For many, Town Meeting represents the essence of democracy in its purest form. However, both newcomers and seasoned participants may find the process of assessing the issues and navigating the unique procedural aspects to be overwhelming.
Town Meeting 2023 CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHYE BOYD
To simplify the process, the Marblehead Current has created its second annual Guide to Town Meeting. The guide presents the articles in sequential order, accompanied by straightforward explanations, relevant Current content (including stories and editorials) and video provided by our partner,Marblehead TV.
Additional resources that may prove useful include the presentation from FinCom’s warrant hearing (April 8) or the upcoming MHTV recording and the Marblehead Council on Aging’s Speaker Series featuring Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and Moderator Jack Attridge April 24).
Town Meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Veterans Middle School, Duncan Sleigh Square, 217 Pleasant St. If more evenings are necessary, they will follow at the same time and location.
Town Meeting will also be shown live on MHTV, Comcast channel 1073 or Verizon channel 2128, and is planned to be live streamed on MHTV’s YouTube channel, Marblehead Community Access and Media.
Article 1: Articles in Numerical Order — APPROVED: 599 voting “yes,” 65 “no”
To see if the Town will vote to adopt an order requiring articles in the Warrant to be taken up in their numerical order or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests Town Meeting to take up articles (agenda items) on the warrant (the meeting’s agenda) in numerical order.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: None, as there is no financial component.
Article 2: Reports of Town Officers and Committees — APPROVED 728 “Yes”; 43 “No”
To receive the report of the Town Accountant, the reports of the Town Officers, and special committees, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests Town Meeting to allow town committees and officers to give reports on the Town Meeting floor, and those who may not be voters can address Town Meeting.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: None, as there is no financial component.
a. Assume Liabillity: To see if the Town will assume liability in the manner provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws, for all damages that may be incurred by work to be performed by the Massachusetts Highway Department for the improvement, development, maintenance and protection of tidal and non-tidal rivers and streams, harbors, tidewaters, foreshores and shores along a public beach in accordance with Section 11 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws and authorize the Select Board to execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefore to the Commonwealth, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests the town accept responsibility for any damages that may occur as a result of work done by the Massachusetts Highway Department to improve, develop, maintain and protect public beaches, rivers, streams, harbors and shores. The town may need to provide a bond of indemnity to the commonwealth to cover any potential liabilities.
b. Accept Trust Property: To see if the Town will vote to accept certain trust property, gifts or grants to be administered by the Town or modify the terms thereof, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Town Counsel.
EXPLANATION: Requests the town can accept money from grants awarded and assets in trusts bequeathed to the town during the next fiscal year.
c. Lease Town Property: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the appropriate Town Officers to let or lease such land, buildings or structures owned by the Town on such terms as they may determine, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests Town Meeting to permit appropriate town officials to lease town-owned land, buildings or structures on the terms they decide.
d. Contracts in Excess of Three Years: To see if the Town will authorize the Select Board, pursuant to G.L.c. 30B, §12, to enter into contracts in the best interest of the Town in excess of three (3) years but not more than ten (10) years. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Asks if the town will allow the Select Board to make contracts that last more than three years but less than ten years if it is in the town’s best interest.
e. Financial Assistance for Conservation:
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Conservation Commission and other proper officers of the Town to apply for financial assistance from public and private sources to be expended by the Conservation Commission for the purchase of vacant land and any other purpose, authorized by Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws as amended, or to reimburse the Town for sums of money expended for such purposes, or both, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Conservation Commission.
EXPLANATION: Asks Town Meeting to preemptively authorize the Conservation Commission and other proper officers of the Town to apply for financial assistance from public and private sources to be expended by the Conservation Commission for the purchase of vacant land and any other purpose.
SPECIAL EXPLANATION: Article 3 groups together several “consent articles” relating to various legal and operational matters for the town. These articles are bundled as they deal with standard approvals the town needs to request from voters each year.
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to provide for the payment of any unpaid accounts brought forward from previous years, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: Requests Town Meeting vote to approve payment of $23,633.49in unpaid bills from previous fiscal years.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Recommended that $23,633.49 be appropriated.
To see if the Town will vote to fix the maximum amount that may be spent during FY 2025 beginning July 1, 2024 for the revolving funds established in the town bylaws for certain departments, boards, committees, agencies or officers in accordance with G.L. c. 44 § 53E 1/2, and to amend section 63-9(E)(10)(c) of the general bylaws as follows (bold and underline newstrike out removed):
(c) During each fiscal year, the Director of Public Works may incur liabilities against and spend monies from the Street Opening Revolving Fund for expenses related to opening various public ways for the purposes of utility work, and making repairs to public ways and sidewalks.
or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: The town is planning to decide on the maximum amount of money that can be spent from certain funds, known as revolving funds, for the fiscal year 2025, which starts on July 1, 2024. These funds are set up under specific guidelines outlined in the Massachusetts law (General Law Chapter 44, Section 53E 1/2) and are used by various town departments, boards, and committees for their operations. Additionally, there’s a proposal to change a section of the town’s bylaws. This change would allow the Director of Public Works more flexibility in how money can be used from a specific fund, called the Street Opening Revolving Fund. This fund is used to cover costs related to opening roads for utility work and repairing roads and sidewalks. In essence, the town wants to set a spending limit for these funds and adjust the rules to allow the Director of Public Works to more freely use the money in the Street Opening Revolving Fund for necessary roadwork and utilities-related tasks.
Article 6: Purchase of Equipment of Several Departments—APPROVED 704 “YES;” 97 “NO
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sums of money for the purchase and/or lease of equipment for several departments of the Town, and to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLINATION: This means the town is considering whether to agree on setting aside $176,784 to buy or update major equipment as specified in their list of requests.
