Rochester’s Select Board and the Rochester Memorial School Committee on Monday reviewed a budget proposal that includes a plan to cut four instructional staff positions in the next fiscal year.

            That part of the $8.5 million proposal for the Rochester Public Schools’ FY27 packed the meeting room with concerned residents as Director of Finance Howard Barber explained the department is dealing with a 7.3 percent budget increase over FY26. Two new students with expensive out-of-district special education needs have entered the school system, he explained. That’s what had causing the budget increase that staff reduction would offset.

            Attendees made it clear that seeing three regular teaching positions and one special education position is not what they want to see happen. “These reductions is not what I want to see,” Kate Duggan, School Committee chair, said, speaking on their behalf. “I want to know how we can take these back.” She wanted to know if the money for these positions could still be found or raised in some other way.

            The basic answer from officials: it is a hard gap to fill. Select Board Chair Adam Murphy said school special education costs will go up. That factor is never going to change. Town Administrator Cameron Durant said state contributions to the town will only be $35,000 more this year than last year. Spending for special education needs is a mandate the state doesn’t fund well.

            “If a need like that is enough to wreak havoc on us, then the system is broken,” Committee Member Robin Rounseville said.

            Durant agreed, but noted the current proposals are just estimates. Full estimates will come later. Murphy asked audience members to hold off on asking budget questions until the school committee holds its FY27 budget review meeting later this month.
            Earlier in the meeting, the two groups appointed former school committee candidate Barbara Lee to the Rochester Memorial School Committee to replace Anne Fernandes, who resigned in November. Before this result, audience members objected to the two board’s first motion, which was to table a decision to a later meeting. They wanted to be sure proper procedures were being followed in replacing Fernandes.

            The motion to table was rescinded. Two candidates presented their credentials: Lee and finance committee member David Arancio. Lee won the majority in a roll call vote.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals is allowing the dog kennel at 246 New Bedford Street to expand. The board on February 26 granted a Special Permit to allow up to 15 adult dogs for a kennel license that currently permits a maximum of six.

            Applicant Jacqueline Orlando explained she breeds Australian Shepherds. She now has 12 adult dogs at her and her husband Michael’s 1.19-acre kennel and horse farm. There are typically eight puppies in a litter, but these dogs are not part of the kennel count because they are under six months old and are quickly “re-housed” with other people. She needs an expanded license but will keep her dogs within the existing building and the existing footprint, she said.

            Acting Chair Davis Sullivan asked how quiet her dogs are. Orlando said she keeps them as quiet as possible, and she’s only had one complaint that she quickly resolved.

            Input from neighbors who attended eased the approval decision. Ray Melanson said he and his wife Marilyn have had no problem with the Orlando kennel. “They’ve been a great neighbor,” he said. “Let her do it. It’s a farm.”

            The board unanimously approved the Special Permit with the following conditions: The building footprint is not to be modified; and the permit allows no more than 15 adult dogs over six months of age to be on the premises.

            In other action, the board approved cutting its budget for FY27 in half, from $1,000 to $500. This vote came after Board Administrator Andreia Lacerda noted she historically spends only $500 from the account every year, and the town is looking to cut costs for the upcoming fiscal year.

            The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals did not set a date for its next meeting before adjourning.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

            As rain fell, whilst whittling away the mountains of snow left by last week’s blizzard, the Marion Select Board was accompanied by the Planning Board for a Joint-Meeting for the interview of applicants to fill the remainder of the vacant seat on the Planning Board.

            First though, they began with a Public Hearing for applicant Sonal Patel of the Marion Beer & Wine Store for a retail package good license for the sale of wine and malt. Sonal’s mother spoke, as she will be acting as manager of the store. “I promise we will do good,” she said, saying they will follow all laws and guidelines before them in order to serve family and friends.

            They’ve owned the property since 2015, currently the site of Lighthouse Liquors at 664 Mill Street on the corner of Route 6 and Converse Road. She mentioned all work on the exterior of the building will be done next week and will be followed by interior work, beginning with the ceiling.

            Chair Randy Parker said he wanted a public safety inspection before opening. “As soon as you’ve got that done, you could go see Donna [Hemphill] and she would issue your beer and wine license.” A $75 fee paid to the Building Commissioner is required for the inspection.

            Next began the Joint Meeting with the Planning Board in the search for candidates to fill the vacant term up until May 15, where Town Election will decide a candidate for a full term.

            Kimberly Holbrook participated in her interview first, as a member of the Energy Management Committee, she noted her experience with the town.

            She mentioned she was a film executive producer and had previously lived in New York City. She said, “I love being a part of a team and hearing disparate views and trying to make everyone happy.” When asked, she said she was considering a run for a full term but will use this interim term to try it out.

