New Fire Chief Appointed in Marshfield
Board selects 24-year department veteran Michael LaSelva after thorough interview process
MARSHFIELD - December 2 - The Marshfield Select Board has appointed Michael LaSelva as the town's new Fire Chief, selecting the 24-year department veteran over an external candidate following a thorough interview process.
LaSelva, who has been serving as Acting Chief, was chosen in a 2-1 vote during the board's Dec. 2 meeting.
"I've been preparing for this interview for 24 years and that's what I bring to the table," LaSelva told the board. "I don't know anything other than Marshfield Fire and the fire service."
LaSelva highlighted his deep roots in the community, having been born and raised in Marshfield. He graduated from Marshfield High School in 1991 and still has family living in town.
"This will always be home," LaSelva said. "I'm proud to say I'm from here and I'm proud that I grew up here."
The board praised LaSelva's performance as acting chief and his commitment to the department. Select Board member Steve Darcy noted LaSelva's willingness to address problems head-on.
"We've seen him address problems head-on. He's not afraid to address them or sweep them under the rug or hide them," Darcy said.
LaSelva's appointment is contingent on successful contract negotiations and background checks.
The other finalist for the position was Mark Gassiraro, Deputy Fire Chief of the Pembroke Fire Department.
In other business, the board approved an interim loan of $5.8 million from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust for a water infrastructure project.
Town Treasurer Shaun Strobel explained the loan will initially be at 0% interest until 2027, when it will convert to a 2% bond.
"The interim loan is during the construction phase," Strobel said. "So the state revolving fund allows us to borrow money during the construction phase because they know we're not able to generate revenue or charge, in this case it's for an enterprise, utility rate users until their project is complete."
The loan is part of an $8.1 million project to upgrade the Plymouth Avenue pump station, which was approved by town meeting in April.
Select Board member Eric Kelley expressed concerns about the town's borrowing practices.
"This is something that we need to start delving into in regards to our infrastructure and spending and how we're allocating money and everything because this is getting out of hand in my opinion," Kelley said.
The board also took the following actions:
- Approved annual liquor license renewals for 35 restaurants and clubs.
- Approved annual liquor license renewals for 12 package stores.
- Granted a one-hour extension of regular closing time on New Year's Eve for two establishments, with the option to approve additional requests received before Dec. 31.
- Voted to support most articles on the upcoming special town meeting warrant, including a zoning change to comply with MBTA Communities requirements and several measures related to accessory dwelling units, with Kelley voting against those two.
The special town meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Marshfield High School auditorium and gym.