To see if the Town will vote pursuant to G.L. c. 44 §21C, to authorize the Select Board to enter into lease purchase agreements for the lease and purchase of vehicles and certain capital for a period of time not in excess of the useful life of the property to be procured on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deem in the best interest of the Town; and to authorize the Select Board to take all actions necessary to administer and implement such agreement and to fund said lease purchase through an annual appropriation in the Capital Budget, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLINATION: This article on the warrant seeks approval from town residents for a collective sum of $447,354 to be allocated for the leasing and purchase of essential equipment across various town departments. The intent is to provide updated, reliable machinery and vehicles that are critical to the day-to-day operations of these departments.
Article 8: Capital Improvements for Public Buildings– APPROVED 655 “YES”; 150 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to existing Town or School buildings, infrastructure, and the purchase of necessary equipment including computer hardware and software to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests approval to allocate a total of $401,941 for significant updates and repairs to town and school facilities.
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the construction and reconstruction of walls and fences for the protection of highways and property, including engineering services in connection therewith; to authorize the appropriate Town Officers to acquire by purchase, eminent domain or otherwise, any land or easements necessary therefore; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Approval to raise and appropriate $50,000 for the construction and reconstruction of retaining walls and fences needed to protect the town’s highways, infrastructure and property.
That the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or otherwise fund a sum of money for the construction, reconstruction, permitting and maintenance of storm sewers for surface drainage, including engineering services in connection therewith, and for general Drain Department purposes, including the purchase or lease of equipment, and to authorize the appropriate Town Officers to acquire by purchase, eminent domain or otherwise, any land or easements necessary therefore, and to raise the money for such purposes by the issue of bonds or notes or in any other manner, to be expended by the Department of Public Works; or to take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLINATION: This article presents a proposal for the town to approve a budget of $400,000 aimed at the development and enhancement of the storm sewer system. These funds are designated for the construction and rehabilitation of the infrastructure necessary for effective surface water drainage and include related engineering services.
11 Consent Articles, Water and Sewer — APPROVED 696 “Yes” ; 83 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to approve the following consent articles:
a. Water Department Construction: That the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to be expended by the Water and Sewer Commission for the construction, reconstruction and extending of water mains, replacement of water meters, appurtenances, engineering, consultants, surveys including revenue studies and other general Water Department purposes, and to authorize the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners to acquire by purchase, eminent domain or otherwise any lands or easements necessary, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
EXPLANATION: This article requests the town’s approval for the Water and Sewer Commission to use $2,600,000 from Water Retained Earnings for water infrastructure projects. The projects include building and repairing water mains, replacing water meters and associated engineering work. This is essential for maintaining and improving the town’s water supply system. The funding would also cover costs like hiring consultants, conducting surveys, and purchasing necessary land or easements.
b. Sewer Department Construction: That the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to be expended by the Water and Sewer Commission for the construction or reconstruction of sewers for sanitary purposes and for sewerage disposal, pump stations, original pumping equipment, metering equipment, safety equipment, replacement of said equipment, engineering, consultants, surveys, including revenue studies and other general Sewer Department purposes, and to authorize the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners to acquire by purchase, eminent domain or otherwise any lands or easements necessary, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
EXPLANATION: This article seeks town approval for the Water and Sewer Commission to use $2,850,000 from Sewer Retained Earnings to enhance and expand the town’s sewer infrastructure. This funding will support the construction or reconstruction of sewers, sewerage disposal systems, pump stations and the initial and replacement of pumping and metering equipment. The investments also include essential engineering and consulting services, survey work and potentially acquiring any necessary lands or easements to facilitate these projects.
c. Water and Sewer Commission Claims: That the Town will vote to authorize the Water and Sewer Commission and the Select Board acting jointly to compromise any claims for damages or suits pending against the Town of Marblehead on account of acts which may have occurred during the construction of the water or sewer systems, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
EXPLANATION: This article aims to authorize the Water and Sewer Commission and the Select Board to manage and potentially settle any legal claims against the town concerning the construction activities of the water or sewer systems. This would enable them to handle damages or ongoing suits in a way that best protects the town’s interests, ensuring that past construction-related issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.
SPECIAL EXPLANATION: Article 11 on the Town Meeting warrant proposes a set of “consent articles” relating to the town’s water and sewer infrastructure. These articles are grouped together because they deal with related issues concerning the Water and Sewer Commission’s ongoing maintenance, expansion, and legal handling of the town’s water and sewer systems. Each sub-article seeks specific approvals from the town voters.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 121 of the Bylaws, Classification and Wage Salary Plan, by changing certain job titles where indicated and reclassify certain positions in the Administrative Pay Schedule; to strike out the pay schedule as it relates to Administrative personnel, substitute in place thereof the new pay schedules and to transfer from available funds and/or appropriate a sum of money to make said new pay schedules effective, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: This article asks the town to vote on updating the payment and job title structure for administrative staff. This update includes changing some job titles to better match what those jobs now involve and adjusting the payment scale to ensure it’s fair and competitive. This proposal includes a 2% raise for administrative staff to match the raises that union workers receive, helping to maintain equality and fairness in pay across the board. The changes would impact about 35 positions, resulting in an average increase of roughly $166.55 per month for each affected staff member.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 121 of the Bylaws, Classification and Wage Salary Plan, by changing certain job titles where indicated and reclassify certain positions in the Traffic Supervisors Pay Schedule; to waive the pay schedule as it relates to Traffic Supervisor personnel, substitute in place thereof the new pay schedules and to transfer from available funds and/or appropriate a sum of money to make said new pay schedules effective, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: This article proposes a 2% cost of living increase for the traffic supervisors, aligning their raises with those given to union workers.
