Date of Town Meeting

The annual town meeting shall be held on the first Monday in May starting at 7:00 p.m.

Adopted under Article 4
Special Town Meeting
May 21, 1990

Posting of Town Meeting and Election Warrants

Town Meeting and election warrants shall be posted at the Town Hall, the Senior Center (Town Hall Dining Hall), Warwick Free Public Library, and the Transfer Station.

(Amended article 11, 5/3/99 ATM) Adopted under Article 6
Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2006

Notification of voters

Each family of registered voters shall be notified of future town meetings by postal card.

Adopted under Article 1
Special Town Meeting
October 18, 1972

Authorized the use of the Community Newsletter, in lieu of postcards, at the discretion of the Selectmen, to notify voters of town meetings.

Adopted under Article 5
Annual Town Meeting
May 21, 1979

Quorum Requirement

In order for a Town Meeting to be called to order, a quorum consisting of 5% of the registered voters in the Town, as of the end of the most recent voter registration period, must be present.

Adopted under Article 1
Special Town Meeting
October 5, 1998
Approved by Attorney General 10/28/98

Composition

The legislative body in the Town of Warwick is the Open Town Meeting. Membership of the town meeting includes all the legal voters of the Town (MGL Chapter 39, section 18). An open town meeting is not a representative body, but a popular assembly where each registered voter “. . . has an indisputable right to vote upon every question presented as well as to discuss it. .” (Opinions of the Justices, 229 Mass. 601, 1918).

Powers and Duties

Town Meeting exercises legislative powers by action of the electorate at the annual town election and by actions at the annual and special business sessions.

Town Meeting exercises its legislative powers by a simple majority of the voters present and with certain exceptions (e.g. MGL Chapter 44, sections 2,4,7,8,20).

Unanimous Vote of an Article Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote

As provided by MGL Chapter 39, Section 15: If a two thirds vote of a town meeting is required by statute and the vote is unanimous, a count need not be taken, and the clerk shall record the vote as unanimous. This provision does not apply to town meeting votes requiring a four fifths or nine tenths vote.

Adopted under Article 6
Annual Town Meeting
May 5, 2014
Approved by Attorney General 5/22/14

Town Election

The Annual Town Election will be held the third Monday in May.

Adopted under Article 5
Annual Town Meeting
(changed from vote at 1979 ATM) May 7 & 14, 2007

Assessors

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The three Assessors are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 41, sections 1, 24).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Assessors are responsible for the administrative and technical work in appraising property for tax purposes and assessing taxes. The Assessors determine the valuation of real and personal property for municipal tax purposes, and for levying and abating taxes (MGL Chapter 41, sections 1,24,28).

Auditor

Position abolished under Article 9 at Annual Town Meeting May 3, 2004.

Board of Health

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The three members are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 41, section 1 and adopted under Article 5, Special Town Meeting January 12, 1976).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Board of Health is responsible for public health regulations in town including inspection of new septic systems and dry wells, issuance of permits for installing, altering, repairing septic systems, maintenance and administration of the town’s transfer station, health related clinics, licenses for temporary food permits and for the sale of milk (MGL Chapter 41, sections 1, 21, and Chapter 111, section 26 and adopted under Article 6, Special Town Meeting July 13, 1977).

Cemetery Commissioners

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The three members are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 41, section 21, and Chapter 114, sections 22, 27).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The commissioners are responsible for the supervision, care, and management of all public burial grounds in the town. The Board may also lay out existing or new burial grounds (MGL Chapter 114, sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 27).

Constables

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The three constables are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 41, section 1 and adopted under Article 45, Annual Town Meeting March 4, 1957).
2. Powers and Duties
   • Constables may serve writs or processes, post warrants, and shall have the powers of sheriffs to require aid in the execution of their duties in the provision of the safety of both persons and property in the town (MGL Chapter 41, section 94).

Moderator

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The Moderator is elected at the annual town election for a term of one year (MGL Chapter 39, section 14).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Moderator presides over and regulates the proceedings of all session of the town meetings. The Moderator decodes all questions of order, makes public declarations of all votes, and may administer in open meeting the oath of office to town officers (MGL Chapter 39, section 15). No person may address the town meeting without recognition of the Moderator, and he/she may cause the removal of any disorderly persons from the meeting (MGL Chapter 39, section 17).

