Old Landing is an attractive little park and draws new interest for varying usage, but recent conversation with Demi Barros and Helen Westergard led Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail to propose the installation of a plaque commemorating the Veterans Memorial at the Front Street site.
In meeting with Barros and Westerguard, two members of the original committee, McGrail told Monday night’s meeting of the Select Board, “I learned a lot.” Describing “blood, sweat and tears” that went into a 1980s effort to make the park the beautiful site it is now, McGrail said, “What it is today is a phenomenal part of our community.”
Events at Old Landing, he said, have kept alive the spirit of the park originally created as a memorial to veterans, “but if we don’t memorialize the work that they did …” Thus, a new plaque will be stationed at the entrance, memorializing the committee and the intent of the park. “So long after all of us, everyone in this room, there’s no question,” as to the identity of the park.
Barros suggested placing the plaque on the existing stone post between the World War I Memorial and Front Street.
A draft of the suggested contents is titled: Veterans Memorial Park, Marion, Massachusetts, and reads: Developed from 1981 through 1984 by Committee Members Belmiro J. Barros, Jr., Chairman; Helen G. Westergard, Secretary & Treasurer; Warren L. Washburn; Charles Packard, VFW Post 2425 Commander; Christopher Taft. Board of Selectmen: Joseph P. Zora; Betsy Parks; David Johns. In order that our veterans might be remembered in perpetuity.
Old Landing will once again host Marion’s Memorial Day Remembrances and will be the finish of a procession that begins at the Music Hall on Monday, May 30.
The Select Board acknowledged receipt of a memo from the Energy Management Committee regarding its interests in redefining its scope and name change to include climate and/or resiliency. After discussing the matter individually with each of the three Select Board members, McGrail reported to Monday’s meeting that there was unanimous agreement on one aspect and that was to take the memo under advisement and put more thought into a response.
The EMC’s request to restore Jennifer Francis as a full voting member also hit a snag. Her inclusion will make even the number of voting members, a less-than-ideal circumstance. McGrail clarified that the board hopes Francis can be on the committee with full voting privileges but needs further discussion with the EMC to determine any other potential pathways toward that goal outside of just adding her to the roster. As of now, there are five full members, one alternate and one open spot. McGrail told the board he will discuss the matter with EMC Chairman Christian Ingerslev.
The Select Board voted to close the warrant for the May 9 Annual Town Meeting, which will consist of 46 articles, a special Town Meeting within the regular Town Meeting including two articles. There is also one ballot question that citizens will vote on.
Marion will host a “Pre-Town Meeting” informational meeting on Wednesday, April 27, at 6:00 pm via Zoom. This year’s warrant will include the Capital Improvements Planning Committee report for the first time, and Article 9 will ask voters to approve a capital plan rather than each individual capital article.
The board also voted to ratify the decision and execute the agreement of the recent dog complaint, as proposed by Town Counsel Jon Witten.
RaceWire will manage a road race that the organization hopes can be held on Mother’s Day, May 8. Up to 200 runners are expected for a 5k race. The board voted its approval for requested road closures including an alternate date of Sunday, May 15. The applicant was advised to contact Marion Police regarding a detail.
In his Town Administrator’s Report, McGrail filled up the town calendar of events, beginning with a second open house of the existing and proposed Department of Public Works facilities on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 10:00 am at the Highway Garage on Route 6.
A van will be available to bring attendees across Route 6 to check out the proposed site on Benson Brook Road. Breakfast will be available.
McGrail said the town is working with architect Will Saltonstall on a potential plan for solar energy on the new DPW roof and a video presentation is planned for the May 9 Town Meeting. ORCTV, meanwhile, has worked with Harbormaster Isaac Perry to produce a video explaining the Maritime Center proposal.
The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 9, at 6:45 pm at Sippican Elementary School, and the Annual Town Election will be held on Friday, May 13, at the Cushing Community Center.
In light of Onset’s cancelation, Marion expects a crowd for this year’s fireworks scheduled for Friday, July 1. Marion’s Independence Day Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, on the traditional route. The Annual Marion Town Party will be held on Saturday, August 27, at Silvershell Beach.
Spring-season hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 19, and completed by June 15. Annual water restrictions are scheduled for June 15 to September 15. McGrail said that without the restriction, Marion would run the risk of exceeding its water withdrawal limit. The board voted to approve the restriction.
The board voted to sign the Arbor Day proclamation for April 30 per the Tree Committee’s annual request.
McGrail also noted that the town’s street sweeper is broken but will be fixed next week.
Under action items, the board also voted to approve five Water/Sewer commitments of: $1,097,171.33 (quarterly billing March 15); $11,563.96 (quarterly billing March 14); $1,234.08 (quarterly billing March 11); $403.15 (final readings March 24) and $1,238.35 (final readings March 30.)
The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, at 6:00 pm at the Music Hall.
Marion Select Board
By Mick Colageo