Wakefield, MA

WMGLD Board of Commissioners

Human Rights Commission

The Wakefield Human Rights Commission is meeting to discuss event planning for the Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival. The agenda includes public participation and a single substantive item on festival planning.

• Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival event planning discussion

Conservation Commission

Human Rights Commission

The Wakefield Human Rights Commission is meeting to discuss event planning for the Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival. The agenda includes public participation and a single substantive item focused on festival planning.

• Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival event planning discussion

Cable Advisory Committee

Housing Authority

The Wakefield Housing Authority will hold a remote regular meeting to review year-end financial statements and certifications. The agenda includes reviews for TAR, Lead Compliance, and Wage Match requirements. No specific contracts, rezonings, or fee changes are listed on the agenda.

• Review of Year End Financial Statements and Certifications
• Review of TAR compliance
• Review of Lead Compliance
• Review of Wage Match

Permanent Building Committee

The Wakefield Permanent Building Committee will meet on August 27, 2026, to review and approve additional technology server equipment and labor for Wakefield Memorial High School. The agenda contains no other substantive items, consisting only of administrative actions and standard procedural closings.

• Review and approval of additional technology server equipment and labor for Wakefield Memorial High School

Finance Committee

The Wakefield Finance Committee is meeting to consider a $59,363 reserve fund transfer for the School Department (Woodville PA), discuss closing Fiscal Year 2026, and plan for the fall and next fiscal year. The committee will also reorganize by electing a chair and vice-chair, and approve minutes from several prior meetings.

• Reserve fund transfer of $59,363.00 for School Department (Woodville PA)
• Discussion of closing Fiscal Year 2026
• Roadmap for fall and next fiscal year
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Approval of minutes from 10 prior meetings

Housing Authority

The Wakefield Housing Authority will hold its regular board meeting on August 26, 2026, at Crystal View Apartments. The board will vote on approving cash disbursements for July 2026, including Section 8 and MRVP payments, and will discuss the executive director's report, financial statements, and various maintenance projects. The meeting is open to the public, with remote access available.

• Vote to approve cash disbursements for July 2026
• Vote to approve Section 8 and MRVP disbursements for July 2026
• Discussion of Section 8 Payment Standards and Program Funding HUD Update
• Discussion of concrete step repair, ADA bathroom upgrades, and exterior door replacement
• Update on vacant board seat and year-end financial statements

School Committee

The Wakefield School Committee will approve the 2026-2027 preschool/elementary, Galvin Middle School, and WMHS handbooks. The body will also accept a $2,044.75 donation from Galvin Middle School staff and friends of Joey Boudreau for a memorial bench. Additionally, the committee will table four policies for a two-week public review before voting on them at the September 8 meeting.

• Approval of 2026-2027 preschool/elementary, Galvin Middle School, and WMHS handbooks
• Acceptance of $2,044.75 donation for a memorial bench honoring Joey Boudreau
• Tabling of policies JKAA, JFBB, JLCD, and JLCDC for two weeks
• Approval of minutes from the July 21, 2026 meeting
• Updates on WHMS and district facilities and staffing

Human Rights Commission

The Wakefield Human Rights Commission is meeting to discuss event planning for the Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival. The agenda includes public participation and a single substantive item focused on festival planning.

• Cultures of Wakefield Food Festival event planning discussion

School Committee

The Wakefield School Committee Policy and Communications Subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting on August 24, 2026. The agenda includes voting to approve minutes from April 27, 2026, and reviewing the JKAA Seclusion and Restraint policy to incorporate new definitions from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The committee will also review proposed handbook updates regarding attendance and a new addendum on heat mitigation strategies for classrooms without air conditioning.

• Vote to approve minutes from the meeting on 4/27/26
• Review of JKAA Seclusion and Restraint policy including new DESE definitions
• Review of handbook updates regarding attendance
• Review of proposed addendum regarding heat mitigation strategies in classrooms without air conditioning

School Committee

The Wakefield School Committee's Student Services Subcommittee will meet virtually to discuss priorities for the 2026-2027 school year, including student support needs, the transition to a new high school, multilingual learner services, and coordination with SEPAC. The agenda also includes a discussion of the high school attendance policy and handbook sign-offs. This is a working meeting with no votes or final decisions listed.

• Discussion of beginning-of-year student support needs
• Mid-year transition to new high school needs
• Multilingual Learner Services
• SEPAC coordination and communication
• High school attendance policy discussion

Retirement Board

The Wakefield Retirement Board is meeting to handle routine financial and membership matters, including approving cash books, a monthly budget, payroll warrants, and new member enrollments. The board will also discuss personnel evaluation and special legislation for a surviving spouse.

