics.

proceduralplanning-boardboilerplate
✓ Decided: Planning Board continues three development applications to Aug 25, 2025

The board approved the minutes from July 14 and July 28, 2025 (4‑0‑0). It voted to continue the Rick Valente residential subdivision, the Kevin Welch site plan, and the New England LLC SPR application to the August 25 hearing. The meeting was adjourned (4‑0‑0).

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved minutes and adopted a playground assessment process

The committee approved the July 14 minutes with a 4‑0‑0 vote. Members agreed to use a new assessment form to evaluate all town playgrounds, adding parking as a category, and to circulate the revised questionnaire. Chair Slavin will assess the Carver tennis court and park.

Thu Aug 7, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA authorized a $2,000 ice‑cream truck sponsorship for back‑to‑school event

The Authority appointed Judith Whiteside as clerk pro tem and Josh Faherty as clerk, both unanimously. It approved a $2,000 sponsorship for an ice‑cream truck at the town back‑to‑school stroll, with a 2‑1 vote. The board also authorized interns to work on the Attorney General’s Abandoned Housing Initiative (unanimous) and approved the July 24 minutes (unanimous).

Wed Aug 6, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for August 6, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and remote access information. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

conservation-commissionwareham
✓ Decided: Commission approved seawall repair and sidewalk upgrades with conditions

The Conservation Commission approved six applications and issued a compliance notice. Approvals included a deck, a sauna, a fill project, a seawall repair, and sidewalk/driveway upgrades, all with specific conditions and unanimous 6‑0‑0 votes. The commission also ordered a certified compliance letter with a $300 per day fine for an unaddressed step repair and continued two hearings to August 20, 2025.

Wed Aug 6, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Commission unanimously approved two motions, each with a 4‑0‑0 vote

The Wareham Historical Commission approved a motion concerning the July 2 2025 report with a unanimous 4‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the treasurer’s report motion unanimously (4‑0‑0). During the meeting, Pam Foley submitted her resignation. No other substantive actions were taken.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

Select Board

Select Board meeting scheduled for August 5, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board unanimously approved Full Throttle motorcycle run permit

The Board approved a special event permit for the “Full Throttle” Damien’s Place motorcycle run on September 7, 2025. It also confirmed several appointments to the Veterans Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, and postponed a Board of Health appointment vote. Additional actions included renewing a junk‑dealer license, accepting small donations, and approving the notice for the 2025 Fall Town Meeting.

Tue Aug 5, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: Historic District Commission approved July 8 minutes (4-0-0)

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other motions were adopted; the remaining agenda items were discussed but not decided. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Wed Jul 30, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Virtual meeting of regional trash district committee with no substantive items

The Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee will hold a virtual meeting on July 30, 2025, but the agenda lists no decisions or discussions—only procedural setup and a document reference.

waste-managementregional-districtvirtual-meetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Committee authorized pursuit of Route 28 property sale and service agreement

The committee approved the April 23, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted all payroll and bill amounts for April, May, and June 2025 by unanimous vote. It scheduled the FY25 Review with Marcum at the same $6,000 rate. The committee also authorized the town administrators of Carver and Wareham to negotiate the sale of the Route 28 property and a long‑term service agreement, pending approval at each town's fall meeting.

Tue Jul 29, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board Road Commission meeting scheduled for July 29, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and remote access details. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

roadsprocedural
✓ Decided: Select Board denied all four signage requests, voting 5‑0‑0 each

The Select Board, acting as the Road Commission, unanimously denied four signage requests: a stop sign on Puritan Avenue, a “Slow Children at Play” sign on Waban Avenue, “No Parking” signs on Hammond Street, and a handicap parking sign on 10" Street. The Town Administrator decided to install one or two flashing speed signs on Glen Charlie Road when funding becomes available. The board also agreed on a draft policy for future Road Commission decisions.

Mon Jul 28, 2025

Community Events Committee

Community Events Committee meeting scheduled for July 28, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

community-events
✓ Decided: Community Events Committee elected chair and clerk, and tabled June & July minutes

The committee voted 4‑0‑0 to table the June minutes and 4‑0‑0 to table the July 15 minutes for correction at the August meeting. Members elected Kevin Costa as chair (vote 3‑1‑0) and Linda Gay as clerk (vote 4‑0‑1). The meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0‑0 vote.

Mon Jul 28, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 28, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and connection details. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Planning Board approved ANR for five lots on Cromesett Road

The board appointed Julie Moran as acting Chair and Jane Gleason as acting Vice Chair for the evening. It approved the July 14 minutes as amended with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The board approved the ANR to divide five lots on 190, 191, 227, and 245 Cromesett Road by a 3‑0‑0 vote. Several items, including a residential subdivision plan, a site‑plan review, and a Taco Bell project, were continued to future dates.

Thu Jul 24, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA approved a consulting contract with Kenneth Buckland up to $10,000

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority appointed Josh Faherty as Clerk Pro Tem. It approved a $7,500 annual compensation supplement for Director of Planning Joshua Faherty and a consulting contract with Kenneth Buckland for up to $10,000 per year. The board also authorized Faherty to sign bills up to $5,000 and approved the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes.

Thu Jul 24, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved $107,472.17 change order for WPCF improvements

The Sewer Commissioners approved Change Order #3 for the WPCF Improvements Phase 2, totaling $107,472.17. They authorized the Chair and Vice Chair to sign warrants without further board review. The board also approved sending a letter of support to state legislators for coastal wastewater financing bills, with the letter’s content to be finalized. Two items – hiring a secretary and establishing a regular financial reporting format – were scheduled for discussion at a September 11 workshop.

Thu Jul 24, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved submission of force main project evaluation to the State

The Sewer Commissioners voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve Weston & Sampson and EDR to submit a project evaluation form to the State for the force main improvements. The motion was moved by Ms. Slavin and seconded by Dr. Soby. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously (4-0-0). No other items were acted upon.

Wed Jul 23, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific items for decision or discussion.

zoning
✓ Decided: Board approved relief for Dakota Partners Phase 2 project (5‑0‑0 vote)

The Zoning Board granted relief for Dakota Partners' Phase 2, approved final sign‑off for 2406 Cranberry Highway, and approved a minor roof‑deck modification at 13 Admiral’s Way. It tabled and then continued a temporary occupancy request for VMB Properties to August 27 2025, granted a six‑month extension for the Schoolhouse Rocks variance, closed a public hearing for RPB‑2 LLC, and continued the Charles & Jacquelyn Deveau variance to August 27 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Wed Jul 23, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved prior meeting minutes unanimously

The Wareham Community Preservation Committee approved the July 9, 2025 minutes with a 6‑0‑0 vote. The committee reviewed FY 26 funding estimates and heard proposals for Spillane Field lighting and the Fearing Tavern restoration, but no approvals or rejections were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

Thu Jul 17, 2025

Little Harbor Golf Course Advisory Committee

Little Harbor Golf Course Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for July 17, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed beyond the meeting start time.

golf-courseadvisory-committee
Wed Jul 16, 2025

Cemetery Commissioners

✓ Decided: Cemetery Commission approved licenses, monuments and markers with unanimous votes

The commissioners approved the minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting (2‑0‑0). They also approved six cemetery licenses, six new monuments and five flat markers, each with a 2‑0‑0 vote. The commission concluded there is no need for town action on long‑vacant unused lots. The policy that cemetery lots are non‑transferable was reaffirmed.

Wed Jul 16, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for July 16, 2025

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

conservationpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Commission approved William Bachant's home addition with environmental conditions

The Conservation Commission approved William Bachant’s one‑story home addition (NOI‑138) with a stone drip zone, tree‑replacement condition and no removal of cedar trees along Andrew’s Point (vote 5‑0‑0). The commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 2 Fairway Dr (SE076‑2559) and reaffirmed the current Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk. Several pending applications were continued to future dates.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Finance Committee

Wareham Finance Committee meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

finance
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approves $300,000 WPCF transfer and $10,500 municipal relief transfer

The committee approved a municipal relief transfer of $10,500 from the Town Planners Salary Account, allocating $9,800 to Natural Resources Salary and $250 to the Town Treasurer Expense account. It also approved a $300,000 transfer from the WPCF reserve funds to cover outside contractors' expenses and salaries. Both motions passed unanimously with a 5-0-0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Community Events Committee

✓ Decided: Committee adopts fiscal year policy and plans new town email address

The committee voted to drop the existing January‑to‑December policy and will use the town’s fiscal year for its accounts. Members approved setting up a town email address, tasking the chair with contacting the IT department; details will be shared at the July 25 meeting. A motion to adjourn was carried unanimously (5‑0‑0).

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

governmentwareham
✓ Decided: Select Board declares State of Emergency for July 3 2025 storm

The Board unanimously approved a declaration of State of Emergency for the July 3 2025 storm, effective through July 13 2025 (vote 3‑0‑0). The Board also unanimously appointed new members to the Redevelopment Authority, Alternative Energy Committee, Board of Health, and Community Events Committee (each vote 4‑0‑0). Additional unanimous actions included granting a second‑hand dealer license, adopting “No Parking” zones at Swift’s Beach playground, accepting a $200 donation to the Council on Aging, and approving FY2025 budget transfers.

Tue Jul 15, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved $300,000 transfer from Reserve Fund to cover invoices and salaries

The Sewer Commissioners voted to approve a $300,000 transfer from the Reserve Fund to cover Weston & Sampson invoices and year‑end salaries. The motion was moved by Ms. Slavin, seconded by Mr. Scanlon, and passed with a 4‑1‑0 vote. Mr. Paster voted no. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Open Space Committee appointed chair, clerk and approved prior minutes

The committee approved the minutes from March 10, April 17 and May 12, 2025 by a 3‑0‑0 vote. Sandy Slavin was appointed chair and Patrick Lester was appointed clerk, each confirmed by a 3‑0‑0 vote. The next meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2025. All agenda items were closed unanimously.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 14, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Planning Board approved Squaws Path ANR

The board approved the minutes from June 23, 2025 (4-0-0). Members appointed Jane Gleason as acting chair and Julie Moran as acting vice chair (each vote 3-0-1 with one abstention). The board accepted the Agricultural/Natural Resource (ANR) application for Squaws Path Nominee Trust (4-0-0). Several pending applications were continued to July 28, 2025 and the meeting was adjourned (4-0-0).

Thu Jul 10, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

Cable Advisory Committee to discuss Comcast negotiations

The committee will meet to hold a discussion with the cable attorney and conduct negotiations with Comcast.

cablecomcastnegotiations
Thu Jul 10, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Wareham Sewer Commissioners workshop cancelled

The Board of Sewer Commissioners workshop scheduled for July 10, 2025, was cancelled. No other business items were listed.

sewercancelled
Thu Jul 10, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting cancelled

The Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting scheduled for July 10, 2025, was cancelled. No other business was listed on the agenda.

sewercancelled-meeting
Wed Jul 9, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

zoning
✓ Decided: Board approves variance extension, restaurant permit; delays other cases

The Zoning Board approved its June 25 minutes and granted a six‑month variance extension for Ezequel Lacerda. It approved a special permit for Elise Zarcaro’s restaurant and postponed several other applications to July 23, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

Wed Jul 9, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: CPC approved prior minutes, confirmed officers, and required proposal resubmissions

The committee approved the June 25 minutes unanimously (6-0-0). Motions confirmed Patrick Lester as Chair (5-0-1), Sherbie Worthen as Clerk (5-0-1), and Sandy Slavin as Treasurer (6-0-0). The board asked proponents of the Spillane Field lighting, Groezinger Hall, and Fearing Tavern projects to submit revised applications for discussion at the July 23 meeting. The committee also decided to review other towns’ grant MOUs for appropriate language.

Wed Jul 9, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

procedural
Tue Jul 8, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved June minutes and accepted new Marina and Restaurant signs

The Historic District Commission approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. The commission also voted 3‑1 to accept the proposed Marina and Restaurant signs as presented. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

Wed Jul 2, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved demolition of 35 Winship Ave. building

The commission voted 4-0-0 to allow demolition of the 35 Winship Ave. property, finding no significant historic value. It also approved the May 7 and June 4, 2025 meeting minutes, each by a 4-0-0 vote. Additionally, $200 from the fiscal year WHC funds was earmarked for a plaque for Fearing Tavern and the Captain Kendrick Maritime Museum.

Wed Jul 2, 2025

Conservation Commission

Wareham Conservation Commission holds public hearing meeting

The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet for a public hearing. The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and remote access information.

conservationpublic-hearing
Tue Jul 1, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for July 1, 2025

The agenda provided contains only procedural meeting details and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

governmentwareham
✓ Decided: Select Board approves multiple business licenses, appointments and donations

The board unanimously approved three annual common victualler licenses for local restaurants and a change of d/b/a for Retrocade LLC. It also appointed Nancy Rice to the Library Trustees, accepted two $2,000 donations for the library and Council on Aging, and authorized signage on Storer Street. The June 3 meeting minutes were approved unanimously, while the June 17 minutes passed with a 4‑1 vote.

Mon Jun 30, 2025

Community Events Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved four payments/awards totaling $1,777.98

The Community Events Committee approved payment of $700.00 to the Cape Verdean Festival Association and $480.00 for an El Mariachi fundraiser advertisement, each by a 4‑0‑0 vote. It also approved $465.00 for promotional coins and $131.98 for a banner for the Wareham Land Trust, the latter passing 3‑0‑1 with one abstention. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Wareham Redevelopment Authority meeting scheduled for June 26, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

redevelopmentwareham
✓ Decided: WRA members toured Hudson to learn about its Business Improvement District

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority members visited Hudson and met with planning officials and business owners to see how Hudson earned the Best Main Street in America award. They discussed how a similar Business Improvement District could support downtown Wareham. The group agreed to identify a high‑impact project and develop a proposal for the Community Preservation Committee.

Thu Jun 26, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board adopts Powers & Duties Bylaw and approves key contracts

The Sewer Commissioners approved a contract with Monster-Vac LLC for up to $50,000, ratified a $100,000 grant‑funded contract with Biological Labs, and adopted the Powers & Duties Bylaw. All three actions were approved by vote. The meeting also accepted prior minutes and set the next meeting for July 10, 2025.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for June 25, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

zoning
✓ Decided: Board granted Special Permit for 177 Onset Avenue project

The Zoning Board approved the May 28 and June 11 meeting minutes and gave final sign‑off to the True Storage project at 2400 Cranberry Highway. It denied a variance for 2 East Boulevard, continued the Rosebrook Way hearing to July 9, and granted variances or a special permit for 2501 Cranberry Highway, 177 Onset Avenue, 2645 Cranberry Highway, and 1 Cannonberry Way.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved purchase of six lawn signs and six banners

The Community Preservation Committee accepted the previous meeting minutes unanimously (6-0-0). It also approved buying six lawn signs and six banners, directing the chair to order them from Village Signs and pay with administrative funds (vote 6-0-0). The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

Tue Jun 24, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and a start time. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

affordable-housingwareham
✓ Decided: Board authorizes chair to support 20 Depot St affordable housing project

The Affordable Housing Trust unanimously approved a motion to let the chair submit a letter of support and sign the Local Investment Program application for the 20 Depot Street project. The motion passed 3‑0‑0. Earlier procedural motions to open the meeting, appoint the clerk, and accept prior minutes also passed unanimously. No other actions were decided; remaining items were discussed or deferred.