Regional School District Committee

Pioneer Valley Regional School District established under Article 2, Annual Town Meeting, May 6, 1991.

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • Three members are elected at the bi-annual state elections for a term of four years each.
2. Powers and Duties
   • The School Committee is entrusted with broad powers to exercise control and supervision over education within the regional school district. It has powers to appoint the school superintendent and other school personnel, to delegate authority on a wide range of issues, create a budget, and to formulate general policies (MGL Chapter 71, section 16).

Selectmen

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • There are three members of the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 41, sections 1,2,21).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Board of Selectmen is an agent of the law making body, the town meeting. The Board is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the town meeting and for providing administration to the town departments.
   • The Board of Selectmen serves as chief executive of the town and has general supervision over all matters not assigned by statue or bylaw to other town officers.
   • The Selectmen have the power to appoint certain town officers and boards and the Board has the authority to issues licenses and permits for a variety of activities (MGL Chapter 41, sections 20, 21, 22,23).

Town Clerk

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The Town Clerk is elected at the annual town election for a term of three years (MGL Chapter 41, section 1). {Term changed to 3 years; adopted under Article 8, Annual Town Meeting May 3, 2004}
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Town Clerk is responsible for the performance of all duties of the office of Town Clerk as mandated by state law. Included are the recording of births, deaths, marriages, the issuance and collection of fees for licenses, recording minutes at all town meetings, as well as broad responsibilities in the area of elections (MGL Chapter 41, section 15).

Tree Warden

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The Tree Warden is elected at the annual town election for a term of one year (MGL Chapter 41, sections 1, 23).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The tree warden has the complete control of all public shade trees and shrubs in the town. No tree on public property shall be cut or planted without the permission of the tree warden. The warden supervises any tree work that is done close to the roadside, and is responsible for monitoring insect pest effects on public trees such as gypsy moth control (MGL Chapter 41, section 69D).

Trustees of the Free Public Library

1. Method of Election, Term of Office
   • The six trustees are elected at the annual town election for a term of three years, with one third of their number elected annually (MGL Chapter 78, section 10 and adopted under Article 3, Special Town Meeting December 5, 1932).
2. Powers and Duties
   • The Library Trustees oversee the operation of the Warwick Free Public Library. The library receives state and local funding and is also supported in part by trust funds. The trustees administer these monies as well as supervise the town librarian (MGL Chapter 78, sections 11,12).

ADA Coordinator

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: Coordinates Americans with Disabilities Act for town; ensures town compliance

Animal Control Officer

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (MGL Ch. 140, sec 151; MGL Ch. 129, sec 15). Position established under Article 19, Annual Town Meeting May 1, 2000.
2. Responsibilities: ACO combines the positions of Dog Officer and Inspector of Barns and Animals. The Dog Officer is responsible for dealing with stray and lost dogs, nuisance dogs, dog bites, home finder service, rabies clinics, and any other dog related matters.
3. The Inspector of Barns & Animals is responsible for checking the conditions under which cattle and domestic animals are kept and the condition the animals themselves are in, and to act accordingly (MGL Ch. 129, sec 2).

Burial Agent

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (MGL Ch. 115, sec 7).
2. Responsibilities: The burial agent works with families and/or funeral homes when a burial is needed in the Town of Warwick (MGL Ch. 115, sec 7).

Caretaker of the Clock

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The caretaker of the clock ensures the accuracy and maintenance of the Town Clock (accepted in 1884), which includes winding once a week and oiling every three months.

Civil Defense Director

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The Civil Defense Director is responsible for developing a disaster plan and for coordinating the activities with state and local agencies.

Conservation Commission

1. Members & Term: 6 members appointed for 3 years each, with one third appointed annually (MGL CH. 40, sec 8C and adopted under Article 27, Annual Town Meeting March 6, 1973).
2. Responsibilities: The commission is responsible for the protection of the Town’s natural resources through planning and advising. The commission is also carries out the administration and enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act. The commission shall conduct researches into its local land areas and shall seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its work (MGL Ch. 40, sec 8C).

