ArtTalk at the MAC

on

Would you like to join a group chat about art? Or perhaps you would like a better understanding of works that you “just don’t get”? Join the MAC for a virtual discussion about art (no knowledge of art or art history required!).

            The Marion Art Center’s new monthly program, ArtTalk at the MAC, is similar to a book club. Participants will be sent two different artworks by a host. This could be in the form of images, videos, or links. The host will choose one piece of artwork that he or she is fond of for group discussion. The second piece will be artwork the host doesn’t particularly like or understand but might interest others. The host will provide images and/or links, plus short artist bios and/or descriptions of selected works to the group, prior to the monthly scheduled meeting.

            Art could be from a private collection, a publication, seen online, or a famous work found in a museum. Art may also include poetry, dance, video, performance, or installation art. The group will meet at a scheduled date and time (currently via Zoom). Participants are invited to make their own cocktails or refreshments! ArtTalk at the MAC will continue on-site when we are able to safely meet as a group. 

            The first session of #ArtTalkattheMAC is scheduled on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 pm. This will be an organizational meeting to discuss the schedule and arrange hosts, with a brief art discussion. Jennifer Wolfe Webb, MAC board President, will host the initial meeting. To register, email info@marionartcenter.org with “ArtTalk at the MAC” in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, preferred email address (if different than one you are using), and phone number. Contact Executive Director Jodi Stevens at the Marion Art Center with any questions.

            ArtTalk at the MAC is one of the Marion Art Center’s new online offerings through its program titled “the Virtual MAC.” Join an online gallery, submit poetry, see artists’ videos, and more at www.marionartcenter.org/virtual-mac.

Bishop Stang Third Quarter Honor Roll

on

Bishop Stang High School is proud of the accomplishments of our students and recognizes those students earning Honor Roll distinction. Students on the President’s List have an average 95 or above, and a 90 or above in all courses. Students receiving First Honors have an average 90 or above, and an 85 or above in all courses. Those with Second Honors have an average 85 or above, and an 80 or above in all courses. 

            The following students from our area are being recognized for their academic achievement at Bishop Stang High School for their performance in the third quarter:

Marion, President’s List: Raquel da Costa ’21, and Aaron Wilkinson ’20

First Honors: Maeve Egger ’22,  Fiona Lonergan ’20, Catherine Russo ’20, Luke Tougas ’23,  Laurenne Wilkinson ’20, and Nellie Zygiel’22

Second Honors: Bridget Clavell ’21, Sophie Lynch ’21, Morgan Miedema ’22, and Redmond Podkowa ’23

Mattapoisett, President’s List: Julia Downey ’23, Kathleen Downey ’20, Liam Downey ’21, and Eleanor Senna ’23

First Honors: Lauren Lapointe ’20, and Ella Meninno ’21

Second Honors: Chloe Lanagan ’20, Cameron Letourneau ’23, Joel Michaud ’21, and Claire Surprenant ’22

Rochester, First Honors: Dylan Aguiar ’21

Second Honors: Maxwell Brulport ’21, Michelle King ’20, and Briana Pothier ’22

Mattapoisett Lions Club Scholarship

on

To the Editor;

            Mario Conde, President of The Mattapoisett Lions Club, one of 45,000 Lion’s Clubs worldwide, has announced the two recipients of 2020 Peter Hodges Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club, in the amount of $2,500 each.

            This year’s recipients are Kathleen Downey of Mattapoisett, a senior at Bishop Stang High School. Kathleen will be attending Harvard where her studies will focus on economics and environmental engineering.  Laurenne Wilkinson of Marion, also a senior at Bishop Stang High School, will be attending Boston College’s Carroll School of Management focusing her studies on management and leadership.

            Both are recognized for their outstanding work in community service, both at school and in their respective communities, their career goals and academic achievements.

            Over the past ten years, the members of the Mattapoisett Lions Club have awarded $50,000 in scholarships to seventeen recipients.

            These awards would not be possible without the strong community and town departments support we’ve received over the years.

