Welcome everybody to our meeting tonight, Thursday, April 2nd. Um, calling the meeting to order. With us, we have uh Kevin O'Neal, Denise Luciano, Bob Kimber, Roger Masan, myself. Uh, let's start with the pledge of
allegiance, please. >> Peter, here. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Okay. Thank you. I'd like to start off. Uh we have a a mat matriarch of Norton that just recently passed away. Uh some of you might have known her, Mrs. Schliker. Um, she was how old, Kevin?
How old? 96 years old. So, if we could, um, I'd like to pay respects with a moment of silence, please. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. There's a funeral 4 to 8 at North Memorial Clap Street on t next Tuesday.
>> Next Tuesday. Okay. In in regards to Mrs. Schwiker, uh her funeral is next Tuesday at Norton Memorial Funeral Home on Clap Street from 4 to 8:00 p.m. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
Okay. We're going to start off with uh proclamation for uh the fifth and sixth grade uh hockey championship won by uh the Norton Sharon co-op team, the middle
school hockey team. Uh let's see. In recognition, they won at Foxboro Sports Center the division championship for the middle school league. Is that right? Yeah. Wonderful. Congratulations, kids.
Uh, WE'D LIKE Do the kids want to come up for a picture with this proclamation? >> Do we want to bring it up? >> Bring it up. >> Like behind the logo or
>> How about right here? How about right here? >> Yeah, I can. >> Is that good? >> Yeah, that works. Plus, we want to move this up so we can see the logo. >> Who are the coaches? You got Kevin. You guys are the coaches. >> Awesome. One of you kids want to hold
this up in front of you in the middle. >> All these kids are taller than me. >> Okay, good. So, don't go anywhere because we have a few more. >> But wait, there's more. >> Yep. From uh representatives, Mr. Steve Howitt and Mike Chason, if you guys want to come up and deliver those to the
kids. If you guys can say a few words, that'd be great. >> That's yours. You can keep. >> Yeah, you. This is for you guys. >> Grab any microphone. Should work. >> Well, it's always exciting. This this is one of the things that we really enjoy doing is coming and acknowledging all
your hard work. And uh so we have a a citation from the House of Representatives going to the team and then we'll uh my colleague um Representative Chasen will read your names and we'll each hand you your individual citations. Hopefully we got
the spelling right and if there's any problem with it, just let us know. We can correct it. So, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives be hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to the Norton Sharon White Hockey Team in
recognition of your outstanding victory in the Foxboro Sports Center Middle School League Division Championship. The entire membership extends its very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors given this 15th
day of March 2026 at the state house Boston Massachusetts by Ronald Mariano Speaker of the House and by your state representatives state representative Michael Chasen and myself Steven Howitt congratulations. All right. So, congratulations, guys.
Uh, what I got here is very similar, but these are individualized and personalized for each one of you guys. So, I'm going to read off the names. Um, and if you want to just come up, we'll grab a picture after and I'll hand them out. Um, we have Olivia. Is that
correct? Here you go. Congratulations, Mason. Reese, JJ, Zoe, Andrew Uh, Avery and Ryan.
So, congratulations. Uh, it's not easy, but um, your hard work pays off and, uh, hopefully that will be a little motivation for next season. >> Pictures, guys. >> Yeah, we got pictures. Just just one one one more thing. We want to thank the coaches because you're volunteering your
time and uh everyone really appreciates it because you stepped up and you did a great coaching job. Thank you. >> Uh just thank you for all the players, the coaches, the families. Uh it was a team effort. There was a 20ame regular
season followed by playoffs. It was a two playoff wins. The final win was in outstanding form, three to nothing if I'm reading this correctly. And so, thank you to the coaches, Kevin Schlaker Jr. and Tony Rabby and Chris Polyacino.
Um, this is wonderful. Thank you all. Hold my neck. >> Good job, kiddos. >> Good job. Welcome back. Take care. You're welcome. Thanks. Thank you. >> Thank you. Loving that girl power on the
team. Well, uh, guess we could adjourn. I mean, what else do we have to say? >> Nothing else important. >> Take care. >> Hey, thank you. See you. >> See you, buddy. >> See you, Mike. >> Okay. And Steven Howard.
>> All right. So, we'll move right on to the appointments, resignations, retirements. First up, we have appointment to park and rec commission. Uh, term expiring March 31st, 2029 for Mr. Kevin O'Neal. >> Want me to get up there? >> Yeah, I can do that.
>> Say whatever you want like everybody else. Right. >> There you go. So, Mr. O'Neal comes highly recommended. >> We don't know about that, but All right. Thank you. So, I'll just read my letter that I wrote to the uh park and rec
director and the select board. I'd like to be considered for your open position on the recreation commission. I have been a Norton resident for 38 years during which time our family has benefited from all the departments great programs as we were raising our children. Now, as an older resident along with young grandchildren in town,
I find myself with a passion and motivation to assist you and the commission with your ongoing work of maintaining and advancing programs for Northern residents of all ages. Um, I know firsthand the value that you provide through events such as cleanup
day, the Halloween parade, Easter egg hunt, adult basketball, along with the relatively new and creative events such as the uh sports gear swap and the townwide uh yard sale and of course your involvement with the renewed founders day. I appreciate all that you do and
the commission does in hopes to be a part of it. So, park and record has been a big part of our family's life. Um, when I was raising my children, a lot of these events we attended every year. I even participated in the adult uh basketball
program when I first moved to town uh 30 plus years ago. and park and wreck provides all of the events, the um opportunity for people in town to kind of become engaged um in the community
and uh meet neighbors and and uh kind of be friends along the way. I think it's a real core aspect of the of the community as far as uh you know providing >> engagement community and as far as the
what we get for return on investment with a part-time park and rec director. The return on investment, you know, the bang for the buck is um unbelievable when you think about everything that the town benefits from the work that the park and recck department does. They need volunteers to continue to go to do
it. I went to the Easter egg hunt the other day and the whole thing lasts about two hours, right, Melissa? But I'm sure that there were hours and hours of work and many people involved to produce those two hours of fun for the little kids. >> So I want to be able to uh help them
out. I know they're short-handed. There are openings on the park and rec commission >> and also to help um >> forge ahead with potentially >> you know growth and new development and uh new programs and um >> you know as we move forward the best
that we can do. Everything is built upon volunteer hours for the most part with a lot of things that we do. So, I'm volunteering. So, I appreciate your uh your support. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Kevin. >> You didn't have to say a word. We would have done it anyway.
>> Melissa, would you like to say anything >> in support? I hope. >> No, we would love to have Kevin and his support and I see him at the events and I see many of you at the events, too. But we're happy to have him and looking forward to working with you. Yep. Same
here. >> Thank you. >> Perfect. >> Awesome. >> Great addition, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we appoint uh Kevin O'Neal to the Park and Recck Commission. >> Second. Motion in a second. All in favor? I >> I >> Okay. Welcome.