Tue Jun 24, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and a start time. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

affordable-housingwareham
✓ Decided: Board authorized letter of support and LIP application for 20 Depot St project

The Affordable Housing Trust appointed Sandy Slavin as clerk (3‑0‑0). The board accepted the May 13 minutes (3‑0‑0). It voted to let the chair submit and sign a letter of support and the LIP/LAC application for the 20 Depot St development (3‑0‑0).

Tue Jun 24, 2025

Appointing Authority

✓ Decided: Town appointed members to Capital Planning and Finance Committees

The Appointing Authority unanimously appointed Sandra Slavin to the Capital Planning Committee (term ends June 30, 2026) and Dominic Cammarano, Jr. to the Finance Committee (term ends June 30, 2027). Brianna King was reappointed to the Finance Committee (term ends June 30, 2028) by a 2‑0‑1 vote. Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sam Corbitt were also appointed to the Finance and Capital Planning Committees respectively, both unanimously.

Tue Jun 24, 2025

Appointing Authority

Appointing Authority meeting scheduled for June 24, 2025

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

governmentwareham
✓ Decided: Jane Gleason reappointed to Wareham Planning Board for a term ending 2028

The Appointing Authority appointed Judith Whiteside as Clerk pro tem by a 2‑0‑0 vote. A motion to reappoint Carl Schulz to the Planning Board failed with a 1‑1‑0 vote. Jane Gleason was reappointed to the Planning Board by a unanimous 2‑0‑0 vote. The meeting minutes were approved and the session adjourned.

Mon Jun 23, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025

The agenda provided contains only the meeting time and connection details. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

planning-boardwareham
✓ Decided: Planning Board denies Wareham MA3 LLC special permit for Fearing Hill Road

The board approved the minutes from June 9, 2025 and accepted two agricultural‑non‑residential (ANR) applications (PB#5-25 and PB#7-25). It authorized clerical corrections and approved all sections of the Findings of Fact for PB#10-24, then voted to deny the special permit for the Wareham MA3, LLC project at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Road (4‑0‑0). The hearing for PB#4-25 (Kevin Welch) was continued to July 7, 2025, and the board authorized the release of an unbuildable lot on Beaver Path Road.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

Recycling Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved $436.74 reimbursement for composters

The committee accepted the April 16 minutes by a 5-0-0 roll‑call vote. A motion to reimburse Amanda Cobb $436.74 for composters purchased on her personal card passed 4-0-1 (Cobb abstained). The meeting was adjourned by a 5-0-0 vote, and no July meeting will be held.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

Conservation Commission

Wareham Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for June 18, 2025

The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific items for decision or discussion.

conservationpublic-hearing
Tue Jun 17, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

governmentwareham
✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved transfer of restaurant liquor license to C‑Stones Tavern

The Select Board made several unanimous appointments to town committees and commissions. It approved the transfer of an annual alcoholic beverages restaurant license to CR‑CM Treat Group LLC d/b/a C‑Stones Tavern and approved event road use for the Pan‑Mass Challenge bike‑athon and the Onset Cape Verdean Festival. The board also authorized a letter of support for the affordable housing project at 20 Depot Street and approved prior meeting minutes.

Tue Jun 17, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

✓ Decided: Cable Advisory Committee approved prior meeting minutes

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with a 3‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that passed 2‑0‑0.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved multiple chemical contracts and a $100,000 grant contract

The Sewer Commissioners accepted the May 22, 2025 minutes and unanimously approved four separate chemical supply contracts. They also changed the expiration date of Scott Soby’s appointment to May 1, 2026 and approved a $100,000 grant contract with Biological Laboratories. The meeting was then adjourned to a workshop session.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Minot Forest Committee

✓ Decided: Committee voted 3-0-0 to recommend Peler for Minot Forest appointment

The committee approved the May 8, 2025 minutes with a unanimous 3‑0‑0 vote. They recorded that Garry widened a path near construction. Members assigned themselves specific trail walks to review before the next meeting. The committee also voted 3‑0‑0 to recommend Peler for appointment to the Minot Forest Committee, and Sandy will notify the Select Board.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board set a June 16 public hearing on the CWMP and unanimously adjourned

The Board scheduled a public hearing to present the Community Water Management Plan on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Room 520 of the Wareham Multi‑Service Center. The meeting was then adjourned at 3:07 p.m. by a unanimous vote (3‑0‑0). Items on the fertilizer bylaw and outfall issues were deferred to future meetings.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved four chemical contracts and a $100,000 grant contract

The Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved four separate contracts for chemicals used at the plant and also approved a $100,000 grant contract with Biological Laboratories for wood‑chip testing. They changed the expiration date of Commissioner Scott Soby’s appointment to May 1, 2026 and accepted the May 22, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned to a workshop session.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Board of Assessors

✓ Decided: Board approved meeting minutes and adjourned

The Board of Assessors accepted the regular session minutes (amended) with a 3-0-0 vote. It also accepted the executive session minutes with a 3-0-0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3-0-0 vote.

Wed Jun 11, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for June 11, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

zoning
✓ Decided: Board denies solar special permit and setbacks variance at Maple Springs

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals denied the special permit and the setbacks variance for the Wareham Solar 1, LLC project at Maple Springs. It also overturned the building commissioner’s violation decision for Aaron Gomes, conditioning approval on house completion and removal of temporary structures, and removed his variance request. Other items were tabled or closed as noted.

Tue Jun 10, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Wareham Affordable Housing Trust to discuss funding and project updates

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust will review a presentation for 20 Depot Street and discuss the Inclusionary Housing By-law. The body may vote on grant language and funding requests for the 2025 fall town meeting.

affordable-housinggrantszoningbudget
Mon Jun 9, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board to review solar projects and zoning by-law revisions

The Planning Board will discuss solar decommissioning bonds and a special permit for a solar project at Fearing Hill Road. The board will also consider a subdivision plan for Pierceville Road and a request to hire a firm to revise Zoning By-Laws.

solarzoningsubdivisionbondsland-use
✓ Decided: Board schedules final review of Fearing Hill solar project and approves funds

The Planning Board set June 23, 2025 for the final review of the Fearing Hill photovoltaic project, voting 5-0-0. It approved releasing the remaining surety funds for Peyton Estates and the remaining 53G account funds, each with a 5-0-0 vote. The board opened a hearing on a six‑lot subdivision on Pierceville Road and continued it to July 14, 2025 (6-0-0). It authorized Ms. Moran to manage the zoning‑bylaw RFP and appointed her to the SRPEDD commission, both unanimously approved.

Fri Jun 6, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

Wareham Board of Library Trustees meeting scheduled for June 6, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

librarywareham
✓ Decided: Board reappoints Nancy Rice, names vice chair and clerk, sets next meeting

The trustees voted unanimously to reappoint Nancy Rice for a third consecutive term, to name Jared Frederickson as vice chair, and to appoint Wendy Young as clerk. They also set the next meeting for Monday, August 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

Thu Jun 5, 2025

Council on Aging

Wareham Council on Aging Board meeting scheduled for June 5, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

senior-serviceswareham
✓ Decided: Board declines new bench outside COA due to maintenance concerns

The board accepted the prior meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑0 vote. They approved the new Code of Conduct for Council on Aging members, requiring signatures by August 30, 2025. A proposal to install a bench outside the COA was not approved because of maintenance difficulties. The meeting was adjourned with a 3‑0‑0 vote.

Wed Jun 4, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: WHC approved demolition of two condemned properties

The Wareham Historical Commission voted 4‑0 to allow demolition of the South Coast property (SS MA 02571) and a separate condemned home. The commission also approved using the $200 annual budget for a Decas family plaque, obtaining two quotes not to exceed $500 and using the gift account if needed. Finally, the committee voted 4‑0 to keep Bob Blair and Angela Dunham as WHC representatives to the CPC.

Wed Jun 4, 2025

Conservation Commission

Wareham Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for June 4, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and contains no listed discussion items or decisions.

conservation
✓ Decided: Commission approved a $200 fine for unpermitted shed construction

The Conservation Commission approved five Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) projects, including a $200 fine for a shed built without a permit. It also postponed two Notice of Intent applications to June 18, 2025, and appointed Michael Mercier as the commission clerk. All votes were unanimous.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board Meeting Scheduled for June 3, 2025

The provided agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and remote access information. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board approved new alcohol beverage license for The Pour Farm Tavern

The Wareham Select Board unanimously reappointed members to numerous town committees, including the Alternative Energy, Cemetery, Conservation, Council on Aging, Historic District, Historical, Recycling, Redevelopment Authority, Veterans Council, Cultural Council, and Zoning Board of Appeals. The board voted 3‑2‑0 to reappoint Linda Scharf to the Minot Forest Committee and 4‑1‑0 to reappoint Patrick Lester to the Open Space Committee. The board opened, heard, and unanimously approved a new §12 All Alcoholic Beverages License for Tavern Hospitality LLC d/b/a The Pour Farm Tavern at 196 Main Street.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Historic District Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved May 5 minutes and tabled 59 Main St signage project.

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the May 5, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0‑0 vote. The proposal to install new signage, fencing, and stone veneer at 59 Main St was postponed and will be reconsidered at the next meeting.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Select Board

Select Board and Sewer Commission hold joint meeting

The agenda for this joint meeting is procedural boilerplate. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the provided document.

governmentsewer
✓ Decided: Scott Soby appointed as Member-at-Large Sewer Commissioner, term through May 2026

The Select Board and the Sewer Commission each voted to appoint Scott Soby as a Member-at-Large of the Sewer Commission, with a term expiring May 6, 2026. Both votes were unanimous (Sewer Commission 4‑0‑0, Select Board 5‑0‑0). No other substantive actions were taken; the meeting was adjourned.

Tue Jun 3, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Select Board and Sewer Commissioners joint meeting scheduled for June 3, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions for the joint meeting.

sewergovernment
✓ Decided: Scott Soby appointed member-at-large sewer commissioner

The joint meeting appointed Scott Soby to the open member-at-large seat on the Sewer Commission for a one‑year term ending May 6, 2026. The Sewer Commissioners approved the appointment by a 4-0-0 vote, and the Select Board approved it by a 5-0-0 vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.

Mon Jun 2, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

✓ Decided: Board approved April minutes and adjourned the meeting

The Trustees approved the April meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑0 vote. They then adjourned the June 2 meeting, also by a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other motions were decided during this session.

Thu May 29, 2025

Community Events Committee

Community Events Committee meeting scheduled for May 29, 2025

The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and no listed business items. It consists of procedural boilerplate.

community-events
✓ Decided: Committee approved $6,461 in payments and grants

The Community Events Committee approved the April Secretary’s report and authorized six payments totaling $6,461. It also approved Karen Hong’s membership and reappointed Lori Benson to the committee. All motions passed with recorded vote tallies.

Wed May 28, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for May 28, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific items for decision or discussion.

zoningwarehampublic-meeting
✓ Decided: Zoning Board granted restaurant use variance with drive‑thru at 2424 Cranberry Highway

The board approved a minor fence modification at 176 Main Street and closed the hearing with a unanimous vote. It approved the site plan for 3 Tow Road. It granted a use variance for a restaurant with a drive‑thru at 2424 Cranberry Highway, meeting MGL 40a requirements. Several items were continued to future dates for further review.

Thu May 22, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA approved writing support letters for multiple grant applications

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously (4-0-0) to have the Authority prepare letters of support for several grant requests, including a $95,000 Environmental Impact Report grant, a state vision‑plan grant up to $100,000 for the Eastern Corridor, and a Commonwealth tax‑credit program for up to six Main Street businesses. The board also approved the minutes of the April 10 meeting and then adjourned the session.

Thu May 22, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approves $69,274.44 Waterline Change Order #2

The Board unanimously accepted the May 8, 2025 regular and workshop meeting minutes. It approved Change Order #2 for the waterline project at a cost of $69,274.44. Commissioners scheduled a public meeting on the Community Water Management Plan for June 16, 2025, 5‑7 p.m., pending Town Hall auditorium availability. The next regular meeting was set for June 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Wed May 21, 2025

Recycling Committee

Wareham Recycling Committee meeting cancelled

The Wareham Recycling Committee meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025, has been cancelled.

recyclingmeeting-cancellation
Wed May 21, 2025

Conservation Commission

Wareham Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

conservationwareham
✓ Decided: Commission approved amended order for Vlaco’s retaining wall move, adding $200 fine

The Wareham Conservation Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the amended order of condition for Ryan Vlaco’s retaining wall relocation, imposing a $200 fine and additional erosion controls. It also adopted negative‑2 and negative‑6 determinations for three deck and garage projects and approved several notices of intent with standard conditions. The commission continued the Russel McKinnon wetlands case to the June 18, 2025 meeting and issued Certificates of Compliance for multiple properties.

Tue May 20, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting scheduled for May 20, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

procedural
✓ Decided: Select Board approves $375,000 land conservation restrictions

The Board approved two conservation restrictions covering about 215 acres, using $375,000 of Community Preservation Act funds. It also approved the Veterans Day Parade permit, appointed a clerk, and took actions on a liquor license revocation and a corporate stock transfer. All votes were unanimous except the parade permit, which was approved 3‑0‑0.

Tue May 20, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board and Sewer Commission hold joint meeting

The agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions. No substantive business is detailed in the provided text.

proceduralsewergovernment
Tue May 20, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Select Board and Sewer Commission hold joint meeting

The Select Board and Sewer Commission are scheduled for a joint meeting. The provided agenda contains no specific discussion items or decision points.

sewerlocal-government
Mon May 19, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee elected new officers and approved key handbooks unanimously

The committee elected Geoff Swett as Chair, Kevin Brogioli as Vice‑Chair, and Joyce Bacchiocchi as Secretary. It approved designees to sign bill and payroll warrants. District, high school and elementary handbooks were each approved. The committee accepted a $500 gift for Special Olympics.

Wed May 14, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting with no substantive agenda items listed

The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a scheduled meeting at 6:30 PM. The agenda contains only the start time and a reference to documents, with no specific public hearings, variances, or applications listed. This appears to be a procedural meeting with no decisions or discussions on record.

zoningboard-of-appealsprocedural
✓ Decided: Board approved NeighborWorks Housing comprehensive permit with conditions

The board approved the April 23, 2025 minutes. It approved the NeighborWorks Housing Solutions comprehensive permit for 2220 Cranberry Highway, subject to fire and water department letters, a 12‑inch pipe, a 6‑inch curb extension, a 7‑foot fence, and a maintenance bond waiver. The board also continued one hearing, granted several special permits and variances, and approved an accessory use for a mobile roadside food concession.

Wed May 14, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved minutes and authorized purchase of banners

The Community Preservation Committee approved the February 26, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the purchase of six banners and free‑standing signs from Village Sign in Mattapoisett, again by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The clerk noted a total of $1.3 million in non‑reserved funds and $60,000 available for Hammond School. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

Tue May 13, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Affordable Housing Trust meets with no listed agenda items

This meeting of the Wareham Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for 9:00 A.M. on May 13, 2025, via Zoom. The posted agenda contains only procedural information (meeting time and connection details) and no specific items for discussion, vote, or public hearing.

affordable-housingmeetingproceduralwarehammassachusetts
Tue May 13, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

No Wareham Free Library Board of Trustees meeting in May 2025

The meeting notice states that there will be no meeting of the Wareham Free Library Board of Trustees in May 2025.

librarymeeting-cancelled
Tue May 13, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board meeting set for May 13, 2025, agenda shows only logistics

This meeting agenda contains only procedural information — the meeting time, remote access instructions, and references to PDF documents with no listed agenda items. No decisions, proposals, or discussions are described in the provided text.

select-boardmeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Select Board unanimously accepted conditions for a dangerous dog case

The board opened and then closed a dangerous‑dog hearing for a dog owned by Marcio Mombrini. It adopted four conditions for the dog, requiring training, age‑restricted handling, leash limits, and no contact with the former owner. The board also approved a $500 donation to the Spinney Memorial Branch of the Wareham Free Library. All actions were approved unanimously.

