The Marion Water and Sewer Regulations Review Committeemet on Thursday, September 4 at the Town Hall Annex. The committee, formed by the Select Board and granted its powers on July 11 by its Committee Charter, sees its purpose as to “review, assess, and recommend updates to the town’s regulations and policies governing municipal sewer and water services.” This can be seen primarily to delineate its power and alleviate stress away from the Select Board, which currently also serves as the town’s Water/Sewer Commission.
Committee member Sean Sweeney stated a major goal of the committee is to streamline and “make regulations easier to understand.”
Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland was present, serving as the liaison between the board and committee. Also present at the meeting was Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman who briefed the committee on various budgetary goals, such as referencing trying to spend around $90,000 on water and $200,000 on sewer annually, “though it’s been a tough couple of years,” he added. Gorman also said the big priority is to maintain the setout budgets, and “what we don’t want to do is, at the end of the year, have to go to Town Meeting to get money to fill a gap.”
Most of the extensive meeting was spent with members getting a grasp of the budget and various issues, deciding what they should prioritize. The prevailing disagreements over grinder-pump installations were the first major topic of discussion, with their lifespan, efficiency, and various manufacturers debated.
The meeting served as a point for various representatives to meet and discuss water and sewer-related issues, outside of regular government meetings. Some members of the public were also present to participate in discussions.
The next meeting of the Marion Water and Sewer Regulations Review Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 11 at 3:00 pm in the Town Hall Annex, 14 Barnabas Road, with a short list of action items on the docket.
Marion Water and Sewer Regulations Review Committee
By Sam Bishop