MARLBOROUGH CITY COUNCIL PASSES MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

MARLBOROUGH - The City Council last night unanimously approved an
ordinance that heightens the potential penalty for public marijuana
use.

Police officers can now issue a criminal complaint and impose a $300
fine on anyone caught using marijuana in public in the city. State
voters last year passed Question 2, which decriminalized possession
of an ounce or less of marijuana and made the penalty a civil
citation of $100.

The ordinance is one more tool for the police department and the code
enforcement office in dealing with the issue of marijuana use, Ward 2
Councilor Paul Ferro said.

"It's a common sense law," said Ferro, who originally submitted the
order with Councilor at large Steven Levy. The councilors based their
legislation on wording suggested by the state Attorney General's office.

Other communities in the state, like Milford, have passed similar
legislation.

Code Enforcement Officer Pam Wilderman and Police Chief Mark Leonard
have supported the measure.

No one raised a hand in opposition to the ordinance last night. Ward
3 Councilor Scott Schafer abstained.

In other business, the council easily passed an ordinance requiring
the registration and maintenance of abandoned and foreclosing homes.
The ordinance can help decrease blight and increase safety, officials
said.

One of the city's most difficult tasks is locating the person or
company responsible for an abandoned or foreclosing home, Wilderman
has said.

All owners of abandoned and foreclosing homes must now register the
properties with the city. An owner or property management company
must inspect and maintain the home on a monthly basis. The property
must be safe and secure to prevent unauthorized people from entering.

The initial fine for failure to register is $300. The failure to
designate the person or company responsible for maintenance and
security of the home results in a daily fine of $300. The failure to
maintain and secure the property results in a weekly fine of $300.

Registration of abandoned and foreclosing properties carries an
annual fee of $100. Owners have seven to 14 days to register
following the determination that the property is abandoned or
foreclosure has begun.

A notice of the ordinance may go out to all homeowners as an
attachment to bills or through e-mail.

No one raised a hand in opposition to this ordinance as well. Schafer
abstained.