MARBLEHEAD — It was a quick Town Meeting in Marblehead this week — and efficient too.
Town meeting members got through 49 articles in three hours Monday, passing a $103 million budget that included a vote against staggered elections, a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, and no discussion.
One article that did generate serious discussion was No. 15, in which the town meeting OK’d spending $314,000 on storm-drainage construction. However, one-time Waldron Street resident Toby Reiley warned residents that the town needs to start fully funding its infrastructure.
Another that prompted much debate was Article 36 (which was approved), centered on history vs. modern sensibilities.
The article asked to replace signage in Steer Swamp — which currently reads “Black Joe’s Pond: Named After Joseph Brown, Revolution Veteran” and “Steer Swamp Conservation Area” — to read “Joe Brown Conservation Area.”
While some said they were offended by the change because “Black Joe” was a beloved part of the town’s history, others — including one person of color — were offended by the characterization of Joseph Brown as “Black Joe.”
“Black Joe is a caricature familiar from minstrel shows,” the article’s sponsor, Kimberly Potvin, told town meeting members. “I’d like to think we’re past that time.”
Also discussed, but postponed, were two articles (21-22) on collective bargaining for police and town employee unions. They were postponed because of ongoing contract negotiations (firefighters settled their contract to the tune of $142,101.60).
Approved was Article 25, which asked for reclassification and pay schedule adjustments for town employees; Article 32, seeking $750,000 for a new fire truck, (which will now head to the ballot box in June); Article 33, which asked Town Meeting to add a new bylaw prohibiting “demolition by neglect”; Article 35, seeking $8.5 million to renovate the Abbot Public Library, was also approved, and will also go before the voters for an override vote in June.
Among the articles defeated was one seeking transparency and accountability from town officials and one asking for peace and order in the area of Gerry and Brown islands, Little Harbor and Dolibers Cove.
Article 41, which would require people to shovel their sidewalks also failed, with opponents claiming it was unenforceable. Article 42, seeking staggered elections for the Board of Selectmen, also failed.
Article 47, the last of the night, reintroduced the question of banning gas-powered leaf blowers for the summer months. Once again, it failed.