Mon May 12, 2025

Planning Board

Wareham Planning Board meeting agenda minimal, no specific items listed

The agenda for the May 12, 2025 Wareham Planning Board meeting contains only the start time and links to remote participation, with no listed items for discussion or decision. The meeting appears to be procedural or the agenda is incomplete.

planning-boardproceduralwareham
✓ Decided: Board approved solar decommissioning bond terms with 125% escalator

The Planning Board approved the solar decommissioning bond calculations with two conditions, including a 125% escalator, by a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also voted to close the public hearing on the Fearing Hill Road solar project, allowing the applicant to continue the process in July, by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The board revoked Mr. Buckland’s authority to sign Planning Department bills under $5,000 and authorized Mr. Faherty to sign, also by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. after the motions were approved.

Mon May 12, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Open Space Committee reappointed members and approved a motion to close

The committee reappointed Patrick Lester and Sandy Lav, and also reappointed Patrick Lester as the committee's representative to the CPC, each with a 4‑0‑0 vote. A motion to close the meeting was also approved with a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

Thu May 8, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA approved executive session, set Hudson field trip, and adjourned

The Authority voted 5‑0‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a lease matter. Members agreed to a field trip to Hudson, MA on June 26 to explore downtown revitalization ideas. The meeting was then adjourned by a 5‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

Thu May 8, 2025

Minot Forest Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved March minutes and confirmed members on MFC

The Minot Forest Committee approved the March 13, 2025 minutes with a 3-0-0 vote. The committee also approved Sandy's recommendation that Linda Scharf and Angela Dunham continue serving on the Minot Forest Committee, again by a 3-0-0 vote. Members discussed signage improvements and the remaining $1,000 CPA fund, but no action was decided on those items.

Thu May 8, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board recommends Dr. Soby as at-large member of the Sewer Commissioners

The Board accepted the April 24, 2025 minutes unanimously. It approved contracts with South Shore Generator Services for emergency repairs and preventative maintenance (up to $18,810) and a contract with Atlantic Coast Polymers, all unanimously. The Board also approved Change Order #2 for the WPCF Improvement Phase 2 in the amount of $9,937.69 and voted to remove two outdated documents from the website. Finally, the Board unanimously recommended Dr. Scott Soby as an at‑large member for a three‑year term.

Thu May 8, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board voted to delete its invalid email address

The Board of Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to have the Board’s email address removed after it was found to be invalid. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 2:44 P.M. No other actions were decided; the CWMP executive summary will be addressed at a future meeting.

Wed May 7, 2025

Historical Commission

✓ Decided: Historic Commission approves demolition of 447 Onset Ave. building

The commission voted 4‑0 to allow demolition of the property at 447 Onset Avenue under Permit B‑25‑237. Members Bob Blair and Angela Dunham were recommended for reappointment to the commission, and Bob Blair was confirmed to continue as the CPC liaison, each with a 3‑0 vote. The March 5, 2025 meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report were each accepted as read with unanimous votes. No other actions were taken.

Wed May 7, 2025

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved co‑holding two conservation restrictions with Carver

The commission voted unanimously to become a co‑holder of two conservation restrictions with the Town of Carver. It denied three permit applications (RDAs 88, 89, 90) and imposed $200 fines for work done without permits. The board also approved a pier‑removal NOI with standard conditions, gave the conservation agent signing authority for bills, and issued two certificates of compliance.

Tue May 6, 2025

Select Board

No specific agenda items listed in provided text

The Select Board is scheduled to meet at 7:00 PM. However, the provided agenda text contains only procedural information (meeting link, passcode, and a reference to a PDF document) with no specific items for discussion or decision.

select-boardagendaprocedural
✓ Decided: Board unanimously approves liquor license transfer and waives event fee

The Select Board approved the transfer of a liquor license from AJ Food Corp to A&Z Group. It also approved the Wareham Walks for the Homeless event on May 18 and waived the event fee. The Board accepted two donations for the Council on Aging and approved the April 15 meeting minutes.

Thu May 1, 2025

Council on Aging

✓ Decided: Board recommended Russ Barre for Council on Aging membership (5-0-0 vote)

The board approved the use of the State Guidebook for Council on Aging operations. The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted unanimously (5-0-0). The board voted to recommend Russell Barre for membership, with a 5-0-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 5-0-0 vote.

Thu May 1, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee approves senior prom, budget transfer, and superintendent search consultant

The committee approved the Class of 2026 senior prom at a ticket price of $80 (vote 4‑0‑0). It also approved senior privileges (3‑1‑0), the June senior trips (4‑0‑0), and the Washington DC trip for Grade 8 (3‑0‑1). The budget transfer covering special‑education tuition, athletic salaries, and snow‑removal funds was approved (4‑0‑0). The committee voted to hire MASC as the consulting firm for the superintendent search and to enter executive session (both 4‑0‑0).

🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
motion to approve senior privileges for the Class of 2026, seconded by Mr. Swett. Roll Call Vote: Yea — Chair Brogioli, Geoff Swett, Brennan McKiernan
1 nay
Joyce Bacchiocchi nay
motion to approve the Washington DC Trip, seconded by Mrs. Bacchiocchi Roll Call Vote:
2 yea
Geoff Swett yea · Joyce Bacchiocchi yea
motion to approve the budget transfer, seconded by Mrs. Bacchiocchi Roll Call Vote:
3 yea
Brogioli yea · Geoff Swett yea · Joyce Bacchiocchi yea
motion to enter into executive session and not return to public session, seconded by Ms. Bacchiocchi. Roll Call Vote:
3 yea
Brogioli yea · Geoff Swett yea · Joyce Bacchiocchi yea
Wed Apr 30, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission meets with no listed substantive items

The Conservation Commission agenda for April 30, 2025, contains only a meeting start time of 3:00 P.M. and a reference to documents. No specific projects, permits, or public hearings are listed. The meeting appears to be procedural in nature.

conservation-commissionproceduralwareham
✓ Decided: Commission discussed rule updates and fee changes but recorded no decisions

The Conservation Commission reviewed the draft rules and regulations, including removal of a special spring $17 article from the wetland by‑law, an update to the definition of "vernal pool," and proposed fee adjustments. They debated raising the RDA fee to $100, adding a $150 vista‑pruning fee, and increasing notice‑of‑intent fees. No votes or formal approvals were noted in the minutes.

Tue Apr 29, 2025

Select Board

✓ Decided: Board adjourned meeting unanimously, no substantive actions taken

The Select Board held a meeting on April 29, 2025, with a quorum present. No town business was presented. The board voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting. No other decisions were made.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved multiple union contracts and appointed interim chair

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from April 9 and April 16, 2025. It then voted unanimously to approve Town Meeting Article 13 covering contracts for the Dispatchers, Police, Steelworkers, and Department Head unions. The members also unanimously appointed Brianna King as acting Chair of the Finance Committee until the next fiscal year. The Special Town Meeting Article S14 zoning amendment was referred for further study.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Select Board

Agenda only procedural notice for ATM continuation; no items listed

This Select Board agenda contains only a procedural note that if the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) does not conclude on April 28, it will continue the next evening at the same place and time. No specific items for decision or discussion are listed.

select-boardannual-town-meetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Select Board approves eight union contract agreements in Article 13

The Board voted to reconsider Article 13 on the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant and then approved all eight Memorandum of Agreement contracts listed under that article. Both motions passed with a 4‑0‑1 majority vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

Mon Apr 28, 2025

Town Meeting

Agenda references only PDF warrants, no specific items listed

This is a combined annual spring town meeting and special town meeting scheduled for April 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The agenda text provided does not list any specific articles or items; it only references two PDF documents (the annual and special town meeting warrants). No further detail is available in the provided text.

town-meetingproceduralwarehamspring-town-meetingspecial-town-meeting
Thu Apr 24, 2025

Community Events Committee

Community Events Committee meets with no substantive items listed

The Wareham Community Events Committee is holding a meeting at 6:00 PM on April 24, 2025, but the agenda contains only a meeting time and a reference to documents, with no specific discussion or decision items. The agenda notes a temporary change due to Town Meeting, suggesting the meeting may be procedural or minimal.

community-eventsproceduralwareham
✓ Decided: CEC approves three funding requests, denies playground reconsideration

The committee approved the March secretaries report unanimously. It authorized payments of $11,795 to Onset Bay Association, $3,500 to Wareham US to Wareham UK Organization, Inc., and $300 to the Wareham Historical Society, each with a 4‑0 vote. A motion to reconsider the Lopes Playground event application was denied after a 0‑2‑2 tie. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Thu Apr 24, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board approved a one‑year extension of the Pace sewer contract

The Board accepted the minutes from the April 10 regular and workshop meetings. It approved a time extension for the Pace contract from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and approved a $20,680 Mission Communication contract for alarm services. The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 P.M.

Wed Apr 23, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Board grants Burgess Point Road variance and approves Cape Cod berm modification

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the April 9 meeting minutes and granted a variance for 72 Burgess Point Road. It also approved a Cape Cod berm for a parking lot, continued three pending permits to future dates, and recommended associate member Christopher Conti for reappointment. All actions were adopted unanimously.

Wed Apr 23, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Refuse district committee meeting scheduled, no substantive items listed

The agenda for the Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee meeting on April 23, 2025, lists only the start time (5:00 PM) with no accompanying agenda items. This appears to be a procedural meeting with no decisions or discussions specified in the available agenda.

refuse-disposalregional-districtcarvermarionwarehammeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Committee authorized reinvestment of CD and bond funds as they mature

The committee re‑appointed David Menard as Treasurer, Amanda Cobb as Secretary, and John Cotter as Chairperson, each by a 6‑0‑0 vote. It approved the January 22, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0‑1). Members voted 6‑0‑0 to authorize the Treasurer and Executive Director to reinvest maturing CD and bond funds. The financial reports were also accepted by a 6‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee approved a $5.75 adult lunch increase (5‑0 vote)

The committee unanimously approved the proposed adult school‑lunch price increase to $5.75. It also approved the Survivor overnight trip, the budget transfer items, the payroll and bill warrants, and accepted a gift of soil for the young‑adult garden program. Proposals for the superintendent search were presented but no vote was taken.

Thu Apr 17, 2025

Board of Assessors

✓ Decided: Board approved March minutes, entered executive session, and denied application #40

The Board accepted the March 20, 2025 regular and executive session minutes by a 3‑0 vote. It then moved into an executive session to consider abatements and exemptions, returning to open session after two minutes. The Board denied exemption application #40 because the petitioner did not respond, also by a 3‑0 vote.

Wed Apr 16, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved most articles, split vote on Article S11

The committee unanimously approved the March 26, 2025 meeting minutes and gave favorable action to Articles 6, 11, 13 of the Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant and Articles S3, S4, S12, S13, S15, and S16 of the Spring Special Town Meeting Warrant. A vote on Article S11 of the Spring Special Town Meeting Warrant resulted in a 3‑3‑0 tie. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:48 p.m.

Wed Apr 16, 2025

Conservation Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved multiple RDAs and NOI projects, all unanimously

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved several Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDAs) with conditions, continued others to future dates, and approved two Notice of Intent (NOI) projects with specific requirements. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for a property on Great Neck Road. All votes were 7‑0‑0.

Wed Apr 16, 2025

Cemetery Commissioners

✓ Decided: Commissioners approved purchase of two additional graves in Centre Annex Lot 294

The commission voted 3-0-0 to approve the purchase of two additional graves (Graves 3 and 4) in Centre Annex Lot 294. They also approved a $576.94 purchase of new grasses for cemetery maintenance, again by a 3-0-0 vote. Earlier agenda items such as four licenses, four monuments and five flat markers were each approved unanimously (3-0-0).

Tue Apr 15, 2025

Select Board

✓ Decided: Select Board approved multiple licenses, contracts and town‑meeting articles

The board unanimously approved a one‑day wine/malt permit, several business licenses (including pawnbroker, second‑hand dealer, common victualer and public amusement licenses) and special‑event permits. It also approved union contracts, a letter of support for a 2026 food‑needs grant, and recommended favorable action on numerous Spring 2025 Town Meeting warrant articles.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Open Space Committee

✓ Decided: Committee appointed a temporary clerk with a unanimous vote

The Open Space Committee appointed a Clerk Pro Tempore, with all three members voting in favor (3-0-0). A vote recorded at 7:48 also resulted in a 3-0-0 tally. The committee discussed the pending 2025‑2032 Open Space Plan, and a member will meet with the Planning Director. The next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board denied the ANR for 23 Bourne Point Road

The board voted 5‑0 to deny the amendment to the existing non‑conforming use (ANR) for 23 Bourne Point Road because it lacks frontage on an adequate way. It approved the Phase 1 drainage certification for the Windward Pines project by a 3‑2 vote. The board also reappointed Member Corbett to the Capital Planning and Community Preservation Committees (4‑0‑1 each) and recommended reappointment of Chair Carl Schulz and Vice‑Chair Jane Gleason (4‑0‑1 each).

Thu Apr 10, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

✓ Decided: WRA approved $11,200 to launch the Discover Wareham Dollars program

The Authority unanimously extended its internship program and allocated up to $20,000 for its expansion. It also unanimously approved the launch of the Discover Wareham Dollars program and allocated up to $11,200 to fund the rollout. Discussion on selling the 4 Recovery Road property and approval of the March 20 minutes were deferred.

Thu Apr 10, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board accepted prior meeting minutes and adjourned unanimously

The Sewer Commissioners approved the February 13 regular and workshop meeting minutes unanimously. They approved the March 27 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑1 vote, Dr. Soby abstaining. The board then moved to adjourn the meeting to the upcoming workshop session, which passed unanimously.

Thu Apr 10, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 3:33 P.M.

