Norton Select Board

“Motion by Mr. Rich, Second by Mr. Kimball, to appoint Nelia Morrison to the Historic District Commission for a term beginning May 14" 2026 ending June 30, 2028. Motion passed 4-1. YES: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan and Mr. Kimball. Mr. O'Neil. NO: Ms. Luciano. IV. Minutes.” (Motion: Rich, second: Kimball)

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“Motion by Mr. Kimball, Second by Mr. Rich, to approve the permit. Motion passed unanimously. VI. Announcements Monday May 18" 2026 is Norton's Annual Town meeting. Will be held at Norton High School at 7:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to review the warrant and supporting materials in advance of the meeting. Board members also highlighted several upcoming community events, including Founders Day, the Norton VFW Carnival, Hot Rods for Horses, and Sip & Stroll. Vendors interested in participating in Founders Day please email NortonFoundersDay@gmail.com. The Board further acknowledged the upcoming Memorial Day Parade organized by the Norton Veterans Council and encouraged residents to attend the parade and related observances honoring veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. VII. New Business a. Charter §7-7 Bylaw Review Committee The Board discussed the creation of a Bylaw Review Committee to review and modernize Town bylaws. Discussion focused on committee composition, public participation, and the anticipated appointment process..” (Motion: Kimball, second: Rich)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Motion by Mr. Rich, Second by Mr. O'Neil, to dissolve the Gold Star Committee. Motion passed unanimously. VIII. Old Business a. Town Meeting Warrant - Article 5 Personnel Classification Plan The Board held an extensive discussion regarding proposed personnel classification amendments, including the creation of a Human Resources Generalist position and updates to the Town's personnel structure..” (Motion: Rich, second: O’Neil)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Motion by Mr. Rich, Second by Mr. Kimball, to recommend approval of Article 5 as amended. Motion passed 3-2. YES: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan and Mr. Kimball. NO: Ms. Luciano and Mr. O'Neil. b. Remaining Town Meeting Warrant Articles The Board confirmed that all remaining Town Meeting warrant articles had previously been reviewed and acted upon. IX. Town Manager's Report Town Manager Gould provided an update regarding preparations for the May 18, 2026 Annual Town Meeting. He reviewed public outreach efforts, including informational programming, website postings, social media communication, and public availability of the warrant and supporting materials. The FY27 budget was discussed. Gould highlighted efforts to reduce reliance on one-time revenues while maintaining services and avoiding layoffs. He thanked department heads, employees, and the Finance Committee for their work on the budget process. The Board discussed participation in the Kay Burton Scholarship Committee. Denise Luciano volunteered to serve as the Select Board representative for the scholarship review process. Gould also discussed plans to recognize local military families with loved ones currently serving overseas and thanked the many veterans organizations and volunteers supporting those efforts..” (Motion: Rich, second: Kimball)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Motion by Kimball, Second by Rich, to approve the remaining One Day Liquor License applications for May 15 and May 16, 2026 events. VOTE: YES: Marsan, Rich, Kimball, Luciano, O'Neil (5-0-0) Motion passed unanimously. ¥, Announcements a. Founders Day June 27th 2026 - Vendors interested please email NortonFoundersDay@gmail.com Board members discussed upcoming community events including Norton Founders Day scheduled for June 27, 2026, in conjunction with the Veterans Council Carnival running June 25 through June 28, 2026. Information regarding vendor participation and community involvement opportunities was shared. Additional announcements included the Memorial Day Parade and the Senior Prom scheduled for May 1, 2026 at the Norton Community Center. VI. New Business a. Targeted Opioid Program Proposal The Board discussed a proposed opioid assistance program intended to support residents struggling with addiction through nonprofit-administered assistance programs, with housing assistance identified as a significant area of need. Discussion included the proposed revolving fund structure, whether interest could accrue on opioid settlement funds, how the program would be publicized, and whether a funding cap should be imposed. Kevin O'Neil expressed concern that demand for the program could significantly increase over time, Denise Luciano asked which nonprofit organizations would qualify to participate in the program. The Board generally expressed support for the proposal and discussed potential future program expansion and additional finding opportunities. b. Health Insurance Opt-Out and Open Enrollment HSA Incentives Jen Sroka presented proposed health insurance open enrollment incentives intended to reduce overall insurance costs and generate approximately $150,000 in savings to the Town. Ms. Sroka explained enhancements to the Town's opt-out program, including incentive payments for employees who voluntarily decline Town insurance coverage, as well as incentives for employees wha switch from HMO or PPO plans into high deductible HSA plans. The Town contribution structure toward employee HSAs was reviewed, along with projected savings estimates associated with increased participation. Ms. Sroka noted that open enrollment would clase on : May 22, 2026 and stated that individual employee appointments had been made available to assist staff in evaluating plan options. Board members thanked Ms. Sroka for her work and communication efforts associated with the initiative. Town Manager Gould also thanked Shannon McMahon and Kristi Enegren for their assistance with the enrollment initiative. VIL Old Business a. Town Meeting Warrant Articles - #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #11, #12, #13, #15, #27 Article 5 - Personnel Bylaw Amendment Town Manager Gould explained that the proposed Personnel Bylaw amendments were intended to modernize outdated provisions and align Town practices with legal guidance received from KP Law. Discussion occurred regarding liability concerns associated with outdated language, the proposed creation of a new Section 18, and the possibility of developing a separate employee handbook to be approved by the Select Board. Members expressed concerns regarding timing, additional review needs, and anticipated Town Meeting discussion. Consensus of the Board was to place the article on the warrant and continue discussion at a future meeting prior to Town Meeting..” (Motion: Kimball, second: Rich)

