Clock Will Tick on Future CPC Funds

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If Article 38 gains voter approval at Marion’s May 10 Town Meeting, there will be a maximum time limit for approved projects to spend appropriated Community Preservation funds.

            After this year, every article fielded by the Community Preservation Committee, in addition to a dollar amount, will pitch a time limit to which the CPC will respond. The article is intended to ensure that CPC funds are spent on the town and in a timely manner.

            If the funds are not spent within the prescribed time limit, the project applicant can go back to the CPC and apply for an extension. Should they not, the funds revert to the CPC. Town Administrator Jay McGrail told the Marion Finance Committee during its April 28 Zoom meeting that in both of the towns where he had previously worked this kind of measure was already in place.

            “We do have some projects that have been sitting on the books for quite a long time, and we have no recourse to take that money back,” said McGrail.

            “Some of these projects can drift and we lose track of them, and if there’s a time limit, then it’s understood between both parties,” said FinCom member Margie Baldwin.

            The article’s success at the May 10 Town Meeting would not have retroactive effect, nor does it affect CPC articles to be presented for voter approval on May 10.

            “The reason we didn’t include the language in the articles for this year is because, if this doesn’t pass, it would jeopardize those projects moving forward,” said McGrail. “This is more about cleaning it up for the future.”

            According to FinCom Chairman Peter Winters, the bike path article will be two years old in June.

            “I think this is a good idea. I don’t think it has any financial impact other than it makes things more efficient, and we don’t have lingering projects out there from 20 years ago that people no longer need or want,” said Winters.

            Article 38 will come to Town Meeting with the voted recommendation of the Finance Committee, which made no recommendation on several other warrant articles reviewed by McGrail because they make no financial impact to the town.

            Having voted to offer either no recommendation or approval on Articles 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 because those articles pose no financial impact on the town, the committee completed its FY22 mission.

            The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee was not scheduled at adjournment. A special meeting was discussed between the committee, McGrail and Selectman John Waterman to examine the contractual agreement that the town has with the Old Rochester Regional School District.

            According to McGrail, ORR did not have final approval from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and therefore could not get the agreement onto the May 10 Town Meeting warrant.

            The primary changes proposed by ORR are changing over to a five-year rolling average assessment meant to minimize volatility faced by the tri-towns during the budget process and the establishment of a stabilization fund.

            “That’s my concern, having them in charge of debt,” said Winters. “Why would we give up our voting rights?”

            Waterman pointed out that anything that the ORR District does has to pass through all three towns. He said that, while Marion and Mattapoisett voted to support the rehabilitation of the high school track, Rochester did not.

            “In fairness to them, they do need to put in a mechanism that gives them a little more ability to do things like borrow money or invest capital without having to get all three towns to approve,” said Waterman. “I think if it’s debt, all three towns have to approve it, but then it also has to be voted on at the polls and it has to pass by a 50 percent margin so it’s hard for them to get anything done right now.”

            Waterman said that DESE has approved ORR’s proposal so DESE would have to approve any tweaks negotiated by the tri-towns so he expects any changes would take a while.

            Winters thanked McGrail and Finance Director Judy Mooney for their work in preparing information for the committee.

            McGrail said FinCom’s next meeting can be held in person, but a date will not be set until after Town Meeting and in concert with ORR.

            Editor’s note: Due to a reporting error, the above article, as it appears in the print version of The Wanderer (and the PDF of the print edition viewable at wanderer.com) incorrectly states that Article 38 stipulates a maximum two-year time limit for approved projects to spend appropriated Community Preservation funds. The time limit for any approved article will be decided by the CPC.

Marion Finance Committee

By Mick Colageo

In Passing, DeCosta Leaves Abiding Love for Mattapoisett

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            The untimely passing of John DeCosta, a 58-year-old man who dedicated his life to his family, friends, and in service to the hometown he loved, sent shockwaves through Mattapoisett on April 29.

            On April 13 at the beginning of the Board of Selectmen’s meeting, DeCosta spoke directly to the townspeople, assuring them that although he was facing health issues, he was fully capable of carrying out the duties of the office. He kept that promise working on behalf of the town, attending his last meeting on April 27.

