Okay, let's get started. So, present are uh Bob Kimell, Roger Masan, myself, uh interim town manager Brian Clark, and soon to be new town manager Mark Gold.
Uh let's go with first order of business is appointment of full-time interim assistant water super water sewer superintendent which we are not taking that up tonight. Uh there there's still some information still pending.
So number two we have resignation of Peter Paravalos from the historic district commission. Anybody have words on that? >> No. >> Um I saw Mr. chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Um I saw the letter that Peter sent in
and um we are certainly going to uh miss him um and wish him well on his endeavors. >> Okay. So, next we have also resignation of Robert Welsh from the traffic safety committee.
Any words on that Mr. Chair of Traffic Safety Committee? Yeah, Rob Rob's been, you know, has a lot of commitments going on right now, so he doesn't have time to really serve in the capacity he'd like to, so he thought he would step aside. Uh he was
um on the original crew and we we started just over two years ago and um was very very helpful. He was also the clerk, so we'll have to reorganize and find another another clerk at the uh at our next meeting. And as you know, the
traffic safety committee is now uh lost to 13 members instead of the 11 we had before. So, >> okay. Thank you, sir. Next up is well, appointment of Steven Bernstein to the traffic safety
committee. Did he submit a letter or uh Mr. Chair? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, we received an application from uh Steven Bernstein. again, he's been coming to our meetings for a while, so he's pretty much up to date on what's what we've been working on. Uh he is a registered professional civil engineer,
which is going to help us a lot, specializing in infrastructure, underground utilities, roads, payment design, permitting, and construction administration. He presently serves on the water sewer commission, but he wants to volunteer to to help us on the Norton
traffic safety committee, and it would be much appreciated if you would give him that consideration. Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we appoint Steven Bernstein to the traffic safety committee. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Mr. Chair.
>> Yes, sir. >> If we could send a letter of thanks to Mr. Peter Pavlo and Rob Welsh, that would be great. We can just send a letter and thank them for their service to the town and their time. >> Sure. Yes, sir.
Okay. Minutes. Approve minutes including but not limited to March 27th 2025 executive May 22nd 25 June 5th 25 June 17 25 and June 26 25. Any comments, concerns, questions?
>> I have none. >> I have none. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we accept the minutes of the executive session on March 27th, 2025. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion we
accept the minutes of May 22nd, 2025 as written. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion we accept the minutes of June 5th, 2025 as written. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. >> And Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion we approve the minutes of June 17, 2025 as written. >> Second. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> And finally, I make a motion to approve the minutes of June 26, 2025 as written.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> I Okay. So, next. Where are we? >> A license. >> Plenty of time. Okay. Next. Licenses of permits. Uh we vote to approve the
application of the uh LPGA 100 International Golf Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida for 1-day special alcohol license 25-18 from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to be utilized at the Tournament Players Club of Boston Golf Course 400 Arnold Palmer Boulevard,
Norton, Mass 02766 for a public event. >> Mr. Yes, sir. >> Uh Brett from the LPGA who's one of the directors is here tonight. Uh there is no changes from last year for these permits. I don't know if you want to have Brett come up quickly and talk about the event.
>> If you'd like to, Brett, by all means. >> Um here's your chance to promote it, too. >> Sorry. >> Here's your chance to promote your event, too. >> Yeah. >> Um well, uh thank you. It was nice to meet you all um just a minute ago, but
uh yeah. No, uh my name is Brett Krebs. I'm the director of tournament operations um here sort of on behalf of the LPGA today and um we're we're back here for um the second year of the FM championship um here in Norton and at
TPC Boston. So um you know looking forward to it. Had a had a opportunity to work with the town of Norton last year um the TPC Boston team and it was um you know we had a certainly a great experience and enjoyed working with everybody. So, um, we appreciate the
opportunity. Um, as Chief Clark mentioned, like there's no, you know, no changes from from, um, what we submitted last year in terms of our, um, our liquor license application. Um, but, uh, you know, and in terms of capacity, I
think we're looking at about the same type of attendance as we did last year. Um and uh you know I think uh really the biggest thing for this year is there's a there's a stronger field. Um we've got uh the number one player in the world um
in the field this year. She wasn't able to attend so I think that's going to be a big draw. But uh yeah, no we're we're excited to be back and um you know FM um is a great title sponsor of ours and and they they certainly enjoy you know being here as well. So thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> I have one question. How many people brought How many people were there last year? You know, >> uh we were about 30,000 30 to 32,000 over the course of like the the the four days. Um we're open to the public Thursday through Sunday. So the was that
the 28th through the 31st this year, >> right? I mean I know I know it brings traffic to town, but it also brings positive traffic to our restaurants and Yeah. some of our local businesses. So, it's great to back. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Wonderful. Thank you, Brent. Any
other questions? >> No, >> Mr. Chair. >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> I'll read these offers. They're all different, but for just for the record, I'll read each one individually, and I believe we can vote on the whole package once I'm once I'm done. So, um
>> Okay. Yes, sir. We'll make a a motion to approve the application of Ladies Professional Golf Association LB LPGA 100 International Golf Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida for one day special alcohol license parenthesis 25-18
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to be utilized at the Tournament Players Club of Boston Golf Course, 400 Ano Palmer Boulevard, Norton, Mass for a public event as follows. 19th hole concession 18th green August 28 to August 31st 2025
which is all alcohol FM hospitality the woman's summit 18th green August 25th 2025 all alcohol the FM hospitality the 18th green August 28th August 31st 2025
all alcohol TPC Boston member hospitality 18th green August 28th to August 31st 2025 alcohol. The 18th G 18G public bleacher wine bar 18th green August 28th to August 31st
2025 which is a beer and wine 16th green concession 16th green August 28th through August 31st 2025 all alcohol Champions Club 16th green August 28th through August 31st 2025 all alcohol
cabanas 16th green August 28th through August 31st 2025 5, all alcohol. Fishes Island Bar, 18th Green, August 27th to August 31st, 2025. All alcohol. 11th green concession. 11th green, August
28th to August 21st. 31st, 2025. Beer and wine. Third key concession, second green. Third key, August 28th to August 31st, 2025. Beer and wine. 7th green concession. Seventh Green, August 28th
through August 31st, 2025. Beer and wine. Prom Tea Bar first tea, August 27th, 2025. All alcohol. Prom bar 10th G 10th T August 27th, 2025. All alcohol.
