Norwood previews 10 articles for Special Town Meeting No. 2, including solar PILOT, veteran tax options and procurement rule changes

Town of Norwood officials reviewed the 10 warrant articles scheduled for Special Town Meeting No. 2, expected to convene May 15, and answered preliminary questions from members.

Moderator term: Article 1 would change the elected moderator's term from one year to three years. Jerry Slater, the town moderator, told members the change aims to reduce turnover and allow moderators more time to master the role; the change would require town meeting approval and subsequent legislative approval because the moderator's term derives from the special act establishing Norwood's representative town meeting. Slater said he will appoint a temporary moderator to preside over that article so he can speak on it without presiding.

Landfill solar / PILOT: Article 2 proposes a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Tangent Development LLC to install and operate solar arrays on town-owned landfill property. The agreement as described in the session would base payments on full and fair cash value of equipment (excluding town-owned land) and the negotiated package discussed by the light department planned to yield roughly $481,000 in payments spread over 25 years. Town staff said equipment maintenance and site details are covered in the contract under negotiation; several members asked about the company's…