• Approval of June 2026 Cash Books
• Payroll warrant 26-7-2 for $27,811.98 and contributory payroll warrant 26-7-3 for $1,220,270.43
• PRIT wire warrant 26-7-5 for $9,626,142.00
• New members: Kelsey Cook (DPW), Michele Scheri (School), Sophia Rouvalis (School)
• Monthly refunds for Nathan Bleu (Fire) and Nancy Howard (School)

Housing Trust

The Wakefield Housing Trust is meeting to review and vote on a draft Payment in Lieu bylaw, which would allow developers to pay a fee instead of providing affordable housing. The board will also hear a 2026 Q4 ARPA report, elect a Vice Chair, and approve the previous meeting's minutes. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no other major decisions listed.

• Vote on draft Payment in Lieu bylaw
• 2026 Q4 ARPA report
• Election of Vice Chair
• Approval of July 21st meeting minutes

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee Working Group Subcommittee will meet to review and approve prior meeting minutes, receive construction updates on the Landrigan Field turf replacement and casework door attic stock, and discuss design options for seating at Beasley Oval and pedestrian access on Wiley Street. The agenda also includes budget/change order updates, retainage updates for Norgate, and FF&E/technology updates. This is a working meeting with no public hearings or votes on major items listed.

• Landrigan Field turf replacement discussion
• Seating options review at Beasley Oval
• Wiley Street pedestrian access design update
• Budget/change order update
• Retainage update for Norgate

Permanent Building Committee

The Permanent Building Committee is meeting to discuss two main items: the DPW Salt Shed and the Wakefield Memorial High School project. For the high school, they will review and approve meeting minutes, invoices, a budget update, additional technology equipment/labor, budget revision request #9, and change orders, plus receive construction and design updates. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• DPW Salt Shed discussion
• Wakefield Memorial High School project updates
• Approval of invoices
• Budget revision request #9
• Additional technology equipment/labor approval

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will hear a presentation from the Conservation Commission on a proposed Wetlands Bylaw and discuss it. The committee will also vote on minutes from July 9th and receive updates on ongoing initiatives including school composting, a Fix-it Clinic, an EV showcase, and recycling at multi-family housing.

• Presentation and discussion of Proposed Wetlands Bylaw by Conservation Commission
• Vote on approval of July 9th minutes
• Updates on school composting & food rescue
• Recap of Fix-it Clinic (July 12) and upcoming Sports Equipment Swap (Aug 29)
• Discussion of EV showcase collaboration with other towns

Conservation Commission

The Wakefield Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss and vote on several requests for determinations of applicability and notices of intent for projects within 100 feet of wetland resource areas. These include accessory dwelling units, a garage, a home addition, and a large self-storage facility. The meeting will also include a discussion of the wetland bylaw and an agent update.

• Continued request for determination: 800 sq ft accessory dwelling unit at 123 Vernon Street
• Request for determination: 24'x22' two-car garage at 23 Montrose Avenue
• Continued notice of intent (DEP#313-658): garage removal, 20'x40' addition, deck, infiltration system at 131 Montrose Avenue
• Continued notice of intent (DEP#313-652): five-story, 22,900 sq ft self-storage facility at 50 Quannapowitt Parkway
• Discussion of wetland bylaw

Human Rights Commission

The Wakefield Human Rights Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes public participation, approval of July minutes, a Facebook update, a financial report, and planning for Town Day and the Cultures of Wakefield Festival. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Public Participation
• Approval of July meeting minutes
• Facebook update
• Financial Report
• Planning for Town Day and Cultures of Wakefield Festival

Town Council

The Wakefield Town Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a public hearing on naming the high school basketball court, a $1 million transfer to the debt service fund, and approval of bond anticipation notes. The agenda also includes possible executive session discussions on firefighter collective bargaining and litigation over a 40B development, as well as policy reviews and appointments.

• Public hearing on naming Wakefield Memorial High School basketball court
• Transfer $1,000,000 from General Fund to Debt Service Capital Needs account
• Approval of General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes, Series A and B, and MWRA bond
• One-day liquor permit for Idle Hands Craft Ales on Sept 26, 2026
• Possible executive session on firefighter collective bargaining and 40B litigation

Economic Development Council

The Wakefield Economic Development Council will discuss and potentially vote on allocating remaining ARPA funds and a vacant storefront bylaw. They will also review the downtown market assessment, grant opportunities, and updates on the Tax Increment Finance and PACE programs.