Driving range clinic bar. Driving range August 26, 2025. All alcohol. In addition, I vote to approve the application for a one-day beer and wine license 25-20 to TPC Boston for a private event shown
as tent B at the 18th grain of 14 400 Ano Palmer Boulevard Newton Mass from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Thursday, August 28th, 2025 till Sunday, August 31st, 2025. >> Second.
>> Uh let's see. Um, >> Mr. Kimble. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mosan. >> Yes. >> And I am a yes as well. >> Good luck. >> Thank you. >> Thanks for Okay, we have uh 3 minutes till the open
meeting. Maybe announcements. >> Yeah. What's he doing? Got a few minutes till we open up a public hearing. Any announcements in the meantime?
>> You stuck. >> No, not yet. >> Got a couple minutes if before we open public hearing. If you have any announcements. >> I do. >> Somewhere where in the back. I do have some
Maybe not. Thought I did, but I don't don't think I do. I guess I don't. You want to do the paper bit? paper bid right here. I think you just have to sign off on
>> Okay. All right. We're going to jump under new business. We're going to jump and do an uh an item real quick. No. Item number four, review, discuss, and a vote to award the paper contract for 71 2025 to 6:30 2026.
Take it away, chief. >> Hurry, Mr. Chair. This is just a uh the contract for paper for this this coming year. As you might remember, um it through cers it it went out to bid and there was a discrepancy on a clerical error for Spruce Home who originally was
awarded the bid. It was based on uh a half a carton versus um a full carton. Um actually it was uh the assistant Michelle Brown who who caught it um and uh brought it to source attention and uh
they are no longer the low bid WB Mason is. So, uh, we ask you to sign off on, uh, that contract. >> Okay. Thank you, chief. Any questions? >> Here, I'll make a motion to award the contract to WB Mason Mass for paper
items listed below for a one-year period commencing on July 1st, 2025. This award is conditioned upon receipt of the appropriate documents specified in the IFB and the SSE regional administrator will collect documents on behalf of the
municipality and present them for final approval and signature. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Okay. >> Good. Get that one done. that we're going to push it up. >> Yeah, we're we're good. Okay. So, at
6:15 p.m. we're going to open the public hearing on the application of Champions Indoor Golf uh for Inc. DBA Champions Indoor Golf Manager Andrew Gilda for a new section 12 general on premises license to expose, keep for sale, and to
sell all kinds of alcohol beverages, alcoholic beverages, excuse me, to be drunk on the premises at 253 Mansfield Avenue, Unit One, Norton, Mass, 02766. Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that we open the public hearing. Second.
>> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Here we go. >> Evening. Uh my name is Matthew Porter. I'm the attorney for Champions Indoor Golf. Uh along with me is Andrew Gilde. Mr. Gild Day is one of the principles of the corporation. He'd also be the proposed license manager. Uh before the board, this is a proposal for an
allcohol license at 253 uh Mansfield Avenue, Unit One in Norton. Uh it was previously a gym vacant uh facility. Now um these folks, this will be their third v third location. uh fourth location one with our our own liquor.
>> Yeah. So third one. So he started at Pine Hills in Plymouth where they ran an indoor golf facility down there with the liquor license. >> Very successful. Uh they branched out on their own. Uh they went into Bridgewater a couple years ago now. Um and then up to Bill Rka. Both uh locations have done
a tremendous job. Um been very successful. They've had no issues with any of their liquor sales. No underage violations, nothing along those lines. Um each of the individuals there will be alcohol tip certified but essentially it's an indoor golf facility uh used for
recreation and obviously for lessons as well. Um and the you know the alcohol license just gives it a you know another component so if someone's in there taking swings they can have a couple drinks but it's by no means a bar. It's a indoor golf facility ultimately. Um but with that I can certainly answer any
questions the board may have and Andrew can as well. >> Any questions? Um I have a couple of questions. Um when are you proposing to open? >> So it' be dependent on ABCC which right now is about 3 months you know on the on
the positive side of it I would say. So you know ultimately the lease is in place. You know with that we go before the board. If it's so approved, it'll go up to the ABCC and then once we receive ABCC approval, come back down to the town and we commence operation pretty
soon thereafter. >> I mean, in an ideal world for the indoor golf world side of things, things really kick off in December. So, beginning of December, middle of November, that's sort of where we're aiming. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir.
