Facilities chief reports security upgrades, completed carpet and fire‑panel work; sewer tie‑ins progress

Facilities supervisor Wade Lazot updated the committee on capital work completed and in progress across Norton Public Schools.

Completed projects include replacement of library carpeting at the LG (carpet squares) and new finish work in the LG main office, replacement of high‑school stage flooring, and migration of middle‑school fire‑detection devices. Ongoing work includes installation of a secure main‑entrance window at the middle school, and key‑access systems at three elementary schools to control exterior door access and improve building security.

Lazot described ARPA‑funded sewer tie‑ins: LG is fully connected via a gravity fed system, and Yellow and the high school now have dedicated sewer connections; older pipes running under turf fields were decommissioned and rerouted away from playing surfaces. The JCS building remains on its 1978 septic system; Lazot said bringing it onto sewer remains desirable but would be subject to future planning and costs. He cautioned that closing a school or changing building status could affect MSBA reimbursement for prior projects and that savings from closures may be less than community members expect.

Committee members asked about internal capacity to perform work (grounds and facilities staff can maintain certain items but major flooring installation typically requires contractors) and noted appreciation for facilities staff response during a recent heavy snow event. Lazot said a 10‑year capital plan was provided to the town manager and identified recurring needs such as aging grounds equipment, middle‑school fencing replacement and ongoing wastewater/permitting work.

No formal committee action was taken; the facilities office will continue with planned security installations, complete pavement work in coordination with DPW and plan longer‑term sewer connections as funding and permitting allow.