>> Thank you. >> While you're up there, don't go far. >> While I'm up here. Yep. Mhm. >> So, the park and recck department um they actually share an office with the open space committee and are part of the same master plan, open space and
recreation. I don't if you guys remember reading the 2021 master plan for Norton. So, they do a lot of things together and I think it'll be good if I can serve on both uh committees to help bring help bring that synergy together. maybe um
you know share some uh ideas and thoughts and um solutions and that kind of thing and resources. So, here's a letter that I wrote to uh John Thomas, the open space committee uh director. Um I've been a Norton
resident 38 years. Uh I want to support your mission around enhancing open space and recreation. As a bicyclist, hiker, kayaker, and general enthusiast of the outdoors, I'll bring a passion to this role to the betterment of Norton's vast natural resources. So,
I have a passion for all these things, parks and wreck and open space. And we all have our thing on the board. Um, this will be my thing, and I hope you uh support me on this one. And by the way, um I I didn't mention this, but I have uh
two grandchildren in town. So my extra passion and motivation comes from watching them grow up in the town that I raise my kids in and trying to provide the same level of resources and uh you know, opportunities. So thanks. >> Perfect. Thank you, Kevin. >> Mr. Chairman, I make a motion we appoint
Kevin O'Neal to the Open Space Committee term expiring March 31st, 2029. Second >> motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> thank you, Kevin. >> Couldn't think of a more um perfect
person for the job. >> Thanks. >> Yeah, >> great. >> Okay, moving on. We have we have um we have something clerically we need to address with the next two possible
constable appointments. Is that correct, Mr. the town manager that we have to look into. Is that correct? >> Um I I believe >> Mr. Chairman, he may not be aware of it. >> Okay. >> I spoke to the town clerk before the meeting. Um per the town charter, not
the state law, we're required to have no more than five constables. And I'm told by the town clerk that she believes that all five of those positions are full. So, we need to find out if there's any positions available before we make the appointments.
>> Um, so, so one of these is a reappoint. So, that one would be okay, >> right? >> Okay. >> Okay. Let me I I can check the state law real quick while we're at it. >> It's the Tom Carter. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, I don't know if either one of those
applicants are here and if they want to uh speak, they can speak. And if uh we can vote on it later so that they don't have to come back. If they'd like to come up, I think that we can listen to them now. >> I think that would be great. >> Good evening. >> Thank you for having us. Um myself and
my son Ross. Ross grew up here. Uh I've been a resident for 40 years. I have my own uh personal protection business that I do now. I'm just looking to move forward with that with a constable. Uh figuring I could be a use to the town
for that and grow my business as well. So, thank you very much. So, Mr. the town manager if if it checks out that we do have five full uh and we don't have the two uh positions available is that something that uh the board would be
able to uh add two more positions so on the fly our our charter has no restrictions as to number of constables I can check state law if you give me another moment >> okay Sure.
>> You guys Norton residents, both of you, >> correct? >> Yeah. >> Good. >> And Mr. Chair, I can attest to that. >> Mark used to be a custodian at the high school years ago. >> And um Ross, didn't you play baseball a
long time ago in town? >> Yeah, about 30 years ago. Yeah, I played played baseball years ago and uh played football through middle school and high school and wrestled. >> I think I might have coached you a hundred years ago. Yeah, I apologize. >> Yeah, this is not one of my preferred sports
>> or umpire. >> Yeah, for sure. >> While we're waiting on that, Mr. Chair, could we um take care of the reappoint of uh constable for uh Benny W. Keen the third? >> We could. I would love a motion on that.
It's fine, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. I make a motion that we uh reappoint uh Benton W. Keen the third as council. >> Second. >> Term term from May 1st, 2026 till April
30th, 2031. >> So we have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Unanimous. Okay. So So the the charter is silent and the general law actually says towns can have
as many constables as they want. Mr. Chairman, just you just got a text from Jill saying she can't find anything >> and and the town clerk seems to agree. So, I'm not if if there is a if we can step it back if if if you're confident that
>> I have no objection to making the appointments. I just want to make sure we're doing it right. My recollection of the charter was when we established the charter way back we had about 11 constables in town and it was the intent of that charter to reduce those to
attrition down to five and that's what I remember. I I'm not finding it in the charter myself. I have no objection to appointing the gentleman as long as we're within the guidelines of our charter in in the laws. >> Yes, it's chapter 91A.
Uh it's sorry chapter 41 section 91A says quote as many constables as the selectmen deem necessary end quote. So >> would that would that supersede our charter? >> It would not. If the charter says
something different, the charter would supersede that. But the charter is silent on this issue. >> So could we >> the charter says the select board appoints constables. The only time the charter talks about constables. >> What section is that?
>> I just had it up. It's the section that defines the select board's powers. So that would be article three under select board appointments and then it lists constable. At minimum, if we don't have final clarity, could we make the appointment
contingent upon um clarification >> confirmation? Yeah. >> That that that we have uh you know the ability to do that unlimited amount of constables or or whatever the charter defines. >> I think that would make sense. If there's any issue, we can bring it back for clarification.
>> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we appoint Mark Parlor as a constable term May 1st, 2026 to April 30th, 2031. Um understanding that uh so long as it's
uh okay by the charter. Second motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we appoint Ross Parlan as a constable term from May 1st,
2026 till April 30th, 2031 with the same provision with the charter. >> Second motion and a second. All in favor? I >> I Okay. >> Thank you guys. I >> appreciate you willing to serve. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Okay. And we appointed Benny, reappointed Benny, right? >> Mhm. Okay. Next, licenses and permits. Uh, first one, off- premise liquor license transfer for Michelle's Corner
Store. Who is going to come up and speak to that? >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> I want to read the public hearing notice. >> Okay. Public hearing will be held on uh by the sole board on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 6 p.m. in a clean meeting
room Norton Town Hall 72 East Main Street to consider the application of Haley Corporation DBA Michelle's Corner Store located to 325 West Main Street Norton Mass 22766 for the transfer of section 15 all
alcohol package store license from Michelle's Corner Store Incorporated. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we open said hearing. Second >> motion and a second. All in favor? I >> I
>> Okay, here we go. >> Hi, my name is John Kodak. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Uh so we are here for transfer to the license from Michelle Condor market to the Haley Corporation. We will be run a good corporation as a Michelle been
doing here for long years and we will be we will be have a ID checker too in the show. Also my attorney um Eldex is also on a call and I'm also tip certified for the Michelle condor market and I'm sorry
for any confusion but this is my first time so >> it's okay take your time no pressure at all just us. Yeah, >> don't worry. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> we're all friends here. >> So So this is um
>> Jankee Cotch. >> Yeah. Junkie. >> And and you and Bavvesh Kumar Patel. >> Yes. >> Are the the co-owners? >> Oh, he's my uncle. >> Okay. >> Can you hear me? >> Oh, their attorney is here. Yeah,
>> Bassam, do you mind un unmuting their attorney? >> I can shoot him a text. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Bassim, can you please unmute Alex?
Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah, we can hear you, Alex. >> Great. Sorry about that. Good evening. My name is Alex Ba. I'm here representing the applicant Haley Corporation. I work at Democus offices in Lynn. >> Hi, welcome.
>> Hi. Um, the Junkie already introduced herself. Jonkey Kotac is the president, treasurer, secretary, 80% shareholder, and the proposed manager of record on the application. Uh, the applicant is purchasing all of the assets, including the all alcoholic beverage license from
Michelle's Corner Store Incorporated, who has been doing business as Michelle's Corner Store, located at 325 West Main Street in Norton. Uh, the business will continue operating as it is now. uh same name, same location,
same product sold, hours of operation. Um there will be no changes operationally. Uh the proposed manager record John Kotak has years of experience working in similar stores. She currently works at pages 3 beer and wine in Bridgewater.
