Norwood annual report

2018·18.9 MB·English

by  Norwood (Mass.)

MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY • NORWOOD
STORAGE
3 2405 00530 NORWOOD
MASSACHUSETTS
2018 Annual Town report

DEDICATION
To the Citizens of Norwood:
On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, it is my privilege to submit our 2018 Annual Town Report for
your review. Herein you will find briefings from the various committees, boards, and departments
that comprise the breadth of civic life in our town. You will also discover a trove of financial data that
testifies to our overall financial health.
Throughout our organization, we are well served by a remarkable group of public servants, many of
whom have served their entire careers in the town. Yet, truly it can be said at the same time that the
spirit of volunteerism is alive and strong in Norwood. If you seek evidence, turn these pages.
Norwood is blessed in so many ways. We benefit from a wide array of local services while enjoying
a relatively low property tax base. We own our light department and broadband division. Norwood
Hospital, now in its centennial year, safeguards the lives and health of our people as well as it ever
has. We take pride in our excellent school system.
We note the passing of time. In 2018, we bid farewell to retiring Fire Chief Tony Greeley, and we
welcomed his successor, George Morrice. For twenty-three years, Chief Greeley gave everything he
had in the service of the department and the town he loved. We thank him for his dedication.
We recently said goodbye to Human Resources Director, Michelle Pizzi, who left for an opportunity in
another municipality. Michelle brought stability and professionalism to a still-young HR Department
when she took over in 2006. We thank her and wish her well.
To all who have retired from the town’s service over the past year, we thank you for your devotion to
this town and her people.
In closing, we would like to thank our dedicated Executive Assistant, Christina Mulvehill, and her
recently retired, never-to-be forgotten predecessor, Fran Jessoe, for capably and generously assisting
the Board in its duties.
Sincerely,
Thomas F. Maloney, Chairman
Norwood Board of Selectmen
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ABOUT THE COVER
George Morrice was sworn in as Norwood’s newest Fire Chief on September 4, 2019, in a ceremony held
at the Town Hall. His wife Therese pinned his badge during an event which saw Memorial Hall overflowing
with well-wishers.
George has been a Norwood firefighter since 1989, and he has served as lieutenant and captain for the
department before rising to the rank of Chief. He becomes the tenth fire chief for the Town of Norwood,
replacing Tony Greeley who recently retired.
The Town wishes Chief Morrice all the best in his newest position.
Photos by Max Bowen, Wicked Local Norwood
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Board of Selectmen. ....4
Airport Commission. ....8
Cable Commission. ..10
Town Clerk. .. 11
Town Meeting. ..12
Births. ..53
Marriages. ..59
Deaths. ..65
EDUCATION
Norwood Public Schools. ..72
High School. ..76
Middle School. ..80
Elementary Schools. ..83
Willett Early Childhood Center. ..88
Blue Hills Regional High School. ..89
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Department. ..91
Fire Department. ..96
Building Department. ..98
Public Works. 100
Light Department. 102
Permanent Building Construction Committee (PBCC) 104
HUMAN SERVICES
Board of Health & Animal Control. 105
Veterans’ Department. 108
Council on Aging. 109
Human Resources & Personnel Board. 110
Retirement Board. 117
CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Recreation Department. 118
Morrill Memorial Library. 119
DEVELOPMENT
Historical Commission. 124
Planning Board. 124
Community Planning & Economic Development. 126
Board of Appeals. 127
Conservation Commission. 127
Engineering Department. 128
Finance Commission. 129
Budget Summary. 130
Debt Schedules. 137
Financial Reports. 139
Annual Financial Statements. 140
Town Treasurer. 207
Board of Assessors. 226
COUNTY
Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project. 226
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. 227
REFERENCE
Federal and State Representatives. 229
Town of Norwood Elected Officials. 230
Town of Norwood Appointed Officials. 230
Talent Bank. 232
Map of Norwood. 234
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NOR\W OOD BOARD of SELECTMEN 2018
-
Seated left to right:
William J. Plasko; Helen Abdallah Donohue; Thomas F. Maloney, Chairman;
Allan D. Howard; Paul A. Bishop
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN FOR THE YEAR 2018 Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Mark Ryan, and Assistant
Superintendent Gary Schorer, continue to serve as Designees to
Thomas F. Maloney 2019
the Neponset River Watershed Association.
