Meeting Notes: Selectmen Hear Public Safety Reports

The Norwood Board of Selectmen entertained monthly reports from the police and fire departments, in addition to hearing an update from Home Market Foods concerning a particular odor in a Norwood neighborhood Tuesday evening.

Lieutenant Brian Murphy of the Norwood Police Department reported to the board on behalf of Chief Bartley King Jr., and said during the meeting that June is a unique opportunity to get things done — when schools aren't in session.

Last month, for example, officers participated in an active shooter training session to have enough practice in the event an incident actually occurs. 

"Once the schools are closed … we're able to go through there and actually perform the training," he said.

Murphy said between May 31 and July 4, the department responded to 2,733 calls for service, issued 812 motor vehicle citations, assisted with 119 motor vehicle accidents and made 108 arrests in criminal complaints.

Norwood Fire Department Chief Michael Howard also spoke to the board and said his department responded to 433 fire and medical emergencies in June. Calls year-to-date are up about 3.9 percent to 104 calls. 

Officials from Home Market Foods, 140 Morgan Drive, said they are in the process of eliminating a particular odor emanating from the factory following complaints from a residential neighborhood.

Wesley Atamian, president of the company, said although work is being made to reduce the odor's impact, it will take time considering any fix would cost at least $1 million. 

"We cannot afford to make a mistake here," he said.

Corinne Schultz, the company's environmental health and safety manger, added they've been in close contact with the Norwood Board of Health to determine the odor's impact. A time frame of about a year is necessary to fix the problem, she said.

Selectman and chair Michael Lyons said this is a quality of life matter for the citizens living nearby.

Selectmen also unanimously approved each item listed as new business, other than tabling a request to remove a restriction on a VIF license that bans the sale of automobiles at 707 Neponset Street and allowing a local restaurant to include an outdoor patio on 1350 Main Street in Walpole, items 16 and 17, respectively on the agenda.