The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission met on July 2 for an agenda that contained a wide range of discussion topics ranging from the Wings Cove Construction Project, the Marion Shared Use Path property transfer, the Point Road Bike Path, and MOSAC maintenance plan.
First on the docket, however, was the election of officers. Chair John Rockwell noted this had been pushed off from last meeting’s agenda due to member Adele Sands not being present. Though she was present this time, Kitty DeGroot was not, so the chair recommended it be delayed until the fall when full attendance is more guaranteed. However, Vice Chair Tom Friedman noted the new fiscal year has started already, and new officers should be appointed sooner rather than later.
Friedman stated DeGroot should and wishes to remain Scribe and nominated Norman Hills as Chair. Rockwell contested, saying, “I’ve been chair for a while. I think I’ve been doing a good job. I certainly have the expertise.” Friedman clarified he was not suggesting his tenure was negative but believed positions such as chair should revolve. Hills accepted the nomination. A motion was made, with Hills becoming the new Chair, Friedman staying on as Vice Chair with the understanding he would seek the position of Chair in the future, and DeGroot maintaining her position as Scribe.
Chair Norm Hills, as his first act, moved to accept the minutes from their last meeting of June 4, which were approved as written. Next, they discussed the Land Bank Fund report, which Rockwell explained is released monthly about a week following the commission’s meetings. As of May 31, there was $250,606 in the fund.
The board then had a short discussion on the Marion Shared Use Path, where they voted in favor of sending the 30-page easement plan to the Select Board for review.
Member Adele Sands was then voted by the commission to be the MOSAC representative to the Community Preservation Committee. Tom Friedman was then voted to be the representative to Sewer and Community Open Space.
The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission is scheduled for Thursday, August 6.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Sam Bishop