            Funds for these awards are raised through the efforts of the Mattapoisett Lions at our annual Harbor Days Arts and Crafts Festival and other events throughout the year. To find out more information about the Mattapoisett Lions Club and how to join, please visit us at www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org and follow us on FaceBook

Mattapoisett Lions Club Awards Committee

Helene Rose, Dr. Jeff Swift, Ron Ellis, Connie Hayes, and Lynne Foley

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Marion Residents Preview Septic Proposal

on

Title 5-compliant septic systems were not designed to protect the water from the release of nitrogen, a long-standing problem intensified by the SouthCoast’s sandy waters. Thusly, the Marion Board of Health has offered a sneak peek into its impending proposal for a new regulation-making mandatory a nitrogen-reducing technology in any new septic installation at what has been described as a “tiny percentage (increase) to the overall cost.”

            This would pertain to any new construction and to any failed system at the point of sale of an existing construction. No other septic systems will be subject to this regulation.

            Septic systems are one of five major contributors to nitrogen in the water, along with wastewater treatment plants, cranberry bogs, fertilizer, and vehicle exhaust emissions, according to a May 16 informational webinar held via Zoom video conference.

            Cape Cod-based, alternative septic systems expert George Heufelder was a guest presenter in the webinar, explaining the new system and taking questions in hopes of getting the public on board with a program billed as the town’s first to address the future of the inner harbors.

            “The increase in nitrogen reduces the oxygen available for life,” said Dot Brown of the Marion Health Department, noting that since 1991 the town’s inner harbors have not improved in this regard. Nitrogen, says Brown, has been increasing over that time span.

            According to the presentation, the currently required Title 5-compliant septic systems remove 25 percent of the nitrogen in water; Heufelder says data coming in from communities using the new technology supports the potential removal of 60 to 70 percent of nitrogen.

            “Alternative septic systems are science. They’re not rocket science; they’re science,” said Heufelder, alluding to a potential windfall of installation opportunities for engineers, sanitarians, and people who are interested in wastewater to be on the ground floor of an innovation. “We’ve been dumping (wastewater) in the ground and a bunch of sand and hoping it’d do the job for eons. It’s just not doing the job because so many are doing it.”

            Marion residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether to accept the proposal. A public hearing will be held on the matter on June 16, with town meeting scheduled for Monday, June 22.

            When sewer is available, Department of Environmental Protection Section 13.305 (4) mandates all systems must be changed to sewer unless the system is an approved alternative. That would include this new technology if approved.

            In his presentation, Heufelder stated that “Nitrogen from onsite septic systems is a major cause of environmental disruption in near-shore areas, causing excessive algae growth and depleted oxygen levels. Alternative septic systems manipulate the natural nitrogen cycle and remove the nutrient forms to produce a harmless nitrogen gas.

            Heufelder estimated that a standard Title 5-compliant unit typically removes 20 to 30 percent of the nitrogen from wastewater. The majority leeches to the groundwater as nitrate and migrates the shoreline, causing environmental degradation. With the treatment unit attached, the majority of the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere as nitrogen gas.

            “We have a real good feeling for what technologies work and what ones don’t,” said Heufelder, urging residents to visit the Massachusetts DEP website.

            Long Island, he says, is just coming out of the cesspool era and is among areas yielding positive results, along with Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and locations as near as West Falmouth and as far as the west coast.

            The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center is operated by the Barnstable County Department of Health and known by Heufelder as “Poop Central.” 

            Stony Brook University, located on Long Island Sound about halfway across the island, has corroborated the study in a partnership of its Center for Clean Water Technology.

            Residents’ questions via chat participation addressed logistical matters, but multiple queries focused on following the dollar and asking who’s to benefit in terms of contracting installations?

            “Who profits from all of this? You’re just hearing a voice on the end of a computer, but I’d say you’re all profiting from it,” said Heufelder. “No one focuses the efforts toward one lab or one vendor. If you’re an engineer and you’re listening to this, you can (install systems). I don’t have any dog in this fight.”

