Norwood selectmen approve licenses, lease amendment, accept donation and plan ballot placement after resignation

The Board of Selectmen conducted a series of routine and substantive actions at its Jan. 13 meeting.

The board approved the evening’s warrants and unanimously accepted the meeting minutes from Nov. 12, 2025 with a friendly amendment to language in Article 8. A consent agenda motion approved several items with two holds for separate discussion. The board separately accepted a donation from the Symone Foundation pursuant to Mass. General Law chapter 44, section 53A.

On licenses, the board granted a common victualler license to Gymkhana Inc. at 1381 Boston Providence Highway (former Honest Restaurant) and approved a name-only change-of-ownership for MC LLC, doing business as Jiffy Lube #1308 at 770 Boston Providence Highway. Both motions carried by voice vote.

The town manager presented a staff memo asking the board to accept a lease amendment for Gemma Kitchen and Bar (Old Colonial Cafe). The proposed amendment would forbear the next three months of rent while construction occurs (roughly 90 days) and amortize that amount over the following 48 months. Selectmen said the short-term forbearance would help the business complete required code-related bathroom renovations and support long-term viability; the board approved the amendment unanimously.

The board approved recommendations from the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to install signage/pavement markings at 22 Everett Street and to designate a handicap parking space on Day Street. Selectmen set the 2026 annual town meeting for Monday, May 11, with a second night (if needed) on Thursday, May 14.

Chair read a resignation letter from Selectman Bill Plasco stating he will resign effective April 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., citing health considerations. Selectman Lane moved — and the board unanimously approved — a motion to advise the town clerk to place the remainder of Plasco’s term on the April 6, 2026 election ballot. The board also voted unanimously to name the Animal Control building after long-time shelter volunteer Henry Siqueira following a late-agenda motion and second.

Votes were recorded by voice and in some instances called unanimous by the chair. No contested roll-call tallies were given in the transcript. The board adjourned by unanimous voice vote.