            DeCosta had been well entrenched for many years in the issues facing the town through his volunteer work on the Capital Planning Committee. He also served as chairman of the Community Preservation Act for many years and was a member of the Open Space and Recreation Committee. But it wasn’t all he hoped to do for the town. Becoming a selectman, as his father and namesake had before him, was for DeCosta a lifelong dream. On June 16, 2020 it became a reality.

            DeCosta understood the complexities of local government, not only through the 21 years he observed his father in that role, all the late nights, all the people that came seeking assistance, the art of compromise and cooperation, but also as a volunteer dealing with contemporary town government. As his wife Marianne confirmed, “He understood what he was getting into, but he wanted to do it.”

            Reaching out to those who knew DeCosta best through his volunteer work, the consensus is that here was a man who gave of himself all his life.

            “I knew his dad and John was just like him,” said former Town Administrator Mike Gagne. “He was a gentleman who came from a family with a strong work ethic.

            “John was a founding member of the Capital Planning Committee. He listened carefully and always, always had the best interest of the town as his guide. Through his contributions on that committee, he was critical in the town’s ability to receive a triple-A bond rating with its 10-year planning mapped out.” Gagne recalled DeCosta’s work on the Community Preservation Committee, saying, “John always did his homework.” Gagne also said that John, along with Conservation Agent Liz Leidhold, drafted an Open Space and Recreation document that he described as a voluminous document that helped the town apply for grants.

            Gagne said that DeCosta returned to the Capital Planning Committee after a short absence when asked to assist a new slate of members. “I needed someone there who had experience and knowledge. He came back willingly and worked tirelessly for the community. He worked right up to the end.” Gagne said that DeCosta typified the adage: “We can agree to disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable.”

            Chuck McCullough enjoyed a more than a 25-year relationship with DeCosta. He shared, “John was a true public servant holding Mattapoisett close to his heart.” McCullough said that, in spite of DeCosta’s health issues, “The needs of the town were at the top of his list of priorities – a selfless man.” McCullough said that DeCosta’s institutional knowledge of the fire and police departments was a great asset to the Capital Planning Committee when reviewing the public safety departments’ need for equipment and training. “He was their advocate.”

            With a smile, McCullough said that DeCosta could be found on summer evenings sitting in Shipyard Park with members of the community sharing “remember when” stories and listening to the concerns of the residents. “He loved to be with the people.”

            An attempt to appropriately memorialize someone who was so fondly thought of is already in the works. Melody Pacheco, who has known the DeCosta family for decades, said, “We’re going to put a bench in Shipyard Park where he liked to sit and talk to people.” She said of her long history with DeCosta, “He was a caring human being and he wanted to work for the community – he got his chance.” She believes his legacy of service will live on as an example to others.

            DeCosta’s accomplishments include a 21-year career with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, advancing to park superintendent of Scusset Beach State Reservation. He spent 15 years with the Mattapoisett Water Department and was a member of the Mattapoisett Fire Department for 17 years. DeCosta was also recognized as Man of The Year in 2016 by The Standard Times. He volunteered taking up various tasks during Harbor Days sponsored by the Lions Club and in the winter during the town’s Holiday in the Park. McCullough added to the list, saying DeCosta had spent years coordinating the band concerts in the summertime at the gazebo.

            As his family moves through the process of saying goodbye to their beloved husband, father, and brother, Marianne said, “His only regret was not being able to complete his term as selectman. He loved it. He was surprised by how much he actually enjoyed it.” And of that last meeting, just hours before his passing, she said, “It was something he needed to do.”

By Marilou Newell

Save Doggett Brook Farm Tour

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The Rochester Land Trust is partnering with the Buzzards Bay Coalition to buy this property, protect it with a conservation restriction, and then sell it (at a loss, likely, because of the restriction) to someone who wants to buy a property with the understanding that it will be legally required to be preserved (but will be mostly usable as agriculture, minus a buffer for the waterway at the back).

            If you are interested in visiting the property and learning more about the project, please join the RLT for a walking tour and open house this Saturday, May 8, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. We will be on the property at 220 Marion Road. Please join us at your leisure during this timeframe.

Ruth J. “Jane” Comstock

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Ruth J. “Jane” Comstock, 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 28, 2021.

