Sarah Dixon

The meeting agenda included an update on warrant signatures and the approval of the minutes from the October 28, 2025 session. Key discussions centered on scheduling and conducting public hearings regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Levy percentages, including setting the tip factor rate at 71%, and the transfer of an All Alcoholic Beverages License from Olde Colonial Café, Inc. to Gemma Kitchen & Bar, Inc. Updates were also provided by the Superintendent of Norwood Public Schools concerning student service audit implementation, strategic planning, safety plans, and the transition related to the new Coakley Middle School opening. New business items addressed the approval of FY26 Liens for Water/Sewer, Electric and Broadband, the Town of Norwood Capital Stabilization Fund Policy, Civic Room Rental Fees, a Lease Renewal for 171 Nahatan Street, setting a preliminary outline for the March Town Meeting, and approval for 2026 Liquor and Other Licenses. Consent agenda items included approvals for One Day permits, a Banner Request, and Morse House Use.

The meeting addressed several public hearing requests, including an application for alteration of premises and extended hours for Castle Island Brewing Company, LLC, submission of a CV License application for Wendy's Properties, LLC, and an application for transfer, change of location, manager, and DBA for a retail package goods store wine and malt beverages license by Ganesh Market, Inc. New business included notices regarding PEG Grant payments from Verizon and Comcast price increases effective December 20, 2018. Jeff Morrill requested an increase to his license for 12 Vernon Street, contingent upon final approval from the Building Inspector and Fire Department after conversions. Quarterly Franchise Fee payments for the 3rd Quarter 2018 were submitted by the Norwood Light Department. The Board also reviewed a notice of loss from Certuse Adjustment, Inc., considered equipment useful life extension approvals, reviewed the results of an auto Dealerships audit, discussed the Skating Club of Boston update and PILOT, reviewed requests for appointments to the Cultural Council, and acknowledged the signing of Norwood local bill (H4718) regarding Town Meeting Acts. The Building Inspector's monthly report for October 2018 was submitted for review.

The committee discussed various sections of the Town Meeting By-Laws for future consideration. Key areas of focus included Town Meeting days and times (Section 3), proposing that Special Town Meetings start only on Mondays and setting rules for continuation to Thursday. Discussions also covered registered speakers (Section 6), limits on debate (Section 7), and materials for Town Meeting (Section 8). For Section 8, recommendations included preparing a How-To Guide covering parliamentary procedure, explaining abstention votes, and ensuring presenters provide plain language summaries. The committee prioritized recommendations for the May 2026 Town Meeting regarding meeting length and sequencing, materials presentation, registered speakers, and debate limits. The use and monitoring of consent agendas (Section 9) were also reviewed.

The meeting involved receiving several monthly reports from department heads, including the Fire Department, DPW/Town Engineer, Recreation Department, and Norwood Light Department. New business included the submission of MassDOT grant assurances for the Norwood Memorial Airport security camera update, review and approval of several Cemetery Deeds, and a request for an appointment to discuss a recent fire. The Board also addressed requests for one-day AAB licenses, considered a Municipal Relief Transfer for the Medicare account, and reviewed a request to use the Town Common for a veterans' concert. The Personnel Board submitted updates, including the election of new officers and approval of a CORI and Fingerprint Policy for Non-Employees. Unfinished business involved town counsel services contracts and a formal vote authorizing the closure of Guild Street for construction work. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss strategy concerning threatened litigation.

The meeting included a reorganization where Selectman William Plasko was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Board, and Executive Assistant Jess Jozwik was reappointed as Clerk of the Board. Key procedural changes included streamlining the Memorandum section of the agenda and designating one member and an alternate to sign weekly warrants. The Board unanimously approved several requests, including holding an Easter Bunny photo event on the Town Common, posting various traffic and informational signs, and approving the Common Victualler License for Siam Lotus. The Board also acted on zoning matters, voting to add articles related to creating the "Norwood Space Center Mixed Use Overlay District" to the annual Town Meeting warrant, and approved extending Norwood Light Department Cable Negotiations. Appointments were made to the Conservation Commission. A show cause hearing for Olivadi regarding its alcoholic beverage license was continued to April 12, 2022, pending further reopening information. The Board also decided to conduct a show cause hearing for Workman's Hall regarding potential violations. Matters filed included a National Grid notice of filing and public hearing, correspondence, and information on water cleaning and lining projects. Selectman Donnelly was appointed to work on the Solid Waste contract. An incomplete application for a Class II Auto Dealer's License was withdrawn.