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners met on April 10, 2025 and heard a GHD presentation on the draft Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Items on bylaw changes and homes on the “no water” list were deferred for discussion at a later meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote (5‑0‑0) at 3:33 P.M. The next workshop is scheduled for May 8, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approves three variances, minutes and chairman reappointment

The board accepted the March 26 minutes unanimously. It granted variances for 14 Helen Street, 17 Cory Street, and 63 Onset Avenue. The board also recommended Chairman Nazih Elkallassi for reappointment. All motions passed with the recorded vote totals.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee unanimously approves three Annual Spring Town Meeting warrant articles

The committee approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved the Town’s $100 transcriptionist invoice. The committee voted unanimously to take favorable action on Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the 2025 Annual Spring Town Meeting Warrant. No other items received a formal vote.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Capital Planning Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved the updated five-year capital plan unanimously

The Capital Planning Committee approved the meeting minutes from 1/15/25 with a 7-0-0 vote. It then unanimously approved the updated five-year capital plan. The committee also unanimously recommended Sandy Slavin’s reappointment as member‑at‑large.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee reviews articles for upcoming Town Meetings including River Walk and Hammond School

The Wareham Finance Committee will hear presentations and discuss multiple articles proposed for the Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting, covering topics such as Community Preservation Fund reserves, the Hammond School assessment, River Walk acquisition, Swift Beach access, zoning bylaw changes, accessory dwelling units, solar installations, harbor services fees, a building lease, and Council on Aging membership. The committee may also take votes on articles previously presented.

finance-committeetown-meeting-articlescommunity-preservationhammond-schoolriver-walkswift-beachzoningaccessory-dwelling-units
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved all articles of the 2025 Spring Town Meeting warrant

The committee unanimously approved the March 19, 2025 minutes and the chair approved a $100 transcriptionist invoice. It discussed the River Walk acquisition request but took no vote. The committee then voted on numerous Spring Town Meeting warrant articles, approving most with unanimous votes and recording a few abstentions.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Wareham Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for April 8, 2025

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural information and a start time. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.

affordable-housingwareham
✓ Decided: Board approved amended February and March meeting minutes

The Trust approved the February 11, 2025 meeting minutes after correcting the Woodland Cove funding amount to $56,000. The March 11, 2025 minutes were also approved. Both approvals passed unanimously with a 3‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

✓ Decided: Board approved March meeting minutes unanimously

The Trustees approved the March 2025 minutes with an amendment, voting 4‑0‑0. The meeting was then adjourned. No other substantive actions were taken.

Thu Apr 3, 2025

Council on Aging

✓ Decided: COA Board unanimously supports new Code of Conduct policy

The Council on Aging Board accepted the March 6, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0‑0 vote. The board then voted 5‑0‑0 to support a new Code of Conduct policy for all COA members, with implementation to be completed by the end of April. Additional items included plans to purchase name plates for board members and announcements of upcoming events and the Silver Alert app.

Thu Apr 3, 2025

School Committee

✓ Decided: School Committee approved payroll warrants and began superintendent search

The committee voted 5‑0 to approve the bill and payroll warrants presented in the Superintendent Newsletter. It also voted 5‑0 to adjourn the meeting. Members agreed to start the search for a new superintendent in the fall of 2025 for the 2026‑27 school year.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission meets with no substantive items listed

This meeting agenda contains only a start time and remote access information. No specific items, decisions, or discussions are listed, indicating a procedural session or placeholder agenda.

conservation-commissionmeetingprocedural
✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves 12.5 MW solar project with conditions

The commission approved a 12.5 MW ground‑mounted solar photovoltaic array and battery storage at 0 Maple Springs Rd, adopting the standard order of conditions plus eleven additional conditions, with a 1‑yes, 6‑no vote. It adopted negative 3 and negative 6 determinations for RDA 79 (garage at 18 Wilson St) and negative 2 and negative 6 for RDA 81 (monitoring equipment at 0 Minot Ave) by unanimous votes. The commission also approved the pier repair at 46 Winship Ave, withdrew the Hidden Trails subdivision project, and reappointed several members.

Tue Apr 1, 2025

Select Board

Select Board meeting scheduled with no listed agenda items

The Wareham Select Board has scheduled a meeting for April 1, 2025, but the provided agenda contains no specific items for discussion or decision—only a start time of 7:00 P.M.

select-boardmeeting
✓ Decided: Board unanimously approved Oyster Fest special event and liquor permits

The Select Board approved the special event permit for the Oyster Fest and a one‑day liquor permit for the event. It also renewed several seasonal liquor licenses for Little Harbor Golf Course and accepted donations for the library and police department. The board recommended several warrant articles and authorized a letter of support for a regional grant, then approved the March 18 meeting minutes.

Thu Mar 27, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee meets with no specific items listed

The agenda for the March 27, 2025, Bylaw Review Committee meeting contains only a meeting time (6:00 PM) and a reference to a PDF document. No specific discussion items, votes, or proposed actions are listed, indicating the meeting may be purely procedural or the agenda details were not provided in the available text.

bylaw-review-committeemeetingwarehamprocedural
✓ Decided: Bylaw Review Committee approved Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles

The committee reviewed the Town Special Meeting Warrant Articles (Document $17‑S20). Chair Moran moved to approve the articles and the motion passed 2‑0‑0. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 2‑0‑0 vote.

Thu Mar 27, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

✓ Decided: Board unanimously accepted minutes from four prior meetings

The Sewer Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the meeting minutes from December 17, 2024; February 27, 2025; March 13, 2025; and the March 13, 2025 workshop. A motion to adjourn the March 27, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other actions were decided.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Finance Committee

Wareham Finance Committee meets with no listed agenda items

The Wareham Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on March 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The agenda contains no substantive items or decisions listed—only a meeting time and location details. This appears to be a procedural session with no public business specified.

financecommitteewarehammeeting
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved March 13 minutes and adjourned meeting

The committee unanimously approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes. Presentations were given on the FY26 school budgets and several town meeting articles, but no votes were taken on those items. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. with a unanimous vote.

Wed Mar 26, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for March 26, 2025

The agenda for this meeting is procedural boilerplate and contains no specific items for decision or discussion.

zoningwareham
✓ Decided: ZBA approves Settler's Glen 40B for-sale change with 2-year extension

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals approved changing Settler's Glen LLC's 40B comprehensive permit project at 3128b Cranberry Hwy from rental to for-sale, and granted a two-year extension to May 2027 (4-1). The board also granted a special permit to Coastal Cultivars, Inc. for manufacturing at 4 Little Brook Road, and a use variance to Kevin Welch for contractor buildings at 2731 Cranberry Highway. Several other hearings were continued, including NeighborWorks Housing Solutions and RPB-2 LLC.

Tue Mar 25, 2025

Select Board

Select Board and Planning Board hold executive session on solar litigation

The Select Board and Planning Board are meeting jointly for an executive session to discuss litigation strategy in the case 27 CPR Solar1, LLC vs. Town of Wareham Planning Board. No other business is on the agenda; the meeting is otherwise procedural.

select-boardplanning-boardexecutive-sessionlitigationsolar
Tue Mar 25, 2025

Select Board

Select Board holds dangerous dog hearing

The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding a dangerous dog complaint. The hearing was requested by Mathew Hernon concerning a dog owned by Erin Bagen. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda beyond procedural items.

public-safetyanimalspublic-hearingselect-board
✓ Decided: Board adopts consent order restricting a dangerous dog after hearing

The Select Board held a public hearing on a dangerous‑dog complaint filed by Matthew Hernon. The board voted unanimously to close the hearing and to make no finding on the complaint. It then adopted a consent order that requires the dog to be confined to the property, leashed to no more than three feet when off‑property, not walked by anyone under 18, and insured for up to $100,000. The meeting was adjourned.

Tue Mar 25, 2025

Planning Board

Joint board executive session on solar company litigation

The Wareham Select Board and Planning Board are meeting jointly only for an executive session under MGL Chapter 39, §23B, Reason 3 to discuss litigation strategy regarding 27 CPR Solar1, LLC vs. Town of Wareham Planning Board. No other business or public hearings are scheduled.

planning-boardselect-boardexecutive-sessionlitigationsolar
Mon Mar 24, 2025

Community Events Committee

Wareham Events Committee to discuss minutes, finances, and applications

The Community Events Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from January, review the current financial status, and consider invoices and pending applications. The agenda also includes a proposed change to the April meeting date. Other items are routine procedural matters.

eventscommitteeminutesinvoicesapplicationsmeeting-date-changeprocedural
✓ Decided: Committee approved $10,000 Veterans Parade payment and denied Lopes Playground event

The Community Events Committee approved a series of payments, including $10,000 for the Wareham Veterans Parade and $7,700 for the Friends of Wareham Free Library, each passing unanimously (4‑0‑0). It also approved the amended January Secretaries report and other disbursements ranging from $73.29 to $9,650.00, all with unanimous votes. The committee denied the Lopes Playground Event proposal (0‑4‑0) and adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.

Mon Mar 24, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on March 24, 2025

The agenda lists only a start time of 6:00 PM and references a PDF document. No specific items for discussion or decision are provided in the agenda text, making it procedural in nature.

planning-boardmeetingwareham
✓ Decided: Planning Board approves ANR, minor site plan change, and adopts solar and ADU measures

The board approved the September 29, 2024 and March 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved an ANR for 1 West Blvd and treated a modification request for 6 Tony’s Lane as a minor change, referring it to the Planning Director. The board recommended to Town Meeting an article limiting large‑scale solar fields to the Business Development Overlay District and closed the public hearing on that article. It also adopted the proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw with suggested changes and closed its public hearing. All votes were unanimous 5‑0‑0.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Wareham Redevelopment Authority to vote on dumpster study, Open Space report, and Downtown Dollars support

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority will discuss and possibly vote on several items including a G.A.F. dumpster consolidation study contract, the draft Open Space Committee Report, and support for the Downtown Dollars program to revitalize Wareham Village. The meeting will also consider extending and expanding the WRA internship program and sponsoring a vacant building registration fee bylaw for Fall Town Meeting.

zoningopen-spacedowntown-revitalizationinternship-programvacant-buildings
Thu Mar 20, 2025

Board of Assessors

Board to discuss upcoming Appellate Tax Board cases

The Wareham Board of Assessors is meeting to discuss pending Appellate Tax Board (ATB) cases and review routine abatements, warrants, and minutes. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items with no major policy decisions or financial commitments listed.

assessorsproperty-taxesabatementsexecutive-sessionatb
✓ Decided: Board of Assessors approves abatements and denies several applications

The Board accepted the minutes from the March 6 meeting. It entered an executive session to consider abatements and exemptions, then returned to open session. The Board approved abatements for Real Estate applications 1, 21, 34, 35, and 45 and denied Real Estate applications 38, 41, 42, and 43 as well as Personal Property application 11. A deferral application was also approved.

Thu Mar 20, 2025

School Committee

Wareham School Committee to vote on FY26 updated budget

The School Committee will meet to vote on the updated FY26 budget and a budget transfer. The body will also vote on matters regarding the Cape Cod Collaborative, student surveys, and genocide education evaluation focus groups.

educationbudgetstudent-servicespolicy
Wed Mar 19, 2025

Recycling Committee

Recycling Committee to vote on Harvey Waste Management single-stream proposal

The Wareham Recycling Committee will consider and vote on proposals from Harvey Waste Management regarding single-stream recycling and space reconfiguration. The committee will also review and vote on the February 2025 minutes, vote on reappointing Treasurer Amanda Cobb, discuss updates on bottle collection and the TREX project, and vote on a revised mission statement.

recyclingwaste-managementsingle-streammission-statementappointmentsminutes
✓ Decided: Committee adopts Single Stream Recycling system

The Recycling Committee approved the minutes from the February 19 meeting. Members reappointed Amanda Cobb for a three‑year term. The committee adopted a Single Stream Recycling program and authorized up to $600 from the RDP Grant for new metal and PVC signs.

Wed Mar 19, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to review Town Meeting articles including rodenticide petition

The Wareham Finance Committee will hear presentations and discuss several articles for the upcoming Town Meeting, including Article 16 (a petition on rodenticide) and a set of Special Town Meeting Articles on town bylaws. The Committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and finalize its review schedule for remaining articles.

finance-committeetown-meetingrodenticidebylaw-reviewselect-boardpetition-articlearticles
✓ Decided: Finance Committee unanimously approved March 5 minutes and adjourned

The committee approved the March 5, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5-0-0 vote. A petition to ban second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticide was presented and discussed, but no action was taken. The committee reviewed ongoing bylaw revisions without a vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:31 p.m.

Wed Mar 19, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission to hear 12.5 MW solar array and battery storage proposal

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several projects affecting wetlands and coastal areas, including a major solar array and battery storage system on Maple Springs Road. Other items include septic system upgrades, dock construction, seawall repair, and beach nourishment. The meeting also covers continued hearings, enforcement reviews, and administrative approvals.

conservationwetlandssolarconstructioncoastalpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Commission approved HQV Homes LLC project with conditions and dock license

The Conservation Commission approved HQV Homes LLC’s NOI 117 with a standard order of conditions and a Chapter 91 license for the dock (vote 6‑0‑0). It also approved William Churchill’s NOI 118, adding drywells, road‑repair requirements and a $200 fine for blocked trucks (vote 6‑0‑0). Several applications were continued: Lupa LLC NOI 119 to April 2 2025, Russel McKinnon NOI 104 to April 16 2025, and OMSR Wareham Solar 1 to discuss conditions on April 2 2025 (each vote 6‑0‑0).

Wed Mar 19, 2025

Wareham Housing Authority

Wareham Housing Authority holds public hearing on FY2026 Annual Plan

The Wareham Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The plan outlines capital improvements, maintenance, operating budget, responses to performance reviews, policies, and waivers from state regulations for state-aided public housing. Residents and tenants may submit comments orally or in writing until the hearing closes.

housingpublic-hearingannual-planwareham-housing-authoritystate-aided-housingcapital-improvements
Tue Mar 18, 2025

Select Board

Board to weigh conservation restriction on Little Harbor Golf Club and $30k library donation

The Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on a conservation restriction for Little Harbor Golf Club presented by Buzzards Bay Coalition, acceptance of a $30,000 donation to the Wareham Free Library for part-time staff salaries, and a $1,945.84 abatement. The agenda also includes renewals of seasonal liquor and entertainment licenses for multiple businesses, appointments, and preparations for the Spring Special Town Meeting on April 28, 2025.

select-boardconservationdonationlicensestown-meetingcapital-planningabatement
✓ Decided: Select Board grants conservation restriction on Little Harbor Golf Course

The Wareham Select Board unanimously approved a conservation restriction over the Little Harbor Golf Course to the Buzzards Bay Coalition, as required by Town Meeting vote. The board also approved several licenses, donations, and administrative items, all by unanimous 3-0 votes. No items were denied or tabled.

Mon Mar 17, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee reviews special town meeting warrant articles

The Wareham Bylaw Review Committee will hold a public hearing to review lists of deletions and additions, redlined and clean copies of proposed bylaws, and earth removal regulations for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The committee will also approve minutes from two prior meetings.

bylaw-reviewpublic-hearingspecial-town-meetingzoningearth-removalwareham
Thu Mar 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Workshop to discuss grease trap rules, by-law change, and force main project

The Sewer Commissioner will hold a workshop to discuss and vote on a grease trap program inspired by a Plymouth initiative, a potential by-law amendment, and the Narrows Force Main project. No meeting minutes are available due to the transcriptionist's absence. The next workshop is scheduled for April 10, 2025.

sewerworkshopbylawinfrastructuregrease-management
✓ Decided: Sewer board discusses grease trap enforcement, bylaw changes

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners held a workshop meeting with no formal votes on substantive items. They discussed a Plymouth initiative on grease traps, agreed the Sewer Dept. should be more proactive, and reviewed proposed bylaw changes to clarify sewer system responsibilities. The only vote was to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Thu Mar 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer commissioners to discuss Makepeace Rose Brook units, Borden & Remington contract

The Wareham Sewer Commissioners will discuss multiple items including an update on EDUs (Equivalent Dwelling Units), a database information update, and additional units at Rose Brook by Makepeace. A contract with Borden & Remington Corp is also up for discussion and vote. The meeting will be broadcast live by WCTV.

sewer-commissioncontractsedusmakepeacerose-brookwareham
✓ Decided: Sewer board approves Borden & Remington contract after modification

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a one-year contract with Borden & Remington Corporation for soda ash, with options to renew for up to two one-year extensions. The vote came after the board initially held the item to modify contract language. No other formal decisions were made; the rest of the meeting was discussion-only, including updates on EDU billing, a database project, and A.D. Makepeace's Rosebrook development.

