The meeting’s focal point was the appointment of Brian Clark as the interim town manager, set to begin his role on July 1st pending contract finalization. The decision followed a robust selection process conducted by the Town Manager Search Committee, which reviewed a pool of 162 applicants. The committee, led by Chair Dian O’Brien, narrowed the list down to four finalists: Lisa Green of Whitman, Mark Gould of North Attleboro, Dave Kery of Menden, and Michael Moresco of Marshfield. The board members expressed confidence in Clark’s capabilities, having considered both internal and external candidates for the position. A member affirmed Clark’s potential by stating he was “the most candid professional candidate we can find at this time.” The unanimous approval from the board underscores a strong consensus in his favor.

The selection process was characterized by its rigorous and structured approach. Interviews were standardized, with each candidate receiving the same questions in the same order, minimizing bias and ensuring consistency. The committee had initially screened 18 candidates, using interviews as the sole criterion for narrowing the list to four finalists. A scoring system ranked candidates from one to five based on their responses, with the finalists being those who demonstrated outstanding qualifications.

The meeting also recognized the outgoing town manager’s contributions, with members expressing gratitude for his service. His legacy includes significant projects such as the new town hall and community building, and a farewell gathering was emphasized to honor his efforts.

In addition to the town manager discussions, the board addressed several community initiatives aimed at enhancing local amenities and engagement. One noteworthy project is the sponsorship opportunity for dog stations along the rail trail. For a $500 donation, community members can sponsor custom plaques displayed on the stations for three years, with the option for renewal. This initiative seeks to improve the trail’s environment while honoring pets and engaging the community in local developments.

The meeting also involved routine administrative actions, including the appointment of various individuals to town committees. Appointments were approved for committees such as the Alternate Transportation Committee, Board of Health, Cemetery Commission, Council on Aging, Cultural Council, Economic Development Commission, and Historical Commission. The Traffic Safety Committee and Board of Appeals also saw new appointees.

Furthermore, announcements were made about upcoming community events. The local carnival was highlighted, with encouragement for community attendance despite unfavorable weather. The carnival promised new rides and a larger celebration compared to previous years. Additionally, a lunch event at Town Hall was planned to honor Mr. Ununit’s retirement, inviting community participation in celebrating his service. The meeting also noted the birth of Theodore Jacob Marson.

The Norton Select Board’s meeting concluded with a focus on future engagements, scheduling the next meeting for July 12th. This upcoming meeting will involve interviews with the candidates for the select board, and a suggestion was made to distribute the screening questions to all board members to aid in their preparation. The board expressed the importance of reviewing the ratings from the screening committee to gain insights into the evaluation of the final four candidates.