Pubdate: Mon, 22 Jun 2009
Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA)
Copyright: 2009 MetroWest Daily News
Contact:  http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619
Author: Paul Crocetti, Staff Writer

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. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr