Town Administrator Paul Dawson used the word “excited” at least seven times as he described for the Marion Board of Selectmen how happy newly selected Fire Chief Brian Jackvony feels. Jackvony, who comes to Marion by way of Cumberland, Rhode Island, was recently picked out of a very large pool of applicants. Jackvony is the current assistant chief for Cumberland. His first day on the job will be July 1. Dawson said the contract has not yet been finalized, but he said, “I don’t foresee anything that will make it fall through the cracks.” A swearing-in ceremony will be planned at a date to be announced.
The selectmen also met with Police Chief Lincoln Miller and several members of the department. Miller came forward to update the board on the accreditation process the department has been working towards and was happy to report that had been achieved. He said the three-year accreditation was a full team effort of the entire department from patrol officers to detectives. He gave special credit to Officer Kathy Ballinger who is on the state accreditation team and who helped to shepherd the effort through to completion with her attention to details and understanding of the accreditation system. Miller also thanked Lieutenant Garcia whose assistance aided in achieving success.
Dawson discussed the new electricity aggregation program and the selection of Good Energy whose expertise will assist the town through the documentation and other aspects of the program. Dawson said the public’s participation is part of the process.
“It’s important for people to better understand the program and give input,” said Dawson. He said the objective is securing lower electrical costs and price stability over time.
A public written comment period between June 17 and July 2 will be allowed, Dawson told the selectmen, and all the documents will be on the Town’s website by June 17. A public hearing during the July 7 selectmen meeting for verbal comments will also be provided. Dawson urged the public to review the documents in spite of the “boring” nature of the material. Comcast’s contract was also discussed as the renewal agreement was recently written that will provide continued service for the next ten years. Dawson said he was pleased with concessions made by Comcast that will allow ORCTV to acquire new equipment and support. The cable provider was unwilling, however, to grant special rates to senior citizens across the board, but did agree to a modest decrease in cost for those meeting financial eligibility guidelines.
Finally, Dawson invited the public to attend a meeting with the Marion Town House Building Committee on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 pm, at which time conceptual drawings and new building designs will be available for review.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for July 7 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Police Station community room, a change of venue for the summer season.
By Marilou Newell
