The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday for a long list of action items and correspondences, which served as their last meeting before the Annual Town Meeting scheduled on the following Monday (May 12).
Before adjournment, it was announced that this was Vice Chair Carleton “Toby” Burr Jr.’s last regular meeting of the Select Board. He received an ovation from the room and thanks from many.
Following the approval of minutes from their April 15 meeting, the board began with a Water/Sewer abatement for 270 Delano Road. It was stated the water meter had not been checked by a representative of the town prior to the meeting. The homeowner was present and stated the typical water bill hovers around $2,500 with the home being seasonally used. The house has recently been winterized after previously having issues. The homeowner said the bill signifies “five weeks of water coming through in a matter of days” with further clarification from Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman signifying 8-gallons-per-minute of usage, that being similar to a running faucet.
The owner and a family friend who works in construction both stated they found no evidence of the water arriving in the house, nor water damage. Chair Norman Hills pushed for the water meter to be checked and “we’ll get back together.” No decision was made at this time.
The next item was for a Performance Extension of 30 minutes for Tabor Academy’s alumni weekend on June 7. This was approved unanimously. The board then also approved its Annual Water Restriction Schedule unanimously.
A discussion began for Town Meeting Warrant Article 17, regarding work on Town House compliance. The chair of the Finance Committee, Shay Assad, was present with other members to discuss their findings.
“We believe there is going to be substantial capital requirements for the schools. We only should be spending money on what’s absolutely necessary.” Assad and the committee sought to split the costs of the article, that being HVAC, a sprinkler system, and compliance, into different articles to give the people “a choice.” He later cited HVAC installation as 30% of total costs and asked if the town could put out for a re-bid and have the voters decide in the October Town Meeting on separate works.
“We don’t believe we should be going forward with the package as it’s currently constructed,” said Assad, who then brought up tariffs and the possibility of those affecting costs, or “unknown costs,” he added. “They need to realize there’s going to be some substantial capital costs coming down,” he reiterated, citing Town Counsel’s need to advise the populous on the forthcoming effects of tariffs.
“Schools aren’t the only thing we’re facing,” Hills added.
There was a disagreement over the communication of information regarding school-related cost increases between Assad and Select Board member Randy Parker, who was upset that he was only finding out about rising school costs now (Assad cited a $6,000,000 rise). He stated it seemed like an “excuse” to go after Article 17, with Assad opposing the accusation.
Assad and the Select Board with the town administrator argued over the dissemination of information to each other, with neither party arriving at an agreement. Gorman stated the Finance Committee had received all of the Article 17 bid information “months ago,” with Assad denying anyone had spoken to him directly about it.
At the end of the discussion, the Select Board agreed to take the Finance Committee’s recommendation but chose not to act and allow voters to decide whether or not to approve the package bid under Article 17. Assad finalized his statements by assuring he has faith in the Marion people and “feels very fortunate” to be able to rely on them to make the decision they feel is right. Finance Committee member Thomas Crowley then spoke, warning of tariff costs and unforeseen consequences of such without knowing any exact protections in the original bid contract.
The Select Board then approved five Special One Day Alcohol Beverage Licenses. They were for ICJ Corp at the Marion Music Hall on May 17 for a hall of fame induction, for the Marion Social Club at 44 Pumping Station Road on May 31 for a graduation party, for ICJ Corp at the Marion Music Hall on June 7 for a wedding, for the Marion Social Club at 44 Pumping Station Road on July 20 for a pig roast, and finally another for the Marion Social Club at 44 Pumping Station Road on August 17 for a chicken bake.
The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will take place after the elections and Town Meeting, and is currently scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House Conference Room.
Marion Select Board
By Sam Bishop