MONSON — A special town meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Monson Elementary School. Voters will act on a proposed ordinance to declare Monson a nuclear-free zone.

A petition signed by 62 residents was presented to selectmen asking that an ordinance be adopted and that the town declare that it was opposed to the location of the proposed Air Force ground-wave emergency network (GWEN) radio tower within the town limits.

The Air Force has selected one proposed site in Monson and other sites in the Shirley area for the location of its radio tower.

Town Manager Ruel Cross said the vote would be taken by a written ballot.

Under the proposed ordinance, it would be unlawful for any person or entity, including the Air Force, to introduce, build, construct, operate, test or maintain within the town limits of Monson, any nuclear fission or fusion weapon or weapons delivery system.

Any violation of the proposed ordinance would be punishable by a fine of not less than $2,500 a day.