[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6580025,"mediaKeyId","3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67","parentId",3169769,"title","Norwood previews 10 articles for Special Town Meeting No. 2, including solar PILOT, veteran tax options and procurement rule changes","audioSeconds",639,"startMs",4212000,"endMs",4851000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67&start=4212&end=4851","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67/thumbnail_4212000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6580025/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-previews-10-articles-for-Special-Town-Meeting-No-2-including-solar-PILOT-veteran-tax-options-and-procurement-rule-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580025-9f04bd647188eee5e093789804b87fd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140686&Signature=E-kjsOPAEfzxYpN2ZzfaHMEZcIkMihuB-1K2xn4taRAmIh1pU00uf5-VHV-4v~6SedlaMo55zjXedY4Ve2fC-D~Eld~~rnPRipQTzUokM-4Srg0yTbNjecTPNtvla3twopct9ybeBwcvqHjkjUkjL~jvujGW8sNQVlI3sPROuI0-JWgPFrq-zdVLBRBKGHDKNK8UgeuHfNGa4Z~T-Kqji4N2b0k9eO0PUggBKsQ3y8YccmcZd4JarFZthhcBwIvDUr7Bt5j7xdOyz2NjQ7fNFCAPDShPhenRdaV5~t6a85R7w8vwgePhKuC5Y~Zyw8yWM1TmgdzQ~Hb~urCJi4ybYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Norwood, MA","date","2025-05-01T00:00:00Z","article","Town of Norwood officials reviewed the 10 warrant articles scheduled for Special Town Meeting No. 2, expected to convene May 15, and answered preliminary questions from members.

Moderator term: Article 1 would change the elected moderator's term from one year to three years. Jerry Slater, the town moderator, told members the change aims to reduce turnover and allow moderators more time to master the role; the change would require town meeting approval and subsequent legislative approval because the moderator's term derives from the special act establishing Norwood's representative town meeting. Slater said he will appoint a temporary moderator to preside over that article so he can speak on it without presiding.

Landfill solar / PILOT: Article 2 proposes a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Tangent Development LLC to install and operate solar arrays on town-owned landfill property. The agreement as described in the session would base payments on full and fair cash value of equipment (excluding town-owned land) and the negotiated package discussed by the light department planned to yield roughly $481,000 in payments spread over 25 years. Town staff said equipment maintenance and site details are covered in the contract under negotiation; several members asked about the company's identity, whether the project went to bid, who maintains vegetation inside fenced areas and decommissioning/removal responsibilities at contract end. Town staff said they would provide answers and contract language for town meeting.

HERO Act veteran exemptions: Articles 3 and 4 would accept optional clauses in the 2024 HERO Act (Acts of 2024, ch.178) to increase veteran property tax exemptions: clause 22(i) would permit an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the existing veteran exemption (mirrored for some senior exemptions) and clause 22(j) would add an optional additional exemption percentage. Town staff said the combined change would affect roughly 203 veterans under the cost-of-living provision and might extend benefits to roughly 65 additional veterans under the optional exemption; the pair of changes is estimated to cost about $75,000 per year to the town and would not be state-reimbursed.

Direct deposit authorization: Article 5 would formally adopt M.G.L. c.41, \u0000s41B (direct deposit authority) for the town; town staff said Norwood has used direct deposit operationally for decades but the adoption would codify the authority in town meeting records.

Five-year contracts: Article 6 would authorize up-to-five-year contracts for certain services (transportation, food service, energy solutions and similar procurements) where multi-year deals can yield better pricing. Under state procurement rules the default cap is three years; town meeting authorization would permit the longer term for specified categories. Town staff said prior contracts have benefited from five-year terms and that nonperformance and termination language would remain part of any contract.

Floodplain overlay update: Article 7 updates the town's floodplain overlay district to align with changes to FEMA maps and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Sarah Dixon, director of community development, said most model language is supplied by the state and FEMA and the town must adopt complying local regulations by early July to maintain NFIP participation. Dixon said updated GIS layers are available and staff will follow up on parcel-level impacts and communications to affected property owners.