28 Geraldine Drive
There was a joint meeting on Saturday, April 14, 2018, in the
William J. Plasko 2021
Police/Fire Community Room involving the Selectmen, Finance
507 Nahatan Street
Commissioners and School Committee members, to review the
Helen Abdallah Donohue 2019 draft financial policies of the Town, which will be a revision of the
1027 Washington Street policies adopted in 2018.
Paul A. Bishop 2020 Student Government Day was held on Tuesday, April 11th. The
44 Hawthorne Street
students spent the morning with Town Department Heads and
then participated in a mock Town Meeting held at the Community
Allan D. Howard 2020
Room at the Police/Fire Station. This was followed by a luncheon
30 Blossom Street
at the Olde Colonial Cafe. Town employees as well as the
students have always enjoyed this day.
ORGANIZATION
Final approval of the new Town Clerk position was received from
Thomas F. Maloney, Chairman the state, and Chairman Maloney administered the oath of office
to Mary Lou Folan, as the Town of Norwood’s first Town Clerk, on
Frances L. Jessoe, Clerk
July 1,2018.
Christina K. Mulvehill, Assistant
The Board of Selectmen interviewed candidates for Town Counsel
The Meetings of the Board of Selectmen during the year 2018
on June 13, 2018, and on July 10th voted to retain Murphy Hesse
were held primarily in the Harry B. Butters Chambers, Room 34,
Toomey & Lehane as General Counsel, and to engage Mirick &
Norwood Memorial Municipal Building, on Tuesday evenings,
O’Connell for Labor and Employment Counsel.
with some meetings being conducted in other locations and on
other days, from time to time, as required.
The Boch Family presented to the Board a check in the amount
of $30,500 on July 24th, which was the yearly donation named
During regular meetings and a number of special or emergency
in honor of Andrew and Ernest Boch. The Board reviewed and
meetings in calendar year 2018, the Board of Selectmen
considered each grant request. This year’s recipients included
conducted public hearings as mandated by statute or policy.
many worthy local organizations.
They also held innumerable public meetings and conferences
on specific problems and subjects of interest and concern to the
Selectman Helen Abdallah Donohue was appointed, as the
community. The Board also met monthly with Department Heads.
Board’s representative, to the Norfolk County Advisory Board,
The Board of Selectmen signed the Purchase and Sales Capital Outlay Committee, and Community Preservation
agreement for the Forbes Hill Property in January 2018. On Committee. Selectman Donohue continued her excellent work
January 9, 2018, the following were appointed by Chairman on the South Norwood Committee.
Plasko to the Forbes Hill Task Force: Peter McFarland, Jean
Taylor, Ernie Paciorkowski, Judy Langone, John Colbert, Edmund On July 24th Town Manager Tony Mazzucco introduced to the
Clark, Stephen Keefe and Selectman Howard. Board and the residents of Norwood the new Fire Chief Captain
George Morrice. He is a 28-year veteran of the Norwood Fire
The Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board had a joint Department. Chief Morrice was sworn in on September 4, 2018.
meeting on March 27, 2018, to fill the vacancy on the Planning He is replacing Chief Anthony Greeley, who gave many dedicated
Board resulting from the retirement of long-time member Paul years to the Town of Norwood. Congratulations to Chief Greeley
Donohue. Robert J. Bamber was chosen to replace Mr. Donohue. on his retirement, and a sincere welcome to Captain Morrice.
William J. Plasko was reelected at the Annual Election, which Norwood Day festivities began on Friday evening, September
took place on Monday, April 2, 2018. The Board elected Thomas 7, 2018, at the Coakley Middle School field with a display of
F. Maloney Chairman. fireworks sponsored by David Spiegel. This was the 15th Annual
Norwood Day. Saturday’s festivities were attended by many
Paul Halkiotis, Director of Planning and Economic Development
Norwood residents and a great time was had by all. The event is
for the Town of Norwood, was appointed to serve as Norwood’s
put together by the Town under the sponsorship of the Norwood
representative to the MBTA Advisory Board. Assistant General
Day Committee, and Recreation Superintendent Travis Farley
Manager Bernard S. Cooper was appointed to serve as
and his staff. They worked all year getting this event together.