Council on Aging

1. Members & Term: 6 members appointed for 3 years, with one third appointed annually (adopted under Article 17, Annual Town Meeting May 10, 1982).
2. Responsibilities: The Council on Aging coordinates and carries out programs designed to meet the needs of the town’s elders. The Council works closely with the Franklin County Home Care Corporation and the Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs in providing needed services (MGL Ch. 40, sec 85).

Crockery Committee

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The committee is charged with managing the dishes, silver, pots, and pans for the Town Hall.

Cultural Council

1. Members & Term: 6 members appointed for 3 years each
2. Responsibilities: The cultural council establishes the guidelines for the use of Massachusetts Cultural Council funds, determining if applications comply with those guidelines, certifying payment to and overseeing the ultimate use of the funds by the town and acting as liaison with local and regional arts councils (MGL Ch. 10, sec 35A; formerly known as Warwick Arts Lottery Council).

Electrical Inspector

1. Member & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The inspector administers and enforces the state building code as it relates to wiring and electrical work in new and renovated building projects.

Fence Viewer

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (MGL Ch. 49, sec 1)
2. Responsibilities: It is the Fence Viewers’ duty to ensure that legally prescribed fences are properly maintained. They oversee proceedings of neglect of fences and settle controversies abutters may have over the repair of fences (MGL Ch. 49, sec 1-20).

Field Driver

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (MGL CH. 49, sec 22). This position is traditionally given to the first married male in the New Year in Warwick.
2. Responsibilities: A field driver shall take up horses, mules, asses, neat cattle, sheep, goats, or swine going at large in public ways or on Common and unimproved land within the town and not under the care of a keeper (MGL Ch. 49, sec 24).

Fire Chief

1. Members & Term: 1 chief appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The fire chief has full charge of extinguishing fires in the town and the protection of life and property in the case of fire. The chief has full authority in the administration of the department and makes rules and regulations for its operation (MGL Ch. 48).

Forest Warden

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The warden has full charge to extinguish forest fires in the Town of Warwick (MGL Ch. 40, sec 11 and Ch. 48, sec 8-41).

Franklin County Solid Waste Committee

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: Represents the town on the county Solid Waste Committee

Hazardous Waste Coordinator

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The coordinator works with the County Hazardous Waste Committee and keeps the public informed about hazardous waste. The coordinator can work with the Con Com, Planning Board, Board of Health, and the Board of Selectmen to help the town keep track of changing issues and conditions.

Highway Superintendent

1. Members & Term: 1 superintendent appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The Highway Superintendent oversees the construction and maintenance of approximately 60 miles of Town roads. The Superintendent employs three highway employees with the approval of the Selectmen. The department plows snow, maintain bridges, and patches and grades roads (MGL Ch. 41, sec 62-68).

Historical Commission

1. Members & Term: 4 members appointed for 3 years each (adopted under Article 25, Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1978)
2. Responsibilities: The commission is responsible for the preservation, protection, and development of the historical or archaeological assets of the Town. The Historical Commission researches for places of historical value, cooperates with the state archaeologist, and coordinates activities of the unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. It may prepare publications which it deems necessary for its work. It is responsible to report to the state archaeologist the existence of certain historical discoveries in accordance with Chapter 9, section 27C (MGL Ch. 40, sec 8d).

Inspector of Buildings

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (MGL Ch. 143, sec 3)
2. Responsibilities: The inspector is the administrative chief responsible for administering and enforcing the state building code as well as MGL Ch. 22, sec 13A and its rules and regulations. The inspector shall report directly and be solely responsible to the person or public body that appointed him/her. (MGL Ch. 143, sec 3 and 780 CMR 108).

Janitor – Town Hall

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The janitor is responsible for building maintenance, stoking the furnace, snow removal of entrance ways, repairs, and suggestions for same.

Memorial Days Committee

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The committee is responsible for planning and organizing the town Memorial Day celebration.

Old Home Days Committee

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The committee organizes and plans events for the annual Old Home Days celebration in Warwick, coordinating with other groups in town.