            Jane was born in Woodbridge, NJ and was the daughter of the late Martin Ratajack and Clara (Olsen) Meier.

            Jane was employed with Cornell Dublier for several years and also worked locally as a waitress. Jane was a beautiful, gentle soul. Her favorite saying was “blessed be the peacemakers”, words that she lived by daily. She enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and walking along Horseneck Beach in Westport. Jane also enjoyed traveling, in particular, her trip to Bermuda with her mother and sisters. Above all else, she absolutely cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,. She was loved by so many and will be missed by all.

            She is survived by her children, William T. Morgan and his wife Sherry of Middleboro, Dona J. Morgan of Fairhaven, Kathleen A. Morgan and her husband Robert of Mattapoisett, Timothy M. Morgan and his wife Lisa of Florida and Karen A. Vital and her husband Scott of Dartmouth; sister, Patricia A. Kimball of Fairhaven; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

            She was the sister of the late Robert Ratajack and Claire Donahue.

            Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 4-6 pm in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven.

            Prayers will begin in the funeral home at 5:30 pm.

            Burial will be private.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane’s memory may be made to the MA Alzheimer’s Association.

            To leave a message for the family, please visit www.hathawayfunerals.com

New Exhibit at the Marion Art Center

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibit featuring Contemporary Prints by Allison Bianco and Stella Ebner. The MAC’s newest show is presented as a collaboration with Cade Tompkins Projects, a contemporary art gallery located in Providence, RI, owned and operated by art dealer and gallerist Cade Tompkins. The gallery “focuses on advancing and exhibiting contemporary art, featuring work by emerging artists, as well as mid-career and established artists in various mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, drawing, and installation.”

            Cade Tompkins Projects describes the work of both artists: “Allison Bianco is a printmaker who uses a combination of intaglio and screen print to depict landscapes diminished by massive oceans and infinite skies. Her vibrant prints explore nostalgia and inconsistencies of memory. Stella Ebner explores the inherent qualities of printmaking to examine how imagery in our society is created and conveyed within the context of a deep appreciation for the moments that are left outside the picture frame – the overlooked, the forgotten. She primarily employs the mediums of screen print, water-based woodblock, and watercolor monoprint to realize her work.”

            In lieu of an in-person reception, the Marion Art Center will celebrate its new exhibit with a free Virtual Gallery Tour & Conversation, one of the MAC’s eight SouthCoast Spring Arts events (marionartcenter.org/scspringarts). The virtual reception will take place via Zoom on Friday, May 7, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Participants can “tour” the MAC galleries with the MAC’s executive director. During the tour, gallerist Cade Tompkins will discuss the works of both artists and answer questions from visitors. As a bonus, get a sneak peek of the current show at Cade Tompkins Projects featuring works by Dean Richardson. “Visit” two galleries in two different locations all in one evening!

            The MAC exhibit runs April 30 – May 28. Current gallery hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, or by appointment Tuesday-Friday. To register for the virtual event, email info@marionartcenter.org with “Gallery Tour” in the subject line or visit marionartcenter.org/events/scsa-galleryprints for more information. Preview the works by Bianco and Ebner, and find out more about Cade Tompkins Projects at cadetompkinsprojects.com.

Roy Re-emerges with TTEF

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            The Tri-Town Education Foundation welcomed Michelle Roy as a new member during its April 27 Zoom meeting.

            A recently retired Rochester resident, Roy brings the experience of an educational career that began at Old Rochester Regional schools in 1985 before developing into a career that saw her spend the last six years as assistant superintendent of Dartmouth Schools. Her resume includes experience as a department head and district curriculum coordinator.

            In the winter of 2020, she was among the three finalists to replace retiring ORR Superintendent of Schools Doug White, along with Mike Nelson, ORR’s assistant superintendent, and then-Westport Schools Superintendent Gary Reese. Nelson was hired.

            “I remember Dr. (William) Cooper wanting to start this foundation 20 years ago…. I’m glad to see it finally got off the ground,” she said, noting she has two 11-year-olds at Rochester Memorial School. “I get to see the school system firsthand.”

            Cooper was superintendent at ORR prior to White’s tenure.