Thu Mar 13, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee holds all-day FY26 budget workshop

The Wareham Finance Committee will conduct an all-day budget workshop for FY26, reviewing departmental funding requests. The meeting includes scheduled reviews for multiple town departments, from Selectmen and Administration to Police and WPCF. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and review session.

budgetfinanceworkshopfy26department-reviewswareham
✓ Decided: Wareham Finance Committee reviews FY26 budgets, no votes taken

The Wareham Finance Committee held a budget workshop for FY2026, reviewing written proposals and interviewing department heads alongside the Town Administrator. No votes were taken during the review and discussion. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM with a motion passed 5-0.

Thu Mar 13, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Authority considers vacant building registration fees and storefront revitalization

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority will discuss events for Wareham Village and the Coastal Access Study. The body may vote on a storefront revitalization strategy and a proposed bylaw for vacant building registration fees and fines for the Spring Town Meeting Warrant.

economic-developmentzoningpublic-eventsvacant-propertiescoastal-access
✓ Decided: WRA votes to submit storefront revitalization grant application

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously to submit the Wareham Storefront Revitalization Strategy grant application through the One Stop Program. The board also authorized sending a letter of commendation to the DECA chapter. Other items, including the vacant building registration proposal and internship expansion, were deferred to future meetings.

Thu Mar 13, 2025

Minot Forest Committee

Minot Forest Committee to discuss project planning and membership

The Minot Forest Committee will meet to review minutes from June 13, 2024, and discuss the recruitment of a fifth member. The committee will also review the balance of CPA funds and determine future projects.

environmentforest-managementcpa-fundscommittee-appointments
✓ Decided: Forest committee approves CPA funds use, plans trail walks

The Minot Forest Committee approved and accepted the minutes from June 13, 2024, as presented, with a vote of 3-0. The committee discussed the remaining $2,004 in CPA funds and decided to use them for trail-related projects, including walking the trails to assess conditions, picking up trash, and preparing a report for the April meeting. Members were assigned to walk specific trails, and Angela will bring signs found in the forest to the next meeting.

Wed Mar 12, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to hear continued Taunton FCU drive-through, discuss Warren Enterprises parking

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on Taunton Federal Credit Union's application for a special permit for site plan review and drive-through use at 2512 Cranberry Highway. They will also discuss and possibly vote on Warren Enterprises, LLC's request to allow parking at 106 Main Street for 59 Main Street, and discuss a variance application for 6 Recovery Road by G.A.F. Engineering, Inc. Additionally, a public hearing is scheduled for Elaine Renzi's variance or special permit at 70 Main Avenue.

zoningboard-of-appealspublic-hearingsvariancesspecial-permitsdrive-throughparkingwareham
✓ Decided: ZBA approves Taunton Federal Credit Union drive-through and site plan

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a drive-through and site plan review for Taunton Federal Credit Union at 2512 Cranberry Highway, with conditions for inspections and as-built submission. The board also granted a special permit for a deck and door relocation at 70 Main Avenue, allowing F.A.R. and setback relief, with one member opposing. Preliminary discussions were held on parking relief for 59 Main Street and a storage variance for 6 Recovery Road, but no votes were taken.

Wed Mar 12, 2025

Wareham Housing Authority

Housing Authority to vote on FY2026 capital plan and fire alarm change order

The Wareham Housing Authority will discuss and vote on the FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan and a change order for fire alarm installation at Agawam Village. Kyle Moore from RCAT will discuss the CIP and change order. A hearing on the FY2026 Annual Plan is scheduled for March 19.

housing-authoritycapital-improvementfire-alarmagawam-villagefy2026-plan
Tue Mar 11, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Trust to discuss inclusionary housing by-law and regional housing approach

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust will hear from Michael Gagne on a regional housing approach, discuss grant qualification criteria and funding methods, and consider an inclusionary housing by-law. Updates will be provided on projects at 6 Chapel Lane, Village at 801 Main Street, and the SHI inventory (Rosebrook 180 units, Cranberry Manor II 40 units).

affordable-housingtrustinclusionary-housinggrantsregional-housingwareham
✓ Decided: Trust approves $50K for 6 Chapel Lane and $60K for 801 Main St.

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust approved two CPA grant payments: $50,000 for 6 Chapel Lane and $60,000 for the Village at 801 Main Street project, both contingent on required documentation. The Trust also discussed a regional housing collaborative and reviewed progress on SHI goals. Minutes from February were tabled for later approval.

Tue Mar 11, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

Trustees to vote on Overdrive for high school, review patron and child policies

The Board of Library Trustees will consider three policy items with possible votes: extending Overdrive digital library access to the high school, updating the Patron Behavior Policy, and revising the Safe Child Policy. The board will also approve minutes from February and hear reports from the Friends of WFL and WFL Foundation, including upcoming fundraising events.

library-trusteesdigital-accesspatron-behaviorchild-safetypolicy-reviewwareham
✓ Decided: Library board approves Overdrive access for high school, updates policies

The Wareham Free Library Board of Trustees approved providing Overdrive access to the high school, allowing students to use the library's digital collection without a library card at no extra cost. The board also approved updates to the Patron Behavior Policy and the Safe Child Policy, raising the age at which children may stay alone in the library from 8 to 11. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved, and the board heard reports on upcoming events including a comedy night, book sales, and a duck race.

Mon Mar 10, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Third public workshop to plan 2025 events for Wareham Village Main Street

This is a public workshop, not a formal business meeting of the Wareham Redevelopment Authority. The third in a series, it focuses on organizing, scheduling, and supporting festivals and events in Wareham Village for 2025, with the goal of revitalizing the area. Attendees will review a calendar, discuss plans, and develop recommendations for the WRA's consideration.

eventsplanningmain-streetwareham-villageredevelopmentpublic-workshop
✓ Decided: Wareham Village events planning workshop ends, group urged to continue independently

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority held its third and final workshop on Wareham Village events planning, with about two dozen attendees. No formal decisions were made; the group discussed progress on the May 24 Oyster Festival and was encouraged to continue organizing events without WRA involvement. The meeting adjourned with a motion passed 3-0.

Mon Mar 10, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board to hold hearing on solar and ADU zoning articles for Town Meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on two proposed zoning articles for Spring Town Meeting: one to limit large-scale ground-mounted solar installations to the Business Development Overlay District, and another to enact an Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw and remove the existing moratorium. The board will also continue a public hearing on a Site Plan Review Special Permit for Wareham MA3, LLC at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Road. Additional agenda items include a modification request for 6 Tony's Lane, a performance bond release for Quentin Way/24 Oak Street, and discussion of an Open Meeting Law complaint.

zoningsolaraccessory-dwelling-unitstown-meetingpublic-hearingplanning-board
✓ Decided: Planning Board continues solar zoning article to March 24 for further review

The Wareham Planning Board voted unanimously to continue the proposed zoning article that would limit large-scale ground-mounted solar installations to the Business Development Overlay District (BDOD) to its March 24, 2025 meeting for further review. The board also continued the discussion of a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw to the same date. Both continuations were approved 5-0.

Mon Mar 10, 2025

Open Space Committee

Open Space Committee to discuss 2025-2032 plan, Swift Beach, Bryant farm

The committee will review minutes and continue developing the 2025-2032 Open Space Plan, including a seven- or ten-year action plan and a draft distribution. They will discuss survey results, consider updating a 2014 BL study (citing a $30K Article 26 recreation assessment from spring 2013 Town Meeting), and receive updates on the land conservation assistance grant program. Ongoing topics include Swift Beach playground and road replacement, Bryant farm management plan and RDA, and playgrounds at Hammond and Indian mound.

open-spaceplanningparksplaygroundsland-conservationswift-beachbryant-farm
✓ Decided: Open Space Committee advances 2025-2032 plan for review

The Open Space Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main discussion focused on the 2025-2032 Open Space Plan, with plans to seek approval from the Town Administrator to distribute it for review and recommendations. The committee will send the plan to several town officials and committees for input, and after revisions, will request letters of acceptance for the final plan.

Thu Mar 6, 2025

Appointing Authority

Appointing Authority to consider member for Capital Planning Committee

The Appointing Authority will meet to discuss and potentially vote on a membership appointment for the Capital Planning Committee. The meeting also includes a vote to approve minutes from March 6, 2025.

appointmentscapital-planningtown-government
✓ Decided: Wareham appoints Walter Paster Jr. to Capital Planning Committee

The Appointing Authority unanimously appointed Walter Paster Jr. to the Capital Planning Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2026. The board also elected Judith Whiteside as clerk pro tem and approved the meeting minutes. All votes were 3-0.

Thu Mar 6, 2025

Council on Aging

Wareham Council on Aging Board to discuss membership and board updates

The Council on Aging Board of Directors will meet to appoint a Chair and review the Director's report. The board will discuss old business regarding member recruitment and the AARP Age Friendly Community Action Plan.

seniorsboard-governancecommunity-planning
✓ Decided: Council on Aging Board elects new chair, reduces board size to 7

The Wareham Council on Aging Board elected David McClure as the new chair and appointed Carolyn McClure as transcriber, both by 5-0 votes. The board voted to reduce its membership from 9 to 7 and to add 2 associate members, both passed 5-0. It also accepted Marie McCusker's application to join the board, forwarding it to the Selectboard. The board discussed updates on the Silver Alert program, targeting a May 1 launch pending Selectboard approval.

Thu Mar 6, 2025

Board of Assessors

Wareham Board of Assessors to discuss upcoming ATB cases

The Board of Assessors will review the Director's report and discuss upcoming ATB cases. The meeting includes the review of warrants, commitments, and excise abatements. Members may also review exemptions and abatements in executive session.

assessorstaxesabatementsgovernment-administration
✓ Decided: Board of Assessors approves 10 abatements, denies 9

The Board of Assessors met on March 6, 2025, and acted on real estate abatement applications. They approved applications 2, 6, 11, 22, 23, 31, 32, 39, 49, and 67, and denied applications 26 and 50 through 57, all by unanimous 3-0 votes. The board also discussed personal property abatements in executive session, with votes recorded in open session. No exemption applications were presented.

Thu Mar 6, 2025

School Committee

Wareham School Committee to discuss BOOST program and K registration

The School Committee will meet to discuss the BOOST program and receive an update on kindergarten registration. The meeting also includes reports from the student representative, principals, and the superintendent.

educationkindergarten-registrationschool-administration
Wed Mar 5, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to introduce FY26 Town Budget

The Finance Committee will review the introduction of the FY26 Town Budget and receive an update on Town expense and revenue reports for the first half of FY25. The body will also consider approvals for specific invoices.

budgetfinancetown-administration
✓ Decided: Finance Committee reviews FY26 budget, approves prior minutes and invoices

The Wareham Finance Committee unanimously approved meeting minutes from January 8 and 13, 2025, and approved two ATFC invoices totaling $130.00. The committee reviewed the Town's Expense & Revenue reports for the first half of FY25 and received a presentation on the FY26 Town Budget from Town Administrator Derek Sullivan. No final budget decisions were made; the next meeting will be a budget workshop on March 13, 2025.

Wed Mar 5, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission to review solar array and residential projects

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings to determine if various residential and commercial projects comply with wetlands protection laws. The body will also review enforcement actions and process payment requests from the Conservation Trust Account.

wetlandssolarzoningenvironmentpublic-hearings
✓ Decided: Commission approves deck, plantings, and deck/stairs projects with conditions

The Conservation Commission approved three projects: a 600 sq ft deck at 149 Cromesett Rd with erosion control and a $200 fine for early work; a planting project at 67 Jefferson Shores Rd with standard conditions and 3-year monitoring; and a deck/stairs at 59 Agawam Lake Shore Dr with standard conditions. It continued several hearings, including a solar project and a beach nourishment request, to March 19, 2025. The commission also approved payments for training and discussed an enforcement case at 35 Bay Pointe Dr.

Wed Mar 5, 2025

Historical Commission

Historical Commission to discuss grant opportunities for Fearing Tavern

The Wareham Historical Commission is meeting to review and vote on February meeting minutes, hear the treasurer's report, and receive an update from its Community Preservation Committee representative. The commission will also discuss grant opportunities for the WHS Fearing Tavern. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or financial actions specified.

historical-commissionmeeting-minutestreasurer-reportcommunity-preservationgrantsfearing-tavern
✓ Decided: Historical Commission advises on Wigwam roof, Everett School housing plan

The Wareham Historical Commission met on March 5, 2025, and heard from Gail Murray about urgent repairs needed at the Onset Wigwam, including roof replacement and exterior fixes. The commission provided contractor recommendations and discussed funding options. Anthi Frangiadis presented a preliminary plan for a housing development at the Everett School property on Gibbs Ave, which is not final. The commission approved the February minutes and treasurer's report, and noted finalized grants for Hammond School and Town Hall window studies.

Tue Mar 4, 2025

Select Board

Select Board to hold public hearing on CDBG grant application for FY2025

The Select Board will hold two public hearings: one on an alteration of premises for a liquor license at 3138 Cranberry Highway, and another on the FY2025 Community Development Block Grant application. Other business includes a vote on appointing Town Counsel, authorizing an interim loan and bond with the Clean Water Trust, adopting a Social Media Presence policy, and reviewing warrant articles for the Spring Annual Town Meeting.

select-boardpublic-hearinglicensesgrantswatersocial-mediaappointmentstown-meeting
✓ Decided: Select Board approves $20M Clean Water Trust loan for sewer upgrades

The Select Board unanimously approved an interim $20 million loan and bond with the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust for upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility. The board also approved the FY 2025 CDBG grant application for up to $850,000, authorized the reappointment of Richard Bowen as Town Counsel, and approved several other administrative items. All votes were 5-0.

Tue Mar 4, 2025

Historic District Commission

Historic District Commission to consider expansion, grants, and parking at 59 Main St

The Historic District Commission will consider several items including a proposed expansion of the historic district, two grant applications (CPC and MHC), and a parking issue at 59 Main Street. They will also discuss the Besse Park Gazebo, town green lighting, and mapping. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and any new business.

historic-districtparkinggrantsgazebolightingexpansionmain-streetwareham
Thu Feb 27, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Redevelopment Authority to weigh vacant building bylaw, storefront strategy, and village events

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority will discuss and vote on several revitalization initiatives, including recommendations from a recent village events workshop, a proposed Sip 'n Stroll-like festival on May 24, 2025, and the adoption of a vacant building registration fee bylaw for the Spring Town Meeting. The board will also consider the Wareham Storefront Revitalization Strategy, an application to the Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program, and a potential partnership with Wareham High School DECA. Additionally, members will discuss rescheduling March meetings to accommodate a virtual session with planning officials from Hudson.

redevelopmentdowntownstorefrontsfestivalsvacant-buildingshigh-schooleconomic-developmentmassachusetts
✓ Decided: Wareham board reschedules March meeting for Hudson redevelopment talk

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority held a routine meeting with no votes on substantive items. Members discussed a May 24 festival at Besse Park, a storefront revitalization program, a possible vacant-building bylaw, and a DECA partnership. The only action taken was rescheduling the March 20 meeting to 10 AM to allow a virtual session with Hudson officials, approved unanimously.