Article 14: Proposed Reclassification and Pay Schedule (Seasonal and Temporary Personnel) — APPROVED 723 “Yes” ; 58 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 121 of the Bylaws, Classification and Wage Salary Plan, by changing certain job titles where indicated and reclassify certain positions in the Seasonal and Temporary Personnel Pay Schedules; strike out the pay schedules as they relate to seasonal and temporary personnel, substitute in place thereof the new pay schedules and to transfer from available funds and/or appropriate a sum of money to make said new pay schedules effective, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: This article proposes a 2% cost of living increase. This adjustment aims to ensure that seasonal and temporary employees receive a pay rate that keeps pace with economic changes and is consistent with the raises given to other town employees, including unionized positions.
To see if the Town will vote to revise the compensation of the Town Clerk as the Town by vote may determine and to transfer from available funds and/or appropriate a sum of money to make said revision effective, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: If the proposal is approved, Town Clerk Robin Michaud would receive a 2% cost of living adjustment, raising her base salary to $90,337.
To see if the Town will vote to ratify certain actions taken by the Compensation Committee under Chapter 43 Section 3(e) as last amended and amend the classification table by reclassifying certain positions, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Compensation Committee.
EXPLANATION: This includes updates to the job classification table, which means adjusting the job categories and salary levels for certain positions to make sure they match the current responsibilities of those jobs. Essentially, this article ensures that all the changes made by the committee are officially approved and in accordance with town rules, helping to keep the town’s salary system fair and up to date.
Article 17: Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District – APPROVED 776 “Yes” ; 43 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to approve the gross operating and maintenance budget of the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, and appropriate a sum of money for the Town’s assessment of the same, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests that Marblehead essentially pay a “tuition bill” of $468,057 for local students to attend the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District for the upcoming school year. This cost covers Marblehead’s share for its students to receive education and training in agricultural and technical skills at this specialized school.
Article 18: Transfer Funds to the Special Education Stabilization Account – APPROVED 661 “Yes;” 89 “No”
To see if the town will vote to raise, appropriate or otherwise transfer fund to the Special Education Reserve Fund; or take any other direction relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: Article 18 is like a special savings account for the town’s special education emergencies. The Finance Director is suggesting that the town should decide whether to put some extra cash into this savings account, which is officially called the Special Education Reserve Fund. They can either take the money from the town’s current funds or set aside some new money for this purpose. This special savings account is allowed by the law and is meant to cover unexpected or additional expenses related to special education, like providing extra services, paying for students to attend schools in other districts, or arranging transportation for these students. The town has already saved up $250,000 in this special account, and if they ever need to withdraw and use the money,
Article 19: Available Funds Appropriate to Reduce Tax Rate – APPROVED 668 “Yes”; 67 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate free cash balance in the hands of the Town Treasurer, including any surplus or part of surplus in the Electric Light Department for use of the Assessors in making the tax rate, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article asks Town Meeting to appropriate the following revenue sources toward reducing the tax rate: $5.5 million in free cash; $35,000 from other funds that are available; $330,000 from the municipal light department; and, being used to cover shared costs withing in the general fund, $359,692 from surplus in water, sewer and harbor budgets.
To see if the Town will, pursuant to G.L. c. 150E §7, vote to appropriate the sums of money sufficient to fund the collective bargaining agreement for fiscal year 2025 with MASS C.O.P., AFL-CIO, Local 437, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Basically, this article proposes Town Meeting appropriate enough money to pay for the police union’s contract for the next year. This contract includes things like salaries, benefits and working conditions for the police officers.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation. FinCom members likely will weigh in on Town Meeting floor.
To see if the Town will, pursuant to G.L. c. 150E §7, vote to appropriate the sums of money sufficient to fund the collective bargaining agreement for fiscal year 2025 with Local 1776 of the IUE/CWA, AFL-CIO, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Article 21 is about deciding if the town will set aside enough money to cover the costs of the union contract with IUE/CWA Local 1776 for the next year. The Select Board wants the town to approve the spending to make sure the union workers’ agreed-upon wages and benefits are paid.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation. Will likely weigh in on Town Meeting floor.
To see if the Town will vote to accept G. L. c. 59, sec. 5, cl. 41D, which authorizes an annual increase in the income (gross receipts) and asset (whole estate) limits for exemptions granted to senior citizens under G. L. c. 59, sec. 5, cl. 41C by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2024, or to take any other action related thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article proposes adjusting the financial limits for seniors’ property tax exemptions to keep up with rising living costs. Right now, seniors must have assets below $40,000 (singles) or $50,000 (couples) and earn less than $20,000 (singles) or $30,000 (couples) to qualify. If approved, these limits would automatically increase each year based on the cost of living increase from the previous year. For example, if the cost of living goes up by 7%, the asset limit would rise to $42,800 for singles and $53,500 for couples, and the income limit to $21,400 for singles and $32,100 for couples. This change would help ensure that as prices rise, the tax exemption keeps helping seniors afford their homes.
To see if the Town will adjust the exemption under G.L. c. 59 sec. 5(K) and; (1) allow an approved representative, for persons physically unable, to provide such services to the town; and (2) allowing the maximum reduction of the real property tax bill to be adjusted up to $2,000, or take any other action related thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article aims to make property taxes more manageable for seniors in our town. Currently, seniors can receive up to $750 off their property taxes, but recent state changes allow for up to $2,000 in savings.