Uh, and upon ABCC approval of this application and the closing of the transaction, Junkie will be full-time working at Michelle's Corner Store and will no longer work at the store in Bridgewater. Um, she also has experience
working at Sun Market in Norton. Um, she has never received a violation. She's TIP certified. Uh, she's familiar with the ID scanners in the store and current ID laws. uh she and she has a valid work authorization. So you know we are here
seeking approval of the transfer of the liquor license approval of Jon as manager of record and approval of the pledge of the license and inventory to Rockland Trust as a portion of the purchase price is being financed by Rockland Trust.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um Mr. Town manager, do we have all signoffs from our department heads town side? >> Yes, Mr. Chair, we do. >> Okay. So, Alex, can you state the the three which which three? She has three requests. Do we have to vote on each one
of those? >> Yes. So, my the the first request is approval of the the transfer of the liquor license from Michelle's Corner Store Incorporated to Haley Corporation. The second request um is approval of
John Kotac as the manager of record and the license. And the third request is approval of the pledge of the license and the inventory to Rockland Trust Company. >> To Rockland Trust. Okay. Does that sound We haven't done that before. >> Okay. I Yeah, I I thought we were just
approving the license. Um >> Well, you can you can see on the page one of the application, they kind of do it as a one-stop shop. So they require us to to ask for all three of those approvals on the transfer applications. >> Who's they?
>> The ABCC. >> So I do have um transfer of license checked as well as the two pledges. Um and then I state the new manager. >> So the first two make sense to me. Transferring the license and approving
the the license itself. >> Manager and approving the manager. >> Approving the manager. That that makes sense. the the bank. We don't >> I'm not sure about pledging to the bank. >> We I don't >> We've never done that. >> Anybody familiar with that? >> Nor do I think we should.
>> Okay. We I I I do a lot of these every month. We always just I I think it's more of a formality. Um but I mean if if you don't want to touch on that subject, I mean I've never been I've never had an issue with it or or have it come back. Um,
but that's fine. I I mean, I'm sure they've had that happen before, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, so regardless of the our findings on the number third uh topic here, this is an
open hearing and the agenda item does not include number two and number three. the agenda item simply is to transfer the lick of the license. So, we need to make sure that even if nobody had any issue with an
with the um attorney's uh request, it wasn't posted that way on our on our meeting. So, we you really can't vote beyond what the the agenda item says. Well, the the the the pledge of the license in the inventory is just a
portion of the the financing of the transfer application. So, it's not it's not an additional request. It's it's just it's found on question 11 or 12 of the application. So, it's right in there. It's all under the same application.
>> Yeah, Mr. here. I'm I'm not um I'm just saying on our end, did we were we as clear as possible on the agenda item, not the applicant, but in our house, it's not specific enough, I don't think, to have a public hearing around. So,
it's it's a valid concern. Definitely, we want to give the public notice of what's what's happening. the attorney general reads the open meeting law a little more broad to say as long as it's quote reasonably related end quote. Um
so it'd be up to the board whether the board thinks that these further requests are reasonably related to offremise liquor license transfer Michelle's corner store. That means was the board trying to uh
trying to not make clear to a member of the public that that this would come up and I I'm it could be read either way. Um Mr. Chair, so I'm not familiar with these. I'm new on this board, but it sounds
like from the other members that the other members are surprised this came up. So if it was a surprise to other members of the board, people in the general public who might be looking at our agenda probably are not fully informed. >> So if I could duly noted, Kevin, uh
we've Alex, this is a a question to you a more kind of a statement. our board and in and all uh liquor license transfers. Uh we have the steps that the department heads have to take uh to sign off to approve for this to go uh forward
to our board to be able to approve the transfer of the license. Uh the pledge of inventory and pledge of license, that's a legal matter between the parties that our board is not part of and we've never been part of. Does does
that make sense to you, Alex? >> Yes, that makes sense. The the pledge of the license in the inventory is just is just listed on the application. The ABCC requires us to state in connection with the transfer where the money is coming
from. So, typically on my applications, it will get sent back if we don't, you know, state that the license in the inventory is being pledged. um most of the applications I do pledge license in the inventory. Um so it really isn't
while it appears as a as a separate approval, it really just falls within the transfer because in order for the transfer to happen, uh we have to see where the financing is coming from. It it's really no more than that. >> And and it seems like the ABCC,
they're the ones looking for those separate pledge of inventory and pledge of license. by by their application. Uh our board in my opinion and correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Town Manager, but we
deal with the transfer of license itself and everything that falls in the legal bucket beyond that including pledge of inventory and pledge of license and finance and everything else that is not under our purview. It never has been and I don't remember ever getting notice
that it is. So, it's definitely clear on the ABCC application for license, transfer of license, these other boxes of pledge of inventory, but this is not ours. This is just a copy that's going to go to the ABCC. Uh what what we're supposed to do
is vote on the transfer of the license itself. That is what is in our purview. That's that's my opinion. >> I believe that's the cleanest way to do it. That that's what's listed here. And that's what I if there's something you need further maybe after ABC says you
really need this then you could come back but I'm I'm comfortable >> advising the board just to approve the license. >> Yes sir. >> The um past practice has been the town has a license. We we we give it to we
transfer it to whatever business we have in town who wants the license. We we sell it for nothing. We give it we give it away. When the license holder comes and says, "I want to transfer uh the license for to another individual,"
we already know that that license has value and we know that the bank is going to attach that license as part of the agreement. It's never had anything to do with the board. It has to do with the ABCC. >> So, when they're showing the inventory as far as the assets and and listing the
license separate, it really has nothing to do with us. We already gave that license away a long time ago. So I understand the concern, but for years we've been doing it this way. I've never seen it broken down by the financial part of it because we've never been
really we're not under >> we're not part of that financial transaction. So this is totally legit the way they've done it. They've put some additional information in here that we probably haven't had the exposure to in the past. And I can understand
Kevin's concern about it being beyond the scope of the U discussion, but this has nothing to do with us. So I I'm fully committed and then I agree that the transfer should allow be allowed and the banks and the property owners should negotiate their own deals, but we really
have nothing to do with it. >> I I agree. Thank you very much, sir. >> So you chair? >> Yes, sir. >> I would ma'am, sorry. I'm sorry. >> I would agree with all of that. Like we're certainly not in a position to make those pledges. We don't have the knowledge required for that number one. But
>> yeah, and uh you mentioned that usually there's other prerequisite checks like the fire department, police department. I'm not seeing that in the packet. Have have has that been obtained? >> Uh yes, there were about 30 pages of checks, but I I didn't include those.
>> I know they all completed. I'm just asking so if we do approve it, we can approve it contingent upon anything that might be outstanding. >> They're all complete to my knowledge. >> Okay. So I could look for a motion that is contingent upon those just like a
license transfer contingent upon all the department heads. >> Close the hearing. >> Okay. So let's do that motion. >> There's a motion to >> Well, any anybody else have anything? Any comments, questions? >> Public or we should close the public hearing. >> Yeah, we should close the hearing first.
So motion to close the public hearing. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Okay. Public meetings closed, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> But now you can ask if there's anyone would like to speak on behalf of this. >> Pardon? >> Now, now you can allow the public if
anyone has any concerns to speak. >> Okay. Any anybody like to speak on this subject? >> No, I see nobody, sir. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. I make a motion that we approve the transfer of the liquor
license uh from Michelle's corner store to Haley Corporation uh contingent upon all um >> department >> department uh signing off. >> Second motion and a second. All in favor? >> I I
>> unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Good luck with ABCC. >> Thank you. Thank you guys. >> Thanks, Alex. >> Okay, >> next up we have under license and
permits B Common Vic license the crearyy LLC. Mr. Town Manager. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a business owned by Carol Cusack, the owner of the beloved Kelly's Place, and she is
intending to open an ice cream crearyy uh a couple doors down. >> We're all very excited about that. >> Did she bring anything to the sample? >> We'll have to invite her back here. >> I don't see her. Yeah. Uh, but yeah, her
daughter Kelly runs a a top-notch shop and I can't say enough high praise about the way they do business over there. And this one has received all department approvals except there is one health inspection that is being coordinated.