Thu Feb 27, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer board to discuss urine diversion technology, authorize abatement process

The Board of Sewer Commissioners will discuss incorporating urine diversion technology into the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and consider authorizing one person to handle abatement requests with Scott Kraihanzel. Updates to the town sewer map, EDUs, and a sewer commissioner database will also be presented. No meeting minutes are available for approval.

sewerwastewaterurine-diversionabatementcomprehensive-wastewater-management-planedusboard-of-sewer-commissioners
✓ Decided: Sewer board designates vice chair to approve abatements

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners voted unanimously to designate Vice Chair Robert Scanlon to work with the WPCF Director on approving abatement requests, with issues to be brought to the full board. The board also discussed urine diversion technology for the CWMP, sewer map updates, and an EDU billing transition, but took no formal action on these items.

Wed Feb 26, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

CPC to discuss Swifts Beach CPA funding increase to $250,000, warrant articles

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss and approve February 12 meeting minutes, review CPA applications including a requested increase to $250,000 for Swifts Beach, and finalize Spring Town Meeting warrant article language. The committee will also review grant agreements and payment statuses for existing projects.

community-preservationcpawarehamgrantsopen-spacehistoric-preservationrecreation
✓ Decided: CPC approves $250K Swifts Beach restoration, other articles for Town Meeting

The Community Preservation Committee voted to support a $250,000 restoration and rehabilitation project at Swifts Beach, funded with undesignated funds, after an earlier motion to increase the amount to more than $250,000 failed. The committee also approved several articles for Town Meeting, including funding for Hammond School through Historic Reserves, the River Walk project, and a fund return article that returns $52,600 to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, $137,265.12 from Mark's Cove Vista, and $84,187 to undesignated funds. All votes were unanimous except the failed increase motion.

Wed Feb 26, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

ZBA to hold hearing on NeighborWorks Housing Solutions permit

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings on several special permits and site plan reviews. The board will also discuss flooding at 3104 Cranberry Highway related to grading at Woodland Cove Apartments.

zoninghousingsite-plan-reviewpublic-hearings
✓ Decided: ZBA approves 4-building variance and special permit at 386 Main Street

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance and special permit for 21-23 Angela McKeowen to erect four separate buildings at 386 Main Street, with conditions including bollards, a natural stone wall, and a certified landscape architect stamp. The board also approved a variance and site plan for Ussef Enterprises LLC at 2888 Cranberry Hwy and continued hearings for Taunton Federal Credit Union and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions.

Tue Feb 25, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee presents proposed articles for Spring Special Town Meeting

The Bylaw Review Committee and Select Board are holding a joint meeting. The session includes a public hearing to discuss and present proposed articles for the Spring Special Town Meeting Warrant.

bylawstown-meetingpublic-hearinglocal-government
✓ Decided: Bylaw Review Committee presents draft bylaw changes for Town Meeting

The Select Board and Bylaw Review Committee held a joint public hearing to present the committee's recommended changes to the Town of Wareham bylaws. The committee explained redline edits, proposed deletions and additions, and a new earth removal bylaw. No votes were taken on the proposals; the documents are on file with the Town Clerk as draft articles for the April 28, 2025 Town Meeting. Both meetings were adjourned unanimously.

Tue Feb 25, 2025

Select Board

Select Board reviews proposed bylaw articles for spring special town meeting

This is a joint meeting of the Select Board and the Bylaw Review Committee. The sole substantive item is a public hearing to discuss and receive a presentation on proposed articles for the Spring Special Town Meeting Warrant.

bylawspublic-hearingtown-meetingwareham
✓ Decided: Select Board hears proposed bylaw changes for April Town Meeting

The Select Board and Bylaw Review Committee held a joint public hearing on proposed bylaw amendments for the April 28, 2025 Special Town Meeting. The committee presented red-lined changes, recommended deletions and additions, and a new earth removal bylaw. No votes were taken on the proposals; the meeting was informational only.

Tue Feb 25, 2025

Select Board

Select Board to vote on Spring Town Meeting warrant articles

The Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on which articles to include in the 2025 Annual Spring Town Meeting and will close the warrant. They will also consider appointments to the Board of Registrars for three individuals. The agenda includes routine items such as residents' comments and approval of prior executive session minutes.

spring-town-meetingappointmentsboard-of-registrarstown-meeting-warrantselect-board
✓ Decided: Select Board closes Spring Town Meeting warrant with 16 articles

The Select Board voted unanimously to include 16 articles in the 2025 Annual Spring Town Meeting warrant, covering items such as the FY 2026 budget, capital plan, and a citizen petition on rodenticide. The board also closed the warrant and made three appointments to the Board of Registrars. No other substantive decisions were made.

Mon Feb 24, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Second workshop to plan Wareham Village events and revitalization

This is the second in a series of public workshops for Wareham Village stakeholders, town officials, and residents. The goal is to gauge interest in organizing festivals and activities in 2025 to reinvigorate the village and support local property and business owners. The workshop will identify potential events, community leaders, and develop recommendations for the Redevelopment Authority to consider.

eventsrevitalizationplanningwareham-villagepublic-workshop
✓ Decided: Wareham Village events planned: Sip 'n Stroll May 24, Octoberfest Oct 4

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority held a planning workshop to identify and schedule events for Wareham Village. Attendees confirmed a 'Sip 'n Stroll' on May 24, 2025, sponsored by Lorna Brunelle, and she agreed to host an 'Octoberfest' on October 4, 2025. The WRA had already committed up to $5,000 for the May event. No formal votes were taken; findings will be brought to the WRA on February 27, 2025.

Mon Feb 24, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board to discuss solar field limits and ADU bylaws

The Planning Board will discuss two potential zoning articles for a Town vote. These include limiting large-scale ground-mounted solar installations to the Business Development Overlay District and enacting an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw to remove a one-year moratorium.

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✓ Decided: Planning Board discusses solar and ADU bylaw articles for Town Meeting

The Wareham Planning Board met on February 24, 2025, and discussed two proposed zoning articles for the upcoming Town Meeting: one to limit large-scale solar installations to the Business Development Overlay District, and another to enact an Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw and remove the moratorium. No final votes were taken on these articles; the board approved minutes from prior meetings and adjourned.

Thu Feb 20, 2025

Board of Assessors

Assessors to discuss ATB cases, review warrants and abatements

The Wareham Board of Assessors will discuss upcoming Appellate Tax Board cases and review warrants, excise abatements, and monthly reports. The agenda is largely procedural, with no new major decisions or public hearings scheduled. The board will also review and sign prior meeting minutes and hold an executive session for abatements.

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✓ Decided: Wareham assessors approve abatements, deny 6 real estate appeals

The Board of Assessors reviewed and signed warrants and exemption applications, and accepted prior meeting minutes. They voted unanimously to abate several personal property and real estate tax applications, deny six real estate applications, and accept withdrawals of eight others. All votes were 3-0.

Thu Feb 20, 2025

Board of Assessors

Board of Assessors to discuss upcoming ATB cases and approve routine tax items

This is a routine procedural meeting of the Wareham Board of Assessors. The board will receive the eDirector’s Report, discuss upcoming Appellate Tax Board (ATB) cases, and review and sign warrants, commitments, excise abatements, and monthly reports. They will also review prior meeting minutes and consider exemptions and abatements in executive session.

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✓ Decided: Board of Assessors acts on abatement applications in executive session

The Board of Assessors met in executive session to discuss abatement applications for real estate and personal property. They acted on numerous real estate applications (4, 8, 9, 12-20, 24, 25, 28, 30, 33, 36, 37, 46, 47, 48) and personal property applications (9, 10, 12-21), with eight real estate applications withdrawn (58-65). The board voted 3-0-0 to exit executive session, with formal votes to be recorded in open session.

Wed Feb 19, 2025

Recycling Committee

Wareham Recycling Committee to discuss single stream transition and Trex project

The Recycling Committee will review financial and secretary reports and discuss updates on center operations. The body will consider a change to single stream recycling and a proposed project for the Church of the Good Shepherd.

recyclingwaste-managementenvironmentcommunity-projects
✓ Decided: Recycling Committee approves January minutes, discusses grants and programs

The Wareham Recycling Committee met on February 19, 2025, and approved the minutes from the January 15 meeting by a roll call vote of 4-0-1. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on updates regarding the 2024 grant, bottle returns, and various recycling programs.

Wed Feb 19, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission to hear proposal for 12.5 MW solar array and battery storage on Maple Springs Rd

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several wetland-related permits, including a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for a foundation replacement at 5 Admiral’s Way and multiple Notices of Intent (NOI) for projects such as a solar array, bridge replacement, and beach nourishment. Continued hearings and enforcement actions are also on the agenda.

conservation-commissionwetlandspublic-hearingsolarbridgebeach-nourishmentenforcement
✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves Fearing Hill Road bridge replacement

The Wareham Conservation Commission approved the replacement of the Fearing Hill Road bridge, with conditions including adherence to a DMF letter. Several other applications were approved, continued, or tabled. The commission also voted to hold a conservation restriction for the Wareham Land Trust's River Walk property.

Wed Feb 19, 2025

Council on Aging

Council on Aging board to appoint chair, approve minutes

The Wareham Council on Aging Board will hold a routine organizational meeting. Items include appointing a transcriber, nominating a chair for the board, and voting on past meeting minutes from June 2024, September 2024, and January 2025. The agenda is primarily procedural with no substantive policy decisions or public hearings.

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✓ Decided: COA board discusses Silver Alert, new transport program; no votes taken

The Wareham Council on Aging board met with no quorum, so no formal votes were taken. Members discussed introducing the Silver Alert system in May, a new medical transportation program (TPP) funded by state funds, and a new Code of Conduct for members. The board also considered reducing its size from 9 to 5 or 7 members to address quorum challenges.

Wed Feb 19, 2025

Wareham Housing Authority

Wareham Housing Authority to vote on FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan

The Wareham Housing Authority will meet to discuss and vote on the FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan. The board will also review meeting minutes from December 18, 2024, and ratify warrants and checks.

housingcapital-improvementsbudget
Tue Feb 18, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee schedules joint meeting, finalizes warrant articles

The Bylaw Review Committee will approve past meeting minutes, schedule public hearings for proposed bylaw changes, and finalize articles for the Annual Town Meeting. A joint meeting with the Select Board is set for February 25, 2025, to present the proposed bylaws.

bylaw-reviewtown-meetingpublic-hearingsselect-boardearth-removalwarrant-articles
✓ Decided: Bylaw Review Committee approves final edits, schedules public hearings

The Wareham Bylaw Review Committee approved the final edits to the proposed bylaw changes, subject to further amendments from upcoming public hearings. They scheduled a joint presentation with the Select Board for February 25, 2025, and planned a Finance Committee meeting in March. The committee also divided the public presentation among members and reviewed warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting.

Tue Feb 18, 2025

Select Board

Board to vote on $1.37M curbside commitment, committee changes

The Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on accepting the FY Second Half Curbside Commitment for $1,374,910.00. They will also consider a $300 donation to the Council on Aging, reducing the Alternative Energy Committee membership, and reviving the Bicycling Committee with staggered terms. Other items include review of liaison assignments, resident comments, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

budgetcommitteesdonationsbicyclingappointmentsenergy
✓ Decided: Select Board accepts $1.37M curbside commitment, revives Bicycling Committee

The Wareham Select Board unanimously accepted the FY25 Second Half Curbside Commitment of $1,374,910 and a $300 donation from First Congregational Church for the Council on Aging. The board also voted to reduce the Alternative Energy Committee from 7 to 5 members and to revive the Bicycling Committee with 5 members and staggered terms. No changes were made to liaison assignments, and no other substantive decisions were taken.

Thu Feb 13, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Redevelopment Authority considers funding for May 24 festival and vacancy tax

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority will discuss recommendations from a village events workshop and a proposal for a festival on May 24, 2025. The body will also consider sponsoring a vacancy tax or registration fee article for the Spring Town Meeting Warrant.

economic-developmentfestivalsvacancy-taxtown-meetingwareham-village
✓ Decided: WRA authorizes $5,000 for May 24 festival

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously to reimburse Lorna Brunnelle up to $5,000 for costs of a festival on May 24, 2025, using her Sip 'n Stroll model. The board also discussed a vacant building bylaw for possible October Town Meeting and heard updates on the Parker Mills Dam. Minutes from January 23 were approved 4-0-1.

Thu Feb 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer Commissioners to vote on contracts and usage commitments

The Board of Sewer Commissioners will discuss and vote on several service contracts and sewer commission matters. The meeting includes a review of the FY 2nd half Sewer Usage Commitment and grease and septage accounts.

sewercontractsutilitieswater-pollution-control
✓ Decided: Sewer board approves $3.66M FY25 second-half sewer usage commitment

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved the FY25 second-half sewer usage commitment of $3,658,916.51 and four contracts for pumps and emergency repair services. The board also voted to contact two sanitation companies regarding old account balances. All votes were unanimous.

Thu Feb 13, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer Commissioners to discuss Narrows Force Main and Buzzards Bay Grant

The Board of Sewer Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss and vote on several infrastructure and grant projects. The meeting includes consultations with contractors and specialists regarding the Comprehensive Wet Utility Master Plan (CWMP) and system updates.

sewerinfrastructuregrantswater-pollutionpublic-works
✓ Decided: Sewer board discusses $6M Narrows force main replacement, awaits engineering

The board discussed the Narrows force main project, noting Town Meeting approved $6 million for a new force main after lining bids exceeded estimates and lacked structural integrity. They also reviewed updates on plant construction, a CWMP meeting, and an EDU billing presentation, but took no formal votes on these items. The only vote was to adjourn unanimously.

Wed Feb 12, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals to hold hearings on four property applications

The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct public hearings regarding special permits, variances, and site plan reviews. The board is reviewing applications for properties on Main Street, Cranberry Highway, and East Boulevard.

zoningspecial-permitssite-plan-reviewvariances
✓ Decided: ZBA continues three hearings, defers decisions to late Feb/March

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on February 12, 2025, and took no final decisions on any applications. All three continued public hearings were postponed to allow for revised plans, additional review, or pending documentation. The board also approved the minutes from the January 22, 2025 meeting.

Wed Feb 12, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

CPC to vote on CPA applications for Land Trust, Swifts Beach, Hammond School

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss and vote on three CPA applications presented on February 3: Wareham Land Trust, Town of Wareham Swifts Beach, and Town of Wareham Hammond School. The committee will also review the status of grant agreements and grantee payments for new projects, approve meeting minutes, and address follow-up items from prior meetings.

community-preservationcpagrantsland-trustswifts-beachhammond-schoolwareham
✓ Decided: CPC approves $1.46M in funding for three Spring Town Meeting projects

The Community Preservation Committee voted 5-0 to support three proposals for the Spring Town Meeting: $1.2 million for the Wareham Land Trust's River Walk project, $200,000 for Swifts Beach recreational access improvements, and $60,000 for Hammond School exterior evaluation. The committee also approved the previous meeting's minutes and discussed funding sources and payments.