            They asked on her experience, with none yet on planning boards. Though she said she was dedicated and looking to learn.

            Lauren Knight went next, who had lived much of her life in town. She noted her mother’s work in town, notably at the Marion Art Center, and her dad who was a history professor at Tabor Academy. She is a retired educator with a master’s in education who lived and taught in Holden, “I have yet to give back as I’ve over a busy mother of three.” She mentioned she would run in upcoming election.

            She worked on a major renovation in Holden as a key person. She added she’s been involved in Marion as a member of the board of the Marion Art Center for 10 years as well as a Elizabeth Tabor Sculpture committee member for 2 years.

            “I consider myself a peacemaker,” she said. She is a homeowner on Olde Knoll Road and a new mooring owner who is a life-long sailor and has participated in 5 Bermuda races and taught sailing at Tabor.

            She said she believed the job of the Planning Board is to bring business to the town but maintain the town’s history. Lockheed Martin leaving is a great opportunity for such, she said. Planning challenges in town would be updating the Master Plan, last done in 2017. She also mentioned work on Route 6, roads, and sidewalks as priorities.

            Ann Morgan went next, saying she moved to town a couple years ago and recently retired as Director of Planning and Economic Development in Webster on November 14, 2025. She lived much of her life on Martha’s Vineyard. She has 40 years of experience in planning. She mentioned she loves working with municipal government.

            She said she would be running in the upcoming election. “I see the environment down here being beautiful and fragile.” She mentioned she was a “big fan of listening to people” as well as preserving the unique character of the town. She made reference to various preservation bylaws as well as saying “I’m a history buff” and mentioned she was the chair of her town’s historic commission.

            “Have you had a chance to look at our master plan?” The chair asked. “I have,” she replied, “it’s outdated” she said to laughs around the room.

            Sean Sweeney spoke next, saying he was excited by the number of people running. He’s been in town on-and-off since 2006. He was on the Planning and Design group at MIT for three years recently. He wants different town bodies to work together like ten planning and zoning board.

            He is a civil engineer by training and had been in construction for 40 years. He works for the national agency CHA Consulting that works on over $1 billion of construction projects nationally.

            He has an MBA in finance and a law degree that he uses for construction law. He said he would run for the full term in May.

            Ted Warmhart’s resume was read aloud, who owns Arron’s Inc on Route 6 and had been on the Zoning Board of Appeals in the past.

            Chair Parker then moved to hold a “straw poll” but first, Vice Chair John Hoagland asked the Planning Board what exactly they need for the next two months in filling this role. Member Eileen Marum said she preferred Ann Morgan due to her experience and her ability to “contribute a positive way” on day one, mentioning experience as a “vital” quality. Vice-Chair Alana Nelson mentioned the same thing, saying it’s good to make use of the few months they have to complete work.         Member Ryan Burke mentioned fellow member Jon Henry will be absent due to surgery, saying again that experience it’s important. Tucker Burr, joining the meeting on the phone, said he puts a value on people who are from around here and know the town.

            Chair of Andrew Daniel said of filling this position, “I would’ve dreamed for a qualified candidate, I never dreamed we’d get five – actually 6. It’s mind blowing that people are starting to want to get involved.” He said he didn’t have much experience when he joined but had learned on the job. “I’m just ecstatic. Whoever doesn’t get picked, I’d strongly consider running. If not for this, another position in town. We desperately need your passion.”

            Hoagland said he would support what the Planning Board believed they needed. Member Norm Hills said he believed someone who would hit the ground running was important for the decision. Chair Parker said there would be a poll by raise of hands.

            The final tally was: Holbrook: 0 votes, Knight: 2 votes, Morgan: 3 votes, Sweeney: 3 votes, Warmhart: 0 votes.

            Due to the tie between Sean Sweeney and Ann Morgan, there was a tie breaker vote. Morgan: 3 votes, Sweeney: 5 votes. Daniel made a motion to nominate Sean Sweeney for the temporary term, which was approved by a majority vote. Norm Hills, Alana Nelson, and Eileen Marum abstained from this vote.

            There are three (3) spots on the Planning Board open in healing election.

            Finally, there was a discussion regarding a fortune teller license from Valarie Lansfied.

She wants to hold tarot card readings to her painting event business. She said it was a hobby, but a license is required in order to charge money for card reading per a state law from the 1960s. The Chair confirmed there isn’t official town policy regarding it.

            A quarry/background check was recommended. The Chair said he would recommend going forward, but there needs to be follow up, should a revocation policy be added. Chair Parker approved it pending an official revocation clause being added in. They also want to look at Wareham’s law to see if they have one. There will be a $50 application fee for the license.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

            Likewise, the next meeting of the Marion Planning Board, with their new member Sean Sweeney, is scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop