Five Things You Missed at Monday's Selectmen Meeting

1. New Finance Director. Board members met and spoke briefly with the town's new finance director, Brian Keveny, before ratifying his hiring by Town Administrator Fred Turkington.

Keveny .

“Transparency is a thing that I’ve always supported," Keveny told selectmen when asked about his views on financial management. "The more information you give people … the better off the whole environment is in the community. Wayland is a Aaa town. I’m going to focus on strong financial management."

Keveny is coming to Wayland from Winchester where he has served as that town's comptroller.

2. Town Audit Results. Scott McIntyre, a representative with Melanson & Heath, told selectmen that the town's FY2012 audit "went quite well."

"The books and records were well-reconciled," McIntyre said. "Our auditor’s opinion … your financial statements are totally in accordance."

McIntyre did say the town could consider producing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) that would not "eliminate questions" but would "put more information out there."

He also noted that the audit firm understood one individual was responsible for all transactions connected to some school revolving accounts, which wasn't ideal.

"That creates a situation of incompatible duties," McIntyre said. "More specifically, it creates risk. It creates the risk that there could be irregularities. We know the school is looking into this."

The firm made a number of recommendations -- the documents are available online -- and the town has provided a draft response, though the final version of the letter is not yet available.

3. New Firefighter/Paramedic. Town Clerk Lois Toombs conducted the swearing in ceremony for Colin Richardson, the newest firefighter/paramedic with the Wayland Fire Department. For more on this part of the meeting, see "Wayland Fire Welcomes New Firefighter/Paramedic."

4. Budget Initiatives Vote. Selectmen voted unanimously to recommending funding in the FY14 budget for a new firefighter/paramedic and a new police officer. Board members split 3-2, however, in favor of recommending funding for WaylandCares in the next operating budget. For more on this story, see "."

5. Personnel Board Appointment. Selectmen unanimously appointed Jessica Green to the town's Personnel Board. She will fill a position vacated by Jane Evans, who resigned at the end of 2012. The term is set to expire June 30, 2016.

Bonus item: The conversation about selectmen's office hours began at the meeting and was finalized later. According to the Town of Wayland website, Steve Correia and John Bladon will be available for conversations with residents on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m. at Wayland Town Building.