Nonconforming structures: Article 8 proposes an amendment to section 5.4 of the zoning bylaw governing preexisting nonconforming one- and two-family residential structures. The proposal would (a) require a variance where a proposed project would create a new dimensional nonconformity, and (b) raise the habitable-floor-area threshold that requires ZBA special-permit review from 25% to 75% in many cases. Planning and building staff said the change aims to reduce routine cases going to the ZBA while reserving board review for projects that create new nonconformities or materially affect neighbors; staff agreed to provide illustrative parcel-level examples before town meeting.

Kennels and MBTA overlay: Article 9 fills a technical gap left when the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay district and kennel use rows were added to the bylaw. The article clarifies that commercial and personal kennels are not allowed in the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay district.

Boston Providence Highway (Route 1) multifamily clarification: Article 10 seeks to clarify that multifamily housing is permitted only within the designated mixed-use overlay districts (NUODs) inside the Boston Providence Highway (BPH) zoning district, and not generally across the entire BPH district. Planning staff said the intent is to preserve the original limits discussed when the BPH and MUODs were created.

Next steps: Town staff said these articles will appear on the May 15 special town meeting warrant; motions with precise language and dollar amounts (where applicable) will be presented on the meeting floor. No votes were taken at the information session; staff committed to providing contract language, parcel maps and other clarifying materials in advance of town meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Norwood: Town Meeting Information Session: 4.30.25","oneSentenceSummary","At an information session town officials reviewed the 10 articles to be considered at Special Town Meeting No. 2 (anticipated May 15), covering moderator term length, a solar payment-in-lieu-of-taxes deal, HERO Act veteran exemptions, procurement changes, floodplain code updates and zoning clarifications.","taxTitle","Town of Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",52806,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580028,"Norwood outlines land-use roles, zoning rules and permit processes ahead of zoning articles",2994,3002000,5996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67&start=3002&end=5996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67/thumbnail_3002000.jpg","/articles/6580028/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-outlines-land-use-roles-zoning-rules-and-permit-processes-ahead-of-zoning-articles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580028-b398b9b2ceb709e5f0595d9c404d4114/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140686&Signature=iG~hbo9~PNiVMeGVQCV4ycyBaw9LI~qL74NQuSVQ9Dfxws2qVuXu0cK0yR4gWJojg-vjvWapKej8C3htkC58TE7F~ELGL1W6FhCn85nmgLb9NmSeYaLWoGU7J1jcMNHU~6DER~RzGFBWUKPH8klj-5sQTKBbM6wp1RBarknuwQZfYJ0gF84IH8uwIX4-zRoRhqA5F~suMaGAU-M6vlMXLE6jJP0kXavqQgYN2es8HA2s3f5IS1h5RqTB04GnZdJ0WQm-SQ~9JoZD-~2Tic5SsHGljxz1IWVje1WTKFltzpfW8rt6N-m2TV5LyXgp710yoyM19kd-rySZTfgfXfuBPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sarah Dixon, the Town of Norwood director of community development, and Gary Pelletier, the building commissioner, provided an overview of how land use is regulated in town and described the permitting process for special permits, variances, site plan review and subdivision applications.

Dixon explained that the zoning bylaw divides Norwood into districts with a table of permitted uses and a separate table of dimensional requirements (setbacks, lot area, height). She said the bylaw cannot list every possible use, so planning staff and boards interpret and amend the table as new uses arise (examples given included urgent care clinics and body-art businesses).

Dixon described the sequence for zoning amendments: the planning board researches and drafts amendments, holds public hearings, asks the board of selectmen to place the article on the warrant, and presents a recommendation to town meeting. Most zoning amendments require a two-thirds vote at town meeting; certain housing-related changes may require only a simple majority under recent state law.

