MassVoter.com← Norton Select BoardNorton Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Joint meeting
March 12, 2026
13 recorded votes, 9 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Alec Rich III, Roger Marsan, Robert Kimball, Denise Luciano, Kevin O’Neil
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Open public hearing
To open public hearing
From the minutes
“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Luciano, to open public hearing. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Luciano)
Appoint Cathy O'Brien as Tenant Housing Authority member
To appoint Cathy O'Brien as Tenant Housing Authority member
From the minutes
“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Luciano, to appoint Cathy O'Brien as Tenant Housing Authority member. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Luciano)
Appoint Robert Kimball to NOPE Committee
To appoint Robert Kimball to NOPE Committee
From the minutes
“Motion by Marsan, seconded by Rich, to appoint Robert Kimball to NOPE Committee. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous.” (Motion: Marsan, second: Rich)
Appoint Justin Chicca as Alternate Membet of SRPEDD
To appoint Justin Chicca as Alternate Membet of SRPEDD
From the minutes
“Motion by Marsan, seconded by Luciano, to appoint Justin Chicca as Alternate Membet of SRPEDD Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous.” (Motion: Marsan, second: Luciano)
Approve the minutes of February 26th, 2026. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. V. Licenses and Permits There were no licenses or perm
To approve the minutes of February 26th, 2026. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. V. Licenses and Permits There were no licenses or permits to consider. VI. Announcements e Annual Census collection underway through the Town Clerk's Office e Town Election scheduled for April 11, 2026 e Mammogram van information provided ¢ Department accreditation assessment scheduled for March 24 (3-day review) e Sip N' Stroll scheduled for May 16, 2026 e 250th Anniversary volunteer opportunities announced VIL New Business e Health Insurance Proposal Assistant Town Manager Shannon McMahon presented an analysis of rising health insurance costs and alternative plan options. Current projected increase: approximately $907,000, growing to $1.3M. Current enrollment: HMO (401), High Deductible (18), PPO (24.) Proposed change could yield savings o
The minutes give only the count, not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by O'Neil, seconded by Mr. Marsan, to approve the minutes of February 26th, 2026. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 Unanimous. V. Licenses and Permits There were no licenses or permits to consider. VI. Announcements e Annual Census collection underway through the Town Clerk's Office e Town Election scheduled for April 11, 2026 e Mammogram van information provided ¢ Department accreditation assessment scheduled for March 24 (3-day review) e Sip N' Stroll scheduled for May 16, 2026 e 250th Anniversary volunteer opportunities announced VIL New Business e Health Insurance Proposal Assistant Town Manager Shannon McMahon presented an analysis of rising health insurance costs and alternative plan options. Current projected increase: approximately $907,000, growing to $1.3M. Current enrollment: HMO (401), High Deductible (18), PPO (24.) Proposed change could yield savings of approximately $347,000 in Year 1 and $797,000 in Year 2. Proposal includes increased opt-out incentives and greater use of HSA-compatible plans. Discussion included network consistency savings calculation methodology (explained by Jen Sroka,) HSA contributions and rollovers, retiree eligibility limitations, employee education and plan selection behavior. The Town Manager's office has done significant research into this issue..” (Motion: O’Neil, second: Marsan)
End the State of Emergency Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous IX. Town Manager's Report e FY27 Budget Town Manager Gould reported that
To end the State of Emergency Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous IX. Town Manager's Report e FY27 Budget Town Manager Gould reported that development of a fiscally responsible FY27 operating budget remains underway, with an anticipated release date of April 6, 2026. He noted that Police and Fire Department presentations are scheduled for the upcoming Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Gould stated that he is available to provide the Select Board with the presentation materials shared with the Finance Committee upon request. e King Philip Road Town Manager Gould addressed ongoing inquiries regarding King Philip Road. He explained that approximately 700 feet of the roadway is Town-owned, while the remaining 3,700 feet is privately owned. As a result, the Town is legally prohibited from expending public funds on improvements to t
The minutes give only the count, not how each member voted.
