ZBA Approves Revised Waterfront House

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            Stephen E. Goulston of North Easton was awarded his special permit to build a new waterfront house at 27 Nashawena Road under the condition that the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission vet the roof-runoff aspect of his site plan.

            Before the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant Goulston the special permit during its February 18 Zoom meeting, revisions to the plan were discussed by board members and Building Commissioner Andy Bobola, along with representatives of the applicant and abutters to the property.

            Attorney Dan Perry and Spencer Lynds of Prime Engineering Inc. represented the applicant, and Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon and Leone Inc. represented multiple abutters to the property.

            A main concern, the height of the house, was revised to 34 feet, 10 inches.

            As Perry explained on Goulston’s behalf, “We agreed with the concurrence of Mr. Bobola and the state not to rely on the existing permits and conform the design to existing flood-plain standards.”

            Perry felt that the redesign that lowered grade by 1.5 feet and also lowered the building by 1.5 feet satisfied the height concern. He further stated that the new site plan moved the drainage system to the side of the property.

            “We think we have an application now that is satisfactory to the neighbors and consistent with all the requirements,” he stated, hoping to achieve a vote at the meeting.

            “It appears to me that [the height requirement] has been met,” said Davignon, who asked for clarification on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s involvement. “I’m not clear as to what the explanation was from Attorney Perry relative to why [the applicant] went to FEMA. That was very confusing to me and made me think that the plan of record I have before me has changed. I’d like a little clarification on that if I could.”

            At Perry’s request, Spencer Lynds of Prime Engineering Inc. explained that “The FEMA regulations require you not to exceed 2 feet in fill on the property, so we made grading changes to be in line with FEMA regulations, and those are reflected on the plan …”

            To further clarify, Davignon identified the site plan before him as dated January 21, 2020. Lynds confirmed that one as the plan of record.

            Turning his attention back to the board, Davignon pointed out that the pool was not part of the application. “In my opinion, the pool with its setbacks would require a special permit. Particularly, there’s a deck shown right to the rear lot line…. They did not apply for that, so I just want to make it clear to the board members that there was not a legal ad that was run that included the pool, and any approval tonight for the dwelling to be reconstructed would not include the pool as a part of that application or decision.

            “It may have been approved by [the Conservation Commission], but from a zoning perspective, it would require its own special permit and evaluation by the ZBA.”

            The subject was briefly addressed earlier in the discussion by ZBA member Mary Ann Brogan, who was reminded by Building Commissioner Andy Bobola that the ZBA is “only asked to apply a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ to the construction of a house.”

            Perry acknowledged that the pool might require separate permitting. “If the board acts tonight, it can reference that issue in its decision,” he said.

            Davignon identified a second issue, roof runoff, which is now planned to be directed to a pipe network to the rear of the building and discharged at the point of the seawall. “If we could simply request that the ZBA make it a condition of approval that this plan be vetted through the Conservation Commission, that will be the only way to assure that it’s constructed in accordance with the site plan,” said Davignon, noting that the process would require a new filing or an amendment to the original permit. “If the ZBA puts it in there, then they have no choice but to do that. We would just be concerned that there would be no policing of the pipes being installed properly as it’s not really a zoning issue.”

            Perry said the applicant would agree to submit the site plan to the Conservation Commission, anticipating that it can be handled as an informal amendment to the plan without a new filing. “If you simply reference in your decision our obligation (to file with ConCom), we’ll comply; we have no objection,” said Perry.

            The presence of a swimming pool on the revised site plan was also discussed, but Bobola repeated that, while the pool is a permitted item subject to inspections, its presence on the site plan is not in the purview of the ZBA. The decision relates to the plan for the house only, not the pool.

            Lot coverage did not change from the former plan.

            ZBA members unanimously approved the application with the agreed-upon conditions.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, March 18, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Krakatoa was a small volcanic island in what is now Indonesia. As part of the Dutch East Indies, located in the ocean about 100 miles from Jakarta, it was the main one of three volcanic islands probably created by a major eruption around the 5th and 6th centuries. In August of 1883, the volcano which made up the main island of Krakatoa erupted. Earlier in May, there had been reports of tremors, and people claimed to have heard explosions, but everyone believed the volcano to be extinct since its last eruption in 1680.

            The volcanic eruption occurring on August 26, 1883, was one of the most devastating in human history. More than 36,000 people were killed, most not by molten rock or toxic volcanic gases but by the ensuing tsunami. The explosion was so powerful that it sent six cubic miles of rock, ash, and debris into the atmosphere, which caused the darkening of the sky and vivid sunsets around the world.