Norwood’s Alternate.
Norwood Day features local entertainment, games, prizes, crafts,
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN / LICENSES & PERMITS
local businesses, sidewalk sales, and kiddie rides. LICENSES AND PERMITS
The Forbes Hill Task Force continued to meet during the year and
a recommendation of the Forbes Hill Task Force was discussed On application therefore and after appropriate investigation,
at the September 25, 2018 Selectmen’s Meeting. licenses and permits were granted, renewed or transferred for
various activities as delineated under Massachusetts General
Chairman Thomas Maloney continued as the Board’s Laws, as amended, including, but not limited to, the following:
representative to the Personnel Board and Capital Outlay on and off-premises liquor licenses, common victualler licenses,
Committee. Chairman Maloney and Selectman Plasko also one-day all alcoholic beverages and wine and malt beverages
represent the Board on the Budget Balancing Committee. licenses, dance permits, music and entertainment licenses, juke
box and automatic amusement device licenses, lodging house
The Clerk of the Board, Frances L. Jessoe, submitted her licenses, licenses for storage of volatile inflammable fluids,
letter of retirement in October, after more than 25 years as the taxi-cab and limousine licenses, Class I, II and III Motor vehicle
Administrative Assistant/Clerk to the Board. The Board thanked licenses, billiard parlor licenses, tag days, parades, and other
her for her years of service to the Board and the residents of special event permits.
Norwood, and wished her well on her retirement.
The Special Town Meeting convened on November 8, 2018, and LICENSES 2018
consisted of two warrants; one specifically dealing with the new RETAIL PACKAGE STORE -
Light Department Building on Access Road. Town Meeting also All Alcoholic Beverages
addressed the issue of Forbes Hill, and the members voted to sell Yankee Spirits, Inc., dba Yankee Spirits, Inc.,
the entire property for a minimum bid of $11 million. 942 Boston Providence Turnpike
Route 1 Liquor Mart, Inc., dba Baystate Wine & Spirits,
The Board of Selectmen would like to express our sincere 426 Walpole Street
gratitude to the citizens who volunteer their time and energy on Folsom Companies, Inc., dba Broadway Liquors, 50 Broadway
committees and commissions. These residents make Norwood Olga A., Nicholas Abdallah and Helen Abdallah Donohue,
the wonderful town that it is. 1041 Washington Street
Shree Yamunama Inc., dba Norwood Wines & Liquors,
We are very grateful to the dedicated service rendered by the 140 Nahatan Street
Town’s work force. These employees are dedicated to the ideals The Compagnone Group, dba Rama Wine and Spirits,
of public service. 898 Washington Street
Finally, the Board expresses its sincere appreciation to its RETAIL PACKAGE STORE -
department heads, our staff and the General Manager for their Wines & Malt Beverages
