The Marion Board of Selectmen welcomed newly elected member Jonathan “Jody” Dickerson to the board at his inaugural meeting held on the evening of Tuesday, June 5. Dickerson defeated Ted North in the Town Election on May 25 for the available seat.
“I will have to accept that I finished second in a two-man race,” said North. “But you will serve the community well and you have my support.”
June 5 marked the first meeting held after the Annual Town Meeting. As a result, the board reorganized itself. Stephen Cushing replaced Jonathan Henry as Chairman of the Board, while Henry takes over the reigns as Vice Chairman. Dickerson will serve as the Board’s Clerk.
In other news, the Selectmen approved a bid for a new lighting system outside of the Music Hall. The bid is currently set for $8,100, but does not include installation. With all financial factors included, the Selectmen worry the figure could grow as high as six-figures.
“$8,100 is a lot of money,” said Dickerson. “I will second the motion with great hesitation.
Despite the high figure, the Selectmen acknowledged the fact that the new lights are necessary.
“The lighting is just not adequate and the existing fixtures may or may not be repairable,” said Town Administrator Paul Dawson.
The Selectmen also voted to allow the Energy Management Committee to draft zoning solar bylaw plans for the potential solar farm that could be implemented at the Marion Landfill. The committee will work with the Planning Board in order to get bylaws in place in time for the Fall Town Meeting.
Lastly, the Board voted to approve the coordination of a Town Employee and Committee Member Appreciation Cookout. The event will be held in the summer. A date will soon be selected and invitations will be drafted and sent out.
“I really think we should continue this tradition,” Dickerson said. “These employees put plenty of hours in and I feel like a lot of it goes unrecognized. This Board should recognize it.”
The Marion Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House.
By Katy Fitzpatrick
