The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday for a Public Hearing for tree removal on Point Road and Washburn Park Road, as well as some other routine business and community updates.
The board began with the chair of the Open Space Acquisition Commission, John Rockwell, being phoned in by Select Board Chair Randy Parker for the public hearing. Local Landscaper Steve Gonsalves spoke first in support of the removal of the trees for the Marion Shared Use Path. There was a list of seven trees designated for removal on the path’s proposed route. “Out of the seven trees that are here, we are going to be able to save that Black Oak (Tree #6 on Washburn Park Road).” Gonsalves added the tree and its roots would be unharmed. “It’s tough to see some of these trees go, but the path needs to go there.” He said the state would give two trees for every one tree removed. So, 14 trees would be granted in total. These trees are to be removed in the spring of 2027.
The state is responsible for paying for the tree removals, not the town. He added the tree survey was of great benefit, as they discovered the white pine, or tree number 7, was at risk of falling due to rot. The hearing was closed; the black oak was removed from the list as it will be preserved.
Next, Children’s Librarian Macy Davis of the Elizabeth Tabor Library spoke on a grant request for a desired project. A Community Biodiversity Grant of $35000 is sought for the establishment of an outdoor classroom space. It would be on the south side of the library, between the building and the Town House. No electrical or irrigation would be necessary. If funding by the state was awarded, final plans would be brought to the Select Board for approval.
The project would see six raised garden beds: half for pollinator garden plants and half for hands-on vegetable gardens. All-weather storage and stage as well as picnic tables and signage showing the importance of local organisms would also be constructed. Outdoor instruments would be powered-coated metal, storage and stage are to be pressure-treated wood.
It would all be specifically designed for outdoor use with children. The stage is about 3 inches tall. Hills asked and it was clarified that this and the accompanying project would fit into the library’s decorating budget. Davis stated it would, with no funding alteration needed.
The current timeline shows funding awarded in February with surveying and planning following. The grand opening would be in June 2026. “This is still largely hypothetical” Davis said, as they await grant approval.
The select board unanimously approved the effort for the grant.
The board then, following a quick discussion, approved the Revised Water & Sewer Regulation Review Committee Charter.
Next, Luke Mello, currently in training, was appointed as Inspector of Animals. This inspector is shared between Marion and Mattapoisett, with the latter solely paying for the position.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Resource Recovery Facility (SEMASS) contract amendment was approved. This is a 5-year contract involving the waste-to-energy plant in Rochester.
The Marion Select Board has an Executive Session scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 3:00 pm involving negotiations with the Town Administrator. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 6 at 6pm.
Marion Select Board
By Sam Bishop