            As interesting as this is, you’re probably wondering what it has to do with the Rochester Historical Society. There are two connections. First, one of our collection items at the museum (pictured here) is a vial of ashes from Krakatoa donated by Harold Taylor; however, there is no information as to how he came in possession of them. If anyone knows anything about that, I would love to learn the answer to that question.

            The second connection to the Historical Society is that Abraham Holmes, in his memoirs, writes of a day that had many Rochester residents believing the end of the world was upon them. In a letter to his daughter in 1836, Holmes wrote that May 19, 1786 (50 years prior to his letter) was “that remarkable dark day which arrested the attention, the surprise, and the apprehension and fears of all the people thro’ the New England States.”

            He recounts that the darkening began on the banks of the North River and, by 11:00 am, reached Rochester. By noon it was at its height. People lighted candles indoors, “cattle came up and laid down where they usually spent the night; the Dunghill fowl went to roost and the Whip-poor-will sung as usual, as in the evening.” Without the scientific knowledge for an explanation, the most common reason was that the world was ending.

            Interestingly, Holmes’ s date doesn’t line up with New England’s “Dark Day,” which occurred on May 19, 1780, but then all history, especially local history, relies on memory and anecdotes as well as facts. Scientists in the 2000s believe the “Dark Day,” which stretched from Maine to New Jersey, was caused by thick fog and cloud cover created by massive wildfires in Canada. They determined this by examining tree rings and comparing the ring size with related atmospheric or weather events of corresponding years.

By Connie Eshbach

Foster Care

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To the Editor;

            According to the Department of Children and Families annual report, the department provided transition services to 2,742 young adults in the foster care system in fiscal year 2019. Providing youth exiting the foster care system with proper transition services is imperial to a path for continued success. Per the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, the current law in Massachusetts states a transition plan must be personally designed within 90 days prior to the youth’s emancipation whether age 18 or 22 and tailored to the youth’s direct needs.

            The major mission of the Children’s League of Massachusetts is to promote the overall welfare of children and their families in Massachusetts by directly influencing legislation and public policy. The Children’s League supports and advocates for children, youth, and families by focusing on direct needs and common action. One of the current bills the Children’s League is sponsoring is Ensuring Positive Transition for At-Risk Youth. This bill will mandate all youth in the state’s foster care system to be discharged with a detailed, written transition plan. This process will begin when the youth reach age 14. This ensures there is ample time for the youth to transition from the foster care system to a successful adulthood. Supporting this bill would have a direct impact on Massachusetts young adults exiting the foster care system as all programs and services and options will be addressed and approved by a caseworker assigned to the youth.

            You can help these at-risk youth by contacting your local representative and urging them to become familiar with this bill and potentially voting to pass the Act Ensuring Positive Transition for at Risk Youth.

Danielle Bassett, Rochester

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.

George F. Zine, Jr.

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George F. Zine, Jr., 71 of Wareham, died Friday, February 5, 2021 at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston due to complications from diabetes. He was the husband of Diane M. (Valois) Zine.

            Born in Wareham, he was the son of Ruby Zine of Wareham, and the late George F. Zine, Sr.  George graduated from Wareham High School, Class of 1967 and worked as a machinist for Morse Cutting Tools in New Bedford, and A & M Tool Grinding in Acushnet.

            Active in his Catholic faith, Mr. Zine was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Wareham where he served as eucharistic minister and usher. He also taught Faith Formation at the parish and was Custodian of the N.E. Region for the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate.

            George enjoyed golf, greyhound racing and most recently birdwatching. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

            Survivors include his wife, Diane of Wareham, his mother, Ruby of Wareham; his children, Melissa Olean and her husband David of Fairhaven, James Zine and his wife Annmarie and Peter Zine and his wife Heather all of Wareham; his brother, Michael “Mickey” Zine and his wife Debra of Wareham; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

            Relatives and friends were invited to visit on Tuesday, February 9th at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28). Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham.

            Donations in his memory may be made to Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, 3501 Solly Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136 OR American Diabetes Assoc., P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023.