            Heufelder stressed that the technology is non-proprietary and that anyone can learn how to install and maintain the new system. His accompanying caution was diligent monitoring. An unchecked treatment unit on the blink, he said, is a step back from a traditional Title 5-compliant system minus the treatment unit.

            “If you ain’t watching, they ain’t working,” he said.

            Seasonal use requires more monitoring, as it takes one to two weeks of operation for a year-old system to resume denitrification. According to Heufelder’s presentation, the Marion Board of Health will establish its own monitoring and testing requirements.

            Brown estimated that a system with the treatment unit would cost an average size (i.e. three-to-four-bedroom) home approximately $6,700.

            “There might come a time when the state becomes much more dictatorial,” said Brown, noting sweeping changes in regulations in other parts of the country. “This is what we’re trying to avoid.”

By Mick Colageo

‘No Mask – No Enter’ Selectmen Develop Disciplinary Process

on

            On May 14 the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen discussed how and if they had the authority to implement fines or other disciplinary actions should businesses violate conditions imposed by Governor Baker that were to be updated on May 18. The specific issue is the need to wear face coverings inside places of businesses.

            Selectman Paul Silva expressed his concerns saying that, in the many years he has served the town, the number of calls he has received from people concerned that others are not wearing masks in public outpaces all other topics. “I’ve heard more about people, businesses not following the governor’s orders than anything else,” he said.

            Silva asked Town Administrator Mike Lorenco what he had learned in recent discussions with the town’s counsel on this topic – does the Board of Selectmen have the authority to impose fines?

            Lorenco said that his office had also been receiving calls from concerned residents. Silva said he wanted to come up with a policy, one that would notify businesses if they were in violation, giving them the opportunity to correct problems, followed by increasingly more stringent steps including the possibility of license revocation in the event rules continued to be breached.

            Lorenco shared the opinion of town counsel that the Board of Selectmen does not have the authority to impose fines but can call into question operating permits. “Only the Board of Health can impose fines,” Lorenco stated, “but you can hold hearings on licenses.” He further explained that current bylaws do not spell out specific fines for specific, non-criminal-action causes, thus the BOS does not have that authority.

            Last week Marion’s Board of Selectmen voted to give its Chief of Police, John Garcia, the authority to issue fines on defiant businesses or individuals but only as a last resort.

            Regarding masks, Lorenco said that a new explanatory flier was being passed out to businesses that spells out “No Mask – No Enter” and other signage that business owners can use to help educate themselves and the public.

            “I still think we should have a policy, three step policy,” Silva reiterated. Selectman Jordan Collyer concurred. Collyer said, “Maybe three steps, first a verbal warning with a letter outlining the verbal warning, then a written warning, then a hearing with maybe a suspension.” Collyer said that if someone calls to report a business those “complaints” must be in writing to ensure fairness to the business owner. “We are going to need something firm to avoid challenges,” he said. The selectmen agreed that electronic messages from the public with contact details would be acceptable. “It’s absolutely necessary to let businesses know so they can address it, so we don’t have to,” said Silva. Collyer asked Lorenco to draft the steps and have them reviewed by town counsel before moving forward.

            On the matter of fines, Lorenco said the Board of Health does have that authority, but the selectmen decided to wait until after May 18 to see if further measures would be necessary, “Let’s wait and see if the governor’s recommendations are sufficient,” Silva said.

            Earlier in the meeting the selectmen voted to open the spring town meeting warrant for petition articles until May 28. Currently the spring town meeting is scheduled for June 22.

            Financial implications from COVID-19 remain high. During an email conversation with former town administrator, now town consultant Mike Gagne, he reported to The Wanderer that the original FY21 operating budget had been sent back to all town departments in an effort to trim expenses. He wrote, “Local schools has trimmed their budget, they are at the lowest percentage increase I have seen in many years. Revenues that will be down, motor vehicle excise taxes, expect state aid to schools will be down, permits, license and fees down, earnings on interest.” While the primary source of revenue for the Tri-Town communities comes from real estate taxes, both Gagne and Lorenco stressed the importance of keeping a tight rein on expenses.

