MARSHFIELD - September 8 - The Marshfield Select Board voted to set a competitive salary range of $190,000-$210,000 for the new town administrator position, following a request from the UMASS Boston Collins Center, to include the range in the job posting and attract qualified candidates in a competitive municipal market.
The Full Story
Interim Town Administrator Peter Morin explained the data from the Collins Center including salary data from adjacent communities showing ranges from the $160,000s in smaller towns to $225,000 in neighboring communities. Scituate currently pays $225,000, Hanover $220,000, Cohasset $205,000, Duxbury $190,000, and Hull $191,000. Other municipalities actively recruiting include Kingston with ranges up to $216,000, Norfolk to $205,000, and Westwood at $220,000.
"I'm suggesting that you be in the $200,000 area to be competitive and to attract the best candidates," Morin told the board. "You have to be in the $200,000 to $210,000 area of compensation, given the size of the community, the complexity of the issues that the community faces, and the idea that you want to attract the strongest candidates possible."
Board member Steve Darcy supported the recommendation, noting "We are competing with other communities and trying to attract talent. Given the size and the scope of Marshfield, I think it would make sense." Board member Trish Simpson agreed, emphasizing the need to attract highly qualified candidates.
Chair Eric Kelley initially expressed concern about fiscal responsibility and questioned whether higher salaries necessarily attract better talent. However, he ultimately agreed to a compromise range of $190,000-$210,000. Morin emphasized that without competitive compensation, the town risks not attracting candidates currently employed elsewhere who might otherwise consider the position.
The board also handled numerous routine business items during the lengthy meeting. They approved temporary entertainment and liquor licenses for upcoming events including the Lobster Festival at the Fairgrounds on September 20th and the Cars and Copters event on September 27th. Common victualler licenses were approved for food vendors at the Lobster Festival, and the board authorized Marshfield Public Schools to use town beaches for educational field trips.
In other significant business, the board voted to execute a purchase and sale agreement for property at 91 Old Colony Lane adjacent to the airport for $735,000, pending town meeting approval. Town Counsel Bob Galvin explained the purchase would prevent potential development of a heliport on the property while providing land for affordable housing or general municipal purposes. "This resolves that problem," Galvin said. "If we purchase the property, they've agreed to dismiss their lawsuits."
The board also approved assignment agreements for Winslow Village affordable housing apartments, transferring ownership to Housing Preservation Incorporated, a national nonprofit specializing in affordable housing preservation. The new owner will maintain all existing affordability requirements and Section 8 housing contracts.
Dr. Tom Hickey and Joe Zambello provided updates on South Shore Vocational Technical High School, including potential expansion to include Pembroke as a tenth member community. Hickey projected this could save Marshfield approximately $4.2 million in construction costs over the life of the new school building project, though it would temporarily reduce seats available to Marshfield students until the new facility opens.
The board adopted a comprehensive handbook for town boards and committees developed by Town Counsel, establishing standards for conduct, meeting procedures, and ethical requirements. All appointed board and committee members will be required to sign acknowledgment of the handbook.
During public comment, several speakers addressed ongoing concerns about the Jetty restaurant's outdoor dining operations, with some residents supporting the business and others raising noise and parking concerns. The board had earlier removed from the agenda a discussion about potentially revoking the Jetty's outdoor dining permit, with Town Counsel advising that any such action would require a formal public hearing with proper notice.
Why It Matters
The salary range decision directly impacts the town’s ability to attract experienced municipal management while balancing fiscal responsibility. The range positions Marshfield competitively in a tight market for qualified Town Administrators, potentially reducing the risk of extended vacancy costs and interim management fees. The purchase of the Old Colony Lane property affects airport operations and future development options in that area, while the vocational school expansion could provide significant long-term savings on a major capital project.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve town administrator salary range of $190,000-$210,000. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 36:43)
Motion: Approve purchase and sale agreement for 91 Old Colony Lane property. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:37:21)
Motion: Approve assignment agreements for Winslow Village apartments. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:29:02)
Motion: Adopt board and committee handbook. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 4:08:34)
Motion: Approve changes to public comment policy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 4:11:48)
Public Comment
Five speakers addressed the board during public comment. Multiple speakers supported the Jetty restaurant's outdoor dining operations, citing community contributions and economic benefits. One speaker raised concerns about noise impacts on residential neighbors. Another speaker criticized the board's notification process for meetings and questioned the professional conduct during constituent outreach. One speaker expressed disappointment about the August 22nd appointment process, calling it lacking in transparency and proper deliberation.
What's Next
The Collins Center will begin advertising the town administrator position with the approved salary range. The board will review labor counsel proposals at the next meeting. A special election date will be set for the school roof repair debt exclusion after coordination with the school department. The board indicated they would consider various warrant articles for the spring annual town meeting rather than the upcoming special town meeting.