So, so if the board's inclined, they could approve contingent on the health inspection. >> Okay, Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. Make a motion we approve the common Vic license to the Cranberry LLC, 288 East Main Street, um Norton,
Massachusetts. Carol Cusk is the owner's name. Uh continued upon the one health issue being rectified. >> Second >> motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> another unanimous Stella.
>> Okay. >> Federal ice cream. When are they opening? >> Ice cream is my number one food. >> Not fast enough. >> Okay, so uh next up, announcements.
Uh >> Mr. Class >> Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I skipped on. I'm sorry. Under licenses and permits. We have one more. Class 2 auto license, Mass Auto Hub LLC, 50 Pleasant Street. >> Uh they're not here, but I can speak on
them if you're not. >> Sure. Come on up. You get it? >> I'm the owner of 50,000 Street. I don't know if you guys remember me. >> Yeah. >> What about you? >> Don't you own the one over on >> I do. Yeah. 130. Yeah. Furnace Brook Motors in Houston. >> Furnish Brook. Yeah, >> that's right. >> I've driven by your place several times
and said, "What the car?" >> I not to. Right. 106. Very popular street. >> Okay. Speaking. >> Oh, sure. >> You're good. >> All righty. Yeah. Like I said, the uh tenants, the applicants, they're not here right now, but I I can speak on their behalf. I'm just here to answer any questions so you guys can make a a
vote today. >> So, what what's your name? >> Jacob. Jacob Stone. >> Jacob Stone. And And do you own the property? You're the landlord? >> I own 50 Pleasant Street. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> This isn't Pre-Court Lumber. It's the old oasis, right? >> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Okay. Well, the old pre-court lumber lounge. >> That's right. >> And I heard it was a place called Trixies at one point. I don't know if that's past all of our time. Yeah. We're not going to talk about that too much. >> Hey, it's before my time. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So, Jacob, uh, give us quick rundown. >> Sure. Um, tenants are applying for the same license that was already on the property. Class 2 license. They're applying for unit B. Currently, unit A is on the other side of the property.
Um, also that's where I, um, occupy the space. Uh today the tenants, his name it's uh Mass Auto Hub and they're applying for a class 2 auto license in unit B. >> Okay. Um and you have designated spaces.
You haven't you've had a map before? I don't know if you submitted that. Have they done that part of this application? Cuz I don't see >> they've done everything. I went to the uh select board's office today. I asked them to make copies for you guys. >> Oh, okay. >> So hopefully it's in that packet, but if it didn't make it then we have to hand it out.
>> Okay. All right. So, it's all in compliance. No, >> everything's in compliance. You guys have given me the same type of license in the same spot at one point. >> Okay. >> Based off of all the information that I gave prior, >> Mr. Town manager, any questions, concerns, comments?
>> No. This location has previously had uh cars for sale and the applicant has been approved by all the departments. >> Okay. Any questions from the board? >> Um, I just have one question for you. >> Sure. >> Are you still in business over there? I am um not in business over there right
now. >> Okay. >> Looking for another tenant hopefully soon. >> Okay. >> All right. Any any other questions, comments? >> There was just one um Mr. Chair, the fire department had a concern about
>> two parking spots. >> Michael Wilson. >> Two your two parking spots. Yeah. You want >> I talked to him. I met him over there. We had a good discussion about it and um we came to the conclusion that we'll eliminate the spaces that he had concerns about. Okay. No problem. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. >> All right, Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we uh approve the class 2 auto license for Mass Auto Hub LLC at 50 Pleasant Street.
Second motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Jacob. >> All right. Have a good night. >> Take care. Good luck. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now we can go to announcements. Uh notification of
appointment of treasurer collector Lindseay Graasso. Appointment effective date April 2nd, 2026. >> Uh if I may, Mr. Chair, uh Miss Graasso wanted to be here tonight. She's the current treasurer collector for the town of Abington and she had asked if it's
okay if she finishes some bonding for the town that she's been working on for months and I thought that was respectful to to let her finish up uh process that she committed to. So, she's planning on attending the next meeting here. But I can't say enough uh good things about
her. We're very um happy to to welcome her on board. She has experience doing everything a treasurer does. Um the tax takings, uh cash flow and investments. She actually has some really insightful
uh insightful ideas on structuring uh debt, um reconciling accounts, working collaboratively with all the finance departments, the assessors, accounting. Um so I'd like to introduce her uh next
next time but uh very happy to announce her appointment. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes sir. >> Um so when will she be starting here? >> I had the date uh if you give me a moment. We have a a little get together
scheduled for her. Mr. Chairman, let me read this into the record anyway while he's looking for that. If I hereby notify this record in accordance with provisions of article 4, section 2B of the Nordon charter, acting in my capacity as appointing authority, I appointed the following individual
treasure collector Lindsay J. Graasso said payment was made on March 18, 2026 and in the in the accordance with the provisions of the charter will be effective as of April 2nd, 2026. So that sounds something that might change if
that >> So she's scheduled to start April 29th. >> Do you want me to have that as part of the motion? April 29th. >> Um I a motion's not required. If you'd like to make one, that's fine. >> Just as part of this motion, I mean just as part of reading the record.
>> Sure. >> Set appointment was made March 18th, 2026 in accordance with the provision of the northern charter. It will be effective as of April 29th, 2026. maybe on or before. >> And
>> right and and so April 29th if if any members of the board want to come by at 10:00 a.m. we'll have uh probably coffee and donuts. Good for a coffee and a donut myself once in a while. Yeah, I don't get enough of those.
>> Okay. Thank you, sir. Uh, next announcement, Mr. Clerk. >> Absentee ballots are now available in the Norton Town Clerk's office for the upcoming April April 11th local town
election. Uh, she wanted me to let everybody know that the uh, town hall will be the uh, where the election will be held right here at the town hall and the hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. But there are absentee ballots available now if anyone is interested.
There's a upcoming Separe call for the summer. >> Sorry to interrupt. Um, we have the the warrant for the ballot. So, I'm just passing that down the select board to approve. >> Okay. Kickoff summer event uh will be held in the Norton Town Hall front
parking lot on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. We need a mammogram. Uh Norton Town Hall will be having Dana Farber's mamography. Is that how you say it? Morography fan.
>> Mimography event. Thank you. Um Thursday, April 9th uh from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Again, that'll be here at the Northern Town Hall. >> Doesn't sound right either. Everyone wants to be uh invited to the Memorial Day parade. Um this year uh being the
250 anniversary of the United States, we're asking that any community groups, local businesses, high school bands, fight bands, civic groups, or anyone wants to celebrate, please come come uh come and do so. Uh if any questions, you can contact Gary Cameron at the Norton
BFW. Um, and again, that's from a Memorial Day. Let's see. I don't think I don't think that one's current. Town sale will be held on Saturday, May
9th, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Um, maps will be available at the Norton Park and Wreck website starting on May 4th. But the main senior golf lessons will be held on
Wednesday, uh May 6, June 10th, and July 22nd. Uh there'll be go senior golf lessons offered $200 per session. And this will be through the parks and recre commission. And I'm not going to read that one.