To see if the Town of Marblehead will accept G.L. c. 64L, § 2(a) to impose a local meals excise tax, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article is asking the Town of Marblehead to vote on whether to accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 64L, Section 2(a), which would allow the town to impose a 0.75% local meals excise tax on meals sold in the town. The tax would add $0.75 to a $100 meal. The town estimates this new tax could generate between $258,500 and $430,900 per year in additional revenue, with a conservative estimate of $200,000 for the 2025 fiscal year. The article is sponsored by the Finance Director, and targets the town’s structural deficit.
To see if the Town will vote to accept G. L. c. 64G, § 3A, authorizing the imposition of a local excise upon the transfer of occupancy of a room in a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house, short-term rental, or motel located within the Town of Marblehead at a rate of up to 6% of the total amount of rent for each such occupancy; Or take any other action relative to. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article is asking the town to vote on accepting Massachusetts General Law Chapter 64G, Section 3A. This would authorize Marblehead to impose a local excise tax of up to 6% on the transfer of occupancy (i.e. the rental) of rooms in bed and breakfasts, hotels, lodging houses, short-term rentals, and motels located within the town. The tax would be a percentage of the total rent for each occupancy. In fiscal year 2023, Marblehead had $8.1 million in taxable rentals. If the town adopts the maximum 6% rate, it could expect to generate $480,000 to $492,000 per year in additional revenue. The town has conservatively estimated $200,000 for fiscal year 2025.
Article 26: Expenses of Several Departments – APPROVED 611 “Yes” ; 63 “No”
To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate, including appropriations from Federal Revenue Sharing moneys, to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several departments of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: Article 26 presents the town’s operating budget for fiscal year 2025, which is $115 million. Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby explained that the budget is “balanced” in the sense that projected revenues match expenses as required by state law, but required significant work to achieve given rising costs outpacing limited revenue growth. To balance the budget, the town is relying on the 2.5% tax levy increase allowed under Prop 2 1/2, totalling $1.8 million in additional taxes. It is also using $5.5 million of certified free cash, which is $2.5 million less than the $8 million used last year and leaves $2.2 million in reserves. The town is also budgeting $400,000 in new revenues from proposed local meals and room taxes, if those warrant articles pass.
To get a fuller picture of the town’s financial vital signs, check out Finance Direcot Aleesha Nunley Benjamin and former superintendent of finance Michelle Cresta’s “Finance Forum” on Feb. 27, as recorded by MHTV.
Article 27: Supplemental Appropriation and Expenses of Several Departments – INDEFINITELY POSTPONED
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to supplement the Town’s General Government operating budget beginning in FY2025, contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 21⁄2, \ballot question, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This article seeks to raise taxes to supplement the town’s general govenment budget, but the Select Board has since decided not to pursue a the permanent.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Finance Committee members voted to indefinitely postpone Article 27.
Article 28: Supplemental Appropriation and Expenses for the Schools – INDEFINITELY POSTPONED
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to supplement the School Department’s operating budget beginning in FY2025, contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2 1/2 , so called, ballot question, or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the School Committee.
EXPLANATION: This article seeks to raise taxes to supplement the Marblehead Public School’s budget, but the School Committee has since decided not to pursue the permanent override.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Finance Committee members decided to indefinitely postpone Article 28.
To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Debt Exclusion Premium Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Fund to Excluded Debt Service for the purpose of reducing the amount of existing debt service and/or the amount of debt needed to be placed with final bonding, both have been exempted from the provisions of Proposition 2 1/2, an amount of up to $171,643.60 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, or take any other action related thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: Article 29 on the town warrant, presented by Finance Director Aleesha Nunley Benjamin, suggests a method to help our town manage its debt more effectively. It proposes using up to $171,643.60 from a special savings account that holds extra money received from selling town bonds at a higher price than their actual value. This extra money is called a premium and occurs because our town has a very good credit rating, making our bonds more appealing than others in the market. The plan is to use this money to reduce the amount we currently owe and decrease the need for borrowing more in the future. These actions are exempt from Proposition 2 1/2, which limits how much towns can increase their tax revenue each year.
Article 30: Capital Transfers– APPROVED 607 “Yes” ; 51 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to Transfer $353,876.54, or any other sum or sums of money, from the following unspent capital appropriations, which will thereby exhaust all of the available funds from the original appropriation, for the purpose of funding: (1) Road, Sidewalk, Public Ways, and Garage Improvements in the amount of $142,569.21, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (2) Community Center Boiler Replacement in the amount of $42,000, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (3) Fire Headquarters painting and repairs in the amount of $12,750, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (4) DPW Electric Panel Upgrade in the amount of $8,211.47, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (5) 4 Head Mini-split A/C – Heat Unit in the amount of $25,000, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (6) Mary Alley Building Fire Alarm System in the amount of $26,000, including any costs related and incidental thereto; (7) Police Department Stairwells Treads and Flooring in the amount of $5,557.33; (8) Veterans School Support Beam Repair $38,000; (9) DPW Traffic Lights $6,000; (10) Building Department Copper Crimp Tool and supplies $4,7923.23; (11) School Bus partial lease funding $2,875.66; Fire Department Air Conditioning to Headquarters $19,000; DPW Complex ADA Transition Plan $18,833.94, as follows:
or to take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Finance Director.
EXPLANATION: This amended article is essentially a proposal for the town to decide on reallocating funds. Currently, there’s money that past Town Meetings approved for capital budgets left over. The proposal suggests moving this leftover money, which totals $353,876.54, or possibly another amount if necessary, to cover new projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year, 2025.
A list of unspent money form previous capital projects that officials located:
This image illustrates the origins of the unspent capital appropriations referenced in Article 30. The funds derive from multiple town meeting articles spanning from 2017 to 2020, accumulating to a total of $353,876.54. Initially allocated for building enhancements, equipment purchases, equipment lease acquisitions, and road enhancements, these appropriations have yet to be fully utilized.