Hilda Fernandes (Lage) Laliberte

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Hilda Fernandes (Lage) Laliberte, 88 years beautiful, passed away on Friday, February 19, at her home. She was the wife of the late Edmond Laliberte and daughter of the late Daniel and Anna (Gonsalves) Lage. She was born in New Bedford on February 16, 1933 and was a resident of Acushnet for 60 years. Hilda graduated from Normandin middle school in 1947 and from New Bedford High School in 1951, where she was voted most “happy go lucky”. Hilda and Edmond were married on November 25, 1954 at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. As a young woman, she worked at United Fruit and later as a saleswoman at Delilah’s Boutique and as a bookkeeper for Smith’s (a local seller of fine goods and products). She was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church. Survivors include her children Edmond Laliberte Jr. of New Bedford, Michel Ferguson of New Bedford, Donna Laliberte of Rochester and Mark Steven Laliberte of New Bedford, her elder brother Fernando Lage of Acushnet, her grandchildren, Shawn Ferguson, Jennifer Ferguson, Michael Laliberte, Christopher Laliberte and Julia Laliberte. She is also survived by 5 great grandchildren. Hilda loved being with her family, being outdoors, the ocean and camping. She spent many summer’s camping at Mary’s Pond. She enjoyed traveling with her husband. Hilda was an avid animal lover and enjoyed giving to her favorite charitable organizations, including St. Jude’s, Salesian Missions and various VA support organizations. Her family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice team, especially nurse Danielle Charbonneau, CNA Wendy Stevens and Chaplin Ken Hart for their continuous love and support. Also Beacon Hospice nurse Larissa Hoff, Chaplin Daryl Gray and CNA Dulce Mota. A special thank you to Dr. Ahmet Dirican for his loyalty and gift of Elder Home Care Specialist, his office manager Karen for their exceptional love and loyalty to their patients. A special thank you to mom’s loyal private caregivers Doreen Smith and Lenox Rose, for the past 3 years, Paula Almeida and former caregivers Gabriella Medeiros, Bonnie Lee and Rebecca Maldonado. Services will be private with a Memorial Mass at a later date. Arrangements are by the Boulevard Funeral Home 223 Ashley Blvd. New Bedford, MA. For online guest book please visit www.boulevardfh.com.

Gloria Jean (Lunt) Precopio

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Gloria Jean (Lunt) Precopio, 74, of Mattapoisett, MA, passed on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, MA, after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Ralph M. Precopio Sr.

            Gloria was born in Yarmouth, ME, spent her childhood growing up on Frenchboro Island, ME, then lived in the Lewiston-Auburn and Phippsburg areas until moving to Mattapoisett, MA. Gloria is known for her hospitality, always welcoming people into her home and cooking up a storm for friends and family. A creative and fun-loving person, Gloria loved various art forms, cooking, sewing, and is known for her beautiful quilts and papercrafts. For several years, Gloria was the co-owner and a familiar face at the farmstand at East Over Farms in Rochester, MA, where her delicious homemade pies and cookies kept everyone well fed.

            Her friends and family will miss Gloria tremendously. She will always be remembered for her kindness, love, and blueberry pie.

            She is survived by her daughter, Maria Precopio-Giddings of Providence, RI, and her son-in-law Patrick Giddings.

            Memorial arrangements are postponed until warmer weather when it will be safer to gather and celebrate Gloria’s life. The family asks that donations be made to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishing Alliance in place of flowers. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Budget Season Aims at Town Meeting

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            There is no doubt it is budget season. Just a glance at posted public meetings and one quickly finds Mattapoisett’s Capital Planning and Finance Committees pushing towards the goal of assisting in the development of the FY22 budget that will ultimately be presented at Town Meeting.

            But long before the committees began their work, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco was busy helping department heads with their individual budgets, expenses, and future needs, all data points that other boards and committees need for the final FY22 budget.

            Once again chaired by Chuck McCullough, the Capital Planning Committee will also be sitting down with department heads as their immediate FY22 needs and long-range, big-ticket projects and items are taken into consideration.

            On February 17, the committee members, which include Ellen Driscoll, Mike Dahill, Allan Apperson, Mike Rosa, and Robert Bergman, came together with McCullough for an overview discussion of the requests presented thus far by the department heads. New this year to the review process is the inclusion of proposed funding sources for each line item and additional line items previously not included on the committee’s spreadsheet.

            First up for discussion was the Police Department’s vehicle purchases, an annual expense covering two new cruisers financed from a combination of free cash and tax-levy funds, listed at $55,000 each. Rosa asked about the cost of the vehicles. Lorenco, who was also in attendance, explained that the basic vehicle cost was approximately $37,000 but, with the additional equipment required by a police department, the cost came in as listed.