That's it. Okay. Thank Thank you, sir. Mr. >> Chair. Yes, sir. >> Bob, did you also have anything in there around the um townwide cleanup day on April 11, same day as election day? Just wanted to mention that as well. 9 to1. It's on the same day. Hopefully, people
will come here to vote and grab a bag on the way out and clean up their >> both here. I believe that um if they're people are interested, they can go to the town's website and uh Norton Park and Recre has a spot where you can uh register to uh volunteer to help with that. And I think they give out a
t-shirt for those who are here to help out. And >> so myth birthday on April 4th and April 12th is going to be my 40th birthday. >> Oh, nice. >> Peter, you know that's my birthday too, right?
Well, who's older? >> Who's better looking? >> All right. Uh, wonderful. That's it for announcements. New business. License agreement, 77 West Main Street. Chris Pernuk. >> Mr. Chair, just very briefly, uh, this
has been before the board before, um, and we've approved a a 50-year lease for 77 West Main Street. so the owner can have access into his his property where where he is planning to invest a considerable amount in developing
uh along West Main Street. Um so all this does is is change the 50 years to 99 years to allow him to invest and develop the property. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve the license agreement for a
period of 99 years to um North Northtown Properties LLC. >> Second motion in a second. Discussion. >> Yeah, discussion. So, this is the right of way for the town of Norton, right? Um right here.
Yes. Okay. So, my my question is we don't have a site plan uh on this uh map, but will that right away be blocked? Will there be any obstacles? I know it mentioned parking and drive, but preferably drive and not parking. I'm
just wondering if people want to access the back woods there and they're going to be parking spots all throughout that ride of way, then nobody can get through. So, I was just curious. So, there will be no blockage. Uh, Mr. I spoke with Mr. Perno. He will actually
be donating um gravel and giving us a a free parking lot back there to for access to the trails. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> In addition to that, I I spoke to Mr. Kerno also. The the intent is to to
redesign that entrance way. So, he'll be at his at his cost. So there's no cost to the town. He will go back uh as as the supreme shows at the very end he's going to create a gravel area um Mr. Good indicated and once that
gravel area is established the Fernandes Park is what that right away was designed for and the town's been in possession of that for well over 30 years. We've never done anything with it. Um, what this would off give us an opportunity to do would be to create a
parking area and perhaps we can get a eagle scout or someone to go out there and and carve some some trails into the into that u into that park so people will have access to it. So, Mr. Verno is doing a great job of trying to work with us on this and I'm convinced that uh he
will do a nice job in putting that parking area in the back so we can have access to that property and hopefully people can enjoy it. >> Mr. Chair, this is great. Um thanks Bob and give me some more work to do my new volunteer positions too. By the way,
>> I wanted to mention >> first ask >> I want to make Yeah, first ask. I wanted to me just point of detail on our agreements. We should really use this new address, 72 East Main Street instead of 70. I don't know where 70 is. I don't know if it's the old town hall that got
torn down, but we should. Yeah, we you should use 72 just for point of reference in case anybody checks it. >> It's in the first column, the first paragraph. >> That's right. >> Right. >> 72. >> And uh Mr. Chairman, if I can add one more thing. Yes, sir.
>> Um >> saying that um Mr. still was volunteer for all these other committees. There is a plan that was developed many years ago with the in in cooperation with the conservation agent
>> to put a a park in that area and there is an established plan already for it. Oh, >> good. >> So, we don't have to reinvent it. So, if you're going to put in trails, those trails are already marked on a plan somewhere. >> Great. Thank you. >> Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. All in favor?
>> I. Perfect. Believe that was probably for finance and >> we're going to move this poll thing to the end. Is that okay? Did the exciting stuff for last. >> Uh
well, we're at the end. >> That's right. We're >> uh next up under new business, we have the pulled hearing. Uh first one for Old Dean Street, two new, three relocated. >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> Let me read the notice. You hear that? notified that the Norton select will
hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the crane meeting room northern town hall 72 East Main Street regarding petition submitted by Massachusetts Electric Company DBA National Grid for the installation and relocation of utility portal in the
public way pursuant to Mass Massachusetts General Law Chapter 166 section 22 Old Dean Street install two two new utility poles and reloc relocate three existing utility poles beginning approximately 650 ft west of the center
line of the intersection of Dean Street and Old Dean Street and continuing approximately 600 ft 650 ft easterly. Uh proposed work includes installation of pole number 3319-50 and pole 3321.
Relocation of pole 3320 and pole 3321-50 and relocation existing pole 3321 to be renumbered as P 3320-50 on Dean Street. They're going to install two new utility poles beginning
approximately 125 ft north of the center line of the intersection of Dean Street and Great Swamp Road. The poles poles will be 3335-50 and 3332-50. On South Washington Street, they'll install one new utility pole beginning
approximately 775 ft east of the east line of the intersection of Columbus Way and South Washington Street. proposed installation of the new 40 foot se stub pole P number P1568-89
approximately 40 ft north of the existing pool 1568 including anchor guy and polar pole guy uh to support the pole line for real reliability please show the proposed pool locations may be examined at the town manager's
office not town hall during normal business hours and any person um interested person may appear and hear at the hearing and be heard. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we open said public hearing. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? I
>> I >> I >> public hearing is open. So, gentlemen, who like to speak to these briefly? All right. My name is James Gansk. I'm here on behalf of the National Grid. Um and this work is being done to um
improve reliability and reduce outages. Um the poles on Old Dean Street, they're being relocated. Uh the distribution poles are being relocated for transmission line clearance. >> Okay, that was nice and brief. Thank
you. These are basic just housekeeping. Are they, you know, the poles snapped? Are they old? Are they >> No, it's just a line improvements. So, we're going from singlephase to three-phase. And some of the the new pole locations are to um reduce the span length, so they're like 200 feet or
less. >> Okay. Thank you. Any questions from the board? Anybody? Anybody else on this exciting topic? >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we close the public hearing.
>> Second. >> Motion in a second. All in favor? I >> I >> public hearing is closed. Any other comments? >> Anybody? I know you're dying to speak. Jump right up there. >> I I guess the polls are grouped together. This was a separate order for
the uh South Washington Street poll. >> Yeah, they have to be separate. We have to do them separate votes. That's all. South Washington Street is a different u project. >> Is that because it's How come? How come?
Explain. Well, you you've got three different projects here, so you you probably should just segregate them individually. >> Okay. >> Is there anyone here wants like I want to ask if anyone wants to talk about South Washington Street because that is a different different project, >> right? I think the first two were the
same applicant and the third one was a different applicant. South Washington Street. >> It would be a different different contractor. So, we can >> vote on the first two. Yeah. Together. Okay. Yes, sir. I make a motion that we uh approve the
um pole installation on Old Dean Street and Dean Street as uh written. >> Second. Motion in a second. All in favor? I >> I >> Okay. Unanimous. Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we
allow the uh pole installation on South Washington Street as written. >> Second. Motion in a second. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Didn't he want to talk to this one? The Washington Street. >> Did you want to speak to this? >> If you have questions about I can speak to it. >> Okay. Anybody have any questions on it?
>> Oh, he's just ask question. Uh, no. >> No. Okay. You're off the hook. >> Okay. So, we're good. >> I'm sorry. I'm an eye for that one. Sorry. >> Okay. I All unanimous. Thank you guys.
