Marion’s Select Board Tuesday received a $625,000 check from the Plymouth County Commission that will allow the town to replace all of its back-up generators at the Front Street waterworks pumping station.
Plymouth County Commission Chairman Jared Valanzola and state Senator Marc Pacheco delivered the check to the board, noting these are ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds that will be well-spent. Town Administrator Geoff Gorman noted that this check, combined with monies appropriated from town funds this year, will enable the necessary replacement all of the pumping station’s generators.
Pacheco congratulated the commission for its outstanding work in making these dollars available for local communities, then noted this might be his last appearance in Marion as a state senator; he is retiring in December after 36 years as a state legislator.
“One last time I come here as your senator,” he said. “But I may return. Marion is a very beautiful part of this district.”
In turn, Valanzola thanked Pacheco for his complimentary words and his service to the county. “We wish you well and are grateful for your support,” he said.
The Marion Energy Management Committee then proposed another large capital expense. The committee formally presented its plan to place solar panels on the roof of the new Department of Public Works building being constructed at Benson Brook. My Generation Energy, a local solar company, has offered to build a photovoltaic system on the roof of the new building.
“It’s an exciting and timely ideas,” Committee member Jennifer Francis said. “A very cost-effective investment.”
Francis said that thanks to a federal energy-rebate program currently available, the placing of solar panels there will knock 30% off of the town’s energy costs in less than five years. The town will realize a $13,000 energy-cost saving for a lease to an energy company.
The Select Board and the town administrator reacted cautiously to the plan. Board Chairman Norm Hills said the town’s upfront costs to put up the panels, around $912,000, will need to be on a Town Meeting warrant, and Marion’s next one won’t be held until May 2025. Gorman said an expense like that has not been built into the current town budget.
Francis cautioned the town needs to act fast. “It’s hard to say how long the rebate program will last because of the impending federal election,” she said.
Select Board member Randy Parker said he wanted to know more about the Eversource costs within that $912,000 figure. The board then tabled further discussion.
In other action, Gorman announced that the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) has awarded Hills its Commissioner of the Year Award for 2024, its “Distinguished Service award for the year,” Gorman said.
The board approved an Off-Premises Wine and Malt Liquor Package Goods license for a new liquor store, J. Sull Wine, at 119 Wareham Road, Unit 105, requested by C&J Sullivan, LLC.
The board appointed Eric Osterby as a new member of the Music Hall Advisory Committee and Robin Shields as a new member of the Capital Improvements Planning Committee.
The board approved the following Water/Sewer commitments: $970 for a new water tap and meter and $6,092.65 for a water and sewer quarterly billing (final reading September 11), $511 for a miscellaneous charge (final reading September 19), $1,088.73 for a final reading on September 24 and $10,000 for new sewer service (final reading September 24).
Gorman updated the board on the Harbormaster and Department of Public Works Building construction projects. The Harbormaster Building, he said, is on track to completion with a possible ribbon-cutting open at the end of October. The DPW Building construction project is also proceeding well.
Gorman announced the town’s third annual Pumpkin Palooza has been scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at the Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Gorman noted the town’s Benson Brook Boutique swamp shed has had a successful year and that its last day of the season will be October 30.
The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 6:00 pm in the Town House conference room facing Main Street.
Marion Select Board
By Michael J. DeCicco