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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr