4-30-2023 9:34pm

How to Participate in Town Government - Week of April 30, 2023

Darlene Cancell Editor

Image by John Phelan from Wikimedia Commons.

The big meeting of the week is the very first one - Westwood's Annual Town Meeting, where Westwood residents will act as legislators, voting to enact the will of the residents. On Monday evening, interested residents will gather in Westwood High School's auditorium to cast their votes on various issues facing the town, including budget items, a proposal to change the elected positions of town treasurer and collector to appointed positions, and more.

Per a reduced quorum decision by Select Board last week, it will only take a minimum 45 voting residents to make decisions on behalf of the town. But as town staff and Select Board are quick to point out, the 45 represents a floor, not a ceiling. Any registered Westwood voter can have their vote count - just show up, check-in, and stay for the vote.

Voters may see Westwood Firefighters at Westwood High School, picketing outside. Voting will be indoors, however, in the high school auditorium.

MONDAY

Annual Town Meeting, Monday, May 1, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. (registration), 6:00 p.m. (recognitions), 6:30 p.m. (official business). Registered voters will be able to speak on and vote on 13 budget articles, 2 Select Board articles, and 5 Planning Board articles. The warrant articles are available online for review here, and residents are asked to bring their mailed copy to the meeting.

The meeting will be held in the Westwood High School auditorium at 200 Nahatan Street. For information, click here.

TUESDAY

Westwood Early Childhood Council Meeting, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 1:15 p.m. Up for discussion are grants and financial assistance, review and approval of FY 2024 bylaws, fundraising, and a vote on open council positions.

This meeting will be held in the lower level conference room of Wentworth Hall at 273 Washington Street. For information, click here.

Board of Assessors Meeting, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. A vote will be held for a new chairperson and the chair will give an update on the Long Range Financial Planning Committee.

This meeting is being held in the Jaillet Meeting Room of the Westwood Police Station at 588 High Street. For more information, click here.

Dedham Westwood Water District Hybrid Meeting, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. On the agenda are updates on PFAS sampling and treatment, TTHM compliance and water restrictions. Also to be discussed are reports on the East Street water main design, among other items.

This meeting will be held at 50 Elm Street in Dedham. For remote attendance, click here for more information.

WEDNESDAY

Audit Committee Meeting, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The committee will review its mission and objective and review the FY23 audit plan and timeline.

This meeting will be held in the Jaillet Meeting Room of the Westwood Police Station at 588 High Street. For more information, click here.

THURSDAY

Charter Review Committee In-Person Meeting, Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The committee will discuss Town Charter Chapters 1-3 and additional chapters if time allows. It will discuss a followup to Town Meeting.

This meeting will be held in the Jaillet Meeting Room at Westwood Police Station at 588 High Street. For more information, click here.