Marshfield Select Board Fills 65 Board and Committee Positions in Streamlined Appointments Process
MARSHFIELD - August 22 - The Marshfield Select Board appointed or reappointed residents to 65 positions across 25 municipal boards and committees during a special meeting Friday afternoon, completing a process that had been pending since June. The appointments were made with minimal discussion, with Chairman Eric Kelley moving through each board systematically and seeking seconds and votes on his nominated candidates.
The Full Story
The board filled vacancies on every major municipal committee, from the Advisory Board and Capital Budget Committee to specialized groups like the Opioid Fund Committee and Agricultural Commission. Notable appointments included establishing a seven-member Town Administrator Search Committee, which will be responsible for finding a replacement for the town's chief administrative officer.
The Town Administrator Search Committee will include Andrew Wening, Wallace Coyle, Lynda Walsh, Steve Lynch, Jaci Mason, Denis Kelleher, and Chris Calos. There was briefly an appointment of Natahaniel Powell, who serves as President of the Marshfield Firefighters Local 2568, which sparked debate among board members about potential conflicts of interest in the hiring process.
Select Board member Steve Darcy raised concerns about union leadership serving on the search committee, stating: "I don't think it's a good idea to have the president of a union be on the town administrator search committee because it could create a conflict of interest if... one of the major roles and responsibilities of a town administrator is doing collective bargaining negotiations with our unions."
Interim Town Administrator Peter Morin suggested an alternative approach based on his experience conducting similar searches, recommending that union leadership meet with finalists rather than participate in the initial screening process. "The appropriate role and place for the role of union leadership as well as department head leadership is once the finalists are chosen," he explained. Eventually Kelley brought Powell back up and nobody seconded his nomination.
The appointments process drew criticism from Darcy for its lack of transparency and limited public input. "I wish that this is something we could have done during our regular board meetings that we have on Monday so more of the public could attend. A Friday afternoon in the summer is tough for a lot of people to attend and I think it would have been good to have public comment to start the meeting as well just for openness and transparency," he said.
Board member Trish Simpson emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process, noting the high volume of applications received. "It was wonderful how many applications we had... I've heard so many people say we haven't gone through this process like this before," she said, adding that applications will be kept on file for future openings.
In other business, the board approved several routine matters including permission for the Marshfield Community Rib Cook-off to use town parking for their September 6 event and a temporary liquor license for the same fundraising event at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. The board also appointed retiring Police Lieutenant Detective Steven Marcolini as a Special Police Officer, allowing him to assist with traffic details following his 39-year career with the department.
The Marshfield Yacht Club received approval for two requests related to their upcoming clubhouse construction project: temporary closure of their licensed premises from September 2, 2025 through May 15, 2026, and permission to pledge their liquor license to Coastal Heritage Bank as collateral for construction financing.
The board also approved changes to the Opioid Fund Committee composition, replacing the vacant town administrator position with an at-large seat intended for someone with direct addiction experience. This change was supported by committee member Mary Price, who wrote that adding "a committee member with lived experience will greatly enhance the OFC's ability to make informed decisions."
Why It Matters
The appointment of dozens of volunteer board and committee members directly impacts municipal operations and community services. These appointed residents will make decisions affecting everything from the town budget and conservation projects to recreational facilities and historical preservation. The newly formed Town Administrator Search Committee faces the particularly important task of selecting the town's next Chief Executive Officer, who will oversee daily municipal operations and work with all department heads.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Appointment of 65 residents to various boards and committees. Outcome: Approved. Vote: varies. (Timestamp: Multiple throughout meeting)
Motion: Establish 7-member Town Administrator Search Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: varies. (Timestamp: 12:44)
Motion: Appoint Lt. Detective Steven Marcolini as Special Police Officer. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 53:34)
Motion: Approve Marshfield Yacht Club temporary closure of licensed premises. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 35:00)
Motion: Allow Marshfield Yacht Club to pledge liquor license to bank. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 35:19)
Motion: Revise Opioid Fund Committee composition. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 43:05)
Public Comment
No public comment period was held during this meeting, which drew criticism from Darcy regarding transparency and public participation opportunities.
What's Next
The Town Administrator Search Committee will begin the process of finding a permanent Town Administrator. The Marshfield Community Rib Cook-off will take place September 6, 2025 at the Marshfield Fairgrounds.
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