Local developer Sherman Briggs’ concerns that Creek Road may have been paved over tainted landfill dug out and moved to outlying towns from Boston’s “big dig” of the 1990s was refuted during the Marion Select Board’s January 4 public meeting.
“There is a 2017 report that it met all the state standards,” said Interim Town Administrator Judy Mooney, pointing to a report filed with the town by engineering firm CDM Smith that included test data showing no evidence that the soil under Creek Road is contaminated or otherwise unfit for its usage.
“Why is the pavement in the shape it’s in?” asked Briggs during the Open Comment portion of the meeting. “The first rule of thumb is you don’t put asphalt down on frost.”
In reviewing the road paved in 2003, Briggs also asked for the whereabouts of $250,000 originally approved by town voters to activate the Creek Road water main, which has since been found to be inactive and beyond rehabilitation. Now the project is seeking $122,000 in additional funding.
“Do we know what that money is for … engineering or the replacement of the line?” asked Briggs.
“I recall it’s for engineering. … It should be in the town report,” stated Select Board Chairman Randy Parker.
“That’s toast,” said Select Board member Norm Hills of the Creek Road water main.
“If the town paves that road, it’ll be the same way,” insisted Briggs.
In answer to Briggs’ question about Marion’s wells at East, West and Mary’s Pond locations, Mooney said the town anticipates start-up in approximately a month’s time.
Parker explained the delay was due to a discovery that the new pumps failed to meet the gallons-to-minute requirements, so new pumps were ordered. Briggs said that main water is no longer in service except to add chemicals.
In a brief public hearing, the board voted to approve the Kittansett Club’s plan to alter its premises by renovating its interior bar and adding an exterior bar on the deck under a pavilion.
Representing the club was Steve Mann, general manager and chief operating officer, who told the board of the club’s change of officers and noted that while the previously walk-up bar could accommodate up to eight patrons, the new arrangement will allow for 12.
With the board’s approval of both the new officers and the planned alterations, Mann said Kittansett would submit its application to the state Alcohol Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for licensing.
The Select Board voted to approve membership of the Marion Historic District Study Committee as: Will Tifft of the Sippican Historical Society, Margie Baldwin, Dan Crete, John DiSalvo, George Morton, Stephen Swain and Mallory Waterman. Meg Steinberg, who was involved in organizing the committee, withdrew her name from consideration for membership among the 16 applicants.
In her update to the Select Board, Mooney reported that the search for a new town administrator was down to three finalists, who were scheduled to interview on December 5.
Mooney also reported that architect Will Saltonstall is working to put together proposals for the new Department of Public Works operations center at Benson Brook and anticipates a meeting in the third week of January. “He’s moving along,” said Mooney.
There was no new information on the former Lockheed Martin property.
Among action items, the board voted to approve a new arrangement for the town’s legal representation.
Town Counsel Jon Witten is leaving KP Law and going back on his own practice and proposed an arrangement that would have him continue to function as the town’s lead counsel and for KP Law to handle specialty matters such as labor.
The board voted to approve a $28,538 donation from Marion EMT Association, a Senior Work-off Program at the Council on Aging and a one-day liquor license for the Marion Social Club January 15. It voted against a water abatement requested at 123 Cove Circle.
Select Board member Toby Burr recommended that the town establish a central location for its many policies.
Regarding the state’s plan to implement new Title 5 septic regulations, the board recommended that citizens attend the public hearings and submit any comments directly to MassDEP. All information is posted in a new section at marionma.gov.
The Select Board, in conjunction with the town’s Board of Health, plans to post its letter to the state on the town website.
The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday in a session geared toward the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and has scheduled an executive session to discuss negotiations on Thursday, January 12, at 5:00 pm.
The next regular public meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, at 6:00 pm.
Marion Select Board
By Mick Colageo