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Select Board elects Dan Norwood chair and centralizes department liaisons under Town Administrator
Summary
At its June 18 meeting the Acton Select Board elected Dan Norwood as chair and voted to have department heads report to Town Administrator Jennifer Roux rather than individual board liaisons; the move reassigns liaison duties and aims to streamline communications.
The Acton Select Board voted June 18 to elect Daniel Norwood as chair and to centralize department‑level liaison responsibilities under Town Administrator Jennifer Roux.
Select Board member David Winchell Jr., who had served as chair for two years, told colleagues he planned to step away from the role. Jon Denekamp nominated Norwood, Ed Walsh seconded, and the board voted unanimously. "He has done an excellent job as Chair for the past two years," Norwood said after assuming the role, thanking Winchell for his service.
The board also agreed that department heads will now report to the Town Administrator rather than to individual Select Board liaisons. Town Administrator Jennifer Roux said the change is intended to improve communications and ensure steps are not missed: "The Town Administrator will handle all issues with each department and, if necessary, contact the appropriate Select Board member(s)/liaison or hold conversations with the department head and the necessary Select Board member/liaison as deemed necessary in accordance with Town policies," Roux said.
The Select Board then identified specific liaison assignments for committee purposes: Norwood will oversee the Recreation Committee, Mousam Dam Coalition and Planning Board; Tom McGurty will cover Municipal Finance and the Conservation Forestry Committee; Ed Walsh will serve as liaison for the Transfer Station, School Department and Lincoln School; Jon Denekamp will cover the Fire Department, CRP and the Mary Grant Committee; and David Winchell Jr. will remain liaison for Roads & Road Committee, Municipal Grounds and the Cemetery Committee.
Board members said the Town Administrator will bring committee and department heads before the Select Board on a rotating basis to keep members informed. The changes take effect immediately and will be reflected in how residents are directed to raise departmental concerns.