Open Space Committee

1. Members & Term: 12 members appointed for 3 years each, with one quarter of the committee appointed annually (established under Article 6, Annual Town Meeting May 5, 2003).
2. Responsibilities: The WOSC provides guidance to the Selectmen, town Boards, and residents on how to maintain the rural character and sense of community of Warwick through protecting and encouraging wise use of land and natural resources, enhancing recreational opportunities, and encouraging appropriate economic and residential development.

Personnel Committee

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: To act as the Personnel Board/Committee as described in the Personnel Policy and to research and make recommendations on other personnel issues as directed by the Board of Selectmen.

Plumbing Inspector

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The inspector administers and enforces the state building code as it relates to plumbing in new construction and renovation.

Police Chief

1. Members & Term: 1 chief appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The Chief shall be in immediate control of all town property used by the department, and of the police officers whom he/she shall assign to their respective duties and who shall obey his/her orders (MGL Ch. 41, sec 97A, 98 and adopted under Article 28, Annual Town Meeting May 22, 1978).

Police Officers

1. Members & Term: 8 officers appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The police shall suppress and prevent disturbance and disorder and may disperse and arrest persons who do not give a satisfactory account of themselves (MGL Ch. 41, sec 98).

Recreation Commission

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually (MGL Ch. 41, sec 1 and established under Article 17, Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1995).
2. Responsibilities: The commission coordinates recreational events, afterschool sports activities, and maintains equipment they own for recreation purposes.

Recycling Coordinator

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (established under Article 34, Annual Town Meeting May 3, 2004)
2. Responsibilities: The coordinator ensures that the town complies with the recycling bylaw and regional activities relative to recycling.

RTA Representative

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: To represent the Town of Warwick’s interests in Franklin County Regional Transit Authority meetings and report back to the Selectmen. The FCRTA coordinates transportation services and obtains federal and state funding for the services for most towns in the region.

Registrar of Voters

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually (MGL Ch. 51, sec 17)
2. Responsibilities: The Registrars of Voters are responsible for preparing accurate lists of all town residents who are eligible to vote. The registrars also certify nomination papers, preside over recounts, and assist in the conduct of local elections (MGL Ch. 51, sec 33).

Surveyor of Lumber

1. Members & Term: 3 members appointed annually (MGL Ch. 41, sec 1)
2. Responsibilities: Settle disputes over measurement of lumber.

Tax Collector

1. Members & Term:
   The Tax Collector is appointed for a term to be determined by the Selectboard(MGL Chapter 41, section 1); Position changed from elected to appointed and approved at Annual Town Meeting May 3, 2004 and Annual Town Election March 14, 2005.
2. Powers and Duties:
   The Tax Collector is responsible for the overall administration of local taxes. The collector enforces the tax laws to ensure a high level of voluntary payment and is responsible for properly maintaining tax records, accounting of the taxes received, and paying over all receipts to the treasurer (MGL Chapter 41, sections 38A; Chapter 60, sections2,3).

Tech School Committee

Franklin County Technical School District established under Article 1, Special Town Meeting November 14, 1972.

1. Members & Term: 1 representative appointed annually at the beginning of the fiscal year (MGL Ch. 41, sec 1).
2. Responsibilities: see “Powers & Duties” under Regional School Committee (MGL Ch. 71, sec 16).

Town Accountant

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: Provides periodical reports on the Town’s financial condition and reviews the work of the Treasurer (MGL Ch. 41, sec 55).

Town Coordinator

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed annually (established under Article 12, Annual Town Meeting May 1, 2000).
2. Responsibilities: The town coordinator provides managerial and planning assistance to the Selectmen and serves as a liaison to state and local agencies, prepares grant applications, researches and reports on issues for the Selectmen. The position is under the authority and supervision of the Selectboard.

Town Counsel

1. Members & Term: 1 member appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The Town Counsel acts as legal advisor to the Town interpreting state law and offering opinions on the legality of proposed warrant articles, by-laws, actions, contracts, etc. The use of Town Counsel is regulated by the Board of Selectmen and the Board must approve the purpose for which Town Counsel is sought, unless state law provides otherwise (MGL Ch. 268A, sec 22). The Town Counsel performs two major functions in Warwick: he/she acts as the Town’s agent in any legal action, and he/she represents Town Departments in specific actions such as State Appellate Tax Board hearings.