            No other items were listed for FY22 from the Police Department. A quick look at subsequent years found $75,000 for the repaving of the parking lot in FY23 from free cash and solar panels for the station estimated at $20,000. A bit further out, pegged into FY24, was $100,000 for the repointing of the police station structure from the capital reserve fund.

            The Fire Department’s requests were next to be examined with some discussion surrounding the need for a fire inspector’s sport-utility vehicle estimated at $42,500 from free cash and listed for FY22. Lorenco said Fire Chief Andrew Murray would need the opportunity to justify the request, saying, “I’m not in favor of the inspector’s vehicle.… Can we use an older pickup?” He said, however, that it was important to allow the line item to “go through the process.”

            McCullough added to the discussion. “We’ve somewhat lost control of vehicles. We look at the sale of old vehicles to help defray costs and trim the fleet.” He wondered aloud at the values of retiring vehicles.

            The only other item listed for the Fire Department for FY22 was $14,500 from free cash for pontoons for the SAFE boat. New to the department’s list but not scheduled for the immediate future were radio upgrades, new fire helmets, thermal imaging cameras, new fire apparatuses, and extraction tools. Lorenco had noted previously the importance of capturing all possible expenses from all departments for planning and funding purposes and eliminating the element of surprise.

            The Highway Department’s need to replace a sidearm mower at an estimated cost of $85,000 funded by capital debit exclusion was considered. Highway Surveyor Barry Denham had explained during a recent meeting with the Finance Committee that it is a necessary piece of requirement. Also listed for the department in FY22 is a combination device for catch-basin cleaning and road sweeping for $249,000 from free cash. This line item was not discussed during the meeting but will be brought up at a later date. Four additional pieces of heavy equipment were listed for coming years as far out as 2031.

            When asked about the manner in which road-improvement projects are funded, Lorenco said that the bulk of those had been paid for from debt. He then explained that the solar array planned for the transfer station would help offset those expenses. “When the landfill solar comes online, those monies will be used for road improvements,” he explained. Lorenco said that revenue generated from the sale of power would be split between different funds to be determined by the selectmen.

            As the committee moved on to local schools, the subject of the Old Rochester Regional District school budget came up. Lorenco said that the towns would be receiving a list of capital needs from the district for the first time. McCullough said this was something all three towns had been requesting for some time. Lorenco added, “Capital items need to be part of the ORR assessment; as part of the regional agreement, we vote on one number.” Later in the meeting, McCullough suggested it might prove beneficial to hold a Tri-Town capital planning meeting with ORR to enact a 10-year plan. Lorenco said he would follow-up.

            The Sewer Department was briefly examined with one line item of particular importance: the Eel Pond sewer pipe’s replacement running across the breach. Lorenco said that Sewer Superintendent Henri Renauld was “chasing a grant,” with the town’s portion anticipated to be $750,000. Lorenco noted that an April announcement is expected for the awarding of the grant and, failing that, the project would be “pushed off to another year.”

            On the matter of what to do about the aging town hall and vacant classrooms, Lorenco said he has engaged UMass to do a school consolidation analysis, as well as an analysis on the operation of the transfer station. Dahill added, “At some point, we have to deal with the town hall, so the school study needs to get done.”

            The following day the Finance Committee took up its budget-review process in a meeting with Harbormaster Jamie MacIntosh.

            MacIntosh described a department that has been and will continue to be level-funded in FY22 but reported that as an enterprise fund, it is struggling. He said that the budget simply does not have the cash for the growth of waterfront services or capital projects. He said that between expenses and indirect costs, most of the retained earnings had been spent. Lorenco added, “Jamie is at the crossroads of needing a subsidy.”

            MacIntosh then shared information he had previously brought to the attention of the Marine Advisory Board, saying that fees need to be raised across the board. Using Dartmouth as a comparison, MacIntosh said that fees charged to boaters are below surrounding towns. He said that while he appreciated that people on fixed incomes want to enjoy boating, fees are simply too low. “Wareham has a fully-funded department and fees,” he said.

            MacIntosh said that a 20 percent, across-the-board increase is warranted. He doesn’t believe the increase would be too much for the boating community to bear. Lorenco said that presently the waterfront enterprise fund retained earnings stand at $25,184. Despite COVID-19, MacIntosh said the department has been very busy. He shared his hope that grant funding would be secured for the repairs and improvements needed on Long Wharf. The replacement of timber pilings on another wharf was pending state permitting, he said.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee is scheduled for February 24 at 6:00 pm. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is scheduled for March 4 at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee and Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell

Pre-dawn Fire Levels Garage, Totals Truck

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Dr. John Howard, a member of the Marion Board of Health, was awoken on February 18 by the news that his garage at 62 Water Street in Marion was on fire. No one was injured but for a minor injury to a responding firefighter who was later treated at Tobey Hospital in Wareham and released.

