Marshfield Approves Small Cell Wireless Policy
State Legislators Visit as Town Grapples with MBTA Act, Budget Increase
MARSHFIELD - January 27 - The Marshfield Select Board approved a new policy regulating small cell wireless facilities on Jan. 27, despite concerns raised about potential health impacts from 5G technology.
The policy, drafted by Town Counsel Robert Galvin, aims to give the town more control over the placement of 5G antennas. It establishes criteria for location, design, and application processes for wireless companies seeking to install small cell facilities in Marshfield.
"If we adopt this policy, the Select Board will have much greater authority than it does today without a policy over the location of these antennas throughout the town," Galvin said.
Select Board member Eric Kelley voted against the policy, calling for further study of potential radiation effects before implementation.
"I would like to have more feedback in regards to what we can be looking at," Kelley said. "I mean, a cell tower is one thing, but now it's going to be potentially going in residential neighborhoods."
The board approved the policy in a 2-1 vote, with Chair Lynne Fidler emphasizing the need for some regulations in place.
"We currently don't have anything protecting us," Fidler said. "I want to protect this town from that occurring and make sure that we have some safeguards in place."
The meeting also featured a visit from State Sen. Patrick O'Connor and newly elected State Rep. Ken Sweezey, who discussed Marshfield's non-compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.
The town risks losing state grant funding due to its failure to comply with the act's zoning requirements for multi-family housing. O'Connor and Sweezey outlined legislative efforts to exempt communities like Marshfield from the law's provisions.
"We filed amendments last year to the multiple different bills to try and change the MBTA communities," O'Connor said. "This included advocating and eventually securing mixed use, and then requesting an extension of one year for compliance for the deadline of towns."
The legislators encouraged residents to participate in upcoming public comment periods and hearings on proposed regulations for the MBTA Communities Act.
Town Administrator Michael Maresco presented the fiscal year 2026 budget, totaling $119.9 million - a 3.73% increase from the previous year.
The budget includes a 3% increase for schools and additional funding for public safety, while managing rising costs in areas such as pensions and healthcare.
"We have accounted for COLAs and contracts in all of our divisions without using free cash," Maresco said. "We continue our cost share agreement with the schools for human resource division."
The Select Board also approved the creation of a new procurement officer position, with a salary range of $85,000 to $95,000. Maresco argued the role would improve efficiency and compliance in town purchasing.
"It will save us money because you'll have someone that has an eye to detail, making sure that when someone sends a response to the RFP that they're matching and providing the service that's required and requested," Maresco said.
Kelley opposed the new position, suggesting existing staff should handle procurement duties.
"It seems like this should fall right under their fields and where they have staff," Kelley said. "I don't understand why we need to create a new position when we should be able to do it under their two boots."
In other business, the board approved:
- A film permit for Alternative Reality Television LLC to shoot a documentary called "Harpoon Hunters" at the Marshfield Town Landing from May 29 to July 31.
- The 26th annual Best Buddies Challenge bicycle ride through town on May 31.
- A request from the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield to use town parking lots during the Levitate Music Festival on July 12-13.
The meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m, after four hours. The next select board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.