>> This this is my first licenses. I'm I'm come back on the board after a few years. So, I'm trying to get caught up on a on a few things. Um, in the past, the board has been approached first about a liquor license and then the
process begins and this one appears to be the opposite now where you're coming in already prepared, everything has been completed and all the all the documents are are in place. um a bit different than the way it used to be, but um also
didn't have a lot of these licenses available >> in the past. I mean, they pretty much were tough to to get to be honest with you. >> Um I have some reservations. Do you guys have any um any food at all? Are you going to be selling food at all? >> So, Albertos is right next door. Um what
they've done at their other locations is they'll they'll have a takeout uh item and a QR code that they've been able to work with. Um, but they've already had discussions with the restaurant next door. >> Run that over. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that works. >> Yep. >> The um
I mean obviously you guys have gone through the process, so I can appreciate that. Uh we have a I believe we have one license still hanging out there that hasn't been um the project hasn't been fulfilled. So I would probably ask the board to put some kind of language on
this that you know you have to have a certain amount of time to open this place up. And I know you have to deal with the state. I totally get that. Um, and I'm assuming you're ready to go anyway because the building is already there. It's not like you're building something new. >> Yeah, they are ready to go. And it
really is just dependent upon, you know, ABC. And as I said, you know, most recently, it's been about 3 to four months, you know, but we'll push things as certainly as much as we can. And as soon as that's ready to go, they're they're ready to open. We won't be, you know, waiting behind ABCC approval.
We'll be ready to go. Good. All right. Thank you. >> Um, have you built out the place yet? >> No. >> Okay. So, you have you're waiting to to check on the license before you do. >> Correct. Yeah. Obviously, we would need approval here. I don't anticipate any
issues at the ABCC. As I said, we we've already gone through Bridgewater and we've gone through Bill Ricka. It's it's essentially the same ownership group. So, they we've had no issues at the state level. So, we certainly don't anticipate any issues here. So, um, you know, ultimately if we're able to gain town approval, then they can really
start in earnest knowing that, you know, that the risk at ABCC is is, you know, extremely minimal. >> Mr. Chairman, >> yeah. >> Can you tell us a bit about the organization, how what works and, you know, what you guys are doing in there and all that stuff? >> Sure. Yeah. So, um, you know, I've been
a a golf pro in the area since 2011. I was at Pine Hills for a very long time. We started there. um sort of built around the community we already had and and things worked out well and moved to Bridgewater where I'm a resident and open a location there and
again things things went well. We continue to grow instruction business and really the main drive of our business is the leagues and competitions we do throughout the winter. Um, and like I said, Bridgewwater went well. And so we sort of went into uncharted territory on the Bill Ricka side of
things to see if it was, you know, outside of our network, if we could still bring in the same sort of community. And we were able to do that well in Bill Ricka. And so, you know, all we're trying to do is continue to grow a fun environment where golfers can keep
playing throughout the winter and keep competing in leagues, tournaments, you know, fun, exciting competition while at the same time simulators provide an outstanding environment for new players to get involved with the game, kids to get involved with the game. And so, you know, very golf focused, but I I'm not
sure if any of you are golfers, but as you know, generally at the golf course, you go play a little bit and guys may have, you know, a beer or two as they're playing. And so, we want to be able to provide that same type of environment indoors that they get outdoors. >> So, you don't have an 18hole golf course in there. >> There are thousand There are thousands
of them. You know, that's the great part about simulators. So, you can >> So, the simulator is the way you you go and that's I've se I've seen it before myself. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um I would reach I would ask you to reach out once you're settled and and in there maybe to reach out to the high school and see if maybe they can you guys can open up some opportunities.
>> We've done that in Plymouth. We've done that in Bridgewater. We're trying to do it in Bill Ricka and you know that's absolutely growing junior golf is is part of what we do. I also run the academy at Old Scotland Links in Bridgewater. Junior golf is you know the main driver of most of our programming.
>> All right. Thank you. Yeah. >> So, I think it's fair to say uh you have significant skin in the game. You're a businessman. Um your name's on the line. What uh you know, when when does the lease actually kick in? What when does
it become effective? >> So, um the lease is contingent upon securing the license. And once we secure the license, the landlord will it's like a 30-day build out on their end of things. And then ours is no more than a
30-day from there. >> Oh, good. Okay, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> There is a couple things that uh this shouldn't hold up the the vote here, but uh on that topic, you'll have to talk to the fire department and the building inspector. There's a couple things that you need to do. >> Yeah, and we we tried to do as much as
we could prior to, but sort of a chicken and egg situation, but um yeah, happy to and prepared with all the plans that we have for the space. >> Um go ahead. Sorry. Yeah, I was just going to say so with you know to Mr. Kimell's point uh about time dragging on
and you know there is something going on in you know with with another license but as far as you know um you know giving us a status update with ABCC instead of coming in maybe you know September whenever we set our September
meeting if you can provide uh you know m Mrs. read a status update with ABCC or on a before you when you get the U license. >> Yeah. So, you know, generally within, you know, the next week or so, the ABC will assign an investigator, you know,
to our application. You know, we'll work with that investigator to finalize everything. So, certainly as that goes on, I'll I'll be in constant contact with Jen just to make sure that she's aware, you know, that things are moving on. Um the ABC structure is such that it goes to an investigator first and then it goes before three commissioners.
That's really where things are backed up right now. It's not the investigation process of it. Um but certainly I will let you know Jen know we've supplied everything to the investigator. It's been turned in and you know once it gets on their desk then it's kind of a waiting game. But I'll I'll certainly be
you know sure to keep the town a breast of that be great. So So we have an update. >> I'd be happy to meeting. That'd be great. >> Absolutely. >> That'd be great. So, with that being said, we're going to be I'm going to be looking for a motion to approve pending um satisfactory
answers to deputy fire chief and our building commissioners. >> Absolutely. >> Everything else is signed off to my understanding. Correct. >> Everything else should be complete. The lease is already signed. It just it it's triggered upon, you know, approvals. Yep. Contingent. Yep.
>> Would anyone Mr. Chair? Yes, sir. I make a motion that we uh I'm sorry. Um I make a motion that we uh close the public hearing. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir.