On relief from zoning standards, Dixon and Pelletier contrasted variances and special permits. Pelletier said variances are limited, applied to dimensional relief only and require the applicant to demonstrate unique hardship tied to the lot; special permits are discretionary and focus on whether a proposed use or change is \"substantially more detrimental\" to the neighborhood. Dixon noted that the planning and zoning boards typically hold public hearings where neighbors may speak.

Why it matters: several zoning articles are on the special town meeting warrant and at the annual meeting. Understanding board roles, the distinction between special permits and variances and the appeals process helps town meeting members evaluate proposed changes.

Details: Dixon said the updated FEMA floodplain maps trigger a required zoning update to the floodplain overlay district and the town must adopt the state's recommended regulatory language by early July to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program. She also summarized an article to clarify multifamily uses in the Boston Providence Highway (Route 1) district and a proposed change to the town's rules on nonconforming residential structures (raising the habitable-floor threshold that triggers board review from 25% to 75% for many additions).","The town's community development director and building commissioner reviewed how zoning, special permits, variances and regulatory boards function in Norwood and described proposed zoning amendments slated for town meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580033,"Norwood finance commission reviews FY26 budget materials and explains free cash and stabilization funds",430,2162000,2592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67&start=2162&end=2592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67/thumbnail_2162000.jpg","/articles/6580033/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-finance-commission-reviews-FY26-budget-materials-and-explains-free-cash-and-stabilization-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580033-967e3938d0cabc76e554d8ccbe901be5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140686&Signature=KHB6NHTakr2Jn~z9XKahzUEhiHmmqCsWJ1Px~wGJkEtAunkTfxZuVIr1smS8-FGojvyusMInH1nxWCx3o5fR90xgmczPWE0mSVhokiFXmdYB2d5NvB~TA5XHZXL3oE4mJ~qHq3iAqcHebNrMQajdaYpBMWYgLrPJpidlp~UPwCBhR-FCz5J8hAGEWmt99JqqapCvi0MjAJccvkxAEn9ckFeUJTFWH-eUz-uNdqTqwm6Jm8XeKWXiSvf2PwHTzjzUoLxIbGDbpPonpsWhDR4InhUZTUCBAHDvRX~EXjFo8jHJsPU9E-dsbcsmodz7vj7m0A5rU15kaIMKLtNW8vjXsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maya Bodenhofer, chair of the Town of Norwood Finance Commission, reviewed the FY26 budget materials that town meeting members should study in advance of the annual meeting and explained how free cash is certified and allocated.

Bodenhofer said the budget book contains FY22-FY24 actuals, the FY25 current budget and the FY26 requests; she emphasized town meeting will vote on the FY26 operating budget, which becomes effective July 1. She said the town appropriation to the schools is approximately $65,000,000 for the coming year and noted that schools also receive state and federal grants such as the special education circuit breaker and Title I and Title III funds.

On free cash, Bodenhofer said the town's most recent certified free cash was $29,800,000 and explained the certification process: unspent appropriations and surplus revenues at fiscal year-end are submitted to the state for certification, typically in October. She said that once certified, free cash may be appropriated only by town meeting following a board of selectmen warrant placement and a finance commission motion; the town previously has used free cash for specific purposes when the school committee pledged to return unused funds.

Bodenhofer identified an estimated fiscal impact tied to two proposed optional veteran property tax exemptions (HERO Act clauses) at about $75,000 per year that would not be reimbursed by the state.

Why it matters: town meeting will vote on FY26 appropriations and any special town meeting articles that allocate free cash. Understanding how free cash is certified and allocated helps members evaluate requests and potential impacts on reserves and stabilization funds.

Details: Bodhenhofer and town staff noted that department-level requests, shared costs (health insurance, pensions), and capital or special-article requests are all described in the budget book. Finance commission makes the motion for financial articles at town meeting and issues recommendations on special town meeting articles that affect the budget.","The town's finance commission briefed town meeting members on the FY26 budget approach, the size of the school appropriation, the town's certified free cash and how free cash is allocated by town meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6580038,"Norwood holds town meeting information session with new electronic voting procedures explained",1217,33000,1250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67&start=33&end=1250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169769-b0de8f783b31fd69da7caad4a748aa67/thumbnail_33000.jpg","/articles/6580038/Town-of-Norwood/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Norwood-holds-town-meeting-information-session-with-new-electronic-voting-procedures-explained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580038-04f6dec9bdce16ca518109e00ff2d43a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140686&Signature=nPBgJephLr5kMGJXxpIHkF2ozLv7-d7a1a8XsLwWdPzFTnlsId82s-Sr8ebSCKHOAuj4-0H8AGSPNPjL8QWjydvQ3LHx81svMX2QOS4zwJKNlvZjTmJItNgIzaXI71lUMD7r0BFV5RURgwfFvl8AW04u77gq3jllBvq8eRxggMHu5ZWXN9PGFxT1xk4L7XaaSdjxdJOFC~izoh8p2-vfA2G-qZKnmuW6rqe433RRSjqnbfFiExGE8KvUafyF2W22enSmqtV5uFcb2cubWjwsyIylC8esmuwmVEOwvWNi6n54omgJ1bnrgQwM7UfN~ZrMhTYreWQTp0Pb7mc4pxy1Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town of Norwood officials ran through procedures and logistics for the town's upcoming May meetings, emphasizing how registered town meeting members should prepare and how the new electronic voting system will work.

The information session opened with Michael Rosen, the town's assistant general manager, and Jerry Slater, the town moderator, reviewing dates and check-in procedures. Slater said members should arrive early to check in and pick up their badge and electronic voting device; only town meeting members may register a vote, though any registered voter may speak during public comment. Town meeting members must state their name and district when recognized.

The session stressed the importance of the warrant: only business listed on the warrant may be introduced at town meeting. Slater explained the difference between an article (the warrant item) and the motion on which members vote: motions contain the specific dollar amounts or legal text that will be decided at the meeting.

Maya Bodenhofer, chair of the finance commission, and Mary Lou in the town clerk's office explained check-in procedures, distribution of the budget book and the town's standard materials. Mary Lou described the sign-in and attendance card process and reiterated that members must return the electronic voting device and badge at the end of each session.

On electronic voting, Slater and town staff demonstrated the credit-card-sized clicker used for votes in the auditorium. Slater said system testing will occur before votes and that the system shows live vote totals on the big screen; the count will also be published on the town meeting site. The device has three options: yes, no and abstain; the last button pressed before voting closes is the vote that counts. Slater said the technology is the same system used by larger legislative bodies and that the town will time votes for roughly 60 seconds with a 10-second warning.

Why it matters: the town is introducing procedures and technology intended to speed votes and produce accurate, auditable counts. Town meeting members are expected to arrive early, review the warrant and budget materials in advance, and register to speak in advance if they want to ensure recognition on a particular article.

Details: the session covered speaker time limits (five minutes for recognized members, with a one-time extension possible; presentations by proponents generally allowed 10 minutes, extendable to 20 minutes for groups), point-of-order and point-of-privilege rules, and the unique Norwood practice of pre-registering to speak by emailing the moderator. Slater said registered speakers are called in the order received by email to ensure fairness.

The presentation closed with staff contact directions for members who want more information about a warrant article before town meeting.","Town of Norwood officials held an information session explaining representative town meeting procedures, registration to speak and the town's electronic voting system ahead of May town meetings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Norwood previews 10 articles for Special Town Meeting No. 2, including solar PILOT, veteran tax options and procurement rule changes

Norwood outlines land-use roles, zoning rules and permit processes ahead of zoning articles

Norwood finance commission reviews FY26 budget materials and explains free cash and stabilization funds

Norwood holds town meeting information session with new electronic voting procedures explained