In an effort to maintain closer coordination on municipal security matters, the Norwood Board of Selectmen held the first of what will become a series of mandatory monthly conferences with Police Chief James M. Murphy during last night’s meeting.

The policy, established by the board last month to ensure selectmen remain fully apprised of policing progress and community safety issues, quickly took a serious turn as the board shifted from an open forum to an executive session to discuss sensitive police information.

The move to closed doors, which lasted approximately one hour, was prompted by concerns that an open discussion regarding public security could be detrimental to town interests. Selectman Chairman William F. Butters and Selectman Charles L. Rich both emphasized that public discourse on certain police matters—specifically involving “personalities” and the potential for inadvertently challenging local youth to commit further offenses—could put the town at risk or create legal liability.

Prior to the closed session, Chief Murphy addressed the recent spike in vandalism, which he attributed partly to the impact of the newly enacted 18-year-old drinking law. While noting a recent decrease in the frequency and severity of these incidents, Murphy expressed continued dissatisfaction with the current situation. He commended his officers for their effective work in identifying young suspects involved in recent housebreakings, but voiced profound frustration that youths committing “pretty serious offenses”—sometimes for the fourth or fifth time—often remain on the streets due to a lack of available detention facilities. Murphy reiterated his frequent appeal for parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s actions, noting that he could not fault the courts when they lack adequate places to house youthful offenders.

The meeting, which was interrupted for over an hour so that officials could attend a memorial mass for the late Bishop Jeremiah F. Minihan, was ultimately adjourned at 11:30 p.m. without completing the full agenda; a second session has been scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

In other municipal business, the board:

Property Disposition: Voted to solicit sealed bids for the sale of the town-owned “Centennial House” located on the Guild Square green.
County Assessment: Received notification that the town’s county tax assessment for the 18-month budget period will total $391,448.
Infrastructure: Approved a Department of Public Works recommendation to award a $249,561 contract to Cetrone Corp. of Newton for Chapter 90 reconstruction work on a portion of Everett Street.
Licensing Requests: Denied a request from John Cornetta of the Iron Horse restaurant for an “extension of premises” permit to serve food and provide live entertainment in his Mia Piazza garden, following neighbor complaints regarding noise. Additionally, the board continued a public hearing for a proposed Royal Pizza Co. restaurant near Mal’s Department Store at Route 1 and Dean Street, requesting to review architectural plans first while members voiced concerns over operating hours and potential trash issues.
Skating Area Liability: Decided to take no action on a resident request to post ice conditions at local skating areas, following an opinion from Counsel Justin C. Barton that the town could incur legal liability in the event of an accident.