>> Mr. uh chair before any public comment. >> Is there any public comment? >> Anybody here? So, >> anybody on? >> Okay. >> Thank you. I make a motion that we uh approve the
application of Champions Indoor Golf for Incorporated doing business as Champions Indoor Golf for a new section 12 general on premises license to expose keep for sale and to sell all kinds of alcohol beverages to be drunk on the
premises at 253 Mansfield Avenue, Unit One in Norton, 02766. um under with the conditions that they get the approval from the fire department and the building department. >> Second.
>> Okay, Mr. Kimble. >> Yes, >> Mr. Mosan. >> Yes. >> And I am a Yes. >> Excellent. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Good luck. Okay, where were we? Okay,
here we go. All right, next item. Discussion and our vote to approve and execute the contract for new town manager Mark Gold Jr. So to update everybody, uh there's been se successful contract negotiations with
the uh uh the uh negotiating team of Mr. Marian and Mr. Kimble. Uh with our new town manager, Mr. Gold. Um I couldn't be more excited for Mr. Gold. Um, I think
that uh my um my excitement is shared by a lot of people. Um and uh we're very much looking forward to uh to you starting. Um anybody, >> Mr. Chair? >> Yes, sir. >> Um I would just like to say that I want
to uh thank Mr. Gould for his uh professionalism and his uh willingness to uh accommodate some of the requests that we had in negotiations. Um um I think that uh the town is going to be in
good hands with Mr. Gold >> and I would add to that that the uh through the negotiations became clear to me that Mr. Gold is the kind of person we really need to to move this town forward uh getting back to the contract. There are some some changes in it uh
that I feel that the U applicant Mr. Gould um was very receptive to and was willing to work with us to establish some certain guidelines for future negotiations and towns. So uh can't appre say can't say how much I
appreciate all that effort and uh I really look forward to working with you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Is that me or him? >> So with that being said >> you want to say >> Yeah.
Mr. Mr. Gold, will you you have a word? >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair and and members of the board. I'm I'm honored at your confidence in me throughout this process. I've got to know um you a little better and members of the community and I'm thrilled to join this
successful team and looking forward to continuing to move Norton forward, hit the ground running and very excited and honored. Thank you. >> Okay. Wonderful. I would like to make note uh you know, thank you very much to Chief Clark for filling the shoes uh for
the time being. Um doing a great job, Chief. Thank you very much. >> And he's not done yet. >> Yeah, you're not done yet. >> Yeah. >> Um Mark, if I if I might ask, what uh would be a reasonable expectation that you'd be able to uh actually take the
the chair upstairs? So I believe in the negotiations we settled on September 2nd. So it's one month notice to my current employer. >> Okay. Wonderful. Terrific. >> All right, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir.
>> The assistant town clerk is here to attest to uh this contract. >> Okay. You want to come right up, Stella? >> Who's got the contracts? >> We have We have three signatures, so we're we're okay. Uh they are in >> Yeah, they're in they're in the fox.
>> Where did they have to sign too? >> They in this one. >> I have copies. >> Mr. Gold will have to sign also. >> Should be four copies. >> A combat veterans. Those aren't them. >> Oh, here we go.
Two pages. >> Four. Okay. >> We have to vote first. >> Yeah. Is that okay? Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion that the board sign the contract with uh Mr. Gold for the new
town manager position. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> All right. Congratulations, Mr. Ghoul. >> Mr. Chair. >> Okay. And Mr. Chairman, I would add that
obviously once these are u accepted by us and and the town clerk um this information will be public. So if anyone wants to see a copy of it, they're more than u we'll make sure it's available to anybody. But I think it's a very fair
>> contract for both of us. >> Oh, okay. Congratulations. Thank you. There you go. >> You want somebody to take a picture of you signing that? >> Yeah, why not? >> Bye, Peter. >> Like I'm running for office here.
>> Peter's done. >> He's our photographer. >> Very good. >> It's a historic moment. Oh, >> come right there with you. >> Standing over his shoulder.
>> Still still signing. >> Thank you, Chief. >> We'll sh the dots later. >> Thank you, Peter. >> Peter, thank you. >> Get that knife out of you. >> Yeah, we just got to be certified. So,
for all four. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Y now. >> Too late now. >> There's no turning back now. M >> back only forward. Okay. We proceed while she's doing that.
>> Is there anything else you need, Stella? >> I think so. >> Okay. So, we'll proceed with item number five about three. Thank you guys. >> Oh, wait a minute. Yeah. Thank you still. >> Of course. >> Can you go back to three?
>> Yeah. Roger just told me. >> Okay. Sorry. Item number three. Discussion and a vote to declare 150 used fire alarm boxes of the Norton Fire Department as surplus. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh this is a request from the fire department, in particular, Deputy
Wilson. I think he might be on tonight. But um these are old uh call boxes that have been around. They've uh been taken they've been removed from the subdivisions and streets over the last 5 years and basically been put in a big box in
Barrowsville Fire Station. So we're looking to make some space and surplus these. >> Okay. >> Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> Is there a market for these things? Are the town still using these? >> Mr. uh Mr. Kimble. >> Um, you would be surprised the market
that there are old fire. >> Well, I'm sure as far as collectible items, but I just don't >> wouldn't imagine that anyone out there in today's Wi-Fi world is still using, >> you know, fireboxes, but >> is out out west in the middle of nowhere.
>> Okay. >> I I saw them out in Tombstone and >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. I make a motion um that we >> I'm sorry. >> Number three. >> Yeah. That do we declare 150 used
fireboxes of the Norton Fire Department as surplus? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I Okay. Number five. Korean War Armistice Agreement Day Proclamation. Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir.
