NORWELL - December 3 - The Norwell Select Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan to sign an agreement allowing the police department to install two license plate reader cameras, marking a significant investment in public safety technology funded entirely by a federal grant.
The Full Story
The Flock Safety camera system will enable Norwell Police to join a growing regional network of automated license plate readers that has already helped solve numerous crimes in surrounding communities. Detective Jeff Silva, who presented the proposal alongside Police Chief Ed Lee, emphasized that the department has been using the system on a trial basis for over a year with notable success.
“In a few short years, we have been able to solve quite a bit of crime, find people that are missing, things of that nature. It’s been a very helpful tool,” Chief Lee told the board.
Detective Silva explained that the cameras capture infrared images of license plates only, not personal identifying information. “No personal identifiable information is retrieved from that. It’s simply Black Toyota or the license plate,” Silva said. The system has proven particularly valuable in cases where investigators have descriptions of suspects but lack vehicle information.
The detective cited a recent case as an example of the technology’s effectiveness. An individual allegedly upskirting females in multiple Norwell businesses was identified after his vehicle passed through a Flock camera in Hingham. “That suspect drove through a camera, an LPR in Hingham, and that is how we were able to identify him,” Silva said, noting that the department was able to press charges across multiple jurisdictions.
The two-camera system will be funded entirely through a Justice Department grant that also covers bulletproof vests and other police equipment. The cameras can be mounted on existing utility poles or installed as standalone units. While Detective Silva did not disclose exact locations to maintain operational security, he indicated that placement would likely focus on Main Street and Washington Street near town boundaries.
The network effect significantly amplifies the system’s value. Neighboring communities have already installed extensive systems, with Weymouth deploying 53 cameras, Pembroke 16, Abington 16, Cohasset four, and Hingham two. Norwell will be able to request access to these neighboring systems, and other departments can request access to Norwell’s cameras, though all such requests require approval from the police chief.
Select Board member Andy Reardon raised concerns about data sharing and privacy, particularly regarding potential access by federal agencies. “In the 1960s, the FBI and today, we’ve seen misuse of both the Justice Department and the FBI. And I’m just concerned,” Reardon said, asking whether the town would maintain control over who accesses the camera data.
Detective Silva assured the board that all data sharing requires the chief’s explicit approval. “Federal agencies don’t have access to our cameras, nor does anyone until we grant them access,” he said. He added that the system includes strict safeguards: all images are deleted after 30 days, data is end-to-end encrypted, and the information remains 100 percent owned by Norwell. Town Counsel Bob Galvin drafted language in the authorization letter specifically to protect the town’s discretion in sharing data.
Board member Ren Layne expressed support for the technology while emphasizing the need for proper processes. “I think that number one starts with location,” Layne said, noting that most criminal activity tracked by the cameras would involve vehicles from outside Norwell passing through town. Board Chair Brian Greenberg echoed these sentiments, describing the system as a valuable tool with appropriate privacy protections in place.
The cameras do not have speed detection capabilities and cannot be used for automated traffic enforcement in Massachusetts. Current state law only allows automated enforcement for toll violations.
In other business, the board ratified labor agreements with the AFSCME union representing highway, tree, and grounds workers. Town Administrator Sullivan thanked union representatives Rocco Canale and Sean Clancy for their professionalism during negotiations, calling them “two really great employees, gentlemen” who conducted “very respectful negotiations through the whole process.”
The board also approved removing conditions from a liquor license application for 690 Main Street after consulting with town counsel. The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission had difficulty processing the conditional approval, but state statute provides safeguards allowing the town to withhold final issuance pending occupancy permits.
Jeffrey Wheeler was unanimously appointed to the Beautification Committee after presenting his volunteer work maintaining the overgrown island at Old Oak and Bucket and planting grasses on Mount Blue. “I just love everything about the little nice touches we have. Because when you go to other towns, you don’t see it. And you come back in, and you recognize it immediately,” Wheeler told the board.
Finance Director Christine McCarthy presented a mid-year budget review showing revenues at 44.2 percent of the annual budget and most departments tracking appropriately for five months into the fiscal year. McCarthy noted that some departments show lower spending due to vacant positions from retirements and resignations, while warning that significant expenses like snow removal and town meeting costs typically occur later in the fiscal year. She identified liability insurance as one area potentially requiring budget increases next year, as historical trends show consistent under-budgeting in that line item.
