After a lengthy meeting regarding town issues, the Marion Board of Selectmen went into Executive Session to discuss the route of the Marion bike path that has only several feet to be confirmed and completed on paper. After that, grants and other fundraisers can come to pass to connect the Mattapoisett and Fairhaven bike paths.
The board also discussed a leak in the River’s Edge area with DPW head Rob Zora. The DPW, utilizing a contractor, had a camera sent 54 feet into the pipe to view the suspected leak area. The issue is still under investigation.
“The DPW needs a PR person,” said Selectman John Henry. “We’ve spent millions on our plant here in town, and we need to restore public confidence in it.”
Zora told the board that on September 19, nine years ago, an open house was held for the water treatment plant, and three people came. Zora appealed to the people watching the meeting on ORCTV: “Come by, and we will show you that we are proud of our upgrades and tell you about our proposed upgrades.”
Henry told the audience that water came to Marion in 1908 and sewer came in 1910.
Wells in Rochester, where Marion water comes from, were also discussed. Samplings done by town contractors Tata and Howard showed that water quality is improving.
In other business, the Selectmen approved a one-day alcohol license for the VFW Post 2425 for a Spaghetti Dinner on November 16 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Another one-day alcohol license was OK’d for the Loft School for a “wine tasting” fundraiser at the Marion Music Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on November 14.
The Selectmen noted that this is the 14th year the town has been a part of Tree City USA, and agreed to continue to support the participation of Marion in the effort to plant trees. Henry commented that Olive Harris, a longtime Marion resident, founded the committee back in 1995.
The Selectmen agreed to a street closure for the Marion Business Community Association for the Christmas Stroll to be held on December 15.
A request for a $250 sewer abatement for John Doran of 120 Dexter Rd. was rejected.
The Selectmen also agreed to keep the same tax rate for both business and residential residents. Henry spoke on the issue, saying “We want the businesses in town to stay, like Lockheed Martin and others who have been here for years, and to attract new business … I support the “no split rate” between residential and business in Marion.”
The board agreed to a street closure request by Cub Scout leader Leo Grondin asking for a closure of the top of Holmes Street and a part of Pleasant Street for the Scouting Soap Box Derby, which will be held on Saturday, November 11, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, with a rain date of November 17. The board agreed to the request upon approval of the Marion Police Department.
Lastly, the Selectmen agreed to send Henry as their representative to attend the annual Veterans Day Parade to be held in Wareham this year.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