Whereas on July 27th, 1953, after three years of intense conflict, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, marking the end of active combat in the Korean War. And whereas this historic peace agreement brought an end to hostilities on the Korean Peninsula, laying the
foundation for a ceasefire that has held for over seven decades. land. Whereas Massachusetts endeavors to honor the 190,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth who served during the Korean War, including an estimated 20,000 Korea War veterans still living in the state who
fought for the cause of democracy and the freedom of South Koreans. And whereas Massachusetts will ensure the service and sacrifice of the 866 American service members who never returned home from Korea and the families they left behind and never
forgotten. And whereas we regret our deepest gratitude, we express our deepest gratitude to the Korean War veterans and their families whose sacrifices have contributed to the freedoms we cherish today. And whereas Massachusetts remains grateful for the
enduring bond between the United States and South Korea as both nations commit to regional stability and mutual prosperity. And whereas Massachusetts applauds the resil resilience of its South Korean allies as they re resist
aggression and strive to maintain their rich culture. And whereas Massachusetts remains steadfast in maintaining and strengthening the long-standing partnership with the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Boston. And whereas it is our duty to remember and
reflect upon the significance of the Korean Armistice Agreement on the 72nd anniversary as we strive toward a future where peace and cooperation prevail. Now therefore, I Mara T. Healey, governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim July 27th, 2025 to be Korean War Ammerist Agreement Day and urge all residents in the Commonwealth to take the cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in this
observance, giving at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 27th day of July in the year 2075 and of the independence of the United States of America for 240 9th. Sorry about the governor.
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Okay, next up, update recap on Veterans Council Carnival and Founders Day. Um Melissa, you want to come up? >> No, go ahead. I'm just here for
>> Okay. Um, so I just want to let everybody know um what a tremendous success that the uh uh Veterans Day carnival was this year. Um over the 4-day period um we had I can't tell you thousands of people coming through the
carnival. Um we had some new attractions this year. We were dealing with a uh new carnival company um which uh made the event so much better for everybody. Um there were so many great volunteers. We had nothing but uh had great feedback
from everybody that we talked to. Um and it was uh great to work with the uh town and the recreation department. Um and we were able to uh put on a fireworks display on Saturday night as well, which was uh a huge addition to the whole program. So, I just want to thank
everybody that came out, all the volunteers that worked hard on it, and uh we look forward to next year already. >> Yep. to that. I'd also like to uh throw in a thank you to uh Melissa from Park and Wreck as well as the school
department. Um there were a lot of a lot of people as well behind the scenes doing a bunch of different things that um you know they weren't out in the forefront like Ray Cord's people >> from Nema and uh things of that nature. It's a big planning process and there's
a lot of people involved and uh just thank you to them as well. It couldn't have been more successful. Um, anybody else? Mr. Kimble? No. >> You want to say anything about? >> Yeah. >> No, I just I echo your
>> No, I echo your sentiments for all the people that behind the scenes that put everything together. I think it was a great day. >> Yeah. >> For a great day on Saturday that we were a part of, but a great carnival overall for the town. >> So, thank you again for all the work that you your folks did as well. What a
great job it was. >> Thank you. You're welcome. You guys did great, too. >> Mr. Chair, I had to add to that, too, that the recreation commission did help us with the fireworks this year. >> Oh, for sure. >> And we appreciate that. We're going to We've raised money now, so hopefully next year we can continue to do it. >> And whether it be Founders Day or any
other kind of day, we hope that the recreation department will join us again next year >> and maybe we can make some changes to be more inclusive. we were this year, but uh make it a way so everybody can can reach out and extend to the community in
different ways to find different ways to interact and and introduce each other. So I think you're some of the participants on the founders day side, some of the local businesses and stuff. It was great to have them out there. Oh yeah. >> And we want to encourage them to come back next year to do the same thing and
we'll modify it so we're all together somehow and and make it all happen well. >> Yeah. That was the first goround. was, you know, worked out and there's always things to tweak and change going forward to make it better the following year. >> So, >> very good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Very good. Thank you.
>> Okay. Item seven, we're going to table till we have a full complement of the board. And let's see, number eight, discussion in our vote to dissolve the water bodies committee. >> Chief, >> I don't have any real information on
this. Um, I can't see the letter. I didn't see >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, I looked up the um the water bodies committee was established many many years ago to uh
>> Yeah, I could >> help with the um the various town bodies that we had at the time. We had a major weed weed issue >> that we were addressing. um sewage around Lake Wakonet, uh Norton Grove, you know, those those kind of of uh
projects were were being uh were being worked on and discussed. I think for the most part, they haven't been meeting in quite a while. Um I know a couple of the long-term members have already sent in letters of resignation. So, I looked it up today uh to see who who was still in
there, and there are very few members still involved. So, um, I agree with with John that we probably should disband it, but if in the future we need to reestablish it, we obviously should keep that in the back of our minds. That's all. >> Okay. Thank you, Chief.
>> Uh, just for the record, this is a letter from the conservation director, John Thomas, that due to the lack of due continued lack of community interest in the water bodies committee combined with the limited available resources for water access and monitoring, Mr. Thomas
recommends that the committee be formally dissolved at this time. Should circumstances change, such as increased accessibility of Norton water bodies or renewed public interest, the committee may be reestablished in the future to support those evolving needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please
feel free to conser contact the conservation department. >> Thank you, Chief. Mr. >> Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> I'll make a motion to dissolve the water bodies committee. >> Second. >> All in favor? I Okay.
Other business topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance. Does anybody have anything? No. Okay. Old business discussion on the remote participation policy.
