The Marshfield Select Board narrowly established a $225,000 salary ceiling for the next Town Administrator, a move designed to attract experienced candidates despite internal concerns regarding rising municipal pay. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner advocated for the higher range, noting that neighbor towns with smaller populations are currently outbidding Marshfield. I talked to administrators in other towns in the prior process and they weren't interested at our previous salary, Sumner said, adding, You want someone who has learned on someone else's dime. Vice Chair Stephen Darcy supported the increase, arguing that picking the wrong candidate will cost more than $10,000. Resident Kathy Sullivan echoed the need for a competitive offer during public comment, warning the board not to play cheapskate given the town’s recent administrative turnover.

Chair Eric Kelley cast the lone dissenting vote on the salary cap, expressing frustration with the regional trend of escalating wages. I think salaries are getting out of hand because everyone looks at what other towns pay. It should be based on what we can afford, Kelley said. The board also adjusted the job description to require candidates to obtain Massachusetts certification as a procurement officer. Motion Made by E. Kelley to approve the town administrator advertisement with procurement responsibilities added and applications directed to the select board. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Following the advertisement discussion, the board finalized the financial cap. Motion Made by E. Kelley to approve the maximum salary of $225,000 for the town administrator position. Motion Passed (2-1-0), with Kelley voting nay.

A public hearing regarding three small cell wireless installations proposed by Verizon Wireless turned contentious when residents of Bluefish Cove voiced opposition to a pole at 5 Water Street. Resident Deborah Leary told the board the equipment would obstruct scenic views in the unique beach community. The equipment will block my water view. That pole gets struck by lightning at least once a year. Why put it on a pole that makes the area look commercial? she asked, suggesting the equipment be moved toward the town transfer station. Neighbor Ed Bigelow also raised legal concerns, noting he holds an electricity-only easement from 1965 and requested time to review the modern standards for wireless equipment. While the board moved forward with two poles on Ocean Street, they stalled the Water Street application. Motion Made by S. Darcy to approve the installation of two small wireless facilities at 175 Ocean Street and 1190 Ocean Street and to continue the pole hearing for 5 Water Street. Motion Passed (2-1-0), with Kelley voting nay. Kelley stated he preferred to wait for a neutral expert to review the technology before granting any approvals.

In a major boost for youth prevention, the board authorized a $20,000 matching grant for Drug Story Theater to bring a new neuroscience-based curriculum to Marshfield’s five elementary schools. Dr. Joseph Shran explained the program, titled A Big Place in a Small Space, uses improvisational theater performed by youth in recovery to teach K-5 students about brain health. We want to design a curriculum... so kids learn how cool their brains are and say, 'Why would I give that away to drugs?' Shran said. Chair Kelley emphasized that while the program is valuable, the curriculum must be made available for parent review before being introduced in classrooms. Motion Made by E. Kelley to match the opioid fund committee grant funding for Drug Story Theater in the amount of $20,000. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The board also addressed committee appointments, specifically the addition of Town Accountant Megan to the Opioid Fund Committee. Kelley initially questioned appointing a non-resident, but Member Patricia Simpson defended the choice, noting the recent loss of the Treasurer/Collector. We need someone who knows how the money can be spent and if we are meeting criteria. Her knowledge is valuable, Simpson said. Motion Made by P. Simpson to approve the appointment of Megan to the opioid fund committee for a three-year term. Motion Passed (2-0-1), with Kelley abstaining. Additionally, the board created an alternate position for the Open Space Committee to assist with quorum issues and succession planning. Motion Made by E. Kelley to add an alternate position and appoint Bonnie Owens to the Open Space Committee. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Significant fiscal waivers were granted for the upcoming $7 million Martinson School roof project. Acting Town Administrator Peter explained that waiving building permit fees—which would total six figures—effectively prevents the town from taking it from one hand and putting it in another. Motion Made by E. Kelley to wave the building fees for the Martinson school project. Motion Passed (3-0-0). On the transparency front, Kelley proposed a new policy requiring all 30 town boards and committees to record and broadcast meetings via Zoom. While the IT department estimated a $7,500 cost for accounts, it suggested this could be offset by $12,000 in overtime savings if staff no longer needed to attend every session. Member Simpson expressed caution about the workload for smaller groups, suggesting some of the smaller committees could just come in here once a quarter and give us an update. No formal action was taken on the policy.

The board rounded out the meeting by approving several community events, including a No Kings demonstration at Dandelion Park on March 28 and the Marshfield Cultural Council’s summer concert series. Motion Made by E. Kelley to approve the Cultural Council's summer concert series for July 26, August 2, and August 16. Motion Passed (3-0-0). One-day liquor licenses were also granted for the St. Patrick’s Day Road Race on March 14 to Modest Roots Brewing and The Point, though Town Counsel Bob Galvin clarified that as for-profit entities, the businesses are limited to beer and wine rather than all-alcohol licenses. Motion Made by E. Kelley to approve a beer and wine license to Jenna Bostwick for The Point contingent upon a signed application. Motion Passed (3-0-0).