The Marshfield Select Board took a firm stand against utility infrastructure expansion during their December 1 meeting, denying a request to relocate a pole at 171 Canal Street after a resident claimed the utility company’s application was fraudulent. Homeowner Todd Sergeant appeared before the board to contest the filing by Verizon and Eversource, which claimed the move was being made at his request. I knew nothing about this. This I had nothing to do with this request. My wife had nothing to do with this request, Sergeant told the board, expressing concern that the new location would ruin his curb appeal and complicate his home's power connections. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to deny Verizon New England and Instar Electric DBA Eversource Energy permission to install the pole at 171 Canal Street as shown on the proposed plan dated June 11, 2025, on the basis that the information put forth from the applicant is lacking accuracy. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also scrutinized a similar request for 32 Stevens Road, ultimately voting to postpone that hearing until December 15 to verify if those residents had actually requested the work.

The meeting also highlighted the town's vibrant recreational scene with the approval of the second annual Webster’s Wilderness MTB Classic. Mountain bike enthusiasts Ned Bangs and Jeff Wilson presented plans for the January 11 race, which utilizes existing trails to raise funds for trail maintenance. Bangs noted that the bike race will benefit the recreational trails committee and our continued efforts to maintain and improve the growing network of trails throughout the town. Wilson added that volunteers spend significant time clearing the paths, joking that no one will ever know we took two hours to fill this hole. Chairman Eric S. Kelley lauded their efforts, stating, You do a phenomenal job maintaining the trails. Town's very appreciative of it and keep up the good work. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to approve the request of the town's recreational trails committee for the second annual Webster's Wilderness MTB Classic mountain bike race on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. contingent upon the select board's receipt of favorable recommendations from police and fire. Motion Passed 3-0.

In addition to recreational approvals, the board officially set the timeline for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting, with the warrant opening for articles on January 5. Town Administrator Charles updated the board on the new taxation aid committee, noting that he would be including an insert in upcoming tax bills to allow for voluntary donations. I just don't want to miss the opportunity for people who voluntarily want to donate money to what seems like a very worthy cause, Charles explained. Member Patricia Simpson remained supportive of various community initiatives, though she urged a thoughtful approach to upcoming budget reviews and structural studies. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to vote to post notice of the opening and closing of the annual town meeting warrant between January 5, 2026, and January 26, 2026, as required by the town charter article 2-4 as set forth in the select board's packet. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board engaged in a broader debate regarding town government efficiency and transparency, discussing the possibility of a charter review or a citizen-led budget working group. Vice Chair Stephen R. Darcy advocated for improved collaboration with the school department, suggesting a joint collaborative meeting and hearing would be fruitful to kind of improve communication so that everyone's working together and rowing in the same direction. Simpson cautioned against rushing into new studies without reviewing past data, suggesting, Before moving forward with anything and putting something else on Charlie's plate, I think we should look at this document that was created with things that we're lacking and see where we are now. The board also discussed a new grant application policy to ensure matching fund requirements are vetted before applications are filed. Darcy noted, I wouldn't want to slow them down, especially if there's a time-sensitive deadline, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that maintains employee empowerment while protecting town finances.

Finally, the board welcomed a new business to town by approving a liquor license for Heracu Steakhouse and Sushi. Manager Jingyang Liao confirmed that the restaurant would maintain the existing layout of the former steakhouse at 57 Snow Road, stating simply there would be no changes to the interior plan. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to grant pursuant to Mass General Laws chapter 138 section 12 a new wine and malt restaurant liquor license from Heracu Steakhouse and Sushi Incorporated DBA Heracu and to approve Jingyang Liao manager located 57 Snow Road unit 14 Marshfield. Motion Passed 3-0. The board concluded the open session by approving several significant donations, including $5,000 for the Ventress Memorial Library and $1,000 for local veteran services. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to authorize a town playground gift account charged by the playground committee. Motion Passed 3-0.