The Police Station’s conference room was packed with standing room only for the Marion Select Board’s meeting on Tuesday. About 40 people crowded in, with the walls of the room lined with people eager to support local businesses looking to attain liquor-license approval from the board. There were three public hearings scheduled, as well as some important updates from the town administrator.

            First was a Public Hearing for J. Sull Wine at 119 Wareham Road by Joel Sullivan and Niki Ashley. They received nothing but support from those who spoke from the public, with speakers citing Sull Wine’s willingness to “serve the community” and “eagerness to help others.” Another member of the public said, “they’re smart, they’re customer focused. They know the business, and it’d be great to have them get a new license to open up more opportunities to improve their profits.” Others cited “improvements made to the property” and “increased curb appeal” as their reason for voicing support. There were no negative comments and, thus, the hearing was closed. Much of the room then got up to leave, having fulfilled their goal. As people piled out, Chair Randy Parker had to ask the public to “remain quiet so we can continue our meeting.”

            The board then quickly went through action items before the opening of the next Public Hearing. They approved a Special One Day Alcohol Beverage License for ICJ Corp. at the Marion Music Hall on February 13. They also approved an annual report to the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) and an update to the Water & Sewer Regulations Review Committee Charter.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman talked about putting a mural on the inside wall by the entrance of the Town House. They’re currently looking at various concepts for a mural and would like it to be done by the end of the summer. A design contest would potentially open in March, with a decision to narrow down options the following month. Residents would next vote online, with the presentation of the mural being at a future Select Board meeting. Finally, the mural would be completed and unveiled towards the end of the summer. Some potential requirements were discussed, such as only allowing artists 18 or older, the design being non-political, only being open to Marion residents, one submission per applicant, and others.

             The town administrator then offered an update on the status of the new Department of Public Works building. He said, “Presently, we’re looking at $93,061.09 under budget.” Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland then asked how much solar implementation would cost, to which Parker stated $90,000. The board unanimously agreed to look into the feasibility of adding solar, using the excess funds.

            The next Public Hearing began and was for Megan Corp’s Light House on the corner of Route 6 and Converse Road. Keshan Patel spoke in behalf of his mother, the property’s owner. The previous tenant was evicted, and the owners of the building would like to take over the previous business. Currently the building is vacant, although the front window has been fixed and utilities are functioning. Patel explained there had been an eviction process levied towards previous tenants, with them being taken to court. No members of the public spoke for or against. If they did not receive the licenses, Patel said they would explore either opening a convenience store or leasing out office space. The hearing was closed.

            The town administrator then gave a Town House update. “It’s great over there. I’m very much looking forward to it.” Gorman said the renovation work on the Town House would be completed by the beginning of August. He added they would like to hold an open house over the summer.

            Executive Assistant Donna Hemphill was given public praise for her work with approving approximately 100 licenses and inspections in the past weeks. “It went smoothly. We are done for this year,” she said. Gorman added they are working on a grant proposal for electronic licensing.

            Gorman spoke on UMass Boston’s Harbor Institute winning the bid for a 12-to-18-month assessment towards a Harbor Management Plan. They won the bid at under the $150,000 maximum awarded by a grant.

            The next Public Hearing was for SGT Hospitality’s The Atlantic Bistro. Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina was formerly executive chef of Barcino in Newport, Rhode Island, and is looking to gain ownership of The Atlantic Bistro from Executive Chef Chris Thibeault, who is co-owner with his wife Jennifer Thibeault. Two new owners, Gonzalez-Trasvina and her partner, would be taking over after working there for about four years together. The Thibeaults will be leasing the property to the couple for five years. Hoagland supported the idea, and loved the prospect of takeout and allowing more places to eat throughout the winter months. No comments were made against the proposal. The public heating was closed.

            The Select Board then moved to debate the closed public hearings. The board agreed unanimously to approve the first, second, and third properties’ license requests.

            The Select Board then moved to another room for an Executive Session related to the Marion Golf Club.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

After three days of the trial, on December 12, Andre Arsenault, 37, was found guilty on all eleven counts by the jury at his trial held in Brockton Superior Court. He was convicted of nine counts of indecent assault and battery, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of rape. These charges all resulted from instances occurring at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. The victim was a student at the school with the abuse happening between 2021 and 2022.

            Rochester Police had arrested Arsenault in March 2025 following the victim coming forward in 2022. Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. said, “This verdict reflects the tireless work, professionalism, and dedication of everyone involved. I want to specifically recognize the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, particularly Assistant District Attorney Jim Duffy and Assistant District Attorney Jordyn Carpenter, whose preparation and advocacy were exceptional. I also commend Detective Catherine Connolly of the Rochester Police Department for her outstanding investigative work and unwavering commitment to this case. Sergeant Connor Leddin was also an integral part of the case, and I appreciate his professionalism and hard work. Most importantly, today’s outcome represents justice for the victim, whose strength and courage throughout this process cannot be overstated.”

            December 19, Andre Arsenault was sentenced in Brockton Superior Court to five years in Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Lancaster. Following his release in late-2030, he will be on probation for two years. Arsenault has a wife and children of his own and had been Old Colony’s culinary arts teacher. He had a long history with Old Colony, having graduated from the school’s Culinary Arts Department in 2006. The school as of yet has not released an official comment following the verdict.

By Sam Bishop

Rochester’s Select Board Monday signed a new contract with New England Rodeo, allowing the company to continue using the former 18.6-acre Country Fair grounds at 65 Pine Street in 2026.

            The rodeos, averaging two per month, were hosted at the Pine Street property from June to October of 2025, and the town earned $41,000 in revenue from the events. Town Administrator Cameron Durant reported before the approval vote Monday what this year’s contract will add.

            The pact for 2026 will include a $2,500 fee to leave the rodeo equipment on site over the winter. The fee to lease the land for next season will rise from $8,000 per month to $9,000 per month, plus the cost of the electricity the rodeo uses during its season.

            Durant noted the revenue for the next rodeo season will jump to $47,000 this coming season, and he elaborated that the rodeo’s first season in town was a good one. “No disruptions to safety,” Durant said. “Police and Fire had no issues. It had a good year.”

            Next, the board learned a plan is in the works to consolidate the town’s regulations and codes into a database that will be available on the town website. Durant said this would be a resource for residents, search-able by topic. He said the project has been in the works for around five years. It was started by previous town clerk and Select Board member Naida Parker, and it includes 179 changes to town codes.

            After his work with a professional consulting firm on what needs to be in it, this “Ecode Project,” Durant said, is in a rough-draft stage. He instructed the Select Board to review the document materials. He said the final draft will need to be approved by the Select Board and the Planning Board, then by Town Meeting.

            In other business, the board continued to its next meeting a vote on whether to exercise the town’s right to purchase two lots covering High Street, County Road, Cross Road and Forbes Road and 5 acres off of Pierce Street. Durant explained the Buzzards Bay Coalition is in the middle of negotiating with the landowner to transfer these properties to that land conservation group.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board was not scheduled at adjournment.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco