Norton building committee unanimously votes to notify contractor and hire independent investigator for senior center roof

The Norton Permanent Building Committee on June 16 voted unanimously to notify the general contractor and the roofing subcontractors that the town intends to hire a neutral third-party consultant to investigate persistent buckling and moisture concerns at the new senior center roof.

The committee’s motion, amended to require the town to put the contractors on formal notice, follows an April 7 report from Gail Associates that described possible causes — including shingles, underlayment, ventilation and a wet substrate — but did not identify a single definitive cause. A committee member told colleagues the report “was done by the contractor,” and recommended a genuinely independent review.

Why it matters: committee members said the issue has recurred since the building opened and that limited, non‑destructive testing to date may not have captured the conditions that produce the buckling. Several members emphasized the town must preserve warranty rights and coordinate any invasive testing with manufacturer‑certified installers.

What happened at the meeting: one member recommended “we reach out to a third party other than Gail” and to consider “destructive testing” in the fall when colder temperatures make buckling more apparent. Members discussed less‑invasive alternatives — infrared scanning and moisture meters — and also questioned whether removing roofing sections could void manufacturer warranties. They asked staff to review contract language and available project closeout funds before issuing an RFP.

The committee voted to: notify the general contractor and roofing subcontractors of the town’s intent to hire an independent consultant, solicit the contractors’ proposed remediation plans, and pursue third‑party testing in the fall as needed. The committee chair announced the vote was unanimous.

Funding and next steps: members discussed a reported $10,000 holdback and other funds in project closeout accounts as potential sources to pay for the investigation; a town official said staff would confirm exact balances. The committee said it would await the contractors’ written responses and results of any additional testing before deciding whether to request additional appropriations or take other action.

What was not decided: the vote did not commit the town to a specific consultant, a defined scope of testing, or a dollar amount for the investigation; members said those details will follow from responses and a fall review of conditions.

Notable quotes: James Slattery, a longtime Norton resident and former EMS leader who observed early roof work, told the committee he had seen portions of the roof exposed during a three‑day rain period and said, “I questioned that at the time and everybody said, ‘Oh, it’ll dry out.’” A committee member asked that the town “put them on notice” and request the contractors’ plan of action.

The committee expected to revisit the issue in the fall if buckling reappears and to consider issuing an RFP after notifying the contractors and reviewing any responses.