On Tuesday night, the Marion Select Board met to vote on a long list of action items, but the board’s acceptance of the warrant for the November 24 Special Town Meeting was preceded by a critical response toward the Citizens Petition submitted by resident Andrew Daniel. With 120 signatures, the petition will nonetheless appear on the warrant.
Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman read from the petition, which states, “The town will vote to authorize and direct the Marion Water Department to establish policy permitting property owners to install, at their own expense, a secondary meter for outdoor water usage, such as non-irrigation, gardening, feeding of livestock, swimming pools, or other non-sewer activities.” Gorman continued, “It also included additional guidance on permitting inspections, billing and fees, and administration and oversight. The petition asks for a change of water and sewer regulations to allow us to separately install and build [secondary] meters.”
Select Board member Norm Hills said he believed it was “generally not a good idea in my opinion” to which the other board members, and the town administrator, agreed. Referring to the next 20 years, Hills added, “we’re going to sewer up a lot more of the town.”
Daniel, the petitioner and Planning Board chair, responded, saying the idea was “consistent with what Mattapoisett and Fairhaven do.” Discussions over the town’s large sewer deficit would linger, with the board arguing this petition would exacerbate the town’s sewer debts.
The board would agree, with Gorman, that they did not support the measure, and Hills added, “we’re not here trying to screw the town (homeowners), we’re trying to make sure the town stays financially stable.” The town administrator would argue “a citizens petition is a hammer, and everything looks like a nail.”
The board agreed to cease discussions and move on, where they would finally agree to accept the Fall Town Meeting Warrant as written, including the Citizens Petition.
The meeting also included some appointments, a Front Street art project, and the Main Street/Front Street stop sign.
The board began the evening by continuing a Public Hearing scheduled for a dog complaint at 116 Dexter Road. Owner Angela Brodeau could not make the meeting, so the hearing was continued to the board’s October 28 meeting.
Next, Richard DePina was recognized by the Select Board for his years of service to Marion’s young students. DePina served as a crossing guard for 16 years at Sippican Elementary School, with Police Chief Richard Nighelli publicly thanking him for his dedication and hard work.
The chief wasn’t done. Next, he spoke on behalf of three officers being appointed as student police officers. Peter O’Brien, Brandon Cardelli and Robert Caldas were all confirmed for this role by the board. They will all begin training in the coming weeks.
Finally for Nighelli, he requested the appointment of retiring Police officer Edward Johnson as special police officer. Though he is retiring, Johnson would like to work details and, with the Select Board’s unanimous approval, will be able to.
The Select Board then approved the appointment of Natalie Burgo to both the Conservation Commission and the Parks & Tree Committee. Candidate Vin Malkoski was not present, but the board still appointed him to the Stewards of Community Open Space.
Mike Malone then presented his ideas for an art installation down Front Street. The proposed project would see Malone paint six 30×30-inch nautical flags, each representing a different letter to spell out “Marion.” Malone’s presentation was of interest to all Select Board members, with Gorman agreeing to work with Malone to make a more concrete plan. Malone did say he would like to complete the art installation before the winter holidays and annual Marion Village Christmas Stroll.
The Marion Fall Town Meeting will be held on Monday, November 24 at 6:45 pm at Sippican Elementary School.
Marion Select Board
By Sam Bishop