The Marion Marine Resource Commission met on Wednesday, February 18 in the Maritime Center to discuss the FY27 budget, the open Harbormaster position, and various points around Island Wharf.
Following approval of the minutes from the January 22 meeting, the commission began talks on Island Wharf as it pertained to correspondence with the town administrator and the Select Board. “Apparently, there is a feeling among the Select Board and town administrator that we have sufficient guidance to move forward. I believe we all feel otherwise,” MRC Chair Vincent Malkoski Jr. said. There have been talks between town officials relating to the handing over of the management of Island Wharf, and the parking there, solely to the Select Board.
Malkoski went on to say any guidance and assistance they can receive would be desired and highly beneficial. He had asked for what standards and policies exist to permit or restrict parking at Island Wharf, specifically for Department of Public Works, contractors, or other utility vehicles that may occupy the grass. “I hate to sound confrontational and adversarial, but I would think that after a year when we made a good faith effort to try and have the proper discussion on this, it’s long past time.” The chair stated he hoped he would get replies to his messages that night, as the Select Board was meeting at the same time at Marion Police Station.
Currently, there is much overlap in who exactly manages the property. Malkoski clarified the MRC had been given general jurisdiction of Island Wharf over 20 years ago by the Select Board, “but we can debate that – absolutely,” he added. The chair mentioned he didn’t necessarily take issue with the Select Board making it so utility vehicles cannot park on the grass, but that “they have to provide a viable alternative. … The bottom line here is we need better communications.”
The members deliberated the purpose of the MRC itself, noting that the commission is designated with the power to recommend action to the Select Board or other bodies, not necessarily have powers in its own right. Therefore, talks of the transfer of Island Wharf could be without merit.
Ultimately, the MRC seeks further talks with town representatives to both understand what exactly the current situation is with Island Wharf is, what is wanted by the Select Board, and what is best for the town.
The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resource Commission was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Marine Resource Commission
By Sam Bishop