Acting Police Chief Clark serving as interim town manager while select board prepares to interview four finalists

The Norton Park and Recreation Committee heard that Police Chief Clark is serving as acting town manager after the town manager retired in late June and that the select board will conduct public interviews of four finalists this weekend.

Committee members said the selection process started from a large applicant pool; speakers described an initial screening that produced interviews and a final list of four candidates the selection committee will present to the select board at an open meeting scheduled for Saturday the 12th. Committee members said the board will vote at that meeting and then enter negotiations with the chosen candidate; the new hire’s actual start date will depend on how long negotiations and any required notice period take. Meeting discussion noted Chief Clark is expected to remain in the acting role “until the new town manager can get here,” with members estimating an arrival "Augustish." (Timing was described as provisional.)

The committee also flagged procedural details: warrants and vendor payments require select-board signature, which affects how quickly checks can be issued while interim arrangements remain in place. Members agreed to circulate any additional details they receive from the select board once the interviews conclude.

No formal vote or appointment was taken at the Park and Recreation meeting; the committee’s discussion reiterated the timeline described by the selection committee and emphasized that the board’s public vote and subsequent negotiations will determine the hire’s start date.

The select board’s public meeting with finalist interviews is scheduled for the coming Saturday; committee members said they will report back any outcomes after the board acts.