Norton Select Board Advances Infrastructure, Eyes Special Election for Overrides

Overview: The Norton Select Board meeting addressed substantial topics concerning the town’s development and financial planning. One subject was the town’s infrastructure development project on Leonard Street North and Elm Street, which involves significant economic implications for the town, including a grant and betterment assessments. Furthermore, the board approved the exit from Civil Service for new hires in the fire and police departments. The upcoming special election for budget overrides and the management of three budgets at the upcoming town meeting were also key points of discussion.

Norton Select Board Approves Series of Licenses and Addresses Town Meeting Articles

Overview: During a recent meeting, the Norton Select Board approved a series of one-day liquor licenses, a common victualer license correction, and addressed concerns regarding upcoming town meeting articles. The board also gave the green light to an application for the sale of lottery tickets by a local business and supported the removal of several articles from the spring annual town meeting warrant.

Norton Select Board Approves Alus Inc. ‘s Flammable Storage Expansion

Overview: In a recent Norton Select Board meeting, the board approved a license amendment for Alus Incorporated, allowing the company to expand its storage capacity for flammable liquids at their Norton facility. The approval followed a presentation by Alus Incorporated detailing their expansion plans, operational processes, and community outreach efforts since their establishment in 2020. Engineering firm Jensen Hughes evaluated the facility’s safety measures, garnering confirmation from the Norton Fire Department of compliance with all necessary requirements.

Norton Select Board Proposes Charter Amendment for Town Manager Contract Procedures

Overview: The Norton Select Board convened on March 21st, 2024, to deliberate a significant amendment to the town Charter concerning the procedures for the non-renewal and removal of the Town Manager. The proposed amendment aims to resolve inconsistencies between the Charter and the Town Manager’s contract, particularly around the supermajority vote requirement for removal and the one-year notification for non-renewal. Additionally, the amendment introduces a cap of up to five years for the Town Manager’s contract term to maintain competitive hiring practices with other towns.

Norton Select Board Considers Bonuses to Attract Town Planner

Overview: The Norton Select Board meeting covered a broad agenda, but the most pressing topic was the ongoing challenge of hiring a town planner, a position that has been vacant for 15 out of the past 21 months. The board considered a proposal to offer substantial bonuses to attract and retain highly qualified candidates for this critical role. This proposal, which included a 15-30% bonus after the second year and a 50% bonus after the third year of employment, sparked debate over its feasibility, legality, and the potential implications for union contracts. Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for greater transparency and public access to meeting materials on the town’s website, particularly during budget season. Infrastructure updates, including the Elm Street sewer improvement project and the Barrows Court drainage issue, were also points of discussion. The board emphasized the importance of involving the community in addressing these concerns and recognized the urgency of resolving the flooding issues affecting residents.