The Marshfield Select Board convened on January 12, 2026, to address a heavy agenda ranging from fiscal relief strategies to the appointment of a dual-interim leadership team. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner opened the meeting by introducing the town's new treasurer-collector, Melissa Moresy, while also highlighting his recent tour of the South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School. During public comment, resident Joe Pvich voiced apprehension regarding the upcoming FY27 budget cycle, stating, It's up to the select board to be the guardians for the taxpayers because that's who put you in office. So, please be very diligent and try to keep us from all going in the hole. In response to fiscal pressures, the board discussed seeking relief from the Plymouth County Retirement Board by extending the unfunded liability payout schedule. Eric S. Kelley noted, I think it'd be foolish not to entertain that, while Stephen R. Darcy added, Whenever there's some sort of Plymouth County get together, our counterparts across Plymouth County are having this exact same conversation we are.

Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley for Charlie Sumner to send a letter to the Plymouth County Retirement Board to ask for a discussion on options for a date of fulfilling funding the retirement system and the effects of the annual retirement assessments have on the ability of the member units to balance budget. Vote Passed 3-0

The board also approved a significant restaurant transition as Ben Cody, representing Salty Days Marshfield LLC, presented a transfer request for the liquor license at 1899 Ocean Street, the current site of Ocean House. My client Mr. McDaniel is a successful restaurant tour... they're seeking an all alcohol liquor license transfer from the existing owner, Cody explained, noting the new "Salty Days Fish Company" aims to open by summer following cosmetic renovations. Earlier in the meeting, Town Planner Greg Gemond presented a restrictive covenant for 76 Texas Street to ensure long-term drainage maintenance. Gemond told the board, This would ensure that the drainage is either taken care of by the people that own the road and own the lot or in case they don't, the town has the ability to go in, fix whatever the problem is, and then charge them for those repairs.

Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to approve the proposed transfer of the on-premises all alcoholic beverage license from Salt Marsh Restaurant Group LLC to Salty Days Marshfield LLC DBA Salty Days Fish Company and to approve Shaun M. McDaniel as manager of record, conditioned with the approval of a 90-day closing. Vote Passed 3-0

Concerns over public land took center stage when Ned Bangs of the Recreation Trails Committee reported a surge in vandalism, including illegal dumping and unattended fires at Couch Beach and other sites. We have a problem and it's been a consistent problem... we've witnessed an increased amount of vandalism on some of the town trails, Bangs said, advocating for a trial camera policy. Patricia Simpson shared her observations of the damage, noting, I go there and go up Carolina... I definitely think it's a necessity. The board opted to hold further discussions to craft a formal surveillance policy. Additionally, the board set the stage for the upcoming town meeting season, establishing the warrant dates for the Spring 2026 session.

Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to announce the opening and closing of the special town meeting warrant with the spring 2026 STM warrant opening February 17, 2026 and closing February 27, 2026. Vote Passed 3-0

The meeting concluded with a pivotal discussion on the search for a permanent Town Administrator. To ensure continuity during Charlie Sumner's upcoming remote work period, the board voted to bring back Peter Morin as a co-interim administrator. I return on I think February 18th or 19th... so Peter will act in my stead while I'm away, Sumner clarified. Regarding the search for a permanent successor, Patricia Simpson suggested, I think we need an objective set of eyes to look at anybody that comes in to be on that search committee. While Kelley expressed skepticism about delegating the committee selection to the interim administrators, the majority voted to empower Sumner and Morin to select a five-member citizen screening committee to vet future candidates.

Motion Made by Stephen R. Darcy that the board create a five member citizen screening committee for the next town administrator and that the five member committee will be selected by Peter Morin and Charles Sumner and that all applications to serve on the citizen search committee must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27th. Vote Passed 2-1