Norton Board of Control approves fence at police department to limit parking access

On Monday, May 5, the Board of Control of the Norton City Council voted 4-0 to award a purchase and installation contract for a 6-foot aluminum fence and gate at the Norton Police Department to Superior Fence and Rail in an amount not to exceed $9,777.60.

Board members said the barrier is intended to channel vehicle traffic to a single direction through the police parking lot and reduce pedestrian access behind the building, particularly after installation of the city’s recent Veterans Memorial. Council members described the work as a safety measure to prevent people from using the police lot as a cut-through and to protect vehicles and people near the facility.

The item was described as a partial implementation of a larger plan to provide a permanent landscaped barrier in the future. Council members discussed planting options such as white pines as a longer-term natural barrier and noted a landscape sponsor would help fund plantings.

The motion passed by roll call. The meeting record shows the four voting members — identified in the roll call as DeHartbert, Harbert, Lowry and Keener — voted yes. The motion and second were spoken on the record, and the clerk announced adoption by a vote of 4 to 0.

Council members also asked whether the fence could be installed before the city’s July 4 events; a response in the record indicated that timing was anticipated but a firm installation date was not specified in the discussion.

The board did not reference a specific municipal code or ordinance when approving the purchase; the item was processed as a procurement award to a vendor for equipment and installation.