A full agenda Tuesday evening for the Marion Board of Selectmen included a discussion of the bids for replacement of an existing water tank at Great Hill off Point Road in Marion.
Options include a pre-stressed concrete tower or a fiberglass one. The height, number of gallons contained, and other details are yet to be determined.
At a prior BOS meeting, the board signed a contract with Tata and Howard for the design phase to replace the Great Hill Water Tank. The tank will be reduced in size by one half and will be used for fire hydrant pressure. The town meeting of 2011 approved the design phase. At the meeting, the proposal for design was at $93,000, according to Town Administrator Paul Dawson. At issue is whether the tank will be replaced by a pre-stressed concrete structure or a fiberglass tank. The water committee, along with the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator, will determine the outcome.
Next up was a discussion of the Roadway Improvement Program. Dawson said that Phase 1A will begin in the spring with letters going out to residents in the impacted areas – including Ryder, Spring and Front Streets – noting that some disturbances will occur in driveway entries and asking residents for the ‘ok’ to disturb those areas.
“We plan to have a public meeting for all abutters in the area so they know what is coming,” said Paul Dawson, Town Administrator.
Next up was a discussion of the FEMA flood maps. “Marion and Mattapoisett have adopted the maps as presented,” said Dawson. “Other areas in the state asked for a delay of implementation, and that issue is ongoing.”
In other news, the main reading room of the Marion Music Hall is being painted.
Selectmen Steven Cushing announced that he will seek re-election as a town selectman.
“My interest, among many, is to see that the town hall use issue is resolved,” said Cushing.
The board issued a one-day alcohol license to VFW Post 2425 for a ham and bean supper to be held from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on February 15. Also, another one-day all-alcohol license was approved for VFW Post 2425 to hold a spaghetti dinner on February 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Lastly, the board appealed to the public for volunteers to sit on town boards, noting that they meet twice a month and that they need people to stand up and come forward to help the town. To apply to serve on a board, contact the Board of Selectmen at the Marion Town House.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