Who's up? >> I guess I am. I'm the one that's been bringing it up. Um, I would I would suggest that the U after talking to town council, they they did call me back and we had some conversation about it. It was
recommended that two things we do we should do. Number one, we should um rewrite the bylaws because right now they're pretty much outdated and don't comply with most of the regulations today. You know, the new policy allows
that Zoom meetings can be allowed until 2027. Um, however, you know, it's my feeling that with this brand new multi-million dollar buildings we have, we should be uh having people in person participating, whether it be one person
or 20, it doesn't matter to me. And town council recommended that if it was any particular committee that uh was not complying that perhaps I could reach out to the chairperson and talk to them about it. So, the only one we had at the time was the conservation commission. So
I reached out to Mr. Kadesh to talk about the possibility of having like one person in the building and uh if they want to still continue to participate by Zoom, they could do that as a combined way of meeting. Uh they did come here
last week to to meet um in person. Mr. Kadish came in. uh John Thomas was with him and a couple of other people uh came in and they they opened up the meeting here as a live session. Um they posted it that way too. Now they did didn't
just post it as a zoom but as a zoom in and live participation here at the uh the crane room. So by doing so it kind of reaffirmed my my concern. five people showed up and so people will
come and they will participate if given the opportunity. Um today's world all this this word that's used so often and so in order cases um it misinforms people is that word transparency. Uh
that's what this is about. This is about bringing people back in sitting down. You can't read a room. I don't care if there's three people in it or 20. You can't read a room. you can't possibly show them all the documents they need to see on a screen. Uh there may be
something else that might be available. Um so the interaction part of is very important to me. So what I would recommend uh Mr. chairman is that we send the policy back to the town council and ask them to adopt a new policy that
works both legally, whatever we legally can do uh into uh into play. And as far as I know, there are no other um committees that aren't meeting in person uh at this
time. They may be, but none that I'm aware of. So, um, that would be my recommendation that we just send it back to council, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> So, when this came up, uh, in the last week or so, I did, uh, have conversation with council to get a policy and they
are going to, uh, put one together for a draft. So, I haven't heard anything more since I reached out a week or so ago. Um it does appear that conservation's just concerned about having a quorum and there was some confusion I think about um if they if they couldn't do anything
hybrid that they weren't going to have a quorum. The confusion Mr. Chairman the confusion was that they felt that they had to have a quorum present and then the rest could come in on Zoom. That's not the case. We had held a meeting prior to that. Mr.
Mr. um Masan is that your name was >> Mr. Mar and I had a meeting prior to that with two of our members coming in on Zoom and we we conducted the same kind of meeting. We only had two of us here. We need three. So that in that case we demonstrated that we can meet
using both techniques and both opportunities. And I I want to encourage the board to continue to to address this and try to figure out a way that we can get people back in and participating again. I understand them to my in my mind the pandemic's over. I don't
understand why the state extended it to 2027. Um not clear on why they would do that, but that doesn't mean we have to comply with everything that the state recommends. Sometimes we have better ideas. >> Well, as chief said, I don't I don't
disagree in in in the entirety. Uh so, Chief, you'll inform us when you do get response back from town council. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. >> Any other? Yep. Yep. >> Um I would just like to um encourage all boards to uh
meet in person when and where you can anytime that you can have an in-person meeting and um allow uh public participation in person. uh because there are some people who are um technology challenged let's say who may want to participate in uh in a meeting
but don't have the ability to if it's not in um at town hall. So regardless of uh what the law comes down as I would just encourage all of our boards and committees to meet in person.
>> Thank you sir. Any other discussion? Okay. Chief Town Manager report. >> Okay. So, uh myself and Chris Anna met with Steve Kirby uh the other day uh to
give some updates on the this project here along with the community center. Um I have received some handicap parking complaints um about the rear door being locked. So, a week or so ago, we locked the rear door for employee only. Um, there was quite a few complaints that
came in that people wanted to use that rear door. It's actually not closer, even though it's closer to the building, it's not closer to the main focus of the front lobby versus, you know, right across the uh the parking lot here. Um it was when it was put together, it was
meant to be an employee only um entrance, but we had Jared Ferrer put up some some visitor signs and uh I think people have just gotten accustomed to parking out back since we didn't have the front lot ready, but I think in time um people have become accustomed to it
and uh we will in a short period of time lock that door again for employees only. Uh ProAV will be coming next week to address some of the concerns in this room with the AV equipment. Uh we're looking at a credit for the plaza out here for the cracks and and uh
non-compliance of work. There's about 12 conditions that they went over and we're looking at a little over $100,000 credit for that. Uh the benches which are out back still need to be installed and the landscaping uh will be touched up. Um the community center there's a roof
issue which is under warranty and the uh they are working on that claim. Now they do have some proAV issues over over at the uh community center as well. Um we'll be receiving a credit again over there of about $130,000.
