Staying on top of what's going on around Westwood is easier than ever! The town has several options - on a variety of platforms - for all residents to stay on top of public safety information, school, and town business. Residents can visit the town website, and click on "stay connected" on the main page.
ALERT Westwood
ALERT Westwood is used for all emergency and non-emergency notifications. Once enrolled, residents have the option to receive notifications via phone, text message, email, or a combination of the three. To enroll in ALERT Westwood, please click here.
Westwood Wire
The Westwood Wire is a monthly e-newsletter that includes news provided by the Town and information from local groups and organizations within the community. To subscribe to the Westwood Wire, please click here.
Westwood Word
The Westwood Word is the town's print publication mailed to all residential homes three times per year, April (Spring/Summer), September (Fall), and January (Winter). Westwood Word highlights events, happenings, and news within Westwood through town and community submissions. To see the latest Westwood Word, please click here.
Social Media
Westwood has two social media accounts that are actively updated.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Website Notifications
Residents have the option to sign up for specific email updates of their choice to stay up-to-date on all town news or just specific information from a particular town board or committee.
To see subscription options, please click here.
  
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Westwood Annual Town Meeting
Monday, May 1, 2023 |
The Town of Westwood governs with Open Town Meeting, one of the purest forms of democratic governance giving our registered voters a chance to voice their opinions and directly affect change in the community.
This is the last in the series of our Citizen's Guide to Town Meeting.
Motions, Votes, Rules of Debate, and Vote Counting at Town Meeting
Who May Speak? Registered voters may speak according to the following procedures. Speaking limits are subject to Town Meeting consent:
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Speakers, other than presenters are limited to five (5) minutes, or as determined by the Town Moderator, with the opportunity to speak again if there is new information to add after others have had a turn to comment.
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Motions, presentations, questions, and comments will be made only when a voter is recognized by the Moderator. (The Moderator presides at Town Meeting and is responsible for ruling on procedural matters, overseeing orderly debate, and preserving decorum.) Speakers must state their name and address for the record and must either use the provided podium at the front of the meeting or wait to be recognized and handed a microphone.
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ONLY questions of procedure or points of order can be made from the floor without first being formally recognized by the Moderator.
Motions, Motions to Amend, and Votes Required
- An article on the warrant states a question for Town Meeting attendees to answer. A motion is a proposed answer to the question and must be within the scope (intent) of the article.
- The recommendation of the Finance and Warrant Commission is the first motion under an article and is considered the main motion.
- The motion of the Finance and Warrant Commission is open for discussion by the voters.
- Motions to amend the main motion, which are within the scope of the warrant article, may be made on Town Meeting floor.
- The vote required to pass a main motion depends on substantive law. As a rule, it is a majority of those present and voting but there are many instances in which a statute requires some other proportion, such as two-thirds or even four-fifths. This is a question that the Moderator and Town Counsel must annually check carefully, because statutes may change from year to year.
- The Moderator will announce the voting requirement before each vote is taken.
- All action taken by Town Meeting is taken by votes upon motions.
Motions for Indefinite Postponement
- A motion for indefinite postponement is equivalent to a motion that no action be taken under the article and such motion may not be amended.
- If the voters defeat the motion for indefinite postponement, by majority vote, favorable action on the subject matter of the article requires a motion to that effect.
Motions to Reconsider
Rules of Debate and Vote Counting
- A voter desiring to speak should rise, await recognition by the Moderator, identify themselves when recognized, and stand while speaking.
- The debate will focus on the motion being discussed.
- The Moderator determines whether votes will be taken by Electronic or voice vote. If votes are taken by voice vote the Moderator determines whether the motion “carried” or was lost. If the Moderator cannot decide by the sound of voices, or if the announcement by the Moderator that the voice vote is doubted by seven (7) or more voters raising their hands for that purpose, the Moderator shall without debate, determine the vote by ordering an electronic vote.
This article includes portions of the "Citizen's Guide to Town Meetings" published by the Office of the Secretary of State, Town Meeting Time, A Handbook of Parlimentary Law and the Town's Charter and General Bylaws.
If you have questions about Town Meeting, you can contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-326-3964.
The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members:
- Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee
- Westwood Cultural Council
- Westwood Commission on Disability
- Cemetery Commission
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee
Please click here for more information. Check back often, as we will continue to update vacancies as needed.
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Did you know...
...that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month?
The Town of Westwood values and seeks to recognize the diversity of our community. Please reach out to westwoodwire@townhall.westwood.ma.us with any suggestions for these monthly highlights.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Are you ready for new challenges and new opportunities?
For a list of all openings, please visit www.townhall.westwood.ma.us and click on “Jobs”.
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More News from the Town Clerk's Office...
2023 Dog Licensing
- All dogs six months of age or older, must be licensed annually per M.G.L.ch 140§137, and Town Bylaws Ch.184
- You may license your dog online, in person, or by mail.
- Please include a copy of a current rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering.
- Failure to license your dog(s) may result in a fine per Town Bylaws Ch. 184§10.C(1)
- Dog licenses are valid January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023
- If you own more than four (4) dogs, this is considered a “Personal Kennel” per MGL c. 140 §136A. You must go through a special permit application process through the Zoning Board of Appeals to license a kennel.