            Lorenco said during the May 14 meeting, “We are reworking the budgets to level spending wherever.” He said that monies were being redistributed in the updated budget-planning process, that numbers were being verified and that further cuts might be needed. Thinking ahead, Lorenco said, “…budgets and savings aren’t going to stop in June; we are going to take a conservative approach to hiring and spending in case things are prolonged.” He said that fiscal impacts from COVID-19 are likely to be felt through 2022.

            Silva said that state aid to the town generally comes in at $1,500,000 on a $28,000,000 budget. Lorenco noted the state is facing a heavy fiscal burden. “The state’s April budget came in $2.3 billion under budget… I expect a lot of financial trouble at the state and federal level.” He said it is possible hiring will be cut and capital expenditures trimmed. Collyer agreed that wherever possible savings will be sought, “We don’t want to overshoot our growth… we’re taking a hardline approach and may cut back our 2.5-percent levy.” He said that, should fiscal matters improve, the fall town meeting would be an opportunity to add back expense line items that were cut in the spring town meeting. But for now expenditures needed to be cutback.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen was not been scheduled at press time.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Janice E. (Long) Bolton

on

Janice E. (Long) Bolton, 74, of Fall River, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Catholic Memorial Home. She was the wife of the late Daniel Bolton.

            Mrs. Bolton was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Elsie M. Long and had been a longtime resident of Westport before relocating to Fall River. Prior to her retirement, she worked as librarian of the Mattapoisett Public Library for many years. She was a member of the Unitarian Universal Church, Fairhaven. A lover of everything outdoors, she enjoyed jogging, kayaking, cross-country skiing and her favorite, quahogging on the Westport River.

            Survivors include her son: Ronald E. Besse, Jr. of Fall River; her daughter: Christine M. Besse of Fall River; 3 grandchildren: Danielle, Alyson and Samantha; and 2 great grandchildren: Ajay and Aidyn.

            A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

George L. Hossfield, Jr

on

George L. Hossfield, Jr, 97, of Mattapoisett MA died May 12, 2020 in his apartment in Carbondale IL. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, M. Jaqueline (Dwyer) Hoss-field in 2015.

            Born in Paterson, NJ to the late George L. Hossfield and Frieda E. (Marty) Hossfield, he lived in Paterson and Teaneck NJ, Cambridge, Quincy, Walpole, and Mattapoisett MA. He had wintered in Dunedin, FL for 30 years and summered in Mattapoisett since 1972. He passed away in Carbondale under the care of his loving daughter.

            Born into a family who treasured music, Mr. Hossfield began playing the piano like his father at a young age and played the violin in his high school orchestra. He focused on classical piano and became a proficient pianist filling his home with the sounds of Beethoven, Chopin, Bach and Mozart.

            After graduating from Teaneck High School, Mr. Hossfield studied electrical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA having his studies interrupted by WWII. He served as a weather forecaster in the U.S. Army Air Force during the war and was able to return to his studies and graduate as an electrical engineer from MIT after the war. He worked for a power company after graduation and married M. Jacqueline Dwyer June 5, 1948. They lived in Quincy before buying their first home in Walpole. Later he earned a masters degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

            While living in Walpole Mr. Hossfield was an active member of the Epiphany Episcopal Church (Superintendent of Sunday School), the Azure Masonic Lodge and Troop 97 of the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid gardener and bee keeper. He learned carpentry and fine cabinetry at a trade school to add an attached garage and bedroom on his first house and built all the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and a second bathroom in his second home in addition to many other home projects. He was very interested in geology and a member of the Boston Mineral Club. He brought his family to many mines to chisel out various specimens, bringing them home to create an impressive collection that has delighted many visitors.