            The detached garage was completely destroyed, and a pickup truck outside of it sustained damage resulting in a total loss.

            “The facts are the facts,” Dr. Howard told The Wanderer. “Early in the morning, the neighbor sees the fire. By the time the trucks were there, it was all engulfed.”

            Dr. Howard said he was sleeping during the 4:00 am hour when the fire was discovered. “No clue,” he said as to the cause.

            “The building is completely destroyed, so it leaves little evidence to investigate,” said Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony. “We’re confident in that it’s not suspicious, but the cause is not determined.”

            The Marion Fire Department received the call at 4:47 am, dispatched personnel at 4:51 am, and was on scene at 4:53 am. Citing close proximity of nearby houses, Engine 1 requested a second alarm. Marion requested assistance from Wareham and Mattapoisett, and Rochester Fire was on call, according to Chief Jackvony. Marion responding units included: C-1, C-2, A-2, E-1, E-2, Ladder -1, and S-2.

            On February 4, the Marion Fire Department received $12,261 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the 2020 Assistance to Firefighters COVID-19 Supplemental Grant (AFG-S) program, part of the federal CARES Act.

By Mick Colageo

Saint Gabriel’s Announces New Rector

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Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church is pleased to welcome Fr. Eric Fialho as its new rector. Fr. Eric comes to Saint Gabriel’s with experience preaching and teaching the Bible and theology. He described his theological leanings as “old school Anglican” with the recognition that the modern church must be relevant and revelatory to all.

            “I hold that the Church is more relevant than ever before in this very divided and hurting world. Often people within the Church wonder why it is that the Church seems irrelevant in the lives of people in the 21st century. People ask, ‘Why aren’t people coming to church anymore? Where are all of the young families? Where are all of the youth?’” Fr. Eric said.

            He continued that people “inevitably know that something is missing in their lives—something which gives life meaning and that is outside themselves, something which points to the Truth behind the mystery of existence. This is where the Church comes in. This is where the Church is ever-relevant.”

            The old system of cathedrals in England met people where they were and were in the middle of community and daily life. Fr. Eric said, “I am always excited about reclaiming the old model of Church which, ironically, is more relevant than ever in a world searching for meaning and God. I am passionate about reclaiming this model and creatively making Church the center of the Southcoast community where families and singles, the young and the old, can meet.” Fr. Eric looks forward to tapping into the fullness of the Church calendar to create fairs, festivals, pageants, and processions to help bring the Tri-Town community to the Church and the Church to the community.

            “I cannot wait to bring a bit of merry olde England to Marion,” Fr. Eric said. “It is so very important to remind ourselves and our communities that Church is a place where we can interact with Christ through creativity, through light-hearted fun and through food and drink.” Fr. Eric recognizes that we live in fast-moving times, that families are far more booked than ever before, and that the Church needs to step in to support the spiritual needs of those who are just far more “on the go” than ever before. He said, “We and the wider Church need to be willing to better meet the people where they are. Doing this is not really difficult work, but it is work.” After living most of his life on the North Shore of Boston, Fr. Eric, his wife Emily, and their family are happy to have relocated to the Southcoast community.

            Fr. Eric and Saint Gabriel’s welcomes Tri-Town and beyond to join them for in-person and virtual Sunday morning services. In-person services are held in the Chapel at 8:00 a.m. and in the Main Church at 10:00 a.m. Please visit stgabrielsmarion.org/worship/ for information on current COVID-19 restrictions for in-person services. Virtual services are live-streamed at 10:00 am on Vimeo and FaceBook, as well as on ORCTV (Comcast channels 9, 97 and 95 or Verizon channels 36, 37, 38 and 40) in the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.

Lagoon Project Gets Financial Boost

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            Good financial news during very trying economic times is precious, but it was a good news kind of day on February 23 for the Marion Board of Selectmen as Town Administrator Jay McGrail was pleased to announce Marion has received $250,000 from the state for the lagoon cleanup project via the Environmental Bond Bill.

