Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Go Up in Smoke at Tewksbury Town Meeting

Voters at Tewksbury's Annual Town Meeting approved a 12-month moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries in town, effectively giving town officials a year to evaluate the law passed by Massachusetts voters back in November. 

On Article 37, Town Clerk Denise Graffeo asked residents to amend town bylaw regarding dog licensing, vaccinations, leash law violations and policy on euthanizing impounded dogs. 

Graffeo said the amendments were aimed at bringing Tewksbury bylaw in line with new state laws.

While Article 37 originally called for dogs impounded for a period of seven days not claimed by their owner to be humanely euthanized, an amendment was proposed on the floor which would instead send impounded dogs to shelters. 

Resident Judith Fader proposed the amendment, and said she was opposed to euthanizing animals due to cost-effectiveness or efficiency. 

"I don't think it's necessary, and I think it's beneath us as people," Fader said. 

Town Manager Richard Montuori, speaking against the adopting of the article, said it's not always possible to find a shelter for unclaimed dogs, but that was always the first option the town pursued. 

The amendment passed, and the article was adopted as amended. 

Fader said she was happy her amendment passed, and that impounded dogs in Tewksbury would be treated humanely.

"The most important thing was getting protection for our animals here in Tewksbury," Fader said. 

Town Moderator Keith Rauseo sponsored Article 38 which sought to change town bylaw regarding Open Town Meeting procedure including:

• Removing the Annual Town Election from the Annual Town Meeting Warrant
• Changing the start time of the Monday session of Annual Town Meeting from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Change in process to make a movement for indefinite proposal out of order. 
• Change the time limit at the microphone for town officials and voters from five minutes to three minutes.

Resident Elizabeth Carey spoke up in opposition to the amendment, specifically against making the start time of the Monday meeting earlier and shortening the time limit for voters at the microphone.

"Young parents can't get to Town Meeting at 7 p.m.," Carey said. "8 p.m. is not unreasonable but 7 p.m. is when you have a family and you're trying to get them dinner and ready for the next day."

Rauseo said the earlier start time was aimed to allow for an extra hour to discuss the financial articles of the town. 

"I believe as a person who had three young children for a very long time, people who want to get to Town Meeting will get there if it's at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.," Rauseo said. 

A motion was made to indefinitely postpone Article 38, and residents voted in favor of indefinite postponement. 

Voters at Town Meeting also acted on:

• Approval of a transfer of $1,250,000 from Water Enterprise Retained Earnings for the design, engineering and project management of upgrading the town's Water Treatment Plant. 
• Approval of a transfer of $175,000 from the Water Enterprise Fund for a hydrant replacement program ($100,000), engineering and design for water distribution system improvements ($35,000) and water tank upgrades and improvements ($40,000)
• Approval of $7,500 transferred from the Tewksbury Community Preservation Historic Reserve Fund for the restoration and preservation of the Wamesit Indian statue. 
• Approval of establishing a revolving fund for revenues received from grants and donations generated from town energy efficiency projects and programs. No more than $500,000 can be expended from the account in any given fiscal year.