Town Forest Committee

1. Members & Terms: 3 members appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The committee is responsible for managing the town forests, including cutting, and checking forest boundaries.

Town Secretary

1. Member & Term: 1 person appointed annually (established Article 13, Annual Town Meeting, May 1, 2000).
2. Responsibilities: The secretary records the minutes of the Selectboard meetings, compiles the Annual Town Report, and completes other projects as directed by the Selectboard or Town Coordinator. Position is under the authority and supervision of the Selectboard.

Treasurer

1. Members & Term: 1 person appointed for term to be determined by the Selectboard (MGL Chapter 41, section 1); Position changed from elected to appointed and approved at Annual Town Meeting May 3, 2004 and Annual Town Election March 14, 2005.

2. Responsibilities: The Treasurer is responsible for the management of all town monies. The Treasurer receives and disburses all cash, invests temporarily available cash, issues and manages debt obligations, and manages banking relations. The Treasurer also administers group insurance, is responsible for payroll, and supervises the pension and retirement systems for town employees (MGL Chapter 41, section 35).

Veterans Agent

1. Members & Term: 1 member appointed annually (MGL Ch. 115, sec 3)
2. Responsibilities: Acts for the Selectmen in the disbursement of Veterans’ benefits by the Town. Accepts and processes applications for benefits from veterans, their spouses and/or dependents. Files for reimbursement of said benefits from the state Department of Veterans Services (MGL Ch. 115, sec 3, 4, 6).

Veterans Grave Agent

1. Members & Term: 1 member appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: The agent marks out graves, calls mortuary to dig the graves, and keeps records of the same.

Worker’s Compensation Agent

1. Member & Term: 1 person appointed annually
2. Responsibilities: Serves as a liaison between the town’s Workers Compensation agent and town employees filing for said compensation. Reviews the town’s worker’s com policies to ensure that coverage is adequate and that the town has been billed fairly.

Zoning Board of Appeals

1. Members & Term: 5 members appointed for 5 year terms (MGL Ch. 40A, sec 12; adopted under Article 2 of Special Town Meeting November 16, 1974 and Section 16 of Warwick Zoning By-laws).
2. Responsibilities: The ZBA is responsible for reviewing land and structure usage as stipulated in the Warwick Zoning By-laws and the Warwick Subdivision Control By-law. The ZBA may grant special permits and variances (MGL Ch. 40A, and Ch. 41, sec 81Z and Section 126.81 of the State Building Code).

Planning Board

1. Members: 5
2. Term of Office: 5 years (Adopted Article 3, Special Town Meeting 10/17/73; amended Article 8, Special Town Meeting 6/18/74 and again Article 29, Annual Town Meeting 5/19/75)
3. Responsibilities: The Planning Board is granted power under state law to influence the Town’s development, both physical and economic. The Planning Board can make a master plan of the Town showing existing and desired features. The Board holds hearings on proposed amendments to the Town’s Zoning By-Laws. The Board is also responsible for enforcement of the Town’s subdivision control by-law (MGL Chapter 41, sections 81A-G).

Finance Committee

1. Members: 5
2. Term of Office: 3 years (Adopted Article 26, Annual Town Meeting 5/16/77; amended Article 4, Annual Town Meeting 5/19/80; amended to reduce number of members from 7 to 5 again, Article 17, Annual Town Meeting 5/2/94. Approved by Attorney General)
3. Responsibilities: The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing and advising Town Meeting about articles included in the Town Meeting warrant. The Committee participates in the budget process by reviewing department budgets and making recommendations as to alternatives and cost impacts of Town expenditures. The Finance Committee can also authorize transfers from the Reserve Fund for unanticipated expenditures (MGL Chapter 39, section 16).

Mileage

Voted to authorize $ 0.32 per mile reimbursement for all elected and appointed officials on official Town business, excepting contracted services, and further to allow reimbursement as indicated in the respective budgets.

Adopted under Article 12
Annual Town Meeting
May 2, 2005

Policy

View full Personnel Policy Here

List of Public Roads

Voted to discontinue all public roads in Warwick except those on the List of Public Roads.

Adopted under Article 17
Annual Town Meeting
May 9, 1988

Building Permit Applications

Voted to adopt the following by-law: Before the Board of Selectmen in their capacity as zoning agents approve a building permit application for construction of a new dwelling, the Building Inspector shall determine that the ways necessary for access to the lot on which construction of a new dwelling is intended to be performed are either (1) public ways maintained by the Town that provide year-round access to the lot for ordinary motor vehicles or (2) private ways that have been approved by the Planning Board under the provisions of the Warwick Subdivision Control Bylaws.

The Planning Board shall not approve a plan or endorse a plan that its approval is not required unless all lots shown on the plan satisfy the requirements of this by-law or unless the applicant signs a stipulation to be recorded with the plan in the Registry of Deeds, prohibiting construction of a new dwelling on any lots that do not satisfy the requirements of this by-law.

Adopted under Article 17
Annual Town Meeting
May 11, 1987

Lake Use Rules

The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Warwick, Massachusetts in an endeavor to increase the Public Safety and promote the General Welfare of Persons using Lake Moore in said town for swimming and boating and for persons residing on its shores, deem it necessary to make certain rules, regulating the size and use of Motor Boats and/or out-board motors on said Lake Moore, as follows:

1. The use on Lake Moore of a boat propelled by a motor (either in-board or out-board) with more than three (3) horsepower rating IS PROHIBITED.
2. Any gasoline motor used to propel a boat on Lake Moore must be equipped with, and use, suitable muffler which will prevent it from making unnecessary noise.
3. Any boat on Lake Moore propelled by a motor must not be operated at any time at a rate of speed or in such a manner as to endanger any person who may be using said Lake.
4. No boat on Lake Moore propelled by a motor may tow behind it any object used for carrying a person or persons.
5. Any boat on Lake Moore propelled by a motor if used after dark must be adequately lighted.
6. The use on Lake Moore of all Motor Boats of any kind or description is prohibited between the hours of 12 o’ clock midnight and 6 o’ clock in the morning.

Signed, Board of Selectmen
Summer of 1946 (undated)

Voted unanimously to restrict the use of motors on motorboats, watersleds, or other water vehicles using the lakes and ponds within the boundaries of the Town to a motor having power not greater that 10 HPM.

Adopted under Article 3
Annual Town Meeting
May 20, 1974

Voted unanimously to amend the by-law adopted under Article 3 of the Annual Town Meeting held May 20, 1974, which prohibits the use of power boats greater than 10 HPM on lakes and ponds within the boundaries of the Town of Warwick by adding the following provisions: “Whosoever violates this by-law shall be punished by a fine of not more than $25.00 for the first offense and by a fine of not more than $50.00 for a second or subsequent offense”.

Adopted under Article 5
Special Town Meeting
July 20, 1976
Approved by Attorney General 11/4/76

Voted to prohibit the operations or use of recreational vehicles and snow vehicles on the surface of the lakes and ponds within the boundaries of the town, and to punish violators of this by-law by a fine of not more that $25.00 for the first offense and by a fine of not more than $50.00 for a second or subsequent offense.

Adopted under Article 29
Annual Town Meeting
May 15, 1978
Approved by Attorney General 10/26/78

Public Order

Anyone who has an alcoholic beverage in his or her possession or in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle while he or she is on the public ways, common land, or other public places, but not including the inside portions of public buildings, of the Town shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for a first offense and $50.00 for a subsequent offense. Beverages in a sealed, unopened container, and beverages lawfully possessed in connection with an activity for which a one day license or permit for distribution of alcoholic beverages has been granted shall be exempt from the provision of this by-law.

Adopted under Article 8
Special Town Meeting
September 14, 1982
Approved by Attorney General 1/11/83

Voted to amend the by-law passed as Article 8 at the Special Town Meeting 9/14/82, by adding the following sentence:

“The restrictions do not apply to Fellows Memorial Field between the hours of noon and the time of sunset on any day.”

Adopted under Article 18
Annual Town Meeting
May 14, 1984

Roads, Common, and Cemetery

Voted to accept the provisions of the Scenic Roads Act, MGL Chapter 40, section 15C, and designate all roads in Town as “Scenic Roads” with the exception of Route 78.

Adopted under Article 2
Special Town Meeting
June 25, 1984

Voted to adopt the following by-law: No person shall operate, or allow another person under his or her control to operate, a motor vehicle classified as an all-terrain vehicle, an all-terrain cycle, trail bike or a similar vehicle on any real estate owned by the Town of Warwick, including but not limited to discontinued or unmaintained roads, Town Forests and Town open spaces. This by-law shall not apply to any employee or agent of the Town of Warwick or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting on official Town or State business. Whoever violates the provisions of this by-law may be punished by a fine not exceeding $50.00 for each offense. This by-law may be enforced at the discretion of the enforcing person, by a non-criminal proceeding under the provisions of Chapter 40, section 21D of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Adopted under Article 23
Annual Town Meeting
May 12, 1986
Approved by Attorney General 7/29/86

No person shall throw, deposit, or otherwise dispose of litter, garbage, refuse or other waste material in or upon any public way, or any portion of the Town’s common land, or any other public area in Town, or any private property without the permission of the owner thereof, except in a receptacle or place designated for such litter, garbage, refuse, or other waste material. Any person violating this by-law shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.00 per offense. Each day that such violation shall be committed or permitted by the offender to continue after notice shall constitute a separate offense.

Adopted under Article 12
Special Town Meeting
March 15, 1993
Approved by Attorney General 1/11/96

The tapping for the purposed of maple sugaring of all shade trees located on the Town Common, Town Park, and in Town Cemeteries is prohibited.

Adopted under Article 9
Annual Town Meeting
May 5, 2003
Approved by Attorney General 8/22/03

Town Dump

Voted to designate the Board of Health as the town body responsible for the administration of the Town dump including setting the hours and days which the dump will be open.

Adopted under Article 2
Special Town Meeting
July 13, 1977

Any person who throws away, deposits or otherwise disposes of litter, garbage, refuse or other waste material in or upon the Town’s landfill shall do so only in receptacles or places designated for such litter, garbage, refuse or other waste material and shall do so only during designated hours and on designated days when the Town’s landfill is lawfully open for the disposal of such litter, garbage, refuse or other waste material. Any person violating this by-law shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50.00 per offense. Each day that such violation shall be committed or permitted by the offender to continue after notice shall constitute a separate offense.

Adopted under Article 13
Special Town Meeting
March 15, 1993
Approved by Attorney General 1/11/96

Recycling

Voted the following bylaw:

Section 1: There is hereby established a program for the mandatory separation of certain recyclable material from garbage or rubbish by the residents of the Town of Warwick.

Section 2: Definitions

Recyclables are the discarded materials described below which may be reclaimed for the purpose of reuse by industries. For the purpose of this ordinance, they are defined in the following categories:

1. Aluminum: cans made from aluminum, aluminum foil, aluminum wrappers, and containers or trays used in the packaging, preparation, or cooking of prepared dinners, pies, cakes, or other foods.
2. Glass: all unbroken jars and bottles, or similar products made from silica or sand, ash, soda, and limestone; the product being transparent or translucent and being used for the packaging or bottling of various matter and all other material commonly known as glass, excluding: (1) blue or flat glass commonly known as window glass; (2) dishes and crockery; and (3) light bulbs.
3. Ferrous Metal Cans: all containers, composed in whole of iron or steel and so-called “tin” cans used for the packaging or storing of various food and non-food items, EXCEPT containers which contained paint or petroleum based solvents and any pressurized aerosol cans.
4. Clean and unsoiled newspaper: including newsprint, all newspaper advertisements, supplements, comics and enclosures, magazines, junk mail and books (without hard covers). Newspapers shall be considered clean and uncontaminated if they have not been exposed to substances or conditions rendering them unusable for recycling. Persons may wrap solid waste in used newspapers and discard the same with regular solid waste even if such wrapping does not render the newspapers unusable for recycling.
5. Corrugated Paper: corrugated boxes, cardboard, cardboard cartons, pasteboard, and similar corrugated and craft paper materials.

Section 3: Usage Restriction

The recycling center and landfill are reserved for the exclusive use of Warwick inhabitants.

Adopted under Article 18
Annual Town Meeting
May 6, 1991
Approved by Attorney General 1/11/96