Weston Select Board approves wetlands regulations, extends town manager three years

WESTON — April 23, 2024 — Weston Select Board approves wetlands rules, extends town manager, and bids farewell to Chris Houston. The board voted 3-0 to adopt the Conservation Commission's wetlands protection regulations implementing the May 2023 bylaw, codifying a 25-foot no-disturb zone and protecting vernal pool habitat — including pools in residential lawns — after a same-day amendment closed a definitional gap. Town Administrator Leon Gaumond received a three-year extension at a $237,500 base with 2.5 percent annual increases, severance extended from eight to 10 months and Juneteenth added as a holiday. The board declined the town's right of first refusal on 3.5 landlocked acres at 300 Conant Road, where the owner plans a leaf composting operation. Member Tom Palmer questioned whether a $720,000 CPA request to restore the 1937 Central Cemetery gateway requires full historic-standards reconstruction at roughly double the alternative cost, saying "I'm not sure anybody would know the difference." Chair Laurie Bent credited Houston with overseeing the resurfacing of 45.7 of Weston's 87 miles of public roads.