            Roy’s appointment comes at a time when TTEF is losing Elizabeth Sherry, library director at the Taber Library in Marion, who had to resign her spot due to schedule overload.

            With the new team being assembled, Chairperson Erin Bednarczyk told the membership that TTEF has had periods of high and low profile and would like to turn around the current low.

            “We’d like to become more of a force in our community,” she said.

            Raising the profile and visibility of the foundation will take work, and Bednarczyk is interested in working to see that happen.

            “We haven’t done any (recent) fundraising. Last year was impossible, but there was a lot of things done before,” she said.

            Member Karin Barrows said there had been plans for a marketing subcommittee, but the pandemic put those activities on hold.

            A brainstorming session ensued, and among the ideas floated, ORR Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell said that in Waltham where she had worked prior to coming to the Tri-Town, wine tasting events and other like events were used as fundraisers.

            Roy talked to TTEF members about what went on with Dartmouth’s education foundation.

            “When the bike trail opens all the way through, maybe we could do something like a pledge per mile,” she suggested. “People are dying to get outside. Anything that can get any of us out is a good idea.”

            In her Treasurer’s Report, Barrows announced that TTEF has received a $970 donation and a balance of $196,550, up almost $5,500 from December. The processing of donations was discussed, including the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, which invests the money.

            The foundation has a new partnership with Abington Bank, 350 Front Street, Marion, in which new checking accounts trigger a $10 donation from the bank to the TTEF/Lighthouse Fund.

            Members volunteered to present Lighthouse Book Awards to students during upcoming awards days in all ORR District schools.

            The next meeting of the Tri-Town Education Foundation will be set after its Distribution Committee has met.

Tri-Town Education Foundation

By Mick Colageo

Michael J. Reed, Sr.

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Michael J. Reed, Sr., “Iron Mike”, 72, of Marion passed away on Thursday April 29, at Tobey Hospital. He was the husband of the late Marjorie I. (Schroth) Reed of 50+ yrs. Born in Wareham the son of the late Ralph E. Reed and Mary H. (Kelly) Reed.

            A 1968 Graduate of Wareham High School he worked for Gault Transportation and served in the U.S. Navy, Sea Bees during Vietnam. He later worked for the Hiller Dodge, Co. and the Marion DPW as a mechanic. He also worked at Pinewood Cranberry Corp. and in the 1990’s acquired his cousin’s Building Moving business.

            He was a member of the Marion, VFW POST 2425, (Senior Warden) of the  Freemasons, The Antique Truck Club of America and The Granite State Chapter. He is survived by his sons; Michael J. and Ralph E. Reed as well as many loving relatives and  friends.

            To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com Services will be private at this time.

Powering into the Future

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            Marion’s Energy Management Committee has been trying for the better part of a year to have a charging station installed across Front Street from the Music Hall where people park for Island Wharf. But based on information discussed at its April 26 Zoom meeting, the EMC seems to be caught in a loop.

            Island Wharf cannot charge at 40 amps and needs a power upgrade requiring an application to Eversource, but the location has been deemed ineligible because there are not enough charging stations to warrant the upgrade. Meanwhile, the nearest transformer that can power the charging stations and the nearby buildings is too far away.

            Board of Selectmen Chair Randy Parker, Facilities Manager Shaun Cormier, and Town Planner Gil Hilario visited Island Wharf with Eversource, and it was determined that the transformer on location does not have the necessary power.

            “The upgrade might be very expensive. [It’s] unpleasant news, but I hope the town will still pursue it,” said Hilario, citing the proposed new Harbormaster facility, associated projects, and the potential need for an article on a future Town Meeting warrant.

            EMC Chair Christian Ingerslev suggested the threat of brownouts on the proposed Maritime Center is a real possibility that should “piggyback” the argument for a power upgrade. Hilario said he has been thinking along the same lines.

            The growing interest in constructing solar panel canopies over parking areas raised the question as to Marion’s contractual agreement with Future Generation Wind. Hilario called it a “complicated question” and said McGrail and town counsel are looking into the matter.

            The town recently received a $6,000 check from Future Generation Wind, according to EMC member Bill Saltonstall. “We’re up to $389,000 saved to the town,” he said.

            Cormier, said Hilario, is placing 30 amp signs at the Town House and added that the signs are need everywhere in town.

