Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Wellfleet are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting that interests you on the calendar at wellfleet-ma.gov for details. All meetings are at Town Hall unless otherwise indicated.
Thursday, April 10
- Nauset District Wellness Advisory Committee, 3:30 p.m., Nauset Admin. Bldg., Orleans
- Local Housing Partnership, 4 p.m., online only
- Nauset Regional School Committee, 6 p.m., Middle School, Nauset Rm.
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., Adult Community Center
Monday, April 14
- Marina Advisory Committee, 6 p.m., Adult Community Center
Tuesday, April 15
- Select Board, 6 p.m., Adult Community Center
Conversation Starters
Watershed Plan Amendments
The select board voted unanimously on April 8 to approve and endorse a series of amendments to the town’s long-awaited targeted watershed management plan (TWMP). They were all proposed by outgoing vice chair Michael DeVasto. Consultants Scott Horsley and Anastasia Rudenko will incorporate them into the plan draft to be sent to the Mass. Environmental Policy Office.
The amendments clarify home sales-based triggers for septic upgrades and outline a phased approach to implementing enhanced innovative alternative (EIA) septic systems. Amendments place a five-year hold on requiring upgrades for otherwise-compliant households in the proposed “Scenario B” expanded sewer district.
“I think it’s necessary in the first five years to determine whether there’s any additional sewering that makes sense financially, equitably, and environmentally,” DeVasto told the Independent. Despite its upfront costs, sewering is more efficient at removing nitrogen from wastewater.
DeVasto said that the select board expects to review the final watershed plan with amendments for submission on April 29.
Not So Negative
In 2023, the rating agency Standard and Poor’s downgraded the town of Wellfleet’s bond rating to “AA+ stable with negative outlook” because of its inability to have free cash certified by the state or complete audits in time. On April 3, the town announced its rating had been upgraded to “AA+ stable.” —Tyler Jager