How transfered money would be spent:
Article 30 proposes the allocation of the $353,876.54 in unspent funds towards FY2025 capital projects. These funds will be reallocated to different departments for various initiatives, including the replacement of a community center boiler, painting and repairs at the headquarters station, electric panel upgrades, cemetery enhancements, installation of a fire alarm system, improvement of stairwell treads and flooring in public buildings, garage enhancements, and procurement of flashlights for the Police Department.
Article 31: Amend Bylaw to Increase Building Construction Permit Fees – APPROVED 529 “Yes” ; 159 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Marblehead General Bylaws, Article III Permits, Section 30-15 and 30-16 as follows (underline and bold is new language and cross through is omitted language):
Section 30-15 Fees.
B. The amount of such fees shall be $15 per $1,000 of the total cost of the work to be done under such permits, as estimated by the Building Commissioner, with the minimum fee for each permit issued of $30$50. This fee will include the cost of the wiring permit and plumbing permit.
E.
(1) Re-inspection fee: $50$70
(2) Lost permit card fee: $100$120
(3) Certificate of inspection fee: $100$120
(4) Certificate of occupancy fee: $100$120
Section 30-16 Plumbing and gas permit fees
(1) Plumbing
(a) Residential and commercial
[1] Remodel kitchen or bath: $30 $50 plus $5 per fixture.
[2] Replacing pipes: $30 $50
[3] Hot water tank: $30$50
[4] Any other miscellaneous: $30$50
[5] Return inspection: $40$60
[6] Failure to obtain required permit prior to commencement of work: three times applicable fee.
(2) Gas:
(a) Residential and commercial:
[1] Remodel: $30$50
[2] Hot water tank: $30$50
[3] Boilers: $50$70
[4] Any other miscellaneous: $30$50
[5] Return inspection: $40$60
[6] Failure to obtain required permit to commencement of work: three times applicable fee.
Or take any other action relative to. Sponsored by the Building Commissioner.
EXPLANATION: Requests increasing various building, plumbing, and gas permit fees outlined in the Town Bylaws. This proposal includes fixed fee increases of $20 for items like lost permit cards and certificates, and higher charges for minimum permit fees and common residential projects like kitchen/bath remodels, water heater replacements, and gas remodels. Additionally, the implementation of late fees is proposed. The substantial fee hikes aim to bring Marblehead’s outdated fee structure more in line with neighboring communities while helping generate additional revenue to close the $4.2 million municipal budget gap for FY2025. Officials state the current fees have not increased since 1991.
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Marblehead General Bylaws Permits, Section 52-6 as follows (underline and bold is new language and cross-through is omitted language):
52-6.
Fees (1) Additions, alterations and new construction. Where a building permit is required, the fee is $15 per $1,000 of the total cost of the work to be done under such permits, as estimated by the Building Commissioner. This fee will include the cost of the building permit, wiring permit and the plumbing permit.
(2) If no building permit is required, the following fees shall apply:
(a) Minimum charge: $30$50
(b) New service: $30$50
(c) Temporary service: $30$50
(d) Boiler: $30$50
(e) Motors (each): $15$35
(f) Repairs: $30$50
(g) Swimming pools: $30$50
(h) Standard current consuming outlets:
[1] One to 25: $30$50
[2] Twenty-six to 50: $50$70
[3] Fifty-one to 100: $40$60
(i) Return inspection: $40$60
(3) Fire alarm:
(a) Interior fire alarm system: $30$50
(b) Initial timing and connection of a privately owned fire alarm master box: $300$320
Or take any other action relative to. Sponsored by the Building Commissioner.
EXPLANATION: Similar to Article 31, this article raises electrical permit fees across several categories when no building permit is required. Increases fixed fees by $20 for everything from outlet installations over 25 units and return inspections. More substantial increases apply to minimum charges as well as common items like new service connections, temporary services, boiler work, repairs, and swimming pools. The most significant hike targets the per-motor fee. Like the building fees, the electrical fee increases aim to modernize Marblehead’s rate schedule while boosting town revenue to ease budgetary pressures.
Article 33: To Amend Town Bylaw 13-10 Licensing and Registration of Dogs– APPROVED 556 “Yes” ; 144 “No”
To see if the Town will amend the second sentence of the Town of Marblehead Bylaw Article III Section 13-10 (A)License and registration required, as follows (underline and bold new and strikethrough removed).
A. License and registration required. All dogs kept, harbored, or maintained by their owner or keepers in the Town of Marblehead shall be licensed and registered if over six months of age. Dog licenses shall be issued by the Town Clerk upon the payment of a license fee of $15$20 for a spayed or neutered dog or upon the payment of a license fee of $20$25 for an intact dog. Or take any action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Town Clerk.
EXPLANATION: This article proposes changes to increase the license fees for dogs over six months of age. For spayed or neutered dogs, the fee would rise from $15 to $20, while the fee for intact dogs would increase from $20 to $25.
Article 34: Community Development and Planning Department373 “Yes” ; 360 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 106 of the General Bylaws by adding a new Article XI entitled “Community Development and Planning Department” as follows:
Article XI Community Development and Planning Department
Section 106-26 Appointment
The Select Board shall appoint a Director of Community Development and Planning for a period of three (3) years. The Director shall have the authority to appoint such employees as the Director’s work requires, subject to number and compensation only to the approval of the Select Board.