leadership and hard work. Cedar Markets, Inc., 13 E. Cottage Street
Leonard Fabiano, dba North End Style Deli, 445 Walpole Street
Mohammad A. Rahman, dba Convenient Food Mart,
492 Walpole Street
Norwood Mobil, Inc., 971 Boston Providence Turnpike
S& H Supreme Norwood Fuel, dba Supreme Gas,
145 Broadway
Soung Lee, Inc., dba Shurfine Market, 448 Nahatan Street
RESTAURANTS - All Alcoholic Beverages
Anelise, Inc., dba Acapulo’s Mexican Family Restaurant,
500 Boston Prov. Tnpk.
Bamboo Cafe Inc., Dba Bamboo Cafe, 663 Washington Street
Bertucci’s Restaurant Corporation,
1405 Boston Providence Turnpike
Bobcon, Inc., dba Conrad’s Pub II, 728 Washington Street
Boncaldo, Inc., dba Bon Caldo’s, 1381 Boston Prov. Turnpike
Byblos Restaurant, Inc., dba Byblos, 678 Washington Street
The Chateau Restaurant of Norwood, Inc.,
404 Boston Providence Turnpike
The Colonial House Restaurant, Inc., 33 Savin Avenue
Charminar Spice, dba Paradise Biryani Pointe,
1200 Boston Providence Tnpk.
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LICENSES & PERMITS
Claddagh House, LLC, dba Shamrock Pub, CLUB -- All Alcoholic Beverages
175 Railroad Avenue Norwood Lodge B.P.O. Elks, #1124, 152 Winslow Avenue
Four Provinces Realty Inc., dba Napper Tandy’s, Veterans of Foreign Wars Building Association, Post #2452,
46-48 Day Street 193 Dean Street
Grand Slam Restaurant Concepts, LLC, dba Jake n JOES, Workmen’s Hall of Norwood, Inc., 9914 Wilson Street
475 Boston Prov. Tnpk.
Hibachi Steakhouse, Inc., dba Hibachi Steak House, POURING PERMITS
315 Morse St. Castle Island Brewing Company, LLC, dba Castle Island
KE Restaurant, Inc., dba New Golden Abacus, Brewing Co., 31 Astor Ave.
1275 Boston Providence Turnpike Percival Brewing Company, LLC, 83 Morse Street
Let’s Eat (Norwood) LLC, dba Sky Restaurant Bar,
Respectfully submitted,
1369 Boston Prov. Turnpike
Lewis Restaurant & Grille, Inc., 86-92 Central Street
Thomas F. Maloney, Chairman
Limey’s Norwood, Inc., dba Limey’s Pub, 659 Washington Street
William J. Plasko
Lou & Deb’s Inc., dba Lou & Deb’s, 198 Central Street
Helen Abdallah Donohue
Norwood Country Club, Inc., 400 Boston Providence Turnpike
Paul A. Bishop
Olde Colonial Cafe, Inc., 171 Nahatan Street
Allan D. Howard
Outback Steakhouse Florida, LLC,dba Outback Steakhouse,
1210 Boston Prov. Tnpk.
Ali Lee, LLC, dba Cafe Venice, 1086 Washington Street
YKLU Food Inc., Dba Olivio’s Grille & Pizzeria,
1210 Boston Providence Turnpike
Yamato Hibachi & Sushi Bar, Inc.,
1200 Boston Providence Turnpike
RESTAURANTS -- Wines and Malt Beverages
Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC,
1415 Boston Providence Turnpike
Daunia, Inc., dba Vico Ristorante Italiano, 89B Central Street
Fatsimare Corp., dba Feisty Greek, 38 Vanderbilt Avenue
Minas Cafe, Inc., dba Minas Cafe Brazilian Steak House
1241 Washington Street
MBR Group, Inc. dba Minerva Indian Cuisine,
500 Boston Providence Turnpike
Shabu Lee, Inc., dba Shabu Lee, 654 Washington Street
Siam Lotus, Inc., 1331 Boston Providence Turnpike
Storyboard, LLC, dba Norwood Theatre, 109 Central Street
Taso’s Euro Cafe, Corp., dba Taso’s Euro Cafe,
125 Access Road
Thai Boo LLC, dba Thai Boo Cuisine, 712 Washington Street
To Beirut, Inc., dba To Beirut, 15 Cottage Street East
ILC Ventures, LLC, dba Little Bird Events,
Morse Street, Bldg. 4, Unit F
Grass Roots Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Inc.,
61 Endicott Street, #46
INNHOLDER - All Alcoholic Beverages
Courtyard Management Corp., dba Courtyard by Marriott,
300 River Ridge Road
Neponset River LLC, dba Four Points Hotel-Norwood,
1151 Boston Providence Tnpk.
Norwood Hotel Operator LLC, dba Hampton Inn,
434 Boston Providence Tnpk.
32 Guild Street Inc., 32 Guild Street
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AIRPORT COMMISSION
2018 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORWOOD AIRPORT As for the airport’s diversity of service, in addition to the private,
COMMISSION corporate and charter aircrews/passengers who utilize our
facility for personal and profession-related transport, a number
The Norwood Airport Commission (NAC) is pleased to submit its of companies also call Norwood Memorial Airport home. The
annual report for calendar year 2018. following is a list of companies and agencies based here in 2018,
to include the services provided by each:
A five-member commission, the NAC is appointed by the Board
of Selectmen, with individual members serving three-year terms. MassDOT/Aeronautics - State aircraft for industry support,
NAC’s responsibilities include overseeing the stewardship, inspections, investigations
development, operations and management of Norwood Memorial Flight Level - Line services, aircraft maintenance, fueling, hangar
Airport, which encompasses some 672 acres. Day-to-day services, terminal operations, car rentals (through AVIS)
management is handled by Airport Manager, Russ Maguire, and
Kestrel Aviation - Charter services
his assistant, Mark Raymond.