Tue Feb 11, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Wareham Affordable Housing Trust to discuss rehabilitation grants and 2026 funding

The Affordable Housing Trust will discuss guidelines and administration costs for a Housing Rehabilitation Grant. The body will also address a 2026 funding request for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).

affordable-housinggrantsbudgetcommunity-preservation-committee
✓ Decided: Trust hears inclusionary zoning presentation, discusses rehab grants and CPC funding

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust met on February 11, 2025, and approved the January 14, 2025 minutes (4-0). The main business was a presentation by Mass Housing Partnership on inclusionary zoning, which the Trust discussed but took no action on. The Trust also discussed a potential housing rehabilitation grant program and a possible FY2026 CPC funding request, but no decisions were made on these items. The Trust noted that its grant request to MHP was unsuccessful and that a payment request for Woodland Cove Phase 1 would be submitted to the CPC.

Tue Feb 11, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

Library trustees to discuss FY26 budget

The Wareham Free Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss and potentially vote on the FY26 budget, along with receiving reports from the Friends and Foundation groups. Key agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes and the director's report.

librarybudgettrusteeswareham
✓ Decided: Library trustees approve January minutes, hear director's report

The Wareham Free Library Board of Trustees met on February 11, 2025, and approved the January minutes with a 4-0 vote. The director's report covered ongoing children's librarian leave, upcoming programs, and a $29k state aid payment. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

Mon Feb 10, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Workshop to plan 2025 events in Wareham Village

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority is holding a public workshop to gauge interest in organizing festivals and other events in Wareham Village for 2025. Stakeholders, town officials, and residents will discuss scheduling and potential support. Findings and recommendations will be developed for the WRA's consideration.

eventsplanningpublic-workshopwareham-villageredevelopment
✓ Decided: Wareham Village event planning workshop held; Sip 'n Stroll proposed

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority held a workshop to gauge interest in organizing 2025 events in Wareham Village. Attendees discussed a proposed 'Sip 'n Stroll' on May 24, 2025, sponsored by Lorna Brunelle, to fill the gap left by the Wareham Oyster Fest's one-year hiatus. No formal decisions were made; Dan Butler will recommend that the WRA provide seed money for the event.

Mon Feb 10, 2025

Planning Board

Board to vote on comments for 40-unit senior housing project under Chapter 40B

The Wareham Planning Board will review and possibly vote on several items, including comments on a proposed 40-unit senior housing development under the state's Chapter 40B comprehensive permit process. The board will also discuss solar decommissioning bond amounts for multiple arrays and consider updates to zoning bylaws for the spring Town Meeting. A vote on a Statement of Work for a fire protection engineering consultant is also on the agenda.

planning-boardhousingcomprehensive-permit40bsolarzoningsenior-housing
✓ Decided: Planning Board reschedules solar and ADU bylaw hearings to March 10

The Wareham Planning Board voted to reschedule public hearings on zoning bylaw updates (ADUs and solar) from February 24 to March 10, 2025, because the hearing was not properly noticed. The board also voted 3-2 to close 21 solar decommissioning (53G) accounts, with two members opposed. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were discussed but deferred for more information.

Thu Feb 6, 2025

School Committee

School Committee votes on virtual school, school choice, student competency

The Wareham School Committee will meet on February 6, 2025, starting with an executive session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining and litigation strategy, then reconvening in open session at 6:30 p.m. During the open meeting, the committee will take votes on the CMVS 1% Virtual School program, School Choice for 2025-26, and a possible Student Competency Determination. Discussions include the BOOST Program, MCAS Graduation Requirement, and financial reports.

educationschool-committeewarehammassachusettsvirtual-schoolschool-choicemcasbudget
✓ Decided: School Committee approves new competency determination replacing MCAS requirement

The Wareham School Committee voted 5-0 to accept a new Competency Determination (CD) for graduation, replacing the MCAS requirement, with a plan to review after one year. The committee also approved budget transfers, continued as a school choice district, and accepted the bill warrant. The BOOST program was tabled to the next meeting.

Wed Feb 5, 2025

Historical Commission

Historical Commission to vote on three demolition delay permits

The Wareham Historical Commission will hold public hearings and votes on three demolition delay permits for properties on Cranberry Highway and High Street. The commission will also vote on the minutes from January 8, 2025, and the treasurer's report, and discuss grant opportunities for the Fearing Tavern.

historical-commissiondemo-delaycranberry-highwayhigh-streetfearing-taverngrantspublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Historical Commission allows demolition of three buildings

The Wareham Historical Commission voted 3-0 to allow demolition of two buildings at 23476 and 2345 Cranberry Highway, and one at 12 High Street, all deemed to have no historical value and in poor condition. The commission also accepted the January 8, 2025 meeting minutes as read. No other substantive decisions were made; the treasurer's report was deferred due to absence, and a grant application for the Fearing Tavern was denied by MHC.

Wed Feb 5, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission to hear solar array & battery storage project on Maple Springs Rd

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several Notices of Intent and Requests for Determination of Applicability. Key items include a 12.5 MW solar photovoltaic array with battery storage at 0 Maple Springs Rd, and a bridge replacement on Fearing Hill Road. The commission will also review enforcement actions for wetland buffer violations at Bay Pointe Club and other properties.

conservationwetlandssolarpublic-hearingenforcementwetlands-protectioninfrastructure
✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves four Nobska Way revetment projects

The Wareham Conservation Commission approved four Notice of Intent applications for sloped boulder revetments at 13, 15, 17, and 19 Nobska Way, each with standard conditions and special conditions requiring refueling on the road and no work around high tide. The commission also approved an elevated walkway/pier at 34 Briarwood Drive with conditions, granted a Notice of Intent for a roadway at County Road, and continued several hearings, including the Maple Springs Road solar project.

Tue Feb 4, 2025

Select Board

Executive session to consider purchase of 80 Marion Road property

The Select Board will hold an executive session to consider purchasing property at 80 Marion Road (Lots 1002A, 1002B). The board will also discuss and possibly vote on setting a 25 mph speed limit in thickly settled areas, closing Main Street for a festival, and appointing a representative to SRPEDD. Other items include releasing a performance bond and setting the Spring Annual Town Meeting for April 28, 2025.

select-boardexecutive-sessionproperty-purchasespeed-limitroadsfestivalstown-meetingappointments
✓ Decided: Wareham Select Board sets 25 mph speed limit in thickly settled areas

The Select Board unanimously approved setting the speed limit to 25 mph in thickly settled areas, per M.G.L. Chapter 90, §17C, as accepted at the October 28, 2024 Town Meeting. The board also approved several other items, including appointing Sherry Quirk to SRPEDD, closing Main Street for a festival on May 24, removing a handicap designation on Union Avenue, releasing a performance bond, scheduling the Spring Town Meeting for April 28, and sponsoring a bylaw/fees article. All votes were 4-0.

Mon Feb 3, 2025

Community Preservation Committee

Community Preservation Committee reviews three funding applications

The committee will hear presentations for Community Preservation Act applications. The body will discuss these requests before making determinations on funding.

community-preservationland-trustpublic-facilitiesgrants
✓ Decided: CPC reviews three Spring Town Meeting funding proposals

The Community Preservation Committee reviewed three funding proposals for the Spring Town Meeting but took no final votes on them. The proposals include $1.2 million for the River Walk acquisition, $150,000 for Swifts Beach access rehabilitation, and $60,000 for a Hammond School assessment. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and scheduled further discussion for the next meeting.

Thu Jan 30, 2025

School Committee

School Committee to vote on 2025-26 calendar, transportation agreement, policy updates

The Wareham School Committee will hold an executive session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining and litigation strategy, then reconvene in open session at 6:30 p.m. The open session includes votes on the 2025-26 district calendar, a transportation memorandum of agreement, obsolete furniture/equipment, and a partnership with Plymouth County Comfort Dogs. The Committee will also vote on several policy updates, including alcohol/tobacco/drug use by students, meals, minimum wage, public participation, and purchasing.

school-committeeeducationcalendartransportationpoliciescollective-bargainingexecutive-session
✓ Decided: School Committee approves bus drivers contract, comfort dog study

The Wareham School Committee approved a three-year bus drivers contract (Aug 1, 2025–July 31, 2028) with salary increases of 2.25%, 2.5%, and 2.5%, plus added personal/sick time and longevity pay. They also approved a Bridgewater State University comfort dog study with an opt-in consent form, deemed obsolete furniture and equipment, approved the 2025-26 district calendar, and accepted five policies with no changes except the public participation policy, which was amended. All votes were 5-0-0.

Mon Jan 27, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board reviews zoning by-law changes and 2025 goals

The Wareham Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing for a site plan at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Road. The board may vote on its 2025 goals, schedule, and the approach for updating Zoning By-Laws ahead of the April Spring Town Meeting. The agenda also includes a status update on Solar Bond renewals and 53G accounts.

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✓ Decided: Planning Board continues solar site plan review to March 10

The Planning Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for the Wareham MA3, LLC solar project at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Road to March 10, 2025. The board also voted to request a written opinion from Town Counsel on whether the project requires a special permit, after the applicant disputed that it does. The board adopted its 2025 key objectives and meeting schedule, both by 5-0 votes.

Mon Jan 27, 2025

Community Events Committee

Wareham Community Events Committee to set 2025 award season dates

The Community Events Committee will discuss and set dates and publication notices for the 2025 Award Season, review financials and invoices for payment, and consider a possible new committee member. The meeting includes routine administrative reports and new business.

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Thu Jan 23, 2025

Redevelopment Authority

Wareham Redevelopment Authority to discuss 2025 priorities and coastal study contract

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority will meet to discuss strategic planning and 2025 priorities, including anticipated revenues and outlays. The body may vote on an amendment to a contract for the Halvorson, Tighe & Bond Coastal Facilities Feasibility Study.

coastal-facilitiesstrategic-planningbudgetbusiness-improvement-districtsvacancy-tax
✓ Decided: WRA votes to expand Halvorson contract for railroad crossing work

The Wareham Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved amending the Halvorson contract, at an estimated cost of $17,000-$20,000, to seek DOT approval for at least one railroad crossing from Merchants Way to the river waterfront. Members also agreed that several 2019 Economic Development Plan items (Route 6/28, industrial parks, Onset) are no longer priorities, and discussed future actions like a property owner workshop. No other substantive decisions were made.

Thu Jan 23, 2025

Board of Assessors

Wareham Board of Assessors to discuss upcoming ATB cases

The Board of Assessors will review the Director's report and discuss upcoming Appellate Tax Board (ATB) cases. The body will also review warrants, commitments, and excise abatements.

taxesassessorsabatementsgovernment-administration
✓ Decided: Board of Assessors approves multiple abatements in executive session

The Board of Assessors met in executive session and approved abatements for Real Estate applications 3, 5, 7, and 10, and Personal Property applications 1 through 8. They also approved a $600 abatement for a Clause 18 application. A Veterans exception (Clause 22) application was denied because the applicant did not qualify, and a letter will be sent. The board voted 3-0-0 to come out of executive session, with formal votes to be recorded in open session.

Thu Jan 23, 2025

Board of Assessors

Board of Assessors discusses upcoming ATB cases and routine abatements

The Board of Assessors will discuss upcoming Appellate Tax Board (ATB) cases and review warrants, excise abatements, and monthly reports. They will also review minutes from December 19, 2024, and enter executive session to consider exemptions and abatements under Chapter 59, Sections 59 & 60. Citizen participation is allowed.

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✓ Decided: Wareham Board of Assessors approves tax abatements and exemptions

The Board of Assessors reviewed and signed warrants and exemption applications, approved abatements for personal property and real estate, and granted a $600 abatement for a Clause 18 application. They also discussed a Clause 22 Veteran exemption, determining the applicant did not qualify, and will send a letter informing them of their options.

Wed Jan 22, 2025

Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee

Committee to discuss possible sale of Route 28 Transfer Station to Wareham

The Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee will meet virtually to elect officers, review and approve financial reports and minutes, and discuss the potential sale of the Route 28 Transfer Station to the Town of Wareham. They will also vote to accept the FY2024 auditor's review and consider reinvested CD rates.

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✓ Decided: Board authorizes three appraisals for potential Wareham transfer station purchase

The Carver-Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Committee approved routine financial items and authorized the executive director to obtain three appraisals for the Town of Wareham's potential purchase of the Rte. 28 Transfer Station. The board also authorized payment of an outstanding audit bill and discussed insurance requirements for the Carver Landfill. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

Wed Jan 22, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee prepares for article submissions and public hearing

The committee is finalizing the process for submitting bylaw articles between February 14 and 28. Members are reviewing sections for deletion and coordinating final changes with town officials. The body is also discussing a potential public hearing on February 18, 2025.

bylawstown-governancepublic-hearinglegal-review
Wed Jan 22, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning Board to consider Taunton Federal Credit Union drive-through permit

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals will hold continued public hearings on five applications, including a special permit for a drive-through at 2512 Cranberry Highway. They will also consider final site plan approval for True Storage at 2400 Cranberry Highway and hear a presentation from the Land Use Coordinator.

zoningpublic-hearingsspecial-permitvariancesite-plan-reviewdrive-throughcommercial-development
✓ Decided: ZBA denies Keating variance, approves Dos Amigos rebuild

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals denied a variance and special permit for a property at 18 Highland Road, voting 4-1 to deny with prejudice. The board also approved an appeal for 36 Restful Lane, allowing reconstruction under a grandfather clause. Several other applications were continued to future meetings.

Wed Jan 22, 2025

School Committee

Policy Review Sub-Committee to discuss alcohol, meals, minimum wage, public participation, and purchasing policies

The Policy Review Sub-Committee will meet to review five school policies: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students; Meals: Policy and Pricing; Minimum Wage; Public Participation at School Committee Meetings; and Purchasing. The sub-committee will also vote on the minutes from the November 13, 2024 meeting. No decisions on policy changes are scheduled; the review is for discussion and potential recommendations to the full School Committee.

school-committeepolicy-revieweducationalcohol-policymealsminimum-wagepublic-participationpurchasing
✓ Decided: School Committee policy subcommittee approves six policies, updates public comment rule

The Policy Review Sub-Committee met on January 22, 2025, and voted to accept several policies as-is, including those on alcohol/tobacco/drug use, meals, minimum wage, and purchasing. They also approved a revised public participation policy that clarifies public comment is not a discussion or debate. All votes were unanimous except the minimum wage policy, which passed 9-0 due to a member's dropped connection.

Tue Jan 21, 2025

Select Board

Wareham Select Board to consider EMS rates and 2025 Senior Tax Work-off Program

The Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on new Emergency Medical Services rates and the 2025 Senior Tax Work-off Program. The board will also hold a public hearing for an alcoholic beverages license and discuss the process for calling the 2025 Annual Spring Town Meeting.

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✓ Decided: Select Board approves Burger Lux liquor license, tax work-off program

The Wareham Select Board unanimously approved an annual on-premises alcoholic beverages restaurant license for Burger Lux Corporation d/b/a Burger Lux at 274 Main Street, with a pro-rated fee, pending inspections and paperwork. The board also authorized the 2025 Senior Tax Work-off Program with new limits, adopted new Emergency Medical Services rates, and made several appointments and approvals.

Thu Jan 16, 2025

School Committee

School Committee to vote on 2025-26 Program of Studies and field trips

The Wareham School Committee will vote on the 2025-26 High School Program of Studies, field trip requests for Marine Biology overnight and Senior Class day trip, and a Town Warrant Article. They will also hear the December financial report and fall sports report.