• ARPA remaining funds overview and allocation
• Vacant Storefront Bylaw discussion
• Downtown Market Assessment
• Grant opportunities for programming
• Tax Increment Finance Program overview

Northeast Metro Tech School Committee

The Northeast Metro Tech District School Committee is holding a regular meeting on August 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. The agenda is largely procedural, covering items like approval of minutes, personnel reports, bids, and communications. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining, which is a standard closed-door discussion of union negotiations. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the public agenda.

• Executive session for collective bargaining
• Approval of minutes
• Personnel reports
• Bids
• Citizens' participation period

Northeast Metro Tech School Committee

The Northeast Metro Tech School Committee's Subcommittee on Policy, Records, Public Relations & Planning will meet on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the school library. The purpose is to discuss Student Handbook updates for the 2026-27 school year. All School Committee members are encouraged to attend, though the subcommittee itself has three members.

• Discussion of Student Handbook updates for SY26-27
• Subcommittee meeting on Policy, Records, Public Relations & Planning
• Meeting at 100 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA at 6:30 PM

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Wakefield Zoning Board of Appeals will hold continued hearings on a self-storage facility at 50 Quannapowitt Parkway and on converting commercial space to residential at 450-458 Main Street and 27 Water Street. New hearings include a variance for an addition at 165 Oak Street, a determination to rebuild a home at 1 Sidney Street, and a special permit for signage at 139 Albion Street. The board will also approve minutes from prior meetings.

• Continued hearing: Pack Self-Storage of Wakefield LLC, special permit for self-storage facility at 50 Quannapowitt Parkway
• Continued hearing: Water Street Land LLC, special permit to convert part of commercial building to multi-family residential at 450-458 Main Street
• Continued hearing: 27 Water Street LLC, modification to permit conversion of non-residential space to multi-family at 27 Water Street
• New hearing: Elizabeth Monica Morrison, variance for addition to single-family dwelling at 165 Oak Street
• New hearing: JGCB LLC, determination to raze and reconstruct single-family dwelling at 1 Sidney Street

School Committee

The Wakefield School Committee is holding a regular open session with a light agenda. They will consider approving the minutes from the July 21, 2026 meeting and several payroll warrants. The meeting also includes public comment, superintendent's remarks, and subcommittee reports.

• Approval of minutes from July 21, 2026 meeting
• Approval of Payroll Warrants #50, #52A, #52B, #01, #03, #05

Planning Board

The Wakefield Planning Board is meeting to discuss modular housing and receive an update on the Master Plan. The board will also approve minutes from the July 14 meeting. The agenda includes items for discussion only, with no votes scheduled on specific proposals.

• Discussion of modular housing
• Master Plan update
• Approval of July 14, 2026 minutes

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold an administrative hearing on a correction order issued to the Wakefield Housing Authority for 27 Elm Street under state sanitary code. The board will also discuss and vote on delegating authority to respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint filed July 23, 2026, and consider a proposal to reorganize the board at a future meeting.

• Administrative hearing on correction order for 27 Elm Street under 105 CMR 410.000
• Discussion and vote on delegating authority to respond to Open Meeting Law complaint filed July 23, 2026
• Intent to reorganize the Board of Health at the next meeting

Permanent Building Committee

The Wakefield Permanent Building Committee’s subcommittee will review and approve July 23 meeting minutes, receive a construction update including Phase 2 circulation, parking, and signage, and discuss design, budget, change orders, retainage, and FF&E/technology items. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom and includes accommodations for accessibility.

• Review and approval of July 23, 2026 meeting minutes
• Phase 2 circulation, parking, and signage update
• Budget and change order update
• Retainage update (as needed)
• FF&E/technology update

The Permanent Building Committee Working Group meeting for the Wakefield Memorial High School project was largely procedural. Members unanimously approved the minutes from the July 23, 2026 meeting. The group reviewed the construction schedule, discussed a change order to be presented at the next PBC meeting, and received updates on several ongoing items including science lab casework doors, upper parking lot damage, Phase 2 logistics, Lot H approvals, EV chargers, and technology procurement. No formal votes were taken on substantive project decisions.

• Approved 07/23/26 Working Group meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed Internal Change Order #27; to be presented for approval at August 20 PBC meeting
• Confirmed 20-year warranty for science lab casework doors; attic stock quantities pending
• Directed LF to proceed with Cisco switch procurement and additional labor quote from New Era
• Agreed not to add new fencing at Lot H; SMMA to issue final plans
• Scheduled public tours of existing high school for November 2026
• Directed dedication plaque to read 2026 and include only current members
• Discussed surplus property process; no formal action taken

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions regarding construction projects within 100 feet of wetland resource areas. The body will also discuss the wetland bylaw and a proposal for artificial turf at 11 King Street.