Um there's an asphalt lip issue that uh we talked to Jared today about um that he's going to look to uh fix up. The landscaping over there is coming under us. So, so highway will be to now responsible for it. Uh phase three, which is the old town
hall, uh what you see out there, it look almost looks like it's hydroed, but it's not. It's just a stabilization. The landscaper will come back in the fall to do the uh to hydro seed it. Um, and all the warranty. We're doing a a
review of all the warranty work this month and in August because a warrant is going to come to an end uh soon. So, we want to make sure we have a checklist. So, Chris is going over that now. Um, I know there was a permanent building committee meeting that Mr. Kimell attended the other night. So, I'm sure
there's a couple gaps that maybe Mr. Kimble can >> No, I think you covered it. We've got some money coming back from the U. construction organizations that are that they're saying at this point u you know they've done what they can but they're giving us money back to to address it
but again stressing the fact that the warranties are running out so if there's anything like we talked to Jared today about a couple of things that he's concerned about we need to get that list together immediately so we can address that because the warranties are going to expire roughly mid September so we want
all that stuff on record before beforehand And I know there's an issue with the dishwasher over at the senior center that they're working on. You mentioned the roof, the concrete. There's an issue with concrete over there, the asphalt. All that stuff is being addressed uh in the background
either by them or by us. Uh with the return of the money back, some of the money's coming back. Uh Jared can go out to bid and get some additional people to come back and do the job right. because it's it's not going to get done unless we we take it on. And we're going to
have to probably participate a bit more than we would normally do. Like, you know, if you put new grass seed out, someone's going to have to water it. It's not going to be the company that puts it down. We're going to have to take and ask people to help hand water it. We have a sprinkler band now in
place, so we can't put the sprinklers out anymore. So people going to have to go out there with a with a handheld faucet hose and nozzle and and do it the right way. So um but as this progresses but we want to get all this lined up and
ready to go before fall and especially the seeding and all that because that's going to take take some time to establish itself. But at the same time we don't want it to be too hot. Like if we planted it today would die tomorrow. >> I mean it's still too hot to be even considering doing something like that. So, I think it's very important that we
stay on top of everything. But I would encourage um Mr. Clark, uh Chief, if you could reach out to the uh community building and anything in this building and make a master list and get that to whomever right away. So, we we have a
final list of everything that's uh that's happening out there. Now, the warranties on some of the stuff is still going to continue after September. I mean, there's still stuff out there. So, it's not like everything ends >> by that time, but um but that's my understanding. So,
>> there was an issue that happened today. If you go to the back parking lot, you'll probably see that the uh where we have the dumpster, the fence has been uh struck by the garbage truck. Boy, >> there's quite a bit of damage there. Um the garbage company was very receptive that they're going to look into fixing
it, but I do think it'll probably need an insurance claim. Unfortunately, the uh the driver actually got strung by a bee and it caused the crash. So, >> can't make it up, huh, Chief? >> Um, excuse me, chief. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, did they talk about the concrete out
in front here in the plaza where the flag poles are? >> Yes. It's part of the credit that we're going to get back. It's uh it would be too expensive to basically tear it up and redo it. And um because of that, they're giving us a $110,000 credit for that.
>> My suggestion, the building committee's suggestion would be if we can take that $110,000 credit. This is this is rather a unique situation because we're using money from a debt exclusion. So as we use the money, we borrow it. So
if we get a credit, that brings it back. So my suggestion would be when all is said and done, if we have a couple of large outstanding debts that could come back and bite us later on, maybe we come up with a creative way to establish a an account,
a separate account just designated for that purpose. Let's say the walkways out front. So three or five years from now, we look out in an RMS and we have to do it. We've got some money that we we we got credit for it that we have and we put into account that we can maybe use
that money to fix it. you know, so we can talk about that later down the road, but um some of these credits we're getting should be um should be save for the future just in case we need to do something again. It's >> a bad idea. So, Chief, a quick question on that. Do
we still have retainage held for the two projects on the contracts? >> Uh I'm not 100% sure it is is on or under budget right now. So, I'm not 100% sure. I'll have to look into that. If if you could that'd be great. Usually it's
a 10% number total contract price uh for all values you know contract as well as extras things of that nature >> if to my recollection talking with Mike uh you know prior. I just don't know if we're still holding any of that retainage or not. >> Okay.
>> Thank you chief. >> Mr. Chair, I will tell you that what U Steve Kirby told us last night at the building uh committee meeting that uh he still has the funds available. Um we're not we're not going to run out of money. So that's a good sign. Uh even with all
the construction on the on the fire station and everything else that's going on, we still have u we still have enough money to to get the job done. >> Oh, that's and that's wonderful. My question is more from the you know holding the contractors and
subcontractors um you know the feet to the fire for performance uh of warranty you know fixes and things of that nature when they owe money they're going to show up and and do it um supposed to. So >> well I think this is part of the the
credits for both of the projects right now. Yeah. >> So but I'll I'll confirm that. >> Yeah. Yeah. It it definitely is a different question, but um Okay. Anything else, Chief? >> No, that's all. >> Yep.
Select boards report in mail. >> I did find one. I I knew I had one somewhere. >> Okay. >> I'm going to read it again. Um this is from Northeastern Savings Bank. Just a just a reminder. I've read this before, but I believe most people have seen the construction on u on West Main Street.
that building is pretty much gutted and they started all over again. But uh they're writing to let us know that on fat Friday, September 12th, 2025, they will be closing the other branch located 172 Mansfield Avenue. Please note that the uh every employee at the location
will retain their jobs at at or above their current level. Uh as your financial partner, we want to ensure we are investing in the platforms most valued to you. In researching our customer patents and behavior, we identified that less than 45% of our clients visit a physical location each
year. As such, we have been aggressively investing in digital banking platforms while evaluating a our physical branch service footprint. After careful consideration, excessive analysis of transaction activity, the bank made the
strategic decision to upgrade our 25 West Main Street location and consolidate our resources in town to that one branch. Another decision point of this location specifically beyond drastically reduced foot traffic was related to the proximity of the
alternative branch locations. We have a branch in town 1.6 6 milesi to the east and another in Mansfield 3.9 miles to the north. And they're able to, you know, answer any questions you might have. But just a reminder again that
they're going to be uh I believe the building's already up for sale. I think I saw for sale sign already. >> Really? >> Y. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. So, we have the >> Mr. here. Just one one thing uh that I forgot is uh I just want to update you
that there the final walkthrough for the rail trail will be on August 7th at 8:00 a.m. starting at Fruit Street. This is the final walk through before they um see what if there's any issues before they sign it over officially to the town of Norton. >> Okay,
>> Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Should we recognize the Fruit Streets in Mansfield just in case people are looking for Fruit Street in Newton? We don't have one. >> Fruit Street is definitely at the Mans in Starting at the Mansfield, then by the airport and and going from there.
