Marlborough City Council adopts non-criminal ordinance rewrite, rejects school-smoking fine hike

MARLBOROUGH — February 13, 2023 — Marlborough City Council aligns non-criminal fines with state law, keeps school smoking penalty at $25. The council voted 11-0 Monday to rewrite Chapter 315 Section 2, replacing penalty ranges with specific dollar amounts after City Solicitor Jason Grossfield said the update was needed to keep the 1990s-era enforcement tool valid under state law. At-Large Councilor Kathleen D. Robey moved to raise the school-grounds smoking fine from $25 to $100 per offense, arguing "there needs to be equity" with the $100 first-offense penalty applied elsewhere in the city; the amendment failed 8-2. Health Director John Garside reported that Superintendents Mary Murphy of MPS, Lindsey of AMSA, and Hohl of Assabet Valley all supported leaving the figure unchanged. The council also approved an in-perpetuity regulatory agreement covering 24 affordable units in the 235-unit Green District Phase 1, and an 11-0 roll call special permit for Dish Wireless antennas at 860 Boston Post Road East.