New Horizon Aviation - Fixed-wing flight training, sightseeing
tours, aircraft rentals
Norwood Memorial Airport is one of 30 public use airports within
Norwood Air Multi Training - Fixed-wing flight training, aircraft
the Commonwealth that exclusively provides general aviation
rentals
(non-military, non-airline) services. These offerings include
Aspire Aviation - Aircraft rentals
transportation alternatives for corporate officers and business
Blue Hill Helicopters - Helicopter flight training/aircraft rentals
persons, television and sports personalities, as well as local,
state, national and international officials and statesmen. Other Boston Executive Helicopters - Sightseeing tours, charter,
airport services include: charter flights, electronic newsgathering helicopter flight training, hangar services, aerial photo and survey
for three major Boston news stations (Channels 5 and 25, and Aerial Productions - Video production; Dept, of Defense
the NBC affiliate), traffic reporting, pipeline patrol, aerial spraying support, power line surveys
by the Norfolk County Mosquito Control, personal transport, flight
Elite Aero Services - Aircraft detailing
instruction, plus air cargo services. The State Police Air Wing,
New England Aircraft Detailing - Aircraft detailing
though no longer a tenant at the Norwood Airport, still relies on
Midwest Air Traffic Services - Air traffic control
our fueling and maintenance support. And our weather station
(under FAA’s purview)
provides up-to-the-minute meteorological conditions reported
throughout the day by both national and regional news stations. East Coast Aero Club - Fixed-wing and helicopter flight training/
aircraft rentals
Our facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This Waltzing Matilda Aviation - Charter services, fixed-wing flight
is especially critical for residents throughout the Commonwealth training
and northeastern United States who depend on emergency Tuckamore Aviation - Charter services, sightseeing tours, aerial
medical transports from the Norwood Airport. In particular, our photo and survey
air ambulance and inter-hospital organ donor flights provide
Taso’s Euro-Cafe - Airport restaurant (through Flight Level)
time-critical, life-saving access to specialized medical centers in
Boston, Providence and New York.
In December, the Airport Commission voted to re-name its snow
removal equipment/administration building in honor of retired
Several years ago, the Massachusetts Department of U.S. Marine Corps Major Mark C. Welch. Major Welch was the
Transportation (MassDOT) released the findings of its study son of Joe and Anita Welch, who still live in Norwood. He grew
on the economic impact of the state’s public use airports. up on Barberry Lane and attended St. Catherine’s School, before
Accordingly, Norwood Airport annually generates more than $51 moving on to Xaverian High School in Westwood, then the U.S.
million in total economic activity, second only to Westfield-Barnes Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he graduated in 1993.
among the state’s 30 general aviation airports. Regarding visitor- As a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps, Major Welch served
related economic impacts, in particular, Norwood Airport ranked two tours of duty in Iraq, with other assignments that included
first. The study found that more than 9,800 transient aircraft— Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. While closer to home, his
based outside the local area—use the airport annually. This was the first naval air attachment to provide relief to Hurricane
translates to more than 23,000 visitors arriving at the Norwood Katrina victims in 2005. Over the course of his 20-year career,
Major Welch received four Presidential Unit Citation awards for
Airport each year, visitors who in turn spend money off-airport.
heroism, plus the National Defense Service Medal, Naval and
Norwood Airport users take advantage of our hotels, restaurants
Marine Achievement Medal and Kosovo Service Medal.
and retail outlets. And according to MassDOT’s study, visitor-
related spending alone, when re-circulated in the local economy,
The Major Mark C. Welch Administration Building carries the
totals more than $12.8 million annually in economic output.
name of someone we can all be proud of - a highly decorated
helicopter pilot and veteran, who was a native son.
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