            While a student at MIT he began sailing on the Charles River and taught his future wife to enjoy sailing as well. Later he taught his children and grandchildren to sail and was active in the Power Squadron where he mastered seamanship and celestial navigation. He sailed his own boats on lakes in Maine and Massachusetts and in the sea in Boston Harbor and Buzzards Bay, spending weekends sailing to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, the Elizabethan Islands and Block Island. He shared a love of the ocean with his wife and in 1972 they purchased their home on the water in Mattapoisett MA where they enjoyed the association of the Point Connett and Mattapoisett community and hosted almost constant visits from children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, ex-tended family and friends. He spent many hours in his later years sitting on their deck watching children play on the sandbars and sailboat races across the bay and greeting all the neighbors as they passed by. In Mattapoisett he was a member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion, MA and the Pythagorean Masonic Lodge in Marion.

            Through his employment with Allis-Chalmers he spent many months traveling in Europe, learning German, French, and Dutch and loving all the people and their cultures. Later he brought his wife and sons with him to Europe, Japan, and China on various trips. He also went out of his way to visit relatives and his ancestral homes in Switzerland and Germany.

            While wintering in Florida Mr. Hossfield enjoyed participating in all the Cedar Creek Court social activities and he became co-editor with his wife of the monthly newsletter for 17 years. He also began studying, collecting, cleaning and classifying sea shells. His wife got him to share her zest for yard sales.

            Survivors include three sons, George Hossfield, III and his wife Jing of Sandown, NH, Robin Hossfield and his wife Linda of Vero Beach, FL, and Dale Hossfield of Vero Beach, FL; a daughter, Brooke Thibeault and her husband Thom of Carbondale, IL; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews with whom he corresponded.

            He was the brother of the late Berenice Hossfield Voght of Charleston RI.

            A celebration of life is being planned for sometime in the summer when the pandemic allows. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 545, Marion MA 02738 or the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 186 Tremont St., Boston MA 02111.

            Arrangements are with the Neptune Society of Florida and Meredith Funeral Home, 300 S University Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901.

Mattapoisett Machacam Club

on

We’re sad to announce that the June 3 meeting of the Machacam Club has been canceled. Recognizing the need for caution and safety during this difficult time, it is best to pass on this meeting and allow the virus to run its course. June is the last meeting of the season and our next meeting will be held on September 2, 2020. If you have questions, please call 508-758-1326 or email cwmccullough@comcast.net.

Tabor Academy to Celebrate Seniors

on

            On May 29 at 10:00 am, Tabor Academy will congratulate 134 seniors from 15 states and 11 countries around the world in an online virtual gathering. In spite of the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2020 has enjoyed many accomplishments this year. Each of the graduates is on their way to exciting plans in college at home and abroad in the year ahead, and 26 students will be inducted into the Tabor Academy chapter of Cum Laude Society, a recognition for high scholastic achievement in secondary schools.

            The Class of 2020, like all students, had an unexpected change to their senior year. They departed campus eager for spring break and to return for a great senior spring. Instead, they learned they would finish out their coursework in an online/distance format, forego their last athletic and arts seasons, miss their prom and other senior traditions, as well as their traditional May Commencement on the Waterfront. In return, perhaps they have learned more than most recent graduates to manage the discomfort of uncertainty.

            According to Director of Communications, Kerry Saltonstall, Tabor will celebrate the class virtually while holding out hope that the school can host the seniors on campus for a proper send-off in early August. In the meantime, seniors will receive their accolades and congratulations from family, friends, and faculty at the Celebration of Seniors on May 29. The celebration will be live-streamed at 10:00 am EST at www.taboracademy.org/celebrate. It will look different and be different, but the sentiments of pride will be the same. Cum Laude inductees will enjoy a private virtual event, as well.

            In all, 134 seniors from around the country and around the world will join with their Tabor faculty, friends, and families for this virtual event. Words of welcome from Acting Head of School Julie Salit and speeches from student Co-Heads of School Fiona Moore (Carbondale, CO) and Jack LeBrun (Mattapoisett, MA) will be woven together with student musical performances, special prizes, and a grand video of campus memories. After the livestream, participants will visit in virtual Zoom rooms all over the world, hopping in and out, to share congratulations and appreciation.

