SOUTHWICK – Residents in Southwick had the opportunity to vote on 27 warrant articles at the annual town meeting on Tuesday night.
There were a number of articles that prompted further discussed than others. Article 6 was one of several well-discussed topics as it addressed the appropriation of $240,000 for the purchase of a new dump truck for the Department of Public Works.
DPW Director Randy Brown gave the crowd an overview of the item, noting that the department is in dire need of replacing their current 2000 Sterling truck that has 94,000 miles on it. The truck has had issues and was in an accident this past winter.
Southwick resident Karen DeMaio questioned Brown why there was a drastic increase in the cost for another, as the town voted on a truck last year.
“Last year we approved $200,000 for a dump truck,” said DeMaio.
Brown replied to her statement and said that last year’s warrant article was to appropriate $238,000 for a dump truck.
Residents came out to the regional school on Tuesday night to vote on 27 warrant articles. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
After the Fiscal Year 2019 school district budget was passed, the discussion was centered on Article 17. This article was for the town to approve debt in the amount of $600,000 for the school district’s FY19 capital improvement plan (CIP).
Southwick residents passed the article and joined neighboring Granville who passed the CIP at their annual town meeting on Monday night.
The next few articles focused on marijuana. Article 18 was to vote to amend a marijuana zoning bylaw for recreational marijuana. Not passing the zoning bylaw would allow cultivation, processing, and retail of recreational marijuana.
Ryan Pease, who was the designated resident member of the marijuana sub-committee, was in favor of not amending Article 18.
“It’s legal and it’s going to be in our communities,” said Pease. “It looks to me like we could use some tax revenue.”
While a couple of others pointed to the potential large amount of tax revenue that the town could benefit from, other residents believed the acceptance of marijuana retail would create danger for the youth in the community.
“They’re doing damage to our students moving forward,” said Jean Reopel. “I don’t think we need to open this door, let’s get legitimate businesses in our community.”
Neilda Henke was also skeptical about having recreational marijuana in town.
“That doesn’t mean it’s (marijuana) not going to be laced with something else to get into our kid’s hands,” said Henke.
Requiring a two-thirds majority vote, 113 people voted in favor of amending the bylaw and 47 said no. The 113 votes were just enough to pass Article 18 and not allow the marijuana zoning bylaw.
For the next two marijuana-related articles, the marijuana overlay district passed, but the general bylaw for recreational marijuana passed, which amended the general bylaw.
Article 22 asked if the town would accept a Chapter 75 bylaw for personal watercraft use on the North Pond section of Congamond Lake. The bylaw would allow personal watercraft, or jet skis, to enter through North Pond at a headway speed of six miles per hour. Fines and subsequent fines would follow if violations occurred.
Residents Ken Plumlee and Paul Murphy made a motion to amend the Chapter 75 bylaw to prohibit the use of jet skis on North Pond.
Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi spoke about his recognition on Tuesday night. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Chief David Ricardi then talked about why he first announced to the public that person watercraft use was allowed on North Pond.
“All I want to do is have something that is fair for everybody,” said Ricardi.
Dick Grannells, a resident, but also the Chairman of the Lake Management Committee, has been active with this issue. Grannells didn’t like the idea of allowing jet skis on that part of the lake.
“We have now created a safety problem,” said Grannells. “Most personal watercrafts don’t have a reverse, only the newer ones do.”
Nora Beeker was weary of the enforcement the police would have on the lake.
“They might be able to control it on the weekend, but definitely not during the week,” said Beeker.
Richard Graveline, who is a jet ski user, showed an envelope in hand that he said had last year’s police reports on North Pond.
“There isn’t one incident against a jet ski on North Pond,” said Graveline. “We’re not out to make any damage for anybody.”
With the bylaw created by Plumlee and Murphy requiring a majority vote, the article passed and will now prohibit jet skis from going on North Pond.
During the middle of the meeting, the Select Board took a few minutes to recognize police chief David Ricardi, who is set to retire in June.
“We wanted to recognize his fantastic service to the town,” said Moglin. “I think David has done a fantastic job.”
Ricardi briefly spoke about the recognition.
“It’s truly been an honor to serve the town of Southwick,” said Ricardi.
The Select Board then presented Ricardi with a certificate of appreciation.