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“Motion by Rich, Second by Kimball, to recommend no action on Article 27. VOTE: YES: Marsan, Rich, Kimball, Luciano, O'Neil (5-0-0) Motion passed unanimously. b. All other Town Meeting Warrant Articles subject to discussion/vote at Board discretion No additional warrant article action was taken. VU Town Manager's Report Notice of Appointment - Detective Nicholas Precourt as Police Sergeant Town Manager Gould appointed Detective Nicholas Precourt as Police Sergeant and congratulated him on behalf of the Town..” (Motion: Rich, second: Kimball)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

“Vice Chair: Motion by Denise Luciano to nominate herself as Vice Chair. Second by Kevin O'Neil. Motion by Bob Kimball to nominate Alec Rich as Vice Chair. Second by Roger Marsan. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Denise Luciano as Vice Chair: Kevin O'Neil - Yes, Denise Luciano - Yes. Chair Marsan asked all opposed to Denise Luciano as Vice Chair: Alec Rich - No, Bob Kimball - No, Roger Marsan - No. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Alec Rich as Vice Chair: Bob Kimball - Yes, Roger Marsan - Yes, Alec Rich - Yes. Chair Marsan asked all opposed to Alec Rich as Vice Chair: Kevin O'Neil - No, Denise Luciano - Abstain. Alec Rich II elected Vice Chair. Vote: 3-2-1..” (Motion: Luciano, second: O’Neil)

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“Vice Chair: Motion by Denise Luciano to nominate herself as Vice Chair. Second by Kevin O'Neil. Motion by Bob Kimball to nominate Alec Rich as Vice Chair. Second by Roger Marsan. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Denise Luciano as Vice Chair: Kevin O'Neil - Yes, Denise Luciano - Yes. Chair Marsan asked all opposed to Denise Luciano as Vice Chair: Alec Rich - No, Bob Kimball - No, Roger Marsan - No. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Alec Rich as Vice Chair: Bob Kimball - Yes, Roger Marsan - Yes, Alec Rich - Yes. Chair Marsan asked all opposed to Alec Rich as Vice Chair: Kevin O'Neil - No, Denise Luciano - Abstain. Alec Rich II elected Vice Chair. Vote: 3-2-1..” (Motion: Kimball, second: Marsan)

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“Clerk: Motion by Roger Marsan to nominate Robert Kimball as Clerk. Second by Alec Rich. Motion by Kevin O'Neil to nominate Denise Luciano as Clerk. Second by Denise Luciano. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Robert Kimball as Clerk: Alec Rich - Yes, Roger Marsan - Yes, Bob Kimball - Yes. Chair Marsan asked all in favor of Denise Luciano as Clerk: Kevin O'Neil - Yes, Denise Luciano - Yes. Robert Kimball elected Clerk. Vote: 3-2..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)