Contacting Town Officials
 

The Advisory Committee is composed of 15 residents appointed by the Moderator.  The term of office for each member is 3 years.  

The Committee considers all matters included within the articles of any warrant for a Town Meeting.  The Committee conducts public meetings to examine the matters before it and publishes a written report of its recommendations or comments on each article.  A copy of the Advisory Committee Report is mailed to all residences at least 7 days prior to each town meeting.

The Advisory Committee holds a public hearing prior to making final decisions on its recommendations.

Article 11 of the Town Bylaw governs the structure and activities of the Advisory Committee.

The Board of Selectmen serves as the chief executive board of the Town, and as such, oversees all matters affecting the interest and welfare of the community.  The Board exercises the authority vested in the Town not specifically assigned by law to any other board or office.

The Board of Selectmen is comprised of five Board Members who are responsible for appointing qualified persons to a number of positions, including Executive Director of General Government Services, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Town Counsel. The Board appoints the members of several town committees, including the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Registrars of Voters (3 of its 4 members), the Council on Aging, the Municipal Light Plant (2 of its 5 members), the Contributory Retirement Board (1 of its 5 members), and the Wellesley Housing Partnership Committee.

The Board is also responsible for coordinating the preparation of General Government budgets, and prepares and administers budgets pertaining to the following: Central Administrative Services, Risk Management (Insurance), Law, Memorial and Veteran's Days, Metrowest, Parking Fine Processing, Traffic and Parking Management, Sealer of Weights & Measures, Building Maintenance Services, Town Report, and Unemployment Compensation.

The Board acts as licensing authority with regard to alcoholic beverages, restaurants, public conveyances, etc; administers the Board of Selectmen's appointment authority responsibilities (terms of office, maintenance of talent bank, resumes, and appointment of personnel to public safety departments); administers the Town's Risk Management Program; and administers scholarship programs. It also coordinates, publishes and distributes the annual Town Report, and develops Warrants for Town Meetings.

The Office of the Board of Selectmen oversees Town Hall maintenance (including staff direction), maintains conference room assignments in the Town Hall for Town government committees, and maintains buildings not under the jurisdiction of any other board. Staff also address public safety issues, i.e. traffic warning and regulatory signs, pavement markings, traffic engineering, and on and off street parking facilities, including meter maintenance.

The Board also has the responsibility to assign house numbers; estimate, modify and maintain voting precincts; administer various leases involving Town property; administer grant applications when applicable, and perform Ombudsman functions for the Town.

Last updated: June 26, 2007