Section 106-27 Duties
The Director of Community Development and Planning shall manage the operations of and be responsible for a wide range of activities and duties, including but not limited to land use planning, housing policy, transportation projects, historic preservation, community development, sustainability efforts, open space conservation programs, administration of regulatory boards and neighborhood improvement efforts; or take any action relative thereto.
EXPLANATION: The proposed Article 34 aims to establish a new Community Development and Planning Department in Marblehead, which would be led by a director responsible for overseeing a wide range of issues related to the town’s development and planning efforts. This proposal comes in response to the retirement of longtime town planner Becky Cutting, who managed multiple responsibilities.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer views this as an opportunity to restructure and create a dedicated department to handle various aspects of community development and planning, such as economic development, housing policy, transportation, historic preservation, sustainability, open space conservation and neighborhood improvement. The department would also focus on supporting Marblehead’s business community and increasing tourism.
Funding for the new positions, including the director and a grant writer, would come from the municipal budget and salaries of positions vacated by retirements, such as the town engineer. The reorganization is expected to be achieved without increasing expenses, as the Department of Public Works (DPW) will absorb the engineering responsibilities.
The grant writer position aims to enhance Marblehead’s ability to secure funding from various sources, including federal and state grants. The director would also have the authority to appoint additional employees as needed, subject to the Select Board’s approval. Kezer emphasizes the importance of this investment in controlling Marblehead’s future, particularly given the town’s small share of commercial and industrial property relative to residential.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No reccomendation.
Article 35: Assessing Department Under Chief Financial Officer– APPROVED 427 “Yes” ; 291 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to move the Assessing Department and the Town Assessor under the supervision of the Finance Director; or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Article 36 is about creating new zoning areas in Marblehead to allow multifamily housing (apartments, condos, etc.) as required by a state law called the MBTA Communities Act. The proposal would create three new zoning districts on Tioga Way, Pleasant Street and Broughton Road, totaling over 58 acres. In these areas, developers could build multifamily housing projects without needing special permits, as long as at least 10% of the units are affordable housing.
If approved, it could allow for around 900 new housing units in these three districts. However, it does not automatically mean that units will be built.
Article 37: Board of Health – Increase Membership/Home Rule Petition– APPROVED 522 “Yes” ; 90 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to seek special legislation to amend or supplant Chapter 43, Acts of 1801, An Act to empower the Town of Marblehead to choose a Board of Health, such that, post-amendment, the Marblehead Board of Health shall consist of five (5) members, each elected for a term of three (3) years. Said change to take effect at the first annual town election to occur following the effective date of this act, 3 members shall be elected. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in that election shall serve a 3-year term. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall serve a 2-year term. The candidate receiving the third highest number of votes shall serve a 1-year term. Thereafter, as the terms of the members expire, successors shall be elected for terms of 3 years. And further that the Selectboard shall be permitted to make changes hereto consistent with this Article, or take any other actions related thereto.
EXPLANATION: Requests increasing the membership of the Marblehead Board of Health from its current size to five members. Since the Board’s membership is governed by state law, this change would require the Select Board to file a home rule petition to the State Legislature requesting a special law to amend the existing statute. The intent is to expand the Board of Health’s membership to allow for broader representation and input on public health matters in the town. The Select Board would have the authority to make any consistent changes necessary to carry out the expansion outlined in the approved legislation.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 38: Approve MGL 41b Change Assessors from Elected to Appointed Positions– INDEFINITELY POSTPONED 421 “Yes” ; 337 “No”
To see if the town will vote to change the currently elected position of the Board of Assessors into Select Board appointed positions pursuant to its authority under G.L. c. 41, § 1B, and contingent on the acceptance of G.L. c.41 § 25 by the voters of the following question on the 2024 Annual Town Election Ballot:
“Shall the Town vote to have its elected Board of Assessors become an appointed Board of Assessors of the Town? Yes. No.” or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Article 38 seeks to change Marblehead’s Board of Assessors from elected positions to appointed positions nominated by the Select Board. However, this transition requires voter approval via a ballot question, presented to voters at the 2024 Annual Town Election in June. If voters then approve the ballot question, the appointed Board of Assessors would take effect starting in fiscal year 2025.
The intent is to align with the recommended best practice in Massachusetts of having an appointed Board of Assessors that can better coordinate with the town’s financial operations. The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns from residents about perceived inconsistencies in property assessments. Appointing a board of assessors, which the Massachusetts Division of Local Services considers a best practice, is a practice in a third of the state’s 351 municipalities, according to Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 39: Amend Bylaw, Capital Planning Committee, Membership– APPROVED 343 “Yes” ; 120 “No” To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 24, Article VII, section § 24-16 Purpose; membership; appointment (underline and bold new and cross out removed).
The Capital Planning Committee shall consider and report on the influence of capital projects upon the present and future well-being of the Town. The Committee shall be composed of a total of five–nine members, three residents to be appointed by the Select Board for a three year term.In addition there shall be six members appointed by the Select Board as follows: the Chair of the Finance Committee, Public Works Director, Community Development Director, Superintendent of Schools, Superintendent of Buildings and Town Administrator who shall be the chair.The Select Board may determine that the foregoing positions shall be changed if they determine a different staff person should serve instead.to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three-year terms.No member of the Committee shall be a regular Town employee, a Town officer, or a member of a Town board, commission or committee responsible for the expenditure of Town funds. A member who ceases to reside in the Town or accepts regular employment by the Town or is elected or appointed to a Town board, commission or committee responsible for the expenditure of Town funds shall cease to serve on the Committee and a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen Select Board to serve the unexpired portion of the term, or take any other action relative to. Sponsored by the Select Board.