Have a good evening. Take care. >> Okay. Uh let's see now. Old business. Moving on. Town meeting warrant articles number 14 revolving funds and number four prior year bills. Mr. Town Manager.
>> Uh thank you. So you should have the score sheet in your packet. We're get coming down to uh crunch time almost. Um we'll have the finance warrant articles for you soon and the
rest of the projects for you soon. uh potentially at the next meeting. So these two are revolving funds and prior year bills. There are actually no prior year bills. So I I could withdraw that. The finance committee voted no
action. The board could vote no action or I can withdraw. >> That's might as well vote no action. >> No action. >> Yeah. >> So >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. I recommend that uh we take no action on article four of town meeting one.
>> Second motion and a second. All in favor? I. >> Thank you. And the other article, the revolving funds. So you should have the list of accounts in your packet. And these are the same accounts that were approved last year for the same limits.
There's a law that requires us to each year a town meeting approves the maximum that can be spent from each account and they can't spend more than that. Uh so these are the the limits the proposed
maximum from each of these eight accounts. Um if there was question whether the park and wreck revolving fund was one of these accounts and it's actually not. It's a different account that doesn't require town meeting approval. That's
chapter 4453D, not 4453 a half. So the park and wreck account is not part of this. These eight accounts are >> okay. Thank you >> for your chair. >> Yes. Uh reading the the state law, Mark,
it just says that um doesn't require town meeting if this provision has been um uh accept accepted by the town. Do we have evidence that town has accepted the provision 53D?
>> Uh you're on 53D or 53 and a half >> D the one that you're saying that we don't have to go to town meeting. >> Uh yes, we have accepted the provision. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that we have checked that off that we actually approved it >> for the town.
>> Mr. Town Manager, another you you I don't know if you have these numbers with you, but what what what have we used uh from the um what was approved last year? What are the balances in the accounts if if if you have them? >> Uh I I do. Uh
>> Oh, you do? Okay. If you can run those down. Anybody else interested? >> Current uh balances on each of the accounts are uh Council on Aging $8,58. >> Sorry, these are current
>> uh current as of February 20th, 2026. >> Okay. And this is balance in there. >> Balance remaining >> balance remaining from prior fiscal year. >> It's or this fiscal year. nature of the accounts is they're always taking in money and expending money. But >> but Okay. >> So, they also should have some balance
in it, right? Yeah. >> Right. So, so as of February 20th, the Council on Aging revolving account had $8,58. The board of health uh account had $1,495.
Highway recycling $26,36. Um, nothing in the fire department hazmat account. Jackson property fees $56,299. Forestry revolving $1,411.
Uh, nothing in the storm water bylaw revolving account. Camp Edith Reed had $981. >> Wow. What do we do at Camp Edith Reed? Uh there there haven't been any recent revenue or expenses in that account,
>> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> So I believe what this is the proposed limit is the maximum amount that they can put in the account. >> Sure. Yeah. Yeah. >> And then we have the money that's available. You know, I guess one disturbing part of this I see is a campaign to read. I don't think we do enough down there with that property and
probably something our new uh recreation representative might look into >> already. already on it. Yeah. >> And maybe we can get some more use out of that. Uh I mean, when we bought that property, we thought it might be a great place for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, you know, any kind of organization who may
want to go out there and do some camping or or whatever. It's a beautiful place out there. And it's just a a crying shame that you taking u advantage of it. But I some of these I'm I'm not sure these have been around a long time, most of these accounts. So yeah, it's just um
you can't max you can't raise any more than what's what's listed without without approval. That's all. >> Y Okay, >> fair enough, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> I make a motion that we recommend article 14 on the town meeting. >> Second.
>> Motion in a second. All in favor? I >> I >> I. >> Perfect. >> So, Mr. Chair, just around the um park and wreck, I had sent Melissa an email after our last meeting based on Denise's comment. you guys all have it figured out here on in the packet, but I just wanted to point out that there there is
no limit on the revolving account. That's why it doesn't have to be voted in under this different um uh chapter. But so that gives a long runway if a park and recck department can find ways to self-fund a lot of programs and they can raise the money through fees and
registrations, that kind of thing. They don't have to worry about hitting a limit on a revolving account. So that's the positive thing. That's probably why they're set up differently. At the end of the year, um, anything they can carry over $10,000 up to $10,000 into the next fiscal year. Anything beyond that, they
have to give back to the town um, in the general fund. And I I think that the, um, because of the timing here with the the town pool, I think they're allowed to encumber for um, uh, salaries for the um, for the lifeguards at the town pool.
Um, but beyond that, they can't carry over any additional money beyond 10,000. >> Okay. Thank you, Kevin. >> Thanks. >> Okay. >> What are you here for? goal of meeting. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Can you can you give us a minute when we get the select board report and mail and I didn't I didn't I thought you were with some of the other in dawned on me. Wait a minute. Okay. Give us a minute. Uh okay, Mr. Town Manager,
your report, sir. Uh, thank you. >> Not to put you on the spot or anything. >> I'm looking for my copy of it. I seem to have given everyone else a copy, but I didn't keep one for myself. Thank you. Uh, so
budget development where on the last stretch I intend to give the proposed fiscal 27 budget on Monday. So, uh, that's what I'll be doing. If you need me this weekend, I'll be going through the line items. I've been in close
coordination with all the department heads, and it's a tight year, but we're going to make it work. Police accreditation, the police department had uh the evaluators here uh last week. It was a
two-day evaluation. They thoroughly went through I I want to say hundreds of mandatory standards, 274 and we completed a a lot more optional requirements than were required.
Um but everything I've heard was positive feedback. Uh special thanks to Chief Clark, Lieutenant Schliker, and Patrolman Warl for their leadership and and help. and we anticipate formal notice back in June of the results of
that accreditation, but we're very optimistic. Uh the capital planning committee has commenced its review of capital projects for this spring. We heard from various department heads this week and
anticipated that we will vote on capital projects to send forward next week. uh grants. Happy to announce that the state confirmed our $3.5 million for water work on Elm Street. So, that's a
great development there. And we're going to replace a bunch of water manes and lines on Elm Street. And the state additionally is giving us $15,200 for fire department uh gas work. And we're very pleased to uh receive that
grant. uh departments are working together. Uh veterans is in close collaboration with the seniors with um public works. The board of health, the the seniors are
donating hours. We're usually greeted by a friendly face when we come into town hall if one of the select board members isn't here for their office hours. Um, we also have a a downtown project that there was a public meeting here for
yesterday >> and Peter was there and people were heard. Our public works director presented and there were there was a lot of good feedback. Um, I understand one project
might have been favor one solution might have been favored more than the rest. That was the four-way intersection. Um, of course, the traffic safety committee, I understand, is going to be following up on that and may take an
additional vote. I think they already took a vote, but they may take another vote um on which recommendation uh we would like to send to town meeting. Uh, that's the report subject to your questions. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. >> For you, chair.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> Quick question mark. Uh on the budget development, you you uh highlighted um some of the cost drivers include personal obligations, contractual commitments, etc. How are we doing on the negotiations with the union contracts that you're working on?