            The Town House will also need a power upgrade to accommodate the new ventilation system planned this year.

            Marion’s use of electric cars, including police cruisers, remains an agenda item for the MRC, whose member Tom Friedman received positive albeit delayed feedback from an officer. “He was extremely doubtful as to its capabilities, but since getting it he’s had positive things to say…. It’s worked out really well,” said Friedman.

            MRC member Alanna Nelson noted that McGrail is working on updating hybrid car leases and that a fully electric Ford F-150 pickup truck is scheduled for release in 2022. “We should connect with Jay to identify his needs…. We can save money getting it,” said Nelson, describing the MRC’s assistance as a “win-win for us.”

            MRC member Robert Fisher viewed a state seminar on electric vehicles that addressed the F-150 model but said, “Nothing was mentioned about putting a snowplow on them, which everybody needs to do.”

            According to MRC member Jennifer Francis, Marion had four electric vehicles, traded them in, and acquired three more. Saltonstall questioned if Marion is limited to just four electric cars.

            The wastewater treatment plant is being targeted as a place needing significant updating and upgrades, but it is unlikely that gas will be in play. Only one or two buildings on Benson Brook Road are interested in gas, making a switch too expensive. In a site visit, Eversource did not encourage a switch to gas, according to Saltonstall and Hilario.

            Saltonstall described the computer system as “antique … it really is an obsolete system,” he said, noting the possibility of dealing with an engineer who works with wastewater treatment plants.

            While Marion was recently encouraged as to viability of the plant’s technology, potential regionalization of sewer systems was discussed by the EMC. Hilario said regionalization would take 15 years to enact, and that remains a “big if.”

            Gas has been far more successful than diesel at Bridgewater State University, according to Fisher. Recognizing the low probability for Benson Brook, Fisher said Bridgewater State never lost gas service through Winter Storm Nemo in 2013. He added that the loss of electricity would delay the restart of a diesel-fueled generator and that its batteries would need to be huge.

            Given that energy management is being increasingly driven by concerns over climate change, Nelson asked if the EMC should consider calling itself the “Energy and Climate Committee,” for example. Ingerslev suggested it is the town’s committee and it would need to decide, likely via a proposal to the Board of Selectmen.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for June 7 at 5:00 pm.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Mick Colageo

Secret Gardens of Marion

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Marion Garden Group will host “Secret Gardens of Marion” on Friday, June 25. This event will support the Marion Garden Group’s mission to beautify the town gardens, entrances, and window boxes during the coming year.

            Secret Gardens of Marion is a one-day event and is held rain or shine. The tour includes eight stunning private gardens throughout Marion and East Marion. Gardens and events at Sippican Historical Society, Elizabeth Taber Library, and Marion Art Center are also included. Secret Gardens of Marion starts at Bicentennial Park, 1 Spring Street, at 10:00 am and runs until 3:00 pm.

            The event is open to the public. Tickets will go on sale May 1 at $35 per ticket in advance, $40 on the day of. The event is completely outdoors and will adhere to Massachusetts COVID safety protocols. To purchase tickets, go to mariongardengroup.org.

            The Marion Garden Group is an organization of Marion-area residents interested in gardening. Its goals are to assist in the enhancement of the town’s parks and landscape projects and to further expand members’ knowledge of gardening through discussions and presentations by experts in the field.

Brian K. Dean

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Brian K. Dean, 64, of New Bedford passed away at home in his sleep on Saturday May 1, 2021. He was the husband of Janice E. (Santos) Dean; they had been married for 40 years.

            Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Foster and Priscilla (Senna) Dean, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.

            Brian was employed as a school bus driver for the Old Rochester Regional School District for 35 years.

            He was a homebody who enjoyed the company of family and friends, puttering around his home and yard, watching movies, riding his motorcycle, and caring for his grandson.

            He is survived by his wife Janice; his children, Mark B. Dean and Rebecca L. Pacheco; his grandson, Dante Pacheco; his siblings, Wayne Dean, Michael Dean, Donna Wagner, Linda Dean, Dottie Gidley, and Lisa Westgate; and many nieces and nephews.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday May 4, 2021 at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday May 3, 2021 from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.