Selectmen approve warrants, minutes and multiple permits; one‑day liquor license granted for Moderna event

The Norwood Board of Selectmen met May 6 and approved regular business and a series of permits and motions, including a one‑day liquor license requested by Moderna for a May event.

Warrants and minutes The board voted unanimously to approve the warrant and to accept the meeting minutes for April 8 and April 15. The warrant was moved by Selectman Donnelly and seconded by Mr. Lane; the minutes motion was moved by Mr. Saad and seconded by Selectman Donnelly.

Bulk approvals Selectmen approved, in a single bulk motion, items 4.3, 4.6, 4.9 and 4.10 on the agenda. The motion to approve those items was moved by Selectman Donnelly and seconded by Mr. Lane and carried unanimously. Item 4.6 included a park permit application from Heritage Baptist Church to use Disabled Veterans Park on Chapel and Berwick streets for a worship service on Sunday, June 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., estimating 50 to 125 attendees. Item 4.10 was a formal request from the veterans agent for the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies on Monday, May 26, 2025: mass at 8 a.m.; flag lowering at 9 a.m.; parade mustering at Old Parish at 9:30 a.m.; parade step‑off at 10 a.m.; ceremony at Highland Cemetery following the parade.

Moderna permits and one‑day liquor license Two permits submitted by Moderna — a one‑day music permit and a one‑day liquor license — were discussed and approved. Board members said Moderna’s application package was thorough and that the police department had reviewed the material. The liquor license application listed a potential attendance of up to 1,000 but speakers said Moderna estimates attendance is likely to be closer to 300. Moderna told the board it did not plan to sell alcohol; selectmen voted to approve the one‑day liquor license on the date indicated (May 14) but asked that Moderna confirm whether it intends to sell alcohol, and the police department will verify the application details. The music permit (item 4.5) was also approved with a motion by Mr. Saad and second by Mr. Donnelly.

Other motions The board approved a motion to file memoranda (item 5.1); the motion was moved by Mr. Saad and seconded by Mr. Donnelly, and voted unanimously. Earlier routine motions — the warrant and meeting minutes — were each approved by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps and process notes Board members emphasized that if an applicant does intend to sell alcohol at an event, the town must be notified so the correct licensing and oversight apply. For the Norwood Housing Authority board vacancy the selectmen confirmed a joint meeting with the housing authority on May 27 at 7:15 p.m.; the boards will exchange applicant lists and decide whether to interview candidates or rely on a resume screening. The chair will follow up with Housing on procedure before the meeting.

Votes at a glance - Warrant approval: moved by Selectman Donnelly; second Mr. Lane; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Minutes (April 8 & April 15): moved by Mr. Saad; second Selectman Donnelly; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Bulk motion (items 4.3, 4.6, 4.9, 4.10): moved by Selectman Donnelly; second Mr. Lane; outcome: approved (unanimous). Item 4.6: Heritage Baptist Church park permit for June 29 worship, estimated 50–125 attendees. Item 4.10: Memorial Day parade and ceremonies, May 26, 2025 (detailed schedule in body). Item 4.9: cemetery deeds (no additional action recorded). - One‑day liquor license for Moderna (item 4.4, date indicated May 14): moved by Selectman Donnelly; second Mr. Lane; outcome: approved (unanimous). Condition/direction: Moderna to confirm whether alcohol will be sold; police to review. - One‑day music permit for Moderna (item 4.5): motion to approve by Mr. Saad; second Mr. Donnelly; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Filing memoranda (item 5.1): moved by Mr. Saad; second Selectman Donnelly; outcome: approved (unanimous).

The board closed the public portion of the meeting to enter executive session for a real‑estate negotiating matter; members said they would not return to public session except to adjourn.