• 50 Quannapowitt Parkway: Continued public hearing for a five-story, 22,900 square foot self-storage facility
• 123 Vernon Street: Request for Determination of Applicability for an 800 square foot accessory dwelling unit
• 131 Montrose Avenue: Continued public hearing for a garage removal, 20’x40’ addition, and deck
• 11 King Street: Discussion and vote on proposed artificial turf
• Discussion regarding the wetland bylaw

The Wakefield Conservation Commission met on August 4, 2026, and approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting. All three public hearings (DEP#313-652, RDA for 123 Vernon Street, DEP#313-658) were continued to August 18, 2026, with no final votes taken. The Commission discussed a proposed artificial turf installation at 11 King Street but took no action, instead directing the applicant to submit an RDA or Amended Order of Conditions. The Commission also discussed the proposed wetland bylaw, scheduling meetings with the Town Engineer and other boards, and planned to finalize edits by August 12.

• Approved minutes of 7/21/26 as edited (unanimous)
• Continued DEP#313-652 (Pack Self Storage) to 8/18/26 at applicant's request
• Continued RDA for 123 Vernon Street (ADU) to 8/18/26, with site visit scheduled 8/6/26
• Continued DEP#313-658 (131 Montrose Avenue) to 8/18/26; Order of Conditions to be drafted
• No vote on artificial turf at 11 King Street; applicant to be directed to submit RDA or Amended Order of Conditions
• Adjourned (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee Nominating Subcommittee will meet to discuss nominations for chair and vice chair. The agenda contains only procedural items: call to order, attendance, discussion on nominations, and adjournment.

• Discussion on nominations for Chair and Vice Chair

Permanent Building Committee

The Wakefield Permanent Building Committee Working Group Subcommittee will meet to approve past meeting minutes, receive a construction update (including temporary traffic markings and door stock), discuss design updates (such as EV chargers and seating at Beasley Oval), and review budget and retainage changes. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom or dial-in.

• Review and approval of July 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• Phase 2 temporary traffic markings and wayfinding signage discussion
• Level 3 fast EV chargers discussion
• Review of potential seating options at Beasley Oval
• Wiley Street Gate discussion

The Permanent Building Committee Working Group for the Wakefield Memorial High School project met and directed project management to proceed with procurement of Cisco network switches, following a recommendation from PBC member Jason Cohen. The group also reviewed an EV charger memo, confirming that the cost for additional chargers is not in the current GMP and that budget options will be evaluated. The minutes from the July 9, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Approved 07/09/26 Working Group meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Directed procurement of Cisco network switches for the high school technology project
• Confirmed EV charger costs are not in the current GMP; budget options to be evaluated
• Agreed not to add new fencing for Lot H, keeping existing fencing termination point
• Confirmed 20-year extended warranty for science lab casework doors from NEIS
• Tabled EV charger decision for the July PBC meeting after public comments

Housing Authority

The Wakefield Housing Authority is holding a public hearing on July 22, 2026, to review its Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. The plan covers capital improvements, maintenance, the operating budget, and other elements affecting state-aided public housing. Residents and the public may submit comments orally at the hearing, by email, or in writing before the hearing closes.

• Public hearing on Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027
• Plan includes Proposed Capital Improvement Plan and Maintenance and Repair Plan
• Current Operating Budget and responses to Performance Management Review findings included
• Comments may be submitted orally, by email, or in writing until hearing closes
• Hearing scheduled for 3:30 PM on July 22, 2026 at 101 Broadway, Wakefield MA

Advisory Board of Public Works

The Advisory Board of Public Works will meet to discuss irrigation and abatement issues. The meeting will be held virtually and includes public participation and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Discussion of irrigation
• Discussion of abatement
• Approval of meeting minutes

Housing Authority

The Wakefield Housing Authority will vote on June 2026 cash disbursements and Section 8/MRVP disbursements, and receive the executive director's report covering financial statements, occupancy, and waiting list updates. Other business includes a Housing Trust Committee update, Section 8 payment standards, ADA bathroom upgrades, and a vacant board seat.

• Vote to approve June 2026 cash disbursements
• Vote to approve Section 8 and MRVP disbursements for June 2026
• Executive Director's report: financial statements, occupancy report, waiting list update
• Discussion of Section 8 payment standards and program funding (HUD update)
• Update on Housing Trust Committee by Sarah Fowler