>> Oh, good question. >> That good, huh? >> I need to take a deep breath for this one. So, we we have eight unions >> that we're negotiating with. Thankfully, we have a strong town assistant town manager that's spearheading this. We
don't need to uh to incur any outside attorney's fees. We're we're meeting with with all of them at at once. And um this isn't the best year for unions
to try to negotiate raises. I I don't know what else to to say, but we're we're doing our best. We value our employees. Um we're taking a step back, conducting compensation and classification studies. So comparing the different the managers, the supervisors,
the the rank and file to their counterparts in communities like us and you know determining what adjustments need to be made. >> Um so I mean we've received proposals for them where
we're kind of waiting until the budget comes out next week and then we will give proposals what what we can to them. That's about all I could say publicly. Yeah. Do do we think we'll have them resolved before town meeting or No, >> I would hope so, but that's anyone's
guess. >> Okay. There. >> Okay. Any other questions for the town manager regarding the report? >> I don't know if Mr. Chair, I don't know if this is the right time. I just have a question. And I noticed that Christiey's
title has changed both on her signature and uh she had made an update on LinkedIn. So I'm wondering changing from licensing coordinator, select board leaison to administration and finance specialist. Has her has her duties have her duties changed or just a title or
so? So the formal title uh remains the same but there's an additional uh responsibility uh sorted with associated with her role as she brings certain financial strengths to the table. Uh for example, she has a current license to as
a stock broker and we're you utilizing her talents and you know to the benefit of departments. she's contributing uh strategy-wise in in a way you normally wouldn't expect of that position and it's it's already uh
benefiting the the taxpayers and the departments. U Mr. Chair, that that's that's good to expand her level of uh support. I just want to make sure that we weren't losing her as number one the selected liaison, number two the licensing coordinator and
um the administrative assistant for this board. So she's not losing those duties. >> No, not at all. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. Town Manager, would under under your report, would it be uh
something to uh let this gentleman speak what he needs to or topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance? >> Uh >> what would be appropriate? >> Mr. Chairman. >> Sure. I >> just just for clarification, what's the topic? I didn't hear.
>> So, if I'm if I may briefly introduce the gentleman, I have no objection to to a member of the public speaking. If if correct me if I'm wrong, I understand this is part of a a development project using the PACE program. Um, so this is
something that my office is doing our due diligence on currently. Uh the planner had made a request to my office to look at this program. It's it's a relatively new program. Some communities in Massachusetts have adopted it. It's
for energy efficiency and promotes business activity. There are there's some requirements on the local select board would have to opt into it and it could incur various staff time. Um,
so we would want to make sure we understand all of our obligations before we uh sign on to it. So the board may hear about this in a in a coming meeting, but we'd like to do our due diligence to make sure we can in good
faith recommend it to the board without creating a burden on staff or getting us into something. We we want to go into it with our eyes open. >> Okay. So, with that being said,
I uh have no problem allowing him to be able to make a statement, you know, represent. Are you representing the developer? Are you the developer? >> Uh, represent and with my firm representing. >> Mr. Chair, I'm sorry. Can you ask him to come up to the mic? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. If if you could please
state your name and what development you're representing, company. >> So, my name is John Deosanti. I'm here representing Avo Clean Fund. >> A little loud. I can >> Oh, sorry. Please. >> My name is John Deisanti. I'm here
representing Avo Clean Fund. We are here uh with the support of the Department of Economic uh development with Massachusetts in regards to a new development occurring down on 260 South Washington Street for the construction
of a new cold storage facility. Um, as stated, part of it does involve uh the financing via the new PACE program through the state of Massachusetts. Um, so wanted to hear wanted to come here introduce myself and uh, you know, our
firm. I have on the we have on the call as well our managing partner for our firm, John Kenny. Uh, he's been a huge part of the establishing the legislation for this at every state level throughout the country. Um, so I appreciate all your time and letting me come speak
before you guys. >> Is is there any information you could provide us, you know, now so we could have some of that going into whatever we're going to be whatever you're going to give to the town manager for us to to read. >> They they have provided a memo which I can forward to the board.
>> Okay. >> We're not completely done our analysis but we have no objection send forwarding that on. >> Yeah. Please. >> Okay. Great. Yeah, the the more we can inform the better. >> Can you give us a little bit of a background of what it is? You know, now you know.
>> Yeah, 100%. So, it's a 60,000 square foot uh cold storage facility. Um going to be again down on six or 260 South Washington Street. Um as far as specifics you're looking for at the moment,
>> what what is this PACE program? So PACE program is a public financing mechanism pro already approved through the state of Massachusetts requires the municipality to opt into it. Um but it is utilized to finance uh sustainable
improvements and sustainable features to a development to make it more uh whether it is sustainable or e or environmentally friendly for the development and for the town. So it's a is it a private finance entity that finances
uh you know environmental kind of >> private yeah private properties privately financed through a public mechanism which is the PACE program itself. >> Okay. And it needs to meet certain qualifications. those qualifications. So the re really
the reason that we're you know I'm I'm standing here is because it requires for the town the municipality to opt in. The state has already approved it now it's at the municipality level to opt into it. >> I mean the development what's the developer need to do obviously meet certain criteria I'm guessing correct
>> okay >> through your chair. >> Yes. >> You said cold storage facility. Cool storage of what? the >> uh that that I will I would defer to the memo as far as definitively what's going to be going in. As far as tenants, I
believe it's uh eight different tenants at a maximum, but it could be could be food, it could be pharmaceutical. That's that again I would defer to the memo as far as specific details. >> Okay, great. >> Mr. Chairman, >> yes, sir. >> Just so I'm clear on the buyin you're
talking about. In the past, we've offered tiff our tax increment financing program, stuff like that. Um, what is our buy? Is there a cash value to our buy in or is it just the buy into the program? >> So, no cost at all to the municipality
or to the taxpayer. This is simply an opt-in by the by the town. >> So, we're we're looking into that more. I understand and I I don't have all the information, but I understand they want our approval. so they can get $10
million of investor funding. >> And then we would put the equivalent of a Betterment lean on that property. And then the payments would go from the U person investing in this facility through us to the investor and our staff
would record and and take payments and >> Sounds pretty complex. >> Satisfy this lean and potentially be liable if the business goes under. Yeah, >> we'll look forward to your report the next >> Yeah, very well said the next.
>> Um >> I'm glad you're doing your due diligence on this. >> Yeah, thanks Mark. >> Um so with that being said, um I mean that said, so uh we definitely need to digest this information once markets are prepped and ready for us.
>> Fantastic. uh with the you know benefits you know whatever they are and then we'll take it up by the next meeting or or whatever. >> Okay, perfect. I appreciate you guys >> Mark whenever it's ready. >> Yeah, I appreciate you guys time. My first time my first time ever attending a uh a select board meeting for a town at all. So
>> I really appreciate your patience. So >> is it all you'd hope for? >> Everything. So just uh uh the standard operating procedure uh 48 hours usually on a by by Tuesday morning you want to request to get on the agenda for that
well at least two business days before um that meeting is you're going to want to put in a request to the select board's office to be an agenda item through the town manager's office, mayor's office, you know, what whatever community it is. >> Fantastic. I appreciate that.
>> Perfect. Thank you very much everybody. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, last but not least, we have warrants. >> There's more than after. >> There's still more. There's a Wait, there's another page.
>> You guys stick another page in here on me. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. There's executive. >> Yeah, I know they I know we have executive, but Okay. So, warrants. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion we approve invoice warrant 26-37 dated March 12th, 2026.
>> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Chairman, I make a motion we approve invoice warrant 26-38 dated March 19th, 2026. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. Mr. >> Chairman, I make a motion we approve
payroll warrant 26-9 for the week ending March 14th, 2026. >> Second. >> All in favor? I Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve invoice warrant 26-39 dated March 26, 2026. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Okay. >> Mr. >> Next up, minutes. Yep. >> I make a motion that we accept the minutes of March 12th, 2026. >> Second. >> Motion a second. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I I >> I
Okay. Select board report and mail. Uh, we have a letter regarding site one communication from Stephen Bernstein. You >> got a copy of this? >> Yeah, I did. Yeah, >> Mr. Clerk.
