NORWELL - October 29 - The Norwell Select Board unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters’ union on October 29, marking the conclusion of what officials described as an amicable negotiation process, while also addressing a long list of personnel, infrastructure, and budget matters in a meeting that stretched past two hours.
The Full Story
The board’s approval of the successor contract with the Norwell Fire Department IAFF Local 2700 came after negotiations that Town Counsel Rich described as collaborative and productive. “The town bargaining team including the town administrator, the fire chief, deputy fire chief, HR and myself reached an agreement at the table through negotiations with the fire union,” he told the board. While specific contract terms were discussed in executive session, the board’s 5-0 vote reflected satisfaction with the outcome. Board Chair Pete Smellie noted that the agreement represents “a great betterment of morale” on both sides.
The board also appointed Gabrielle Dos Santos as a conditional police officer, replacing Officer Joe Esposito, who returned to Rockland Police Department. Police Chief Edward Lee praised Dos Santos’s emotional intelligence and community connection during her appointment. “Gabby impressed us throughout the hiring process not only with her enthusiasm and her professionalism but with a high level of emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding that she’s demonstrated in their interview,” the chief said. Dos Santos, a Weymouth native who moved to Norwell in 2023 and is completing her degree at Middlesex Community College, appeared before the board with substantial family support. The appointment was approved unanimously.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the nearly-completed boardwalk reconstruction project. Highway Surveyor Glenn Ferguson provided an extensive update on the western boardwalk connecting the middle school to the high school, which was shut down in November 2024 after engineers determined it could only support 40 to 50 pounds per square foot—far below the required 100-pound standard. The replacement project, undertaken by contractor ACK Marine of Quincy for $1.7 million, is on track to open by year’s end and is expected to come in under budget.
Ferguson detailed how the town saved approximately $400,000 by self-performing demolition work at a cost of only $30,000. “We saved the town some good money there,” he noted, explaining that the savings were transferred back to general accounts once Community Preservation Committee funds were activated. The new boardwalk features substantially heavier construction with genuine four-by-eight treated lumber and comprehensive bracketing at each corner post, compared to the inadequate sistered two-by-sixes of the previous structure. Select Board member Lorenda Layne, who walked portions of the new boardwalk, observed, “The craftsmanship at the turning points of the path and the way that they also tar paper at the top of those stringers that support it to keep moisture from really getting in there definitely looks a lot more secure and stable than what was there previously.”
Ferguson also requested a Community Preservation Committee article for 2026 town meeting to address the eastern boardwalk connecting the middle school to Circuit Street. While not requiring the extensive reconstruction of the western segments, he plans to strengthen foundation components to ensure long-term compliance. The engineer has indicated that the new boardwalk should require no significant maintenance for 40 to 50 years, though storm damage remains a potential concern.
The highway surveyor provided updates on numerous other infrastructure projects. Most notably, Ferguson described the emergency repair of the Wildcat culvert, which failed during an eight-inch rainstorm around Easter. The culvert had been improperly repaired by previous administrations with a 24-inch pipe inserted inside a 30-inch pipe, which eventually led to road collapse. Despite street engineering estimates of $1.2 million for repairs, Ferguson’s team completed the work in-house for roughly half the anticipated cost. The project included coordination with the Water Department to install a new 12-inch water line sleeve while the excavation was open. “All these workers in this picture and Shane basically saved the town half a million dollars by doing it in-house,” Ferguson said, displaying photos of the precast concrete sections being installed.
Ferguson highlighted the million-dollar High Street reconstruction project in the Cole School area as a major equity initiative. “I really thought for lack of better words west Norwell was not getting the Fergie brand,” he explained. The project brings public safety improvements to High Street and Hall Drive with new sidewalks, grass strips, and granite curbing designed to protect pedestrians and add aesthetic value. The granite curbing extends from the Cole School all the way down Hall Drive. Ferguson noted that approximately 200 structures—water gates, gas gates, and catch basins—had to be raised as part of the project, with all new hydrants installed. Ferguson joked that Chair Smellie “has become the hero of his neighborhood” due to the improvements.
Perhaps the most pressing concern Ferguson raised was the ash borer disease epidemic affecting the town’s tree population. “We have 80 miles of roads. I probably have a tree every 100 feet, so if you guys look at the math on that, that’s thousands,” Ferguson explained. His department is currently removing 20 to 25 trees per week, focusing on high-traffic arterials. “The biggest concern I have is the biggest concern I have in town. I don’t want to come and tell you you lost a resident because a tree fell,” he stated emphatically. Ferguson noted that he’s “cutting deals” with residents, offering to help remove homeowners’ trees if they allow removal of additional town trees on their property. He’s deploying center booms capable of removing 30 trees per day and working to coordinate with National Grid, though other municipalities face the same challenge. Ferguson also warned that black leaf disease affecting beech trees will likely emerge in two to three years, compounding the problem.
Ferguson expressed frustration with the current solid waste operation, stating he “cannot stand the solid waste the way it is.” He’s losing 40 hours of help per week as his staff works at the facility, which he called a safety concern. “My guys can’t stand working there,” he said, noting that during heavy windstorms he must close the facility because “I just can’t be in 100 places at once.” He indicated that he, Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan, and another official believe they can reconfigure the revolving recycling account to potentially add personnel, allowing his regular highway staff to focus on their primary duties.
The Main Street gas line installation by Eversource continues, with the main arterial now reopened on Dover Street. However, Ferguson announced he will be demanding that Eversource repave the affected lane and cease work by November 22, refusing to allow them to continue into December and January. “They’re not happy about that. We really don’t want these guys on Main Street in December and January,” he stated. The gas line will remain in the ground abandoned over winter, with work resuming in spring to complete approximately 28 connections up and down Main Street.