            As Tabor celebrates the many talents, contributions, and achievements of the Class of 2020, they encourage alumni and friends to join in the celebration to help send the seniors off with fanfare.

            Tabor Academy Class of 2020 Graduates from the Tri-Town include;

            From Marion; Evan Christopher Chase, Isabelle Wynne Cheney, Peter Lawrence Cheney, Edward Robert Dunn, Benjamin Americo Forker, Nicholas Matthew Gebhardt, Molly Anne Kracke, Connor Andrew Macken, Adam Schillig Mendes, Peter Edward Murray, Michael Barry Pardo, Emma Katherine Quirk, Riley Liliane Dongyun Suh, Georgia Mary Toland, Luke Kotsuwan White, and Elizabeth Brookes Whitney

            From Mattapoisett; Danielle Elizabeth Craig, Anne Louise le Gassick, and Jack Landry LeBrun

            From Rochester; Beatrice Catherine Arnfield

How Far Can Local Government Govern?

on

            Board of Health member Dot Brown and Selectman John Waterman debated the role of the Board of Health and the authority of towns to devise their own rules during Tuesday’s remote access meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen.

            Everyone is getting tired of the new normal, and the disagreement on what to do about it stems from the ambiguity and lack of applicable orders at the state level for a coastal town such as Marion.

            Frustration is mounting, and while Waterman sees the state’s lack of specific directives as an opportunity to govern at the local level, Brown stated that the job of the Board of Health is not to make it up as it goes but rather enforce state laws and guidelines.

            “We aren’t even allowed to go further than the state. Some towns have more stringent rules than the state and you’re not allowed to keep those,” said Brown. “We’ve been having a lot of trouble with some of their regulations because they (contradict one another).”

            Brown says she has sat in on calls and pointed questions have been asked and not answered.

            “When the guidelines aren’t clear… if the overall goal is to get things back going and doing it safely… we need to make local decisions where we don’t have clear guidelines,” argued Waterman, alluding to Marion’s boat-launch service and access to the town house.

            “I think you give us too much credit to affect this; it’s the state’s rule,” said Brown.

            What to do in the meantime?

            “If we have room to make a decision that doesn’t contradict the state guideline, I have no problem with that. But 80 to 90 percent of the time, we have no wiggle room,” said Board of Health Vice Chairman Dr. Ed Hoffer.

            “We should be able to identify those areas so we can (make progress),” said Selectmen Norm Hills.

            Waterman said, rather than call the state for an interpretation of orders, use the wisdom in the roles that experts hold locally and make decisions on the 25-percent rule at the town house and the launch service.

            “It’s not one case, it’s what we do,” said Brown. “We sit there and ask questions.”

            Hills said, “There are things where the state (order) is gray, and we should be able to determine what is the best way to go forward as long as we don’t step on the state’s toes.”

            Board of Selectmen Chairperson Randy Parker said, “We have to make (decisions) slowly. We’re all getting a little testy and grouchy with this thing going on… How we can plan ahead? What is the proper way to open the beach (parking lot)?”

            Brown said the Board of Health has a great plan and a great sign. “I’m pretty worried about enforcement,” she admitted.

            Town Administrator Jay McGrail said that Chief of Police John Garcia will monitor the parking lot and that work being done on the site by the DPW could be ready for Friday, May 22.

            Hills noted the other, smaller public parking areas that also need monitoring going into Memorial Day weekend.

            By May 25, office businesses including barber shops and pet grooming will open by appointment only and with specific rules on social distance between chairs, etc. They are charged with self-certification, and the only way the Board of Health will learn that proper standards and sanitizing practices are not being followed will be by complaints.

            Curbside retail will begin opening on Monday, May 25, and the public library will join in but not by Tuesday, May 26, according to McGrail. First, the library will submit a plan for town review.

