News Briefs

Raccoon bite at Town Beach

The Wayland Police Department is notifying residents of a raccoon bite incident that occurred at the Wayland Town Beach. A young child was bitten by a raccoon and was transported to a local hospital. Police searched the area following the incident but have not yet located the animal. Officers will continue monitoring and checking the area over the coming days.

Out of an abundance of caution, residents are urged to follow these safety precautions:

Do not approach, feed, or attempt to handle raccoons or other wild animals.

Stay away from wildlife displaying unusual behavior, including aggression, disorientation, or daytime activity.

Seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by a wild animal.

Anyone who observes suspicious wildlife activity is asked to contact the Wayland Police Department at 508-358-4721.

Outdoor watering ban

Wayland recently activated its emergency connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and immediately imposed a ban on outdoor water use after issues emerged at the town’s treatment plant. The emergency measure, announced May 15, represented one of the most significant operational disruptions to the town’s water system in recent years. Officials said the move was necessary to maintain reliable drinking water service while treatment problems were addressed.

Wayland secured a $150,000 state grant to advance culvert work tied to chronic flooding problems, particularly on Loker Street.

Traffic disruptions added to the busy stretch for residents. Beginning May 21, Oak Street southbound was closed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility work, with drivers advised to expect detours and delays. The project appeared repeatedly in town advisories and outside news coverage throughout the week.

FinCom looking for new members

The Finance Committee Appointing Board (FCAB) is looking for five new Finance Committee candidates, two for one-year positions and three for three-year terms to serve three-year terms.

With the support of the finance director and the town manager, the FinCom reviews and recommends an operating budget and a capital budget and prepares and presents Town Meeting article recommendations,

FinCom meetings are usually held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/wayland-fincom. Candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to the FCAB Chair, c/o Abigail Warren, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, at execasst@wayland.ma.us. The FCAB will schedule interviews via Zoom starting in June.