At 7:00 pm, the Marion Planning Board meeting was called to order by former Vice Chairman Stephen Kokkins. The first order of business was to re-organize the board and welcome in three new members, Eileen J. Marum, Robert H. Lane and Michael Popitz, M.D.
Kokkins added that he would also like to “recognize the extremely good services of those that have served” and that “the door is always open in the future.”
With the new members situated into the seven member board, it was time to elect a new chairman, vice chairman, and clerk. Steve Gonsalves nominated Kokkins saying, “seeing how you performed as vice-chair, I’d like to see you as chair.”
The motion was seconded, and the board unanimously agreed. Kokkins replied, “I thankfully accept your offer for a year.”
For vice chairman, new member Marum said, “I’d like to nominate Norm Hills.” The board then nominated him into this position, which he accepted.
For the position of clerk, which Kokkins joked that at one point or another nearly all the members had been clerk and that he “dimly remembers being clerk,” Lane was nominated. The board voted him into the position.
Kokkins announced, “our board is reconstituted. As your chairman, we can now get down to business.”
The newest members briefly shared a little bit about themselves. Lane stated that he’s been a resident of Marion since 1980. He has worked in real estate development and construction management and is now semi-retired.
Popitz has been a citizen of this town for 17 years. He and his wife are both anesthesiologists. “I am looking forward to serving this town and being on this planning board.”
Marum has lived in Marion for three years. She is a retired registered nurse and a certified public housing manager. She has a “great interest in housing and environmental issues.”
Jay Hiller and Rich Riccio of Field Engineering then approached the board about a request for a modification of a site plan at 635 Mill St. The proposal was for a “relatively minor land change” and would basically involve updating a plan that was brought before the board in 2006.
Due to the lapse in time since the plan was initially proposed, a question of expiration was asked by the board and Kokkins stated that it “sounds like changes are minor. However, there is a need to verify that the site plan is still in effect.”
It was determined that the plan could be re-submitted for site-plan approval. Kokkins stated, “We might expect to see you at the next meeting.”
Next was the appointment of a SRPEDD representative from the board. The representative would be responsible for attending meetings and reporting back to the planning board. Marum stated “I would be interested.” She was voted by the board into the position.
A CPC representative was also needed. Kokkins asked if Popitz would be willing. He said that he would. Popitz was then voted into the position.
The minutes from the previous meeting were then approved by the board, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20pm.
By Sