At the center of the meeting was the dialogue over the display of Pride signs, which has been a tradition in Norton since 2001 during Pride Month. The Select Board has historically supported the initiative, allowing Pride signs from various local bodies such as the police and fire departments, the library, and town hall. These signs have become symbols of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Norton, especially in countering narratives of bias. A participant emphasized that these signs are important for fostering acceptance and visibility, particularly during a federally recognized month dedicated to Pride.

The discussion expanded to include the Gadsden flag, with a request having been made for its display on town property in July. Concerns arose over the implications of such a flag, given its historical associations with resistance to government authority. A participant expressed a dilemma about approving the Gadsden flag while allowing Pride signs, highlighting the need for a policy that prevents the potential misuse of public signage for extremist ideologies. The idea of consulting federal and state guidelines was proposed to establish an objective standard for what can be displayed, which would help avoid subjective and potentially contentious decisions.

In addition to the signage policy, the board addressed the critically low number of available alcohol licenses in town. During a public hearing, C Inspire Events LLC, represented by Camille Smalls, sought approval for an on-premises alcohol service license for their new venue, Grand Chateau Owl. The venue, housed in the historic Norton Library, aims to host a variety of events. However, the board noted that only one alcohol license remained available out of a total of twenty, raising the stakes for this decision. The application was approved, contingent on necessary building department approvals, with the board emphasizing compliance with all regulations to avoid serving minors.

The meeting also featured significant staffing updates. Two new firefighter paramedics were appointed, with the fire chief endorsing Ian Pereira and Logan Riley for their qualifications. Pereira recently earned his paramedic certification, while Riley brought over a year of experience from Hartford, Connecticut. Both appointments were unanimously approved and met with applause, signaling strong support for the enhancements to the town’s emergency services team.

Attention shifted to the town’s emergency preparedness, particularly regarding the suitability of town buildings as emergency shelters. The community center was confirmed as a designated warming shelter during storms, with the fire department’s emergency operations center equipped for such scenarios. The need for ongoing public communication during emergencies was acknowledged.

In another staffing development, Karen Ernson was appointed as a part-time outreach counselor at the Council on Aging, filling a role vacated by a retired employee. Ernson expressed enthusiasm for her new position, which will focus on providing resources and referrals for seniors and other community members.

The board also deliberated on expanding the membership of the Norton Traffic Safety Committee due to increased interest in participation. The committee, originally composed of nine members, had inadvertently increased to twelve, prompting a proposal to adjust the number to thirteen for effective decision-making. The importance of diverse perspectives on traffic safety was emphasized, with the inclusion of residents like Keith Silver and Steve Hornsby noted for their potential contributions.

The meeting touched on updates regarding the town’s remote participation policy for meetings, highlighting the balance between accessibility and the need for physical presence to foster transparency and community engagement. As the town adapts to post-pandemic realities, a comprehensive policy aligning with state laws was proposed to ensure broad participation in civic matters.

Lastly, the board addressed old business, including the hiring process for an interim town manager and updates on infrastructure projects. Repairs for King Phillip Road were discussed, with funds allocated for immediate repairs on private roads. The town manager highlighted ongoing improvements to the town’s audio-visual facilities and the nearing completion of the new fire station.