Licensing Fees:
- Dogs not Neutered or Spayed: $15.00
- Dogs Neutered or Spayed: $10.00
- Fee is waived for residents ages 70 or older, one dog per household.
- Postage (if licensing by mail): $1.00
- Kennel fees-please contact the Town Clerk’s office
Please be sure to include the correct licensing fees. If you are unsure, please contact the Town Clerk's office.
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2023 Annual Town Census (Annual Street Listing)
What is the purpose of the annual town census/street listing?
Massachusetts General Laws require that cities and towns conduct an annual census of their residents as of January 1st of each year. The local census data assists in maintaining voting and jury lists as well as aiding in school enrollment projections, veterans’ benefits, proof of residency, public safety and senior citizen needs.
Each household should have received a census in early January. Households that did not respond will be receiving a second notice. If your household did not receive a census, click here to download a blank form.
It is extremely important that you complete, sign and return the census form and return it as soon as possible by mail, in person or via email: census@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Failure to return the Annual Town Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4).
- Please note: you may not register to vote or change parties via the census form.
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For information on registering to vote or changing political parties, please click here.
Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Westwood Public Schools
During the week of May 8, 2023, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Westwood Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.
Parents and other individuals may call Mr. Moses Nduati, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3707 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Westwood Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the Westwood Public Schools meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Westwood Public Schools requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports.
Pine Hill Elementary School Building Project
Westwood High School Promenade
Upcoming Events
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NEVER MISS ANY COLLECTIONS OR EVENTS
Download the free Recycle Coach App for all calendar schedules, reminders, events, "do’s & don’ts" and "what goes where" at your finger tips!
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Canton Street
Clapboardtree Street
Coach Lane
Meadowbrook Road
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Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/bulk, etc.) to be collected must be at curbside by 7 am on your scheduled day.
Any missed pick-ups (that were at curbside by 7 am) need to be reported to dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us or (781) 251-2587 within 24 hours of your scheduled day.
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Check out these helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Mosquito Control
The Town of Westwood is a member of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District which provides mosquito control activities. The District conducts monitoring to detect disease, water management to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in existing drainage swales and systems, larval control to control mosquitoes before they become flying adults, and adult control to manage mosquitoes. Aerial larval applications are conducted over wetlands for nuisance control in the spring. Adult Control (adulticiding) is conducted from truck-mounted equipment (mosquito spraying) and is conducted every week, weather permitting in the evenings after sunset by request only. Visit the District’s website at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org for more information.
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Private Well Regulations
Please be advised that these regulations require that a water quality test be conducted and a copy of the results forwarded to the Board of Health office prior to a change in ownership of the property on which the private well is located. This applies to both drinking water and irrigation wells. Please refer to the Private Well Regulations for more information on the required tests. If you have any questions please call Jared Orsini, Health Director (781) 320-1026.
Special Lectures at the Westwood Public Library
- Historian Paolo DiGregorio discusses Post-War America: Prosperity, Paranoia, and Transformation (1945-1970), Tuesday, April 25th at 10 am
- Fountains, Piazzas, and More: A live-streaming Tour, Tuesday, May 9th at 1 pm
- $5 per program (includes light refreshments)
- PLEASE PARK ACROSS THE STREET AT THE MASON’S PARKING LOT
- Please sign-up in advance.
Special Programs
Annual Community Shredding Day
Three (3) bags maximum per household, please.
Senior Center parking lot
Sponsored by District Attorney Michael Morrisey
Thursday, May 4th at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Rain or Shine
Lunch and Learn: Don’t Pour Sugar on Me - A Discussion on Diabetes
Senior Center
Sponsored by Big Y Pharmacy
Monday, May 8th at noon
AARP Smart Driver Safety Course
Monday, May 15th at 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Ladies (and Gents) Annual High Tea
Thursday, May 25th at noon
Travel with Trish
Loring Greenough House
Wednesday, June 7, 9:45 am - 2:30 pm
To sign up, please contact the Senior Center at 781-329-8799.
Westwood Council on Aging is on Facebook!
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- Tuesday, April 25th at 6:30 pm in the Meeting Room at Westwood Public Library, 660 High Street.
- If you'd like to read at the Open Mic-- Bring a poem of your own to read or read a favorite poem by someone else!
- Signups start at the door, at 6:15 or email Lynne Viti - lviti@wellesley.edu
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Westwood Recreation is on Facebook!
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"TJ" Tedeschi, Deputy Director
West Suburban Veterans' Services District
Mondays 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Westwood Council on Aging
(781) 489-7509
ttedeschi@westsuburbanveterans.com
Westwood Veterans may call or email Mr. Tedeschi to schedule an appointment.
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Westwood Youth & Family Services in on Facebook!
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Summer Campership Award - Apply Now!
Westwood Community Chest (WCC) is now accepting applications for campership awards, due May 19th. This program provides financial scholarships to help Westwood families in need to send their children to summer camp.
- All school-aged children (entering grades K through 12 in September) residing in Westwood are eligible.
- Campership Award limit - $800 per child per fiscal year.
- Awards are paid directly to the camp.
- Campership Awards are granted separately from our temporary financial assistance awards program.
Click here for the online application and more information.
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Westwood Community Chest is on Facebook! |
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