>> Noted. Thank you, sir. Warrants. I've approved the warrants as written. Do we have any concerns, comments on the warrants? >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh, I know I brought this up before and I I know that I got under the skin of the town manager, the ex town manager
regarding the u administration of government. Just a little bit of history. 1990 in 2016 the state through the administration of government cities and towns under um part one title
7 chapter 41 section 56 allowed the organizations towns of multiple boards. It allowed them uh for this purpose that the the selectman and any other board, committee or head of department consisting of more than one member is authorized to expend money designate any
one of its members to approve all bills, drafts orders and payroll provided, however, that each member shall make available for the board, committee and other department heads at the first meeting following such action of record of such actions. We have a number of them on tonight.
It's not working for us. That's my opinion and no one's fault in my opinion. That was adopted in 2016. When I was serving in March of 2019, we still had three members of the board signing the the warrant. And the reason we did
that was because every member had the right to look at the stack of warrants, the invoices, look at them. If they had a question about anything, they had the right to remove it and to, you know, to do a further investigation on it. So, we
never adopted that while I was on the board. The last time, this was adopted after I left. Fel manager highlighted the section I just read. But what he did read was a next line. And the next line is, "This provision shall not limit the responsibility of each member of the
board in an event of a non-compliance with this section. So even though we're designating one person to sign, we are still all responsible for it, which means we should take the time to come into the office, look at it, put a signature on a piece of paper, and continue to do so.
In addition to that, and we're back into the town charter because being old as I am, I was involved in all this stuff many years ago. And I remember the section about warrants under 6.8 under the town charter. The town manager shall be the chief of
his fiscal officer of the town. Warrants for the payment of town funds prepared by a town accountant in accordance with the provisions of the general law shall be submitted to the town manager. The approval of any such warrants by the town manager and at least three members of the board of selectmen shall be
sufficient authority to authorize payment by the town treasurer. But the board of selectment alone shall approve all warrants in the event of the absence of a town manager or vacancy in the office of the town manager. So it's in that charter be so the the state law is
out there. It was adopted before any of us were on the board any of us were here. it was adopted. I don't know when, but in my opinion, we're violating the charter. And in addition to that, I think we're putting making ourel hitting ourselves in a high spot in case
something does come down and something is wrong. So, my recommendation would be because I don't have I'm not a I'm not an attorney. Don't pretend to be one that we send this information to the town uh council
>> council >> and ask them if we're in compliance or not. That's all I want to know. If they come back and say, "No, the charter doesn't matter. You can authorize one person to do it. I'll fold up and I'll I'll move on." But I think we're in violation. We We're at least in
violation of our charter. Okay, noted. Understood. Um, Chief on that I will work on that. >> Thank you, sir. >> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to approve the warrants as I probably should. Well, >> we probably should list them.
And by the way, another before I make the motion, the um before the warrant was paid prior to 2019, there had to be three signatures on the piece of paper. It had to be there or they couldn't they couldn't pay their
bills. So, they used to drag us out of our beds and and make it happen. So, I don't have a problem with the one person signing off, but I do have a problem with, you know, doing too many of them at one time. I think we should every time we should be reacting to them. So
>> So they they outdone docu sign now too. So that should make it a whole bunch easier. >> So So the docu sign what that tells me is you're signing signing off on something that you have you haven't ability to look at. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. But >> that's scary to me. That's scary. >> No, no. They're they're
>> all the documents. >> All of them are there. Yep. >> Everything's there. Yep. >> Yep. >> Oh, that may that may put another spin on it. I don't see that. I'm not seeing I'm not seeing the docu sign documents. Perhaps it was expanded to the five select board
members get a copy of it so we can all read through it. That might be different. >> So, how how it goes is Mary sends um the warrant invoices, warrants, everything through email, and they're all PDFs. Open them up, you can see
everything, every penny that goes through. And then the request to docuine for those PDFs. >> Well, who the who she's sending it to? >> Me, >> right? We're not saying it >> is what my point is that. >> Yeah. Yeah. And again, none of us none
of us were involved in this, just to be clear. >> You know, I'm just trying to clean it up a bit and and with town council advice, we'll follow it. Whatever whatever they come back at, we'll I'll be glad to comply. I just want to make sure we're doing things right. I don't I don't
disagree with the ask the town council to make sure we're in compliance. >> With that, I'll make a warrant a motion that we approve payroll warrant PR 26 for the weekending June 21st, 2025. Uh warrant dated June 26, 2025. Invoice
warrant AP25-52 dated June 26th, 2025. Inbice warrant AP25-53 dated June 27th, 2025. Payroll warrant PR27 for the week ending June 30th,
2025. Warrant dated June 30th, 2020, 2025. Invoice warrant AP26-01 dated July 3rd, 2025. Invoice warrant AP26-02 dated July 10th, 2025. Payroll warrant
PI26-01 for the week ending July 5th, 2025. Warrant dated July 10th, 2025. Invoice warrant invoice warrant AP26.03A dated July 14th, 2025. Invoice warrant AP26-03
dated July 17, 2025. Invoice warrant AP26-04 dated July 24th, 2025. and payroll warrant PR26-02 for weekend July 19th 2025 warrant dated
July 24th 2025 >> second all in favor >> I unanimous John >> All right so with that let's uh next meeting agenda what is I I guess
I can ask Kevin and and Denise's as well. We'll find out availability for for next month. I am not available the next two weeks only through Zoom. Uh on the way is is the 14th
available to you guys? >> August. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. I can re, like I said, I'll I'll reach out to everybody, make sure we're all available. We can tenatively set up 14. Sorry, >> I'm available.
>> Okay, thank you. And we don't have executive session, so looking for a motion to adjourn. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> I make a motion to adjourn. And I would like to uh welcome Mark Gould one more time. Second. All in favor? I I
>> Thank you everyone. Thank you. And congratulations, Mark. >> Thank you.