Residents visiting the Marshfield transfer station will soon face new restrictions on yard waste. The Board of Public Works (BPW) moved Monday to implement a punch card system limiting leaf and yard waste drops to twice per week to prevent commercial landscapers from abusing residential stickers. Superintendent Ken Shorey noted that the influx of material, exacerbated by heavy winter storms, is straining the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and increasing processing costs. We're doing a service for businesses otherwise, Shorey explained, adding that some operators are being paid for private landscaping services and then using residential access to dump for free. Motion Made by A. Rice to approve the Superintendent's recommendation of a punch card system for twice a week at the transfer station for residents with stickers to drop off leaf and yard waste. Motion Passed (4-0).

The board also delved into a brewing dispute over the FY27 budget, specifically regarding how the town calculates indirect costs. Member John Cusick highlighted that the town is including $46,000 in Assessor's salaries in the DPW's indirect assessments, a move he argues is improper. I talked with the Assessor; they have nothing to do with indirects, Cusick said, noting that Department of Revenue categories do not support the inclusion of such expenses for enterprise funds. The board is also seeking a $75,000 offset for vehicle repairs from the town’s snow budget to account for wear and tear. Shorey stated he plans to challenge these assessments in an upcoming meeting with town officials to protect ratepayer funds.

Town Engineer Matt Parent provided a technical breakdown of why the state-mandated MBTA Communities Act zoning may prove physically impossible to implement in Marshfield's Water Resource Protection Districts (WRPD). Because the zone lacks sewer infrastructure, any development must handle wastewater and nitrogen loading on-site. Parent estimated that environmental infrastructure and parking would consume up to 70% of available land, driving development costs to between $375,000 and $525,000 per unit before a single building is constructed. A dense multi-family apartment building just isn't feasible in this area, Parent concluded. Chair Amy Rice emphasized that the data shows that even if high-density housing is allowed under zoning, it remains fiscally and physically unworkable.

The board addressed a significant financial hardship for a local resident, approving a $4,630.77 water bill abatement for Lorraine Francis of 223 Furnace Street. Finance staff member Sharon explained that a massive leak in an outdoor workshop poured 454,000 gallons of water into the ground, a spike from the home's average 30,000-gallon usage. The homeowner is older... her husband had passed away and nobody had gone into the workshop, she noted, adding that the water department discovered the pipe pouring water directly into the ground after flagging the high reading. Motion Made by A. Rice to approve the abatement request for Lorraine Francis at 223 Furnace Street for a total of $4,630.77. Motion Passed (4-0).

Infrastructure costs at the Plymouth Avenue pump station are trending lower as the project nears completion. Shorey reported that a balancing change order would decrease the contract by $3,417.45 because police detail funds were not fully utilized during the sewer lining and wet well work. Shorey explained that because the project uses State Revolving Fund (SRF) money, the savings mean the town will not have to borrow the full authorized amount. Motion Made by A. Rice to approve balancing change order number one for contract 2024-01, Plymouth Ave pump station sewer lining and wet well lining, for a contract reduction of $3,417.45. Motion Passed (4-0).

The town’s summer roadway maintenance is also being finalized following a competitive bid process. The board awarded a $16,620.25 contract to Franklin Paint for traffic signals and roadway supplies. Parent noted the department chose the firm over a lower bidder who could not provide the specific brick red paint required for town crosswalks. Motion Made by A. Rice to award line painting supplies contract number 2026-45 to Franklin Paint of Franklin, MA for an estimated value of $16,620.25. Motion Passed (4-0).

Frustration surfaced regarding the delayed traffic lights at the dangerous intersection of Plain and School Streets. Member John Cusick reminded the board that it's so dangerous, while Shorey noted that the developer’s representative has been unresponsive regarding the funding for the installation. Rice suggested that the town planner should be notified of the delay, particularly as the developer reportedly has funds to acquire other properties while the permit-required lights remain uninstalled.

Shorey concluded the meeting with an update on post-winter road repairs, reporting that crews used 61 tons of asphalt in March and early April alone to address potholes. Work is also underway to clear debris from the demolished building at 80 Union Street and prepare town playing fields for the spring season. We took special effort at Grace Ryder because the high school field is under construction, Shorey said, noting that fresh stone dust and sod were added to local Little League fields for the April 15th kickoff.