In a significant cost-saving measure, the board voted to winterize and secure the Old Town Hall at 345 Main Street, which became vacant after recreation programs relocated. Town Administrator Sullivan presented projections showing the decision would save approximately $37,840 in fiscal year 2027 by eliminating heating, most utilities, building maintenance, and insurance costs while maintaining minimal electricity for the septic pump system serving the middle school.
The aging boiler system factored heavily into the decision. Sullivan informed the board that while the boiler “will squeak through” this winter, it likely will not survive another heating season and would cost nearly $100,000 to replace. Facilities Director Ted reported that gas expenses have totaled just $3,000 so far this fiscal year, well below the $14,000 budget, but warned that winter heating demands have not yet materialized.
Board members expressed security concerns about an unoccupied building containing historical records. “I’m just thinking of the dumbest kid I knew in high school and what he would do,” Layne said, outlining scenarios involving unauthorized entry and potential fire hazards. The discussion revealed broader infrastructure concerns, as the septic system connecting to the middle school across Main Street is deteriorating. A recent feasibility study indicated that replacing the system would require installing new leach fields at Osborne Field.
The board directed staff to explore low-cost security options including Ring cameras or SimpliSafe systems and trail cameras to monitor the property. Chief Lee had indicated that police would conduct regular security checks. The board also discussed maintaining the fire alarm system if temperature requirements allow, though Detective Silva noted that false alarms might occur if building temperatures drop below freezing. Select Board member Andy Reardon suggested the benefit of fire protection outweighed the modest annual monitoring cost of approximately $1,000.
Facilities Director Ted committed to draining all water pipes and coordinating with the water department to shut off service at the street. He will maintain electricity to preserve the septic pump controls and limited lighting for periodic records access. The board emphasized that pest control services must continue to prevent rodent damage to stored documents.
Why It Matters
The Flock camera installation represents Norwell joining a regional approach to public safety that has already demonstrated effectiveness in surrounding communities. The technology provides investigators with previously unavailable tools to track suspects and recover stolen vehicles while maintaining strict local control over data access and privacy protections. The federal grant funding means taxpayers bear no cost for the two-camera system. Meanwhile, the winterization of Old Town Hall demonstrates fiscal responsibility by eliminating nearly $38,000 in annual costs for a building no longer serving active town functions, though it raises questions about the long-term future of the historic property and aging infrastructure supporting the middle school septic system.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the meeting agenda with removal of Water Department ratification from item D. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:01:33)
Motion: To approve executive session minutes from November 19, 2024, and open meeting minutes from November 24, 2024. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:02:10)
Motion: To authorize the town administrator to sign the letter for the Flock camera installation agreement. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:28:23)
Motion: To appoint Jeffrey Wheeler to the Beautification Committee through June 30, 2028. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:30:50)
Motion: To ratify the AFSCME Highway, Tree, and Grounds memorandum of agreement. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:48:40)
Motion: To remove conditions from the liquor license application for 690 Main Street. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 00:51:46)
Motion: To drain and secure the building at 345 Main Street (Old Town Hall) until further notice while maintaining electricity for the septic system. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 01:13:10)
Motion: To adjourn. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 01:23:34)
Public Comment
No public comment was offered during the designated public comment period for items not on the agenda. The board acknowledged public engagement around the Christmas in Norwell lighting event organized by volunteers and the upcoming Government Study Committee public meeting scheduled for December 4th at 7:00 PM.
What’s Next
The police department will proceed with installing two Flock Safety license plate reader cameras at locations to be determined along Main Street and Washington Street. Town Administrator Sullivan will sign the authorization letter allowing installation on town-owned utility poles. The finance director will continue monthly budget reports to the Select Board. Facilities staff will drain and winterize Old Town Hall at 345 Main Street and explore security camera options. The board will meet again on December 10, 2024, for license renewals, health plan updates, an executive session to ratify additional union contracts, and discussion of personnel bylaw changes. The January 7, 2025, meeting will include Chief Lee and Chief Kean for vehicle replacement discussions with the Capital Budget Committee.
corrected the number of Flock cameras in neighboring towns
I wonder how deeply the select board really looked at how flock uses the data.