            Information will be posted on the town website (marionma.gov), on Facebook and via an email blast.

            As anticipated, the Board of Selectmen voted to host town meeting on Monday, June 22, and town election on Friday, June 26. McGrail will meet with ORCTV on Thursday, May 21, to test the technology that will allow Marion to hold the meeting in three separate rooms at Sippican School and a fourth space, the Tabor Academy fieldhouse. A press release will be issued this week.

            The board also approved the revised budget of $29,518,843 for FY21. Contrary to initial plans, town meeting will deal with the entire warrant. McGrail reported that the Planning Board chose not to go forward with one or two items that will remain on the warrant and be passed over at town meeting.

            In revising the budget, Assistant Town Administrator Judy Mooney cut close to $200,000. She based her goals on what happened with state aid during the Great Recession of 2008.

            “There was no pushback (from department heads) whatsoever. Our goal was to keep our staff employed, and we were able to do so,” she said, recommending the capital plan go to town meeting as originally approved, “because more (money) is going into the stabilization fund than into any capital project… State aid is our biggest concern.”

            Mooney said the 2.55 percent increase for the FY21 budget is significantly greater than increase of the FY20 budget over FY19.

            After testing out the mechanics of public hearings with ORCTV and having worked with all of the chairpersons, McGrail requested the board allow public hearings as of June 1.

            “We have an extensive list,” he said. “The guinea pigs are going to be (the Board of Selectmen) for a liquor license on June 2.”

            Public hearings will operate with a dedicated phone line into the police station. As Parker had recommended at an earlier discussion, a public hearing will not be closed until the subsequent meeting so as to allow sufficient time for public feedback.

            The Board of Selectmen will continue planning weekly meetings, and the Conservation Commission will meet every other week.

            The board passed a motion to keep water restrictions in place for June 15 to September 15.

            In his Town Administrator’s report, McGrail told the board he plans to bring back full-time staffers into the office on Tuesday, May 26. They will be equipped with a self-guidance checklist, and the Town House has been fitted with plexiglass and desks have been relocated to meet distance requirements.

            A medical emergency caused a driver to crash into the gate at Silvershell Beach, but Marion still anticipates the potential of opening the parking lot on Friday, May 22 and getting the whole Memorial Day weekend. The plan for the beach will expand in mid to late June with a beach concession stand and bathhouse open to residential stickers only with no daily fee.

            Thursday, May 28, will be the final day of operation for the food bank run since March out of the Community Center. The town will transition to more delivery service for seniors. Families in need can note that Damien’s Place in Wareham has opened up its hours and running its facility again. Fliers will be going home with students attending school lunch program at Sippican School next week. Marion’s food bank operated for three months.

            Coming toward the end of FY20, McGrail briefly summarized that 90 percent of a daunting list of goals and projects has been completed, including but not limited to work on the lagoon, contracts with waste management, curbside collection, a solid-waste contract, and Master Plan Implementation.

            There are up to 40 items on Marion’s pending projects list. Waterman suggested assigning each of them to a particular selectman who would co-own the project in terms of moving it ahead.

            In other business, the Board of Selectmen approved common victualler licenses for two businesses, to applicant Elizabeth Carter for Ansel’s Cafe and to applicants William Daly, Jeremiah Daly, and Kim Susi for Marion Golf Club.

            Carter has worked at the restaurant for nine years and is taking over, expanding hours to Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in order to add some light breakfast.

            Jeremiah Daly explained to the board that he grew up on Old Meadow Road in Marion, and as Bruce and Sue Carlson retired, this is an opportunity to take over the lease of the property belonging to the abutting property owners known as Marion Harbor East Trust and keep “Little Marion” in business as Marion Golf Club LLC.

            The immediate plan is to invest back into the course and make use of the kitchen by serving cold sandwiches that are made off-site. Someday they aspire to restore the course to the original 1904 design of George Thomas. A restaurant inspection has been scheduled for Friday, May 22.

            The Board of Selectmen will hold its first public hearing since the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, June 2.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo