Nugent v. Town of Wellesley

Ten taxpayers challenge the manner in which Wellesley transferred to a natural resources commission certain powers and duties formerly vested in a board of public works. On cross-motions for summary judgment, judgment was entered in favor of the town. We affirm.

As a first step, the Wellesley town meeting,2 sitting in special session on January 31, 1978, enacted a by-law establishing a natural resources commission of five members to be elected by ballot. At an adjourned session of the same special town meeting held February 13, 1978, the town voted to authorize its selectmen to petition the…