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✓ Decided: School Committee approves new courses and Marine Biology Lab trip

The Wareham School Committee approved the 2025-2026 Course of Studies, adding new courses including American Sign Language, AP Pre-Calculus, and several science and social studies electives. The committee also approved a free 3-day Marine Biology Lab trip to Woods Hole for 10-16 junior and senior students. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

Wed Jan 15, 2025

Recycling Committee

Wareham Recycling Committee to discuss center operations and new Trex program

The Recycling Committee will review financial reports and minutes from December 2024. Members will discuss center operations, including bottle collection and books and swap. The committee will also address a new program starting February 21 following the completion of the Trex project goal.

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✓ Decided: Recycling Committee approves December minutes, hears updates

The Wareham Recycling Committee met on January 15, 2025, and approved the minutes from the December 18, 2024 meeting by a 4-0 roll call vote. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting consisted of routine updates on information cards, electronic payments, grant work, and recycling operations.

Wed Jan 15, 2025

Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission to hear proposals for bridge replacement, coastal revetments, and Route 6 improvements

The Wareham Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on multiple Notices of Intent and Requests for Determination of Applicability for work in wetlands and coastal areas. Key items include replacing the Fearing Hill Road bridge, MassDOT corridor improvements on Route 6 and Swifts Beach Road, and several revetment reconstructions on Nobska Way. The commission will also vote on ratifying previous votes, consider enforcement actions, and discuss administrative matters.

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✓ Decided: Conservation Commission approves multiple coastal projects and continues hearings

The Wareham Conservation Commission approved several coastal projects, including deck rebuilds, a patio cover, and a driveway improvement, all with negative determinations. It also approved orders of conditions for a new home, a MassDOT road project, a garage, and a seawall repair. Several hearings were continued to February 5, 2025, and two certificates of compliance were issued.

Wed Jan 15, 2025

Capital Planning Committee

Committee to discuss spring town meeting by-law and charter articles, interview Carey Paster

The Capital Planning Committee will meet to review existing capital plans and discuss new projects. Key items include considering by-law and charter change articles for spring town meeting and interviewing candidate Carey Paster for an open committee seat. The committee will also review capital planning worksheets, update the status of open projects, and discuss changes to the five-year plan.

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✓ Decided: Committee recommends Carey Paster as member-at-large

The Wareham Capital Plan Committee voted 5-0 to recommend Carey Paster as a member-at-large to the appointing authority. They also approved the 12/11/24 minutes and updated the 5-year plan for 80 Marion Rd, removing $1M for a middle school roof and placing $600k under municipal maintenance. Department heads were invited to the next meeting.

Wed Jan 15, 2025

Cemetery Commissioners

Cemetery board to vote on unclaimed remains protocol and 75-year lot reuse

The Wareham Cemetery Commissioners will discuss and possibly vote on two key policies: reclaiming lots unused for 75 years and establishing a protocol for unclaimed remains. They will also review a Fisher-Jackson monument request and vote on licenses and marker approvals. The agenda includes routine items such as approving previous meeting minutes and a director's report.

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✓ Decided: Cemetery board approves licenses, markers, and monument requests

The Wareham Cemetery Commissioners approved two burial licenses, three flat markers, and one monument request, all by unanimous 3-0 votes. They also discussed the Centre expansion, fence and stonewall repairs, and a mapping program. The Fisher-Jackson monument request was put on hold pending more information.

Tue Jan 14, 2025

Affordable Housing Trust

Trust to vote on 801 Main Street grant, Woodland Cove funding

The Affordable Housing Trust will review and possibly vote on a new grant submission for the Village at 801 Main Street and discuss the grant application timeline. They will also consider moving Woodland Cove Phase 1 (56 units) to the Community Preservation Committee for funding. Updates on 6 Chapel Lane, SHI status, and a completed letter of support for Cranberry Manor II are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Trust approves funding moves for Woodland Cove and Chapel Lane projects

The Wareham Affordable Housing Trust approved motions to authorize revising the housing Grant Payment Agreement for Woodland Cove and to release funding for the Chapel Lane project, subject to state regulatory agreement sign-off. The board also reviewed a grant application for the Village at 801 Main Street, requesting corrections before a potential vote next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

Tue Jan 14, 2025

Board of Library Trustees

Wareham Library Trustees to discuss FY 26 Budget and staffing

The Board of Library Trustees will meet to discuss the FY 26 Budget and current staff shortages. The board may also vote on the Collection Development and Photography policies.

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✓ Decided: Library board approves collections policy, photography policy

The Wareham Board of Library Trustees approved the Collections Development Policy and a new Photography Policy, both by unanimous votes. The board also approved the November meeting minutes. The director reported on staffing shortages, building maintenance, and program attendance, and discussed the FY26 budget proposal.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

Select Board

Select Board to discuss, vote on Special Town Meeting warrant articles

The Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on articles for the January Special Town Meeting warrant. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM at Wareham High School but will be canceled if Town Meeting concludes on any preceding night. Other town business not anticipated 48 hours prior may also be addressed.

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✓ Decided: Wareham Select Board holds brief meeting, no substantive decisions

The Wareham Select Board met on January 13, 2025, and took no substantive actions. The agenda items for discussion and possible votes on Special Town Meeting articles and other town business were marked as 'NONE.' The board unanimously voted to adjourn after a brief session.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to review January 13 Special Town Meeting warrant articles

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss and potentially vote on articles for the January 13 Special Town Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM at Wareham High School.

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✓ Decided: Wareham Finance Committee holds brief meeting, no new votes

The Wareham Finance Committee met on January 13, 2025, and discussed the January 2025 Special Town Meeting Warrant articles, noting that a prior vote had already been taken on them. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting; the only action was to adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

Town Meeting

Wareham Special Town Meeting to vote on land purchase and zoning changes

Town voters will decide on funding for a property acquisition and solar litigation. The meeting includes proposals to update zoning bylaws regarding accessory dwelling units and large-scale solar installations.

zoningreal-estatesolarhousingbudget
✓ Decided: Wareham Town Meeting approves $600K for 80 Marion Road purchase

The January 13, 2025 Special Town Meeting approved funding to purchase 80 Marion Road for $600,000 from Certified Free Cash, subject to a purchase and sale agreement. Voters also approved a one-year moratorium on non-affordable accessory dwelling units (110-29) and approved $100,000 for solar litigation experts. Articles on solar zoning and accessory dwelling bylaws were sent to further study.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

Open Space Committee

Open Space Committee discusses 2025-2032 planning schedule

The committee is discussing the schedule for the 2025-2032 Open Space Plan and a seven-year action plan. Members will review survey results and determine if a 2014 BL study requires updating.

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✓ Decided: Open Space Committee discusses action plan, plans land assessment

The Wareham Open Space Committee met on January 13, 2025, and discussed Section 9 of the seven-year action plan. They also planned to have Patrick Lester speak with Ken Buckland about conducting an assessment through the Land Conservation Assistance Grant Program. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board continues hearing on solar project at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Rd

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a site plan review and special permit application by Wareham MA 3, LLC for a ground-mounted solar energy facility. The hearing is extended to January 27, 2025. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

planning-boardpublic-hearingsolar-energysite-plan-reviewspecial-permitwareham
✓ Decided: Planning Board continues solar hearing to Jan 27

The Wareham Planning Board held a brief meeting and voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for the proposed ground-mounted solar energy array at 91 & 101 Fearing Hill Road to January 27, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned shortly after.

Thu Jan 9, 2025

Cable Advisory Committee

Cable Advisory Committee to discuss Comcast negotiations

The Cable Advisory Committee will meet to hold discussions with the cable attorney and conduct negotiations with Comcast.

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✓ Decided: Cable Advisory Committee approves prior meeting minutes, discusses Comcast contract

The Wareham Cable Advisory Committee met on January 9, 2025, and approved the minutes from its December 16, 2024 meeting by a 2-0 vote. The committee also held discussions with Cable Attorney William Solomon and Comcast representative Michael Galla regarding a capital request from Wareham Media and contract renewal negotiations. No formal decisions were made on these discussion items.

Thu Jan 9, 2025

Council on Aging

Council on Aging Board to discuss by-law changes and lunch sign-ups

The Wareham Council on Aging Board of Directors will hold a routine meeting on January 9, 2025. Agenda items include a director's report, board member updates, and discussion of by-law changes and sign-ups for COA lunches. No votes are scheduled on specific expenditures or policy changes.

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✓ Decided: Council on Aging postpones minutes approval, discusses new members

The Wareham Council on Aging met on January 9, 2025, and postponed approval of meeting minutes for June 13 and September 5, 2024, to the next meeting. The board discussed prospective members, received a director's report on statewide guidelines, and noted upcoming changes to luncheons and a new hire.

Thu Jan 9, 2025

Sewer Commissioner

Sewer board to vote on Colonial Ford contract and discuss accessory dwelling unit impact

The Board of Sewer Commissioners will vote on a contract with Colonial Ford, Inc., and ratify participation in the Buzzards Bay National Estuary program. They will also discuss billing matters with the Town of Bourne for FY2024 and FY2025, funds received from Plymouth County, and the impact of accessory dwelling units (EDUs) on sewer capacity, tied to a special town meeting article.

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✓ Decided: Sewer board approves $75,504 truck purchase and Bourne billings

The Wareham Board of Sewer Commissioners unanimously approved a $75,504 contract with Colonial Ford for a 2024 F250 truck, ratified a $98,637 payment to the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, and authorized capital cost billings to the Town of Bourne for FY2024 ($104,163.75) and FY2025 ($100,210.21). The board also discussed accessory dwelling unit impacts on sewer EDUs and heard a report on alternative wastewater treatment methods.

Wed Jan 8, 2025

Bylaw Review Committee

Bylaw Review Committee discusses reformatting and deleting obsolete sections

The Bylaw Review Committee will consider reformatting town bylaws per a proposed revamping, identify sections to delete as obsolete or covered by state law, review new definitions, and discuss scheduling a February public hearing on bylaw changes.

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✓ Decided: Bylaw Review Committee advances edits, awaits feedback

The Bylaw Review Committee met and discussed progress on editing assigned bylaws. They are waiting on feedback from several department heads. The DNR agreed to delete the Waterways Bylaws and insert a link, which Town Counsel approved. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters.

Wed Jan 8, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board to hear special permit for credit union drive-through on Cranberry Highway

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on five applications, including a special permit for a drive-through at a credit union, an appeal of a building inspector's denial at a residential property, and several requests for variances or special permits. The board will also vote on meeting minutes and consider extension requests for prior permits.

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✓ Decided: ZBA grants special permit and variance for 20 Roosevelt Street project

The Wareham Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a side setback and a variance for a front setback for a proposed project at 20 Roosevelt Street to lift a property onto pilings. The board also approved a six-month extension of a special permit for 238-240 Sandwich Road, continued several other hearings to January 22, 2025, and accepted the withdrawal of an appeal at 6 Chapel Lane after the building inspector rescinded a denial letter.

Wed Jan 8, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to vote on funding for 80 Marion Road purchase and solar experts

The Wareham Finance Committee will discuss and vote on five warrant articles for the January 13 Special Town Meeting, including a transfer of available funds for solar experts and approval of funding to purchase 80 Marion Road. Other articles address an accessory dwelling moratorium, large-scale ground-mounted solar installations, and an accessory dwelling bylaw. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and discuss the role of Vice Chair during the Special Town Meeting.

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✓ Decided: Finance Committee backs $100K solar litigation funding (6-1)

The Wareham Finance Committee voted to recommend favorable action on all five articles for the January 13, 2025 Special Town Meeting, including $100,000 for solar litigation experts, $600,000 to purchase 80 Marion Road, a one-year accessory dwelling moratorium, an accessory dwelling bylaw, and a zoning amendment for large-scale solar installations. The only dissenting vote was on the solar funding article.

Wed Jan 8, 2025

Historical Commission

Historical Commission to hold demolition delay hearings for three properties

The Wareham Historical Commission will vote on demolition delay permits for three specific addresses. The body will also review the treasurer's report and discuss grant opportunities for the Fearing Tavern.

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✓ Decided: Historical Commission approves three demolition permits

The Wareham Historical Commission approved three demolition delay permits for properties at 15 Narrows Road, 23 Mildred Terrace, and 2 Seahorse Lane, all by 5-0 votes. The commission also accepted the December minutes and treasurer's report, and discussed pending items including CPC grant applications and a MassDOT archaeological report request.

Tue Jan 7, 2025

Select Board

Public hearing on transfer of seasonal alcohol license for PK Liquors to The Bottle Liquors

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on transferring the seasonal all-alcoholic beverages package store license from PK Liquors to The Bottle Liquors at 3074 Cranberry Highway. The board will also discuss and possibly vote on common victualler's licenses for Loafy Lark and Mineiro's Brazilian Kitchen, accept donations totaling $7,735 to the library and senior center, and vote on the 2025 contract with the Lakeville Animal Shelter. Other business includes a letter of support for the Cranberry Manor Project and considering SORI checks for all volunteers.

alcohol-license-transferpublic-hearingcommon-victualler-licensedonationsanimal-shelter-contractspecial-town-meetingvolunteer-checks
✓ Decided: Select Board approves liquor license transfer and new eatery licenses

The Wareham Select Board unanimously approved the transfer of a seasonal all-alcoholic beverage package store license from PK Liquors to The Bottle Liquors at 3074 Cranberry Highway, pending inspections and fees. The board also approved annual common victualler's licenses for Loafy Lark and Mineiro's Brazilian Kitchen, and affirmed a weekday entertainment license for TownPlace Suites & Rosebrook Manor. Additionally, the board accepted several donations to the library and Council on Aging, approved the 2025 contract with the Lakeville Animal Shelter, issued a letter of support for the Cranberry Manor Project, and adopted a policy requiring CORI & SORI checks for volunteers.

Tue Jan 7, 2025

School Committee

Wareham High School Council to review course-of-studies changes

The Wareham High School Council will meet in person to approve December minutes and review recommended changes to the Course of Studies. Members will also discuss upcoming events including DECA district competitions, a potential collaboration with Woods Hole Marine Biological Lab, and an AP/DE/Pathways presentation for parents.

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✓ Decided: School Council approves course changes, adds childcare program

The Wareham High School Council approved the December meeting minutes and reviewed recommended changes to the Course of Studies, including removing several IB classes and adding new electives. A new childcare class and program is planned, pending state approval, with a target rollout of August 2025. The council also discussed upcoming DECA districts and a potential collaboration with Woods Hole Marine Biological Lab.

Mon Jan 6, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board to hold public hearings on accessory dwelling unit and solar field zoning changes

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on three proposed zoning bylaw amendments: limiting large-scale solar installations to the Business Development Overlay District, and two alternative articles regarding accessory dwelling units—a one-year moratorium or enactment of a new bylaw. The board will also approve meeting minutes from November and December 2024, and review an ANR plan for 40 Great Neck Road.

zoningsolaraccessory-dwelling-unitspublic-hearingplanning-boardhousing
✓ Decided: Planning Board recommends solar, ADU articles to Town Meeting

The Planning Board voted 4-0 to recommend three articles to Town Meeting: limiting large-scale solar to the Business Development Overlay District, a one-year moratorium on Accessory Dwelling Units, and an ADU bylaw. The board also approved an ANR for 40 Great Neck Road (3-0-1) and approved minutes from November 25, 2024. No other substantive decisions were made.