The Marion Board of Selectmen on November 4 decided not to take any action on a proposed Formula Business Regulated District Bylaw for the Town of Marion, submitted to the board by Planning Board member Eileen Marum.
Selectmen appeared confused by the correspondence, and looked to Town Administrator Paul Dawson to explain what sort of action the board could take that evening.
Dawson said the board could treat the proposal as if it was a citizens’ petition, although only Marum herself submitted it, and they could vote to add the proposed bylaw as an article for the next Town Meeting warrant – but they did not have to.
Selectman Stephen Cushing wondered if the board could force the Planning Board to address this matter, or simply pass it on. He asked why Marum did not simply bring the matter to the Planning Board.
“This just strikes me as odd,” stated Cushing.
It is a little unusual, said Dawson, but it could be addressed by the selectmen, again, as a citizens’ petition.
“I’ve been in this office a long time,” said Chairman Jon Henry. “I don’t think we’ve done this before.”
Marum proposes adopting a Formula Business Bylaw sooner rather than later, in light of the proposed CVS project that Marum and many other Marion residents openly oppose.
“The purpose and intent of the proposed Formula Business Regulated District would be to help protect Marion from the intrusions of chain stores and franchises … and the potential negative impact they would have on Marion’s special character, local business-based economy, economic vitality, and historical relevance and experience,” wrote Marum in her letter to the board.
Although none of the selectmen opposed the idea, none wanted to take any action, deferring to the Planning Board.
Also during the meeting, Health Agent for Marion and Rochester Karen Walega gave the selectmen the same presentation she gave Rochester selectmen the night before.
The Marion-Rochester Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking volunteers to support efforts during emergencies, as there is a significant shortage of both medical and non-medical professionals within the network.
“We need people who might be leaders, or have strong organizational skills, or have an interest in logistics or communication,” said Walega. “We need people who can assist with security, traffic flow, and parking.” She continued, “We also need people who can assist with child care.”
The MRC is looking for individuals with abilities, skills, or interests in any of the following areas: leadership, organization, logistics, communication, social media, technology, people skills, clerical duties, financial duties, security, traffic flow, and child care.
The MRC will hold a meeting on November 13 at The Rochester Senior Center at 66 Dexter Lane from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and Walega asks prospective volunteers to join them. For questions, call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530.
In other matters, the board approved a Polar Plunge at Silvershell Beach on January 1 to benefit needy families.
Two candidates for the two open alternate member seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals were looked over for the time being, with selectmen hoping that more candidates might come forward. The concern was that there is not enough variety of candidates among the boards and committees in town.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for November 18 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
