Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are held in person. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow the instructions on the agenda.
Thursday, March 16
- Shellfish Advisory Board, 10 a.m.
- Herring River Executive Council, 4 p.m.
- Select Board, 6 p.m.
- Energy & Climate Action Committee, 7:15 p.m.
Monday, March 20
- Dredging Task Force, 7 p.m.
- Shellfish Advisory Board, 8 p.m.
Conversation Starters
A New Energy Code
A general bylaw amendment requested by the energy and climate action committee will be on the warrant for the April 29 town meeting. It would update the town’s current stretch code to a specialized energy code designed to increase efficiency and on-site electricity production and cut fossil fuel use.
The goal is to respond to the state’s greenhouse gas emission limits and goal of a 50-percent reduction in emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels, according to the Dept. of Energy Resources.
The specialized code would require all new buildings to be designed with electric service and wiring to accommodate electric water and space heating.
New houses larger than 4,000 square feet would have to comply as would new commercial and multi-family construction. The code would not affect existing houses nor additions under 1,000 square feet. Additions over 1,000 square feet would have to meet the new code, but the rest of the house would not have to be brought up to code.
The code would be enforced by the building inspector.
Herring River Housekeeping
Wellfleet and Truro have signed off on an intermunicipal agreement to allow Wellfleet’s contractors to elevate segments of low-lying roadway in Truro totaling 617 linear feet and to replace two associated culverts. The work is part of phase one of the Herring River Restoration Project.
Road elevation and a culvert replacement will take place on a 0.73-acre parcel at 133 Old County Road and 125A Old County Road.
Although Wellfleet’s contractor will do this work, Truro will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the roadway and culverts, said Herring River Restoration Project Coordinator Carole Ridley.
Wellfleet approved the agreement on March 7. The Truro Select Board had approved it on Feb. 28.
The restoration project will affect another road, too. Article 29 on the town warrant asks voters to authorize the select board to acquire an easement at 575 Old Chequessett Neck Road to gain access to a nearby water control structure. The Wellfleet Conservation Trust currently owns the parcel. —Sam Pollak