>> I'll read it and I'll ask Mr. Gold to follow up on it. There's actually more than one letter in here. >> Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. >> Can Mr. Town Manager provide a summary? I I I can. >> Yeah. I believe there's three letters in
here. I so it's probably not necessary to read all the letters. I'll leave it to the board's discretion. This is an ongoing issue where the town has received many complaints over a long period of time due to traffic and noise
uh issues mostly. We've been in communication with site one. they have uh met with us to varying degrees of uh constructiveness and we're working with them to to try to
get to an agreement on operating hours. They operate a grinder on on site. I believe the the difficulty right now is if if it's don't quote me on this, if it's 7 a.m. or 7:30 a.m., what the appropriate start time is and what the appropriate time is
for um the large trucks going down uh the road that they operate on over there on Newland Street. Uh so that's that's it in a nutshell. Um we're we're continuing communication with them and hopefully it it is
fruitful. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. So um so in regards to this, this was submitted by Mr. Bernstein to make the select board formally aware. Is is is
there any action by the select board or is this by for for not public notice only? >> Uh looking at the letter uh it asks for us to uh the the first letter says quote
please act and shut down this facility as soon as possible. End quote. Um, I I don't I don't think that's really something that that I would advise the board to do at this time. >> If if I could interrupt it, if you could
um if you could summarize this for us and get that to us maybe for next meeting. >> Happy to >> if if there is something actionable on behalf of our board. Does that make sense?
>> Right. At this time, there's no action. And I would ask that the board allow my office to to see this process through the end and then see if we're able to get to an agreement with site one. Um I I understand some residents have exercised a lot of patience. I'd ask
for, you know, the the courtesy of doing our due diligence and at least trying before we bring it back to the board. um with with maybe um completely up to the board when when they'd like me to report back. >> Mr. Chairman.
>> Yes, sir. >> I'd ask you to report back to the next meeting. I want I be clear on this. This board is not ignoring this. We This is something we talk about quite often and I think um Mr. Gold has done a very good job of communicating with site one in
recent weeks trying to come up with a solution to to the problem. we can't make them go away, but we can, I believe, control some of the issues that are happening in the neighborhood. So, I think it's we should give him a time to to go back and and look into this and
come up with a a recap about what he's been able to accomplish to, you know, make this this process work for both us and for site one. So, um I think it's important that we take the time to to go over it. I don't want to ignore the abutddles. There's at least three
letters here now. And I know there are more people out there that have been uh echoing some concerns about the traffic over there. And I think it's important that we kind of put it all together. I don't want the letter writers to think that we're ignoring this. We're not. We
just want to make a more take a more proactive stance with it and see what kind of negotiations we can come up with before um we we come maybe to our next meeting we can get some more more information. Okay, I agree with Mr. Kimble. I know
it's been ongoing uh and I, you know, I do believe Mr. Gold has been in communication with them. So, I agree with you, Mr. Kimble, uh fully uh if there are guardrails that can be put around it. Um let's let Mr. Gold talk
with their representative, see what they can come up with and go from there. Make sense? >> Yeah. I want I want to make sure that we also don't o overpromise or mislead the public to believe that there's something that we can necessarily do because there
may not be anything that we can do. Right. So, >> very good point. >> Uh I want to make sure that we're just really frank and honest about that um when we do go through the the analysis. >> Right. Right. There is no like shut down
mo motion or or vote that we can take. I mean there's no license that we oversee over there. Right. >> To my knowledge, it's a state license, >> right? And even I think we've had some discussion before, but the truck traffic to some extent with this nothing we can
do because it's, you know, state encourages commerce and um allows it to some extent except for maybe some limitations of hours or something, but that's about it, >> Mr. Chair. So, Mr. Kimmel was about to read this into uh record. I I I think I
know what his intent was there. At some point once we have you have some time to continue your followup and working with these folks, we should post these letters on either our packet or somewhere else in in an appropriate uh
folder on the on the town site. It might be a deterrent if people want to do research, independent research and see past practices in other towns, this letter will pop up, right? Um, so and it might help uh facilitate uh some
improvement. I'm not saying post these minutes yet, but when the time is right, I think it's appropriate. And by the way, have you ever used Copilot uh AI? A little side note, you could take this whole document in a matter of 15 seconds, summarize it into three slides
of bullet points without doing anything beyond that. So, I'm learning this. I like it. >> I'm learning this at work and it it does a really nice job. So, I'm guessing you guys have a co-pilot in the office >> where you have access to it. >> We actually just um received the
business chat GPT. So, we're doing a pilot AI program here. Perfect. >> And it's amazing. >> If you upload this document into that and say, "Summarize this in executive format for, you know, it'll do it in seconds." So, don't waste your staff
summarizing this. >> Yeah. How it works. >> We're all over it. It's it's it's it's out of this world. We You just have to double check it. >> You do. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Make sure it sounds like what you would say.
>> Okay. Uh, anything else? No. Nothing else on our agenda other than executive. So, >> you have a thing you have to read. So, I I would ask that the motion
uh would include the intent to return to open session so we could uh if the board's so inclined to to make a motion on the record at that time. >> Okay. >> Does somebody have the verbiage for the motion? >> You want to return open session?
>> Yes. >> You have it? >> I got something here. Oh, >> hold on. I I have it. Peter might have it. You >> could probably do that co-pilot or chat Gemini or whatever. One of them. Get get
that queued right up. >> All right, Mr. Chairman. I think he has it. You got it? >> I think so. >> Okay, we'll go with it. >> You read the top. Chairman reads it and
I need it back. >> Okay. I declare under general law chapter 38 section 21 A2 that the purpose of this executive session will be to discuss strategy with respect to negotiations with non-UN personnel i.e. >> We want to do A3. Sorry.
>> Y okay scratch that. I declare under general laws chapter 30A section 21A3 that the purpose of this executive session will be to discuss strategy with respect to negotiations with non union
personnel because a discussion of the strategy in open session could compromise the purpose of the executive session and with the board not to return to with the board to return to open session at the conclusion of the executive session. So moved.
I move that the board go into executive session on the general law section chapter 3A section subsection 21A-2 >> three >> three we want three >> d-3 two is for collective bargaining three is for litigation
>> for designation of special municipal employee status for the position of special counsel pursuant to mass general law chapter 268A and to return to open session thereafter. >> Second.
>> Motion a second. All in favor? >> I I >> roll. Do we have to roll call that? Yes, >> we do. >> Kevin, >> yes. >> Denise, >> yes. >> Rob, >> yes. >> Roger. >> Yes. >> And I am a yes. >> So, we are in >> Do we want to go into executive session? >> All right. Yep.
>> Go back into open session. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? I >> I. >> Okay. We are now in open session again. reopen open session town manager. >> So, Mr. Chair, pursuant to our our discussion in executive session, I would
suggest um that someone moved to designate the position of special counsel as a special municipal employee pursuant to general law chapter 268A. >> Mr. Chairman, >> yes, sir. I will move to designate the
designation of special municipal employee status for the position of special counsel pursuant to match general law chapter 268A. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> I
that that's all I have for the board this evening. >> Okay, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Make a motion to adjurnn. >> Do I have a second? Okay. Motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Thank you. Ajourn.