From the minutes
“Motion by Rich, seconded by Luciano, to end the State of Emergency Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Vote: 5-0 unanimous IX. Town Manager's Report e FY27 Budget Town Manager Gould reported that development of a fiscally responsible FY27 operating budget remains underway, with an anticipated release date of April 6, 2026. He noted that Police and Fire Department presentations are scheduled for the upcoming Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Gould stated that he is available to provide the Select Board with the presentation materials shared with the Finance Committee upon request. e King Philip Road Town Manager Gould addressed ongoing inquiries regarding King Philip Road. He explained that approximately 700 feet of the roadway is Town-owned, while the remaining 3,700 feet is privately owned. As a result, the Town is legally prohibited from expending public funds on improvements to the privately owned portion, with the limited exception of pothole repairs. Mr. Gould outlined the statutory process required for more substantial improvements to a private way. He explained that two-thirds of abutters must petition the Town, after which Town Meeting may vote to authorize temporary repairs. This process requires submission of an engineer- stamped plan, including easements, followed by a public hearing before the Select Board and subsequent Town Meeting approval. Mr. Gould noted that Norton has approximately 14 private roads subject to similar limitations. Mr. Kimball emphasized that the Town must adhere strictly to applicable laws and cannot treat private roads in the same manner as public ways beyond minor maintenance allowances. Town Manager Gould clarified that isolated past work does not establish an ongoing obligation. He stated that consistent maintenance over time could create such an obligation, but a one-time project conducted approximately ten years ago does not. Director of Public Works Justin Chicca reported that funds are currently allocated for pothole repairs on private ways and confirmed that DPW crews were working on King Philip Road that day. Mr. Chicca explained that pothole repairs are temporary in nature and are not intended to Serve as permanent roadway improvements. He noted that repeated patching is significantly more cost-effective than full roadway reconstruction, but emphasized that long-term solutions would require following the formal legal process for private road improvements. Ms. Luciano asked whether abutters would be responsible for funding the required engineering study. Town Manager Gould confirmed that the cost of the study would be borne by the residents. Ms. Luciano noted that this situation is common in developments involving private roads. e Finance Committee Capital Requests Town Manager Gould reported that upcoming Finance Committee meetings will include capital Tequest discussions for public safety and the school department. Ms. Luciano requested that summaries or materials from those meetings be shared with the Select Board following their completion. ¢ Library Reaccredited Town Manager Gould announced that the Norton Public Library has successfully regained accreditation status, making it eligible for grant funding. He commended library staff, specifically recognizing their efforts in achieving reaccreditation..” (Motion: Rich, second: Luciano)
Support Article 2: Chapter 90 funding $860,247.73
To support Article 2: Chapter 90 funding $860,247.73
Yes: Kimball, Luciano, O’Neil, RichAbstained: Marsan
From the minutes
“Motion by Rich, seconded by Luciano, to support Article 2: Chapter 90 funding $860,247.73 Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan - Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Rich, second: Luciano)
Support Article 23: 5-7 Year Sewer Tie In
To support Article 23: 5-7 Year Sewer Tie In
Yes: Kimball, Marsan, O’Neil, RichNo: Luciano
From the minutes
“Motion by O'Neil, seconded by Rich, to support Article 23: 5-7 Year Sewer Tie In Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Ms. Luciano - No Vote: 4-1.” (Motion: O’Neil, second: Rich)
Support Article 20: Abatement for Environmental Cleanup
To support Article 20: Abatement for Environmental Cleanup
Yes: Kimball, Luciano, O’Neil, RichAbstained: Marsan
From the minutes
“Motion by O'Neil, seconded by Rich, to support Article 20: Abatement for Environmental Cleanup Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: O’Neil, second: Rich)
Support Article 26: Bylaw amendment to refer to DPW Director
To support Article 26: Bylaw amendment to refer to DPW Director
The roll call in the minutes does not list every member who was present (Denise Luciano missing), so individual votes are not shown.
From the minutes
“Motion by O'Neil, seconded by Rich, to support Article 26: Bylaw amendment to refer to DPW Director Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Mr. Marsan, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Ms. Luciano ~ Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: O’Neil, second: Rich)
Approve Invoice Warrant AP26-35 Dated February 26th 2026
To approve Invoice Warrant AP26-35 Dated February 26th 2026
Yes: Kimball, Luciano, O’Neil, RichAbstained: Marsan
From the minutes
“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Rich, to approve Invoice Warrant AP26-35 Dated February 26th 2026 Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Rich)
Approve Payroll Warrant PR26-18 week ending Feb 28th
To approve Payroll Warrant PR26-18 week ending Feb 28th
Yes: Kimball, Luciano, O’Neil, RichAbstained: Marsan
From the minutes
“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Luciano, to approve Payroll Warrant PR26-18 week ending Feb 28th Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Luciano)
Approve Invoice Warrant AP26-36 Dated March 5th 2026 Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1 XI. = Select Board Report and Mail There was n
To approve Invoice Warrant AP26-36 Dated March 5th 2026 Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1 XI. = Select Board Report and Mail There was no Select Board report or mail to discuss. XII. = Executive Session The board did not enter into executive session. XI. Adjournment Motion was made by Kimball, seconded by Luciano, to adjourn meeting
Yes: Kimball, Luciano, O’Neil, RichAbstained: Marsan
From the minutes
“Motion by Kimball, seconded by Rich, to approve Invoice Warrant AP26-36 Dated March 5th 2026 Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1 XI. = Select Board Report and Mail There was no Select Board report or mail to discuss. XII. = Executive Session The board did not enter into executive session. XI. Adjournment Motion was made by Kimball, seconded by Luciano, to adjourn meeting. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rich, Ms. Luciano, Mr. O'Neil, Mr. Kimball - Yes Mr. Marsan- Abstain Vote: 4-0-1.” (Motion: Kimball, second: Rich)
From the Norton Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center. We check every count against the members named and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Member photos: stills from the members’ candidate videos by Norton Media Center.
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