The Marshfield Board of Selectmen and Advisory Board held a joint meeting to preview articles for the October Special Town Meeting.
There are 17 articles on the Special Town Meeting warrant, set for October 19.
The warrant includes a ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops, zoning changes to add new uses, and a lease for the Daniel Webster Estate.
Selectman Steve Darcy spoke on the pet shop change, which is Article 1.
“Those animals are mass-produced in poor conditions, and sold to these venues. Also, with little regard for the quality, conditions, or the genetic quality of these animals,” said Darcy. “It also protects consumers, so that’s what we’re looking to tackle with this bylaw.”
Article 7 includes a number of fund disbursements from retained earnings — including $450,000 to match a federal grant for school resource officers. Full-time officers would be at the middle and high schools, and another officer would rotate between the five elementary schools. Sidewalk repair and paving would be covered under a separate $450,000 line item.
Town Planner Greg Guimond says two new uses would be added under zoning for Article 14. The language addresses multiple bay facilities and includes processing/recycling of wood materials.
Town Administrator Michael Maresco says Article 12 deals with a 40-year lease for the Daniel Webster Estate.
“The Daniel Webster Trust is a private non-profit organization which manages the property on behalf of the town. They have a schedule, they raise and spend about $25,000 a year in maintenance,” said Maresco. “They keep the house looking as beautiful as when they had inherited it.”
The Marshfield Special Town Meeting is set for 7 p.m. on October 19 at the High School.