The board held a re-noticed public hearing for Prime Auto Sales LLC’s Class 2 motor vehicle license at 85 Pond Street, following an advertisement issue with the original hearing. The license was approved unanimously with an expiration date of December 31, 2025.
The board appointed Heather Hanley as an at-large member of the Complete Streets Committee. Hanley, currently serving on the Open Space and Recreation Committee, explained that she wanted to join Complete Streets to participate in the next cycle of grant activity, since the committee activates when grant funding becomes available. Board member Andy Reardon praised Hanley as “a great neighbor” and “a good addition” despite occasional disagreements.
In a touching moment, the board and community honored outgoing Director of Planning and Community Development Ilana Quirk, who retires Friday after over 40 years in municipal and land use law. This is her second tenure in Norwell, having previously served from 2003 to 2006 before returning in 2021. Select Board member and Planning Board Chair Brian Greenberg delivered extensive remarks praising Quirk’s expertise, work ethic, and dedication. “Ilana doesn’t have business hours. She’s responsive at all hours of the day and night to make sure she’s meeting the needs of Norwell’s residents,” Greenberg said. He noted her ability to quote exact Massachusetts General Law provisions from memory and her reputation among developers for being tough but fair. “Even her adversaries have affection for her because even in disagreement, while she would express her opinion and recommendation vigorously, it was always respectful with fealty to the underlying laws and regulations and free from personal bias,” he stated.
State Senator Patrick O’Connor appeared to present Quirk with a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, read into the record following the Pledge of Allegiance that day. O’Connor emphasized the critical role of planning directors, particularly given increasing state mandates and tightening municipal budgets. “It’s people like you that turn towns into communities,” he told Quirk. The board presented her with a plaque thanking her for her dedicated service and leadership.
The board designated the parking space directly across from the Town Hall entrance as veteran-only parking, responding to a request under the recently passed state Valor Act. The motion was approved unanimously, with the space to receive appropriate signage.
Budget discussions dominated the latter portion of the meeting, with concerns about the fiscal year 2027 budget timeline. Board member Andy Reardon emphasized the urgency: “Based on our performance last year, we had better have a solid plan going into 27 and not ‘well we might need or could possibly.’ To the penny how much money. If we’re going to ask for an override, and if we’re not, that’s fine, even better. But where we’re going to be, I really do.” Memeber and Advisory Board liaison John McGrath reported that initial estimates show a $1.3 million deficit on the town side before any school increase, suggesting a multi-million dollar total impact. He also indicated interest in reviewing revenue projections, noting that free cash has grown to $5.5 million versus the historical $1-2 million range, questioning whether revenue is being projected too conservatively.
Multiple stakeholders discussed potential approaches to closing the budget gap, including moving vehicle purchases from operating to capital budgets, which could save several hundred thousand dollars annually. McGrath noted that at national Government Finance Officers Association conferences, vehicles are treated as capital expenditures, though he’s researching whether this is standard practice in Massachusetts. The board scheduled budget review discussions for November 19 and tentatively December 3, with emphasis on presenting clear information to residents well before the holidays.
The meeting also addressed concerns about solid waste operations funding and the tree management crisis, both of which will require significant resources. Board members stressed the importance of a proactive rather than reactive approach to these mounting challenges.
Why It Matters
The fire union contract ensures labor stability and positive morale in a critical public safety department, maintaining Norwell’s emergency response capabilities. The boardwalk reconstruction addresses a significant safety hazard that forced closure of a major pedestrian route connecting school buildings, with the upgraded structure expected to last 40 to 50 years versus the inadequate original design. The emergency culvert repair on Wildcat prevented potential road closure on a central arterial that carries significant traffic, including school buses. The ongoing tree removal crisis presents a genuine public safety risk, with the potential for property damage or personal injury from falling trees and limbs. The High Street reconstruction brings long-overdue pedestrian safety improvements to a previously underserved area of town. Finally, the budget discussions signal that Norwell residents should prepare for difficult fiscal decisions in the coming year, potentially including an override vote or significant service reductions.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve meeting agenda. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:00:48)
Motion: Approve minutes from October 15, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0 (Chair Smellie abstained due to absence). (Timestamp: 00:00:56)
Motion: Ratify collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 2700. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:14:36)
Motion: Appoint Gabrielle Dos Santos as conditional police officer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:18:19)
Motion: Open public hearing for Prime Auto Sales LLC Class 2 motor vehicle license. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:19:34)
Motion: Close public hearing for Prime Auto Sales LLC Class 2 motor vehicle license. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:20:23)
Motion: Issue Class 2 motor vehicle license to Prime Auto Sales LLC at 85 Pond Street, expiring December 31, 2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:20:44)
Motion: Appoint Heather Hanley as at-large member of Complete Streets Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:22:48)
Motion: Approve and accept deed for conservation land on Prospect Street under MGL Chapter 40, Section 8C. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:31:13)
Motion: Designate parking spot directly across from Town Hall entrance as veteran parking only. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:28:28)
Motion: Adjourn meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 01:27:48)
Public Comment
No formal public comment period was held during this meeting. Highway Surveyor Glenn Ferguson provided extensive departmental updates as part of the regular agenda.
What’s Next
Western boardwalk expected to open by end of 2025
Highway Department to send letter to Eversource demanding Main Street repaving and work cessation by November 22
2026 Town Meeting article planned for eastern boardwalk foundation improvements
Budget review discussions scheduled for November 19 and tentatively December 3
Multi-generational study group to present consultant findings at next Select Board meeting
Town Counsel to discuss video lottery licenses at upcoming meeting
Conservation Committee to bring forward Community Preservation Committee article regarding Fog Forest parking and access issues
Further discussions on solid waste operations restructuring and tree management funding
Excellent analysis