Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Selectmen and Board of Health to share decision on such restrictions.
The Norton Board of Selectmen discussed the possibility of mosquitos in Norton and how public activities could be affected. “We’re getting into mosquito season and with all the water we’ve had right now if could be another major issue,” selectmen chair Robert Kimball said. The main issue was whether the Board of Health or Selectmen would have control over whether or not to postpone or cancel public evening activities (all those operated by the town at least) if a serious swarm of mosquitos arise. The board agreed both boards if possible should make the decision, but it may not always be practical. “It could happen on a Monday morning when we suddenly have an issue and we don’t meet until Thursday,” Kimball said. Selectmen agreed they would…
Friday, June 14, 2013
Sinkhole from excessive rain closes Cross Street.
Cross Street was closed on Thursday after excessive flooding caused a sinkhole on a bridge. “We’ve had nine inches in four days,” said town manager Michael Yunits. “At my house the water is flowing pretty heavy right now.” Yunits said at this time highway department superintendent Keith Silver can’t see the extent of the damage on the dam. “Until Keith can see what happened we won’t be able to move on that,” Yunits said. Selectmen chair Robert Kimball said it’s a tight budget and chapter 90 money from the state has been reduced. “The longer we take and ignore the fact that the state has failing roads and bridges the worse it’s going to get,” he said. “Look at other bridges in the area from the last flood that are still out of commission.”
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Thursday, June 13, 2013
Norton's roads need more funding according to the Board of Selectmen.
The Norton Board of Selectmen discussed the state of Norton’s roads on Thursday, and the outlook isn’t great. “Our roads and bridges are falling apart,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “We need to get some improvements on these before we can’t drive on the streets in the area. We have a number of issues here in Norton where some of our roads are getting to the point where you can’t drive on them.” Town manager Michael Yunits said most of the work is funded through Chapter 90 money from the state, but he said reductions have slowed needed repairs. “We had planned a lot of work this summer,” he said. “We’re working out on North Worcester Street right now. Due to reduced funding we will only have a balance of $100,000 in Chapter 90 funds…
Friday, June 7, 2013
Norton selectmen looking for impact studies on all three proposed nearby facilities.
Norton could be facing a triple threat for gambling establishments. The Norton Board of Selectmen discussed the possibility of the approval of the Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, the Taunton Casino and the Raynham Racecourse getting approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for slots and/or full casino status respectively. “We have three different facilities being proposed in the area,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “What kind of impact will that have on Norton?” Kimball said the MGC currently has regulations in place that would allow the towns to request funds for an impact study from any nearby gaming establishment, of which Norton is considered one for all three. He said Plainridge, for instance, already has $50,000 …
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Norton selectmen voted to approve a change in voting time in Norton.
The Norton Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on Thursday to change the opening time for voting in elections from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. The move came because of the ease of availability of absentee ballots and the relatively low volume of early morning voters. “Some of the towns start at 10 a.m. or noon,” said selectman Timothy Giblin. “I think that might put some strain on the voters.” Selectmen said about 50 people on average vote between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and with the availability of absentee ballots, which used to be much harder to obtain, voters should have no problem getting their voices heard. “I think it used to be you had to prove you were not going to be around to get an absentee ballot,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “It’s much …
Town deciding on whether to take a donation of a WWI cannon from the American Legion.
Norton may be getting a cannon. The Norton Board of Selectmen discussed the possibility of obtaining a WWI cannon from the American Legion, which is leaving Norton. “It’s a WWI German artifact of war,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “It was brought back here and reconditioned with a mind of getting it back up in shape. [The American Legion] put it up for sale and they’d like to donate it to the town.” Selectmen agreed the main problem with the artifact would be spacing. “Where would you put it?” Kimball said. “The VFW said they’d take it but that’s not really visible.” Selectmen agreed the best place for the cannon would most likely be the edge of the triangle at the town common on Pine Street. They said the cannon would be made into…
Friday, May 31, 2013
Selectmen voice their anger on the media coverage of the Trent Memorial Dedication.
The Norton Board of Selectmen said they were not happy about the focus the media took on the misspelling of “Grateful” on the Gregory Trent Memorial Stone. Selectmen chair Robert Kimball said it was shameful that the story presented by many news outlets was that there was a misspelling on the memorial, rather than the fact that Master Sergeant Gregory Trent gave his life for his country. “It’s a piece of granite,” he said. “It’s useless. The story here isn’t a misspelling; the story here is about a hero who gave his life for his country.” Kimball, who is also on the Gold Star Committee that put together the memorial service and monument, said it was a mistake but felt that it was taken out of proportion from the dedication and service …
Selectmen agree action has to be taken to save Norton's lakes and ponds.
Brian Brady, of the Norton Water Bodies Committee, said Norton’s lakes and ponds are in trouble. He said invasive plants are disturbing the habitats in Norton, and if they are not removed quickly, it could be a serious problem. “The who is everybody and everybody needs to be concerned,” he said. “Dense matts of invasive species are negatively affecting wildlife, as well as the predator-prey relationship in the fish. It changes the spawning habits of the fish and affects almost everything in the water.” Brady said the invasive species could also endanger skiers, swimmers and boaters alike. It would also affect real estate value and the tax base of the town. “It negatively affects real estate value because of the increase in the possibility …
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Bernard Marshall said he wants continue the tradition of his predecessor Duane Knapp.
Incoming Water and Sewer superintendent Bernard Marshall said he’s looking forward to working in Norton. “I’m very happy to be here and I’ve noticed I have some very big shoes to fill,” he said. “Hopefully you’ve made the right decision in choosing me.” Marshall said outgoing superintendent Duane Knapp had good ideas and he wants to continue them moving forward. “I want to continue all the projects Duane has outline in order to move forward,” he said. Marshall said he has 21 years experience in the water and sewer field. “It’s been in my family for years, and it’s really a passion,” he said. “And yes, I have a set of divining rods. Knapp said in his time he’s been able to accomplish quite a bit for the town of Norton. “Norton has five …
Friday, May 17, 2013
Memorial bench to be donated by Sandra Oullette, the mother of 12-year-old Angel Pina, who died in a tragic crash last summer
The Norton Board of Selectmen approved a request from a resident to place memorial bench on Evergreen Beach. The request, from resident Sandra Oullette, is to memorialize her daughter Angel Pina, who died in a Route 24 crash last summer. “A lot of her friends hung out there,” she said. “It was something special to the kids.” Oullette said the funds for the bench have already been collected, and they just needed selectmen permission. She said they will clean up and maintain the area. “We’ve had a lot of donations,” she said. “It was something special for the kids. We’ll clean up and make it look nice. There is a lot of poison ivy.” Selectmen agreed to the request. “It was so tragic,” said selectmen chair Robert Kimball. “It is a very pretty…
Regina
3:27 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2013
Is the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection involved? They may have some program for invasive aquatic plants or may get involved in some way to help. We certainly pay enough taxes here in our lovely state! more ›