EXPLANATION: Requests an update to the bylaw governing the dormant Capital Planning Committee’s makeup, considering expanding its membership from five to nine, to include three local residents and six appointed officials, ensuring diverse representation. This amendment aims to bolster the committee’s role in assessing how large-scale investments impact the town’s present and future health. The amendment also introduces flexibility for the Select Board to appoint alternative staff members as needed, with a clear process for replacing any member who can no longer serve, ensuring the committee’s continuity and effectiveness.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 40 Amend Article, Ballot Order and Time of Random Drawing of Names for the Annual Town Election– APPROVED 476 “Yes” ; 46 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to change Article 39 of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting as follows (underline and bold new, cross out removed).The drawing shall be conducted by the Town Clerk or the Assistant Town Clerk, beginning not earlier than 6 o’clock in the afternoon of the day following the last day for candidates 5:01 o’clock on the last day for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers and continuing until such time as all ballot positions have been determined, or take any other action related thereto. Sponsored by the Town Clerk.
EXPLANATION: Article 40 proposes allowing the town clerk to conduct the random drawing to determine the ballot order of candidates’ names for town elections at 5:01 p.m. on the deadline day for candidates to withdraw, rather than having to wait until after 6 p.m. the following day as currently required. Voting yes would give the clerk’s office more flexibility in handling this procedural task in a timelier manner after the withdrawal deadline, as recommended by the town clerk as the article sponsor. Voting no would maintain the existing bylaw stipulating the random drawing cannot occur until the day after the deadline.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 41: Easement Fishing Point Lane / 297 Ocean Ave. – APPROVED 463 “Yes” ; 55 “No”
To see if the Town will purchase, take or otherwise acquire a twenty (20) foot wide easement in a portion of the property located at 297 Ocean Ave. (Assessor’s Map 912 Lots 24 and 24A) including 6,710 square ft more or less as shown on a plan by Haley and Ward dated January 31, 2024 and on file in the Town Clerk’s office for the purpose of storm water conveyance and outlets and construction and maintenance work associated therewith and to pay for said acquisition the Town appropriate a sum of money to pay for same and further that the Select Board be permitted to enter into any and all agreements to effectuate the purpose of this article, or take any action related thereto. Sponsored by the Department of Public Works.
EXPLANATION: Article 41 seeks approval for Marblehead to acquire a 20-foot wide easement on property located at 297 Ocean Ave. This easement, measuring approximately 6,710 square feet, is intended for storm water management and related maintenance. A plan prepared by Haley and Ward detailing this proposal is available in the Town Clerk’s office. Funding for this project would come from a to-be-determined town appropriation, with the Select Board authorized to finalize necessary agreements.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Recommended in an 8-1 vote indefinite postponement, citing lack of financial details.
Article 42: Amend Transfer Station Fees – APPROVED 343 “Yes” ; 192 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to discontinue personal beach and transfer station annual sticker fees for all Honorably Discharged Veterans who are legal residents of Marblehead or take any other action relative to. Sponsored by Charles Nordstrom and others.
EXPLANATION: Marblehead to consider whether they should stop charging annual fees for beach and Transfer Station stickers to all honorably discharged veterans who live in Marblehead. The idea is sponsored by Charles Nordstrom and others. Essentially, this means that if the town agrees, these veterans would be able to use the beach and dump services for free.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 75-1 in the General Bylaws to modify the seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers to a year-round ban. Sponsored by Sabrina Velandry and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition is asking the town to change the current rules about leaf blowers. Instead of banning gas leaf blowers only during the summer, the rule would be to not allow them at all, for the whole year. If the town agrees, people and companies will have to use different ways to take care of their yards.
To see if the Town will vote to omit Chapter 75-2, citing gas leaf blower exceptions. Sponsored by Sabrina Velandry and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition requests Town Meeting remove sections of the bylaw governing gas leaf blowers that currently allows exceptions to the use of gas leaf blowers. If this article passes, it would mean that the previously listed exceptions, which permit the town to use gas leaf blowers would no longer be valid, reinforcing the ban on these blowers.
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 75-3 concerning the leaf blower ban enforcement as follows:
A. The Marblehead Police Department and the Marblehead Health Department and their respective designees, hereby referred to as “Enforcing Authority” shall have the authority to administer and enforce any violations of this bylaw.
B. Any person who violates the proposed ban, by using Gas Powered Leaf Blower, herein also referred to as “GPLB” shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of $300 for each violation; provided, however, that the first offense may be the subject of a warning in the officer’s discretion.
Sponsored by Sabrina Velandry and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen peition requests an amendment to the bylaw governing gas leaf blowers to define and empower the local authorities, specifically the Marblehead Police Department and the Marblehead Health Department, to enforce the bylaw regarding the ban on gas leaf blowers.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 46: Amend Bylaws §174-6(C) and §174-11 and §174-13 – INDEFINITELY POSTPONED 180 “Yes” ; 208 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to improve the operation of, and to encourage the fullest participation in, Town Meeting by making certain changes to the Town of Marblehead Bylaws §174-6(C) “seating of strangers”; §174-11 Motions precedent; §174-13 Motion to Reconsider.
Minor edits to §174-6(C) will make the meeting more welcoming to young people and visitors. Clarification of §174-11 will ensure adherence to parliamentary rules that require an article be presented and moved before it can be indefinitely postponed. The changes to §174-13 will make it easier for the Town Moderator to reach a determination on a Motion to Reconsider. Sponsored by Daniel Albert and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen peition proposes three amendments to the Town Meeting bylaws aimed at improving the operation and inclusivity of Town Meeting, while also aligning the bylaws with current practices, technology, and parliamentary procedures:
1. §174-6(C) “Seating of strangers”: The word “Hall” is being changed to “building” to reflect the fact that Town Meeting is no longer held in a single room. This minor edit aims to make the meeting more welcoming to young people and visitors.
