By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD —— Plans are well-underway for “Town Day,” which will take place on the Lower Common on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1-4 p.m.
This year, the Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead in organizing the event, with support from the town’s Economic Development Coordinator Erin Kokinda and Communications Director Jenn McDonald.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Smolinsky appeared before the Town Council last week to provide an update on preparations for this year’s event. He noted that Town Day brings people together in a welcoming manner for family-friendly activities. About 70 vendors are expected this year, including a number of town departments and committees.
Smolinsky said that meetings have been held with the Police Department and other town officials to help pull the event together.
Town Day will feature at least nine food vendors, Smolinsky said. There will also be a beer vendor. Activities will include face-painting, jugglers, music performances, a DJ and more.
The Health Department will be offering flu and COVID shots at Town Day.
Smolinsky reminded the board that last year’s event was held despite a steady rain making for soggy conditions. This year, he said, a rain date had been scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 28. Eighty percent of the vendors have indicated that they would be available for the rain date.
Town Meeting date set
The Town Council set the fall Regular Town Meeting for Saturday, Nov. 8 beginning at 8 a.m. and officially opened the Town Meeting warrant. They set the warrant closing date as Friday, Oct. 3 at 12 noon.
Councilor Brian Fox asked why some Town Meetings are held on weekday evenings and others take place on Saturday mornings.
Town Council Chair Mehreen Butt explained that the spring Annual Town Meeting includes the town budget and it often takes multiple sessions to get through the warrant while the fall Regular Town Meeting warrant can usually be completed in one morning session.
Easement request granted
The Town Council granted an easement request to allow the relocation of a Verizon utility pole on Farm Street as part of the new high school construction project. Town Counsel Thomas Mullen told the board that he had reviewed the easement request and saw no issues with it.
Water Street matter postponed
Mullen asked the board to put off to its next meeting an agenda item related to a confirmatory deed involving two Water Street properties. He said the added time will allow him to prepare a written memorandum.
Funds transferred
The board voted to transfer $1 million from the General Fund to the Debt Service Capital Needs account.
Donations accepted
The Town Council voted to accept donations from various donors totaling $250 to the Council on Aging and $1,827 in donations to the library.
Appointments
The Town Council appointed Kathleen Tuhy to a three-year term on the Traffic Advisory Committee.