            McGrail publicly thanked Representative Bill Straus and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

            “This is a great relief. Literally from my first day on the job, this is something I’ve been working on with you guys,” he said, noting that while there is no formal commitment for 2022, the outlook remains positive. “At Town Meeting, we’ll be looking for more appropriation, but every penny will help us, that’s for sure.”

            McGrail and Marion Finance Director Judy Mooney also had a positive report after vast improvement on the preliminary budget figures they had received from the Old Rochester Regional School District. McGrail told the selectmen he met with ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, sharing Marion’s $170,000 budget deficit with those numbers. “After listening to our concerns … I’m happy to say both ORR and Sippican School Committees both have a budget in front of them” that can work for both sides, said McGrail.

            ORR will increase its assessment number by 3.2 percent for FY22 and Sippican School just under 2.5 percent.

            “I thanked both for listening to our concerns,” said McGrail, who intended to present a balanced budget to the Marion Finance Committee during its February 24 meeting.

            The budget season outlook is for the selectmen to meet with FinCom and the Marion School Committee in a joint session on Wednesday, March 3, and McGrail said he would by then have a capital plan recommendation for the selectmen to consider.

            Noting the latest information indicating a trend toward lower enrollments, Selectman John Waterman referenced his 2019 suggestion for an analysis. “Their costs are fixed in the short run, (but) they’re not fixed in the long run,” he said. “They can’t assume school choice is good without looking at enrollment and capacity.” Waterman suggested a five-year outlook, noting that while FinCom is historically against school choice, “I am not.”

            McGrail is looking to see FinCom vote on the budget at its March 10 meeting.

            “Our overall growth is around 2.5 percent, the lowest it’s been in a long time,” said McGrail.

            Another way the town intends to recover costs in a way it hasn’t been is via a substantial hike that the selectmen approved in wastewater Infiltration/Inflow mitigation fees from 60 cents per gallon to $13.80 per gallon. McGrail said the new rate reflects Marion’s actual costs of I/I mitigation and that the former fee was antiquated and never updated.

            While the fees collected go to the Sewer Enterprise Fund, Waterman suggested strongly that they be tracked in a separate account to ensure they get used for I/I reduction. “If we could see it in the financials,” he said, also suggesting the $10,000 sewer hookup fee, “which technically isn’t just I/I should go in there, too.”

            Waterman stressed for those who might consider the hike unfair that $13.80 per gallon is the average price it costs the town. “Sometimes, it actually costs more,” he said.

            Marion hopes to exponentially increase its number of septic users via proposed developments in town, and the selectmen discussed a citizens’ petition for an annual Town Meeting warrant article seeking Zoning Classification for property owned by Matthew Zucker.

            McGrail, who met with Zucker and Board of Selectmen Chairman Randy Parker, reported that Zucker has indicated he is willing to have a pretty serious discussion with a density cap, “similar to where we are with Henry DeJesus.”

            Waterman suggested representatives put it right out there that the town needs assistance from developers in upgrading undersized water mains, so he is “not blindsided with it.” McGrail told the selectmen that he encouraged Zucker to come before the Planning Board to share his ideas.

            Attorney Patricia McArdle attended the Zoom meeting and indicated that Zucker reported to her a very positive meeting with Marion’s representative and has also talked with developer Ken Steen.

            In a 4:15 pm appointment, Chief of Police Richard Nighelli recommended the appointment of two new full-time officers, Stephen Dawson and Randy Jacob, to fill two of the department’s vacancies. The selectmen approved both recommendations and welcomed Dawson and Jacob to the town.

            From New Jersey with family connections in Massachusetts, Dawson is a graduate of the police academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has worked for the Broward County Sheriff’s Department. He met Massachusetts’ Municipal Training requirements through his work in Florida and brings experience as a therapist and a degree in psychology that Nighelli said would help the town on a regular basis and especially with individuals amidst mental health crisis.

            Jacob, a Westport native living in Fall River, graduated in 2019 from the MPTA in Randolph and has been working for the Fall River Police Department in its Environmental Division patrolling the city’s watershed and forest area, focusing on illegal dumping, regular service, domestics, and alarms.

            Both officers are appointed effective February 28 to one-year probationary periods.

            The Board of Selectmen holds a special meeting on Thursday, February 25, at 6:00 pm via Zoom to review concepts and receive feedback on the strained parking situation on Hiller Street. The selectmen resume their regular schedule next week, meeting on Tuesday, March 2, at 4:00 pm, and will also join the Finance and School Committees for a joint session on Wednesday, March 3, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo