February 26, 2026

“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Marsan, to approve the minutes of February 12, 2026. Denise Luciano abstained. Vote: 4-0-1 (Luciano abstained). Mr. O'Neil requested that the Board respond to the letter submitted by resident Gary Coolidge and include the meeting video link and timestamp relevant to the discussion referenced in the correspondence. b. February 22, 2026 Motion by Kimball, seconded by Marsan, to approve the minutes of February 22, 2026. Vote: 5-0, unanimous. c. December 23, 2025 - Executive Session Minutes.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Marsan)

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

“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Marsan, to approve the Executive Session minutes of December 23, 2025. Vote: 5-0, unanimous. Mr. O'Neil requested that the referenced Executive Session minutes be clearly labeled as Executive Session when posted online to facilitate easier reference. IV. Licenses and Permits Bog Iron Brewing - On-Premise All Alcohol License Bog Iron Brewing currently holds a malt-only license and requested approval for an on-premise license for all alcoholic beverages. Motion by Marsan, seconded by Kimball, to grant the On- Premise All Alcohol License. Roll Call Vote: Rich - Yes Marsan - Yes Kimball - Yes Luciano - Yes O'Neil - Yes Vote: 5-0, unanimous. Vv. Announcements a. Sip N' Stroll -- The Board announced the upcoming Sip N' Stroll event scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. The event has been successfully held in numerous communities and supports small businesses and community engagement. b. Memorial Day Parade - Residents interested in participating in the Memorial Day Parade is encouraged to contact Gary Cameron. c. Parks and Recreation - Parks and Recreation announcements are available on the Town website and the digital bulletin board outside Town Hall. VI. New Business ; a. FY25 Audit Tom Scanlon, Managing Partner at Scanlon & Associates, presented the FY25 audit. Mr. Scanlon explained that the audit is a risk-based audit designed to provide an opinion on the Town's financial statements rather than conduct a forensic review. Mr. Scanlon reported that the audit went well and no areas of concern were identified. Discussion followed regarding the Town's financial condition. Mr. Scanlon noted that financial reporting practices are sound and free cash continues to be certified in a timely manner. Free cash is primarily generated through unspent appropriations and conservative revenue estimates. Excise tax revenue continues to be a significant contributor. Ms. Luciano asked where unspent funds are most commonly generated. Mr. Scanlon indicated they generally come from employee benefit and insurance accounts rather than a single department. Mr. O'Neil asked whether a significant portion of free cash results from conservative revenue estimates. Mr. Scanlon stated that appropriation turnbacks also contribute substantially. Mr. Kimball asked what factors are driving caution regarding upcoming budget cycles. Mr. Scanlon stated that expenses are increasing and potential reductions in state aid could create challenges. Mr. O'Neil asked whether software exists to help forecast excise tax revenue based on vehicle purchases. The Town Accountant stated he would research available forecasting options. Mr. Kimball commented that corporate fleet vehicles utilizing Town roads do not generate excise tax revenue for the Town. b. Rescind Local State of Emergency - February 22, 2026 The Board discussed whether to rescind the local state of emergency declared following the recent winter storm. Town Manager Gould recommended maintaining the declaration temporarily while Department of Public Works cleanup operations continue. Mr. Kimball noted that maintaining the declaration may assist the Town in seeking potential state reimbursement. Mr. Kimball also asked whether additional personnel could be hired temporarily to operate Town equipment during emergency operations. Mr. Rich noted that union considerations may limit the Town's ability to hire outside operators. Town Manager Gould stated that approximately ninety percent of available equipment is currently being utilized but agreed to review the issue. Mr. Marsan suggested that emergency conditions may provide additional flexibility. Mr. Rich noted that neighboring communities maintain emergency standby contracts with outside contractors and recommended exploring a similar arrangement. No motion was made. VII. Old Business Town Manager Gould reported that approximately 27 Town Meeting articles are currently under development. Major items include the Norton Middle School roof project contingent on approval of the April 11" ballot question, Chapter 90 bylaw amendments, sewer expansion along West Main Street, strengthening the Mansfield water interconnection for emergency water supply, environmental cleanup abatements, repeal of the mandatory sewer tie-in bylaw, and reconstruction planning for the Route 140 / Route 123 intersection. The Department of Public Works is also considering a bylaw proposal related to sidewalk maintenance. Ms. Luciano suggested reviewing articles without financial impact first while allowing the Finance Committee to review those with financial implications. Mr. O'Neil suggested that the Finance Committee review simpler financial articles first and consider holding a joint meeting. Mr. Rich expressed a preference to review items as information becomes available. Mr. Kimball suggested coordinating with the Planning Board regarding relevant planning matters. The Town Manager stated that while final financial figures are not yet available, general information can be provided to the Board. VII. Town Manager's Report a. Appointment - Select Board Liaison The Town Manager announced the appointment of Kristi Enegren as Select Board Liaison, Licensing Coordinator, and Executive Assistant, noting that she has been an asset to the Town. The Town Manager stated that Ms. Enegren has been a strong asset to the Town Manager's Office during her time serving in a temporary capacity. He noted that she has demonstrated significant value to the organization and has already improved internal administrative processes, including modernizing aspects of the permitting process and implementing more structured record-keeping practices. The Town Manager expressed confidence that Ms. Enegren will continue to contribute positively to the Town's operations and that the administration looks forward to the continued improvements and support she will provide in her role. Members of the Select Board welcomed Ms. Enegren and expressed appreciation for the work she has already performed. Ms. Enegren thanked the Board and stated that she was very happy to be serving the Town of Norton. b. Historic District Commission - Nealia Morrison The Board discussed the nomination of Nealia Morrison to the Historic District Commission. Peg Dooley and Nancy Federicci discussed Morrison's professional qualifications and involvement with the American Institute of Architects. Denise Luciano stated that the Board should follow the bylaw requirement for two nominees. Robert Kimball stated he does not want to discourage a qualified candidate. Kevin O'Neil noted that the Board must comply with the bylaw. The Town Manager stated the bylaw provides no flexibility. Alec Rich suggested advertising for an additional candidate while seeking clarification from the AIA regarding nominations. Ms. Federicci indicated that the AIA may be able to provide a nominee if requested. c. GATRA/ Blue Bus The Town Manager reported that the Blue Apple Bus service remains operational and continues to serve the area. d. FY27 Budget Town Manager Gould reported that preliminary budget projections indicate significant pressure due to rising health insurance costs, fixed expenses, and recent collective bargaining agreements. The Town budget is millions short due to structural imbalances and department requests. The budget must be balanced by April 6. A formal presentation will be made to the Finance Committee. Town Manager Gould also commended Town staff and departments for their response to the recent winter storm. Alec Rich noted that compared to surrounding communities, Norton's response to the storm was exceptional. IX. Warrants a. Invoice Warrant 26-34 - February 19, 2026 Motion by Kimball, seconded by Marsan. Vote: 5-0, unanimous. b. Payroll Warrant 26-17 - Week Ending January 14, 2026.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Kimball)

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