Interested in volunteering for a Town Board, Committee or Commission?
Select Board Appointments
Are you interested in serving your community? The Town of Westwood is looking for residents to volunteer to serve on many of its local Boards, Committees or Commissions. You can choose your area of expertise from Finance to Environmental to better serve your community. Resident participation results in a stronger and more responsive local government. The below listed Boards are currently seeking members, but the Town has many other Boards and Committees that do not have membership restrictions. Please contact the Select Board’s Office if you would like to learn more about any board/committee.
The Westwood Select Board is looking for interested volunteers to fill the following vacancies:
NEW Opening: Dedham Westwood Water District - Board of Commissioners
Dedham Westwood Water District - One Commission Member opening (posted on October 28, 2024, and applications received through November 19, 2024, see here for more information)
The Dedham-Westwood Water District (DWWD) was created by the Massachusetts legislature in 1985 to operate as a self-supporting unit of local government.
The Water Commissioners are responsible for the Public Water Supply System which serves the Towns of Dedham and Westwood. This consists of securing adequate and pure water supplies, financing and construction of all facilities, buildings, tanks, pipes, and any works necessary to ensure the collection, pumping, treatment, and distribution of water for domestic purposes and fire protection. The Water Commission establishes and collects rates for metered water services and for fire sprinkler lines and hydrants as necessary to maintain the financial stability of the Water System.
The Dedham Westwood Water Commission is comprised of six (6) members: three (3) of whom shall be inhabitants of and registered voters in the Town of Westwood, and three (3) of whom shall be inhabitants of and registered voters in the Town of Dedham. No such member shall hold any elective or appointive office, or be an employee of, either of said towns.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee - Two Member Openings (posted on June 24, 2024, and accepting applications until filled)
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee seeks to make Westwood a more "walkable" and "bikeable" community by engaging residents and Town departments in an ongoing process of identifying needs, designing solutions, and implementing improvements. The Committee researches ideas on how to encourage walking and biking by consulting with neighboring towns, attending presentations from local agencies, meeting with our own Public Works Department, and seeking input from Westwood residents.
If you would like to be considered for appointment, please send a copy of your resume and a completed statement of interest via email to the Select Board, or via mail to the Select Board Office at 580 High Street, Westwood MA, 02090.
Recreation Commission - One Member Opening (posted on May 29, 2024, and accepting applications until filled)
The Recreation Commission is an advisory and policy-making board representing the residents of Westwood. This board, consisting of residents appointed by the Board of Selectmen, advises and supports the year-round department programs, activities, and community events. The Recreation Commission also assists the department with the management and use of fields and recreation facilities on Town sites. The goal of the commission is to ensure that the department provides diverse programming that stimulates physical, social, creative, athletic, and educational development.
If you would like to be considered for appointment, please send a copy of your resume and a completed statement of interest via email to the Select Board, or via mail to the Select Board Office at 580 High Street, Westwood MA, 02090.
Cemetery Commission - Member (accepting applications until filled)
The Cemetery Commission is responsible for overseeing all of the cemeteries in Westwood. It is also responsible for the implementation of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations. This is a three year appointment. The Town does not have a separate cemetery department. The Public Works Department performs the work. The Highway Superintendent performs the duties of the Cemetery Superintendent who is responsible to the Cemetery Commission and carries out policies set by them. The Cemetery Superintendent has full responsibility for the • Cemetery grounds, buildings and equipment, including operation and maintenance thereof; • Arrangement of burials, removals and any other necessities for the benefit of proprietors of lots and other issues of the Westwood Cemeteries; and • Enforcement of all laws, rules or regulations affecting the rights of proprietors or the conduct of visitors.
Commission on Disability - Member (accepting applications until filled)
The mission of the Commission on Disability is to provide information, referral, guidance, and technical assistance to residents and Town departments on matters of disability. The Commission on Disability seeks people with disabilities to bring their insights, skills, and energy to this important work. People without disabilities are also welcome, especially if they have experience with people with disabilities and/or with inclusive design implementation. (Term begins July 1, 2024. Applications accepted until appointments are filled.)
Historical Commission - Members (accepting applications until filled)
The Westwood Historical Commission is committed to the preservation of Westwood’s historic places; acts in the public interest with regard to historic preservation concerns within the community; and works with other Town boards and commissions in planning and implementing programs for the identification, evaluation, and protection of Westwood’s historic resources. The Commission holds meetings open to the public and invites input and comments from Westwood residents.
Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee - Members (accepting applications until filled)
The Town of Westwood is committed to ensuring that housing opportunities are available to all residents, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, familial status or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Further, the Town is committed to increasing the diversity of housing opportunities within the Town to support housing of choice for residents of any age or income status.
There are several entities within and supported by Town government that work toward achieving these Housing goals.
Westwood Cultural Council - Members - (Posted on April 8, 2024, and accepting applications until filled)
Westwood Cultural Council (WCC) helps provide cultural opportunities for residents of the community. Annually, WCC gives grants to applicants wishing to provide opportunities in the arts, humanities and sciences to various segments of Westwood’s residents. The Council receives grant funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to promote excellence, access, education & diversity in the arts, sciences and humanities to improve the community, economics & quality of life of Westwood.
Let us know that you are interested!
If you are interested in serving on any of these Boards and Committees, please send a copy of your resume and a statement of interest to describe how you could contribute to the mission of the board/committee.
Statement of Interest Application
If you would like to be considered for appointment, please send a copy of your resume and a completed statement of interest via email to the Select Board, or via mail to the Select Board Office at 580 High Street, Westwood MA, 02090.
Town Moderator Appointments
Finance and Warrant Commission: A Finance and Warrant Commission of 15 members shall be appointed for 3-year overlapping terms. Members shall serve without compensation and no member may hold any other elective or appointive town position during the member's term of office.
Permanent Building Committee: A Permanent Building Commission of not more than 7 members shall be appointed for 3-year overlapping terms. In making appointments to the permanent building commission, the moderator shall endeavor to include town residents with architecture, engineering or construction experience, or knowledge of state public bidding laws. Members shall serve without compensation.
Personnel Board: A Personnel Board of 5 persons shall be appointed for 3-year overlapping terms. Members shall serve without compensation. It shall be the responsibility of the board to administer and to propose periodic revisions of the town classification and compensation plan, under the General Laws.
Primarily, appointments are made after the May Town Meeting, but occasionally when vacancies are created during a term, new members are sought to fill those vacancies.
The Town Moderator is looking for registered voters of Westwood who are interested to volunteer to serve your town, be part of a team and to continue making Westwood a great place to live and work.
Although we do not always have vacancies, the Moderator is always looking for residents who are interested in serving the town. If you are interested in seeking to be appointed to any of these bodies, please email the Moderator at the following email address:
James.osullivan@townhall.westwood.ma.us