2. §174-11 “Motions precedent”: This change clarifies that an article must be formally introduced and moved by a Town Meeting member before it can be voted on or indefinitely postponed. The amendment aims that the bylaws follow standard parliamentary procedure.
3. §174-13 “Motion to Reconsider”: Changes are being made due to the introduction of electronic voting clickers. Currently, the bylaws require knowing whether the person moving for reconsideration voted with the prevailing side. With clickers, individual votes will be private. The amended bylaw will allow anyone to move for reconsideration, but it will require a two-thirds vote to pass, as is the practice in other towns. This change aims to make it easier for the town moderator to reach a determination on a motion to reconsider.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
To see if the Town will vote to amend “Article X; Traffic Safety Advisory Committee” (5.1.2023 ATM, Art. 49) as follows (additions in bold)
24-25…The Select Board shall appoint by public vote three residents who are not employees of the town of Marblehead. The Select Board shall appoint additional members from town departments responsible for public safety….
24-26 MEETINGS The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee will meet at least monthly. One or more members will appear before the Select Board in a timely fashion but at least quarterly for the purposes of reporting date and activities and making recommendations. Sponsored by Daniel Albert and others.
EXPLANATION: This article seeks to correct minor typos and missing words in the bylaw establishing the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, which was approved at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting under Article 49. The corrections do not change the substance or intent of the bylaw.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
To see if the Town will vote to paint the road safety shoulders as required by the “General Conditions Section 4 “Traffic”, subsection i of the Site Plan Approval Decision and Land Disturbance Permit issued by the Town of Marblehead Planning Board on February 2, 2012 on or before June 1, 2024. Section 4(i) requires, “Restripe Maple Street between Lafayette Street and Humphrey Street to provide 6’-0” wide bike friendly shoulders and to create signed, live parking along the east curb from Cypress Street to the proposed service entry drive.” This vote is not a request for additional work but for road safety features that have been missing for 12 years. Sponsored by Daniel M. Albert and others.
EXPLANATION: This article is asking the town to install the traffic calming and mitigation features on Maple Street that were approved, required, and funded at a previous Town meeting as part of the Glover Elementary School construction project. The article sponsor, Dan Albert, states that this work was never completed despite being promised and budgeted for 12 years ago. The article requests that the town fulfill its commitment and implement these road safety improvements by June 1, 2024. The Finance Committee has recommended indefinite postponement of this article. Town officials have indicated that the work is too expensive and that they are already working on it. However, Albert maintains that the funding was allocated in 2012 and the town should follow through on its obligations.
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the approved motion, which was made under Article 44 of the May 2, 2023 Annual Town Meeting, or to vote to change any subsequent Bylaw created as a result of that vote to make the elected term of the Select Board to be one year elected terms and, if necessary, to submit a home rule petition to the legislature to change the term from a staggered 3 year term to 1 year terms, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Dwight Grader and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition seeks to overturn the decision made at last year’s Town Meeting, which extended the terms of Marblehead Select Board members from one to three years. This extension, recently ratified by Governor Maura Healey, is slated to take effect in the June elections. The measure to revert to one-year terms comes amidst concerns from some community members who prefer the increased accountability that annual elections provide. This move challenges the newly established system before its initial implementation, highlighting a division within the community over the best approach to governance and electoral frequency.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 50: Amend Bylaw, Recall provision for Elected Official(s) – INDEFINITELY POSTPONED 279 “Yes” ; “No”
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town Bylaws by adding recall provisions for any elected official(s) in the Town of Marblehead and to authorize the Select Board to submit a home rule petition to the legislature for the acceptance of said recall provisions; or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Daniel Donato and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition aims to establish a formal process for recalling elected officials, a right not currently available in the town despite being protected under Massachusetts law. This bylaw would allow residents to initiate a recall if an official significantly fails in their duties, starting with a petition signed by 50 voters and requiring further support from 5% of the electorate. The process includes several steps to ensure fairness, including a potential recall vote during the next town election, where a supermajority of 60% is needed for the recall to succeed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation.
Article 51 Amend General Bylaws, State Street Restrooms – APPROVED 279 “Yes” ; 53 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws to maintain and keep open the State Street restrooms on a year-round basis and to approve a sum of money necessary to do so, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Philip Blaisdell and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition request keeping State Street restrooms open all year, responding to the current lack of public restrooms. A corps of local volunteers has stepped up, offering to care for these restrooms, which could potentially offset some of the costs associated with their upkeep.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Tabled to be weighed in on the Town Meeting floor or at a public meeting schduled for April 29.citing a need for more information on costs.
Article 52: Appropriate Funds for Website Design and Development– INDEFINITELY POSTPONED 278 “Yes” ; 31 “No”
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to be expended by the Financial Services Department under the supervision of the Finance director for the purpose of purchasing services to design, develop, and update the Town Website or to take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Jim Zisson and others.
EXPLANATION: This citizen petition’s main sponsor, Jim Zisson, has said he will move to indefinitely postpone, given the town recently entered a contract to develop a new website.
To see if the Town will vote to increase the size of sheds requiring just a building permit from 81 square feet to 121 square feet, or take any other action relative thereto. Sponsored by Kenneth Grant and others.
EXPLANATION: Requests increasing the size limit of sheds that can be built with just a building permit—from the current maximum of 81 square feet to a new maximum of 121 square feet.
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATION: The Marblehead Planning Board voted unanimously for indefinitely postpone Article 53, expressing confusion over what they considered unclear language in the article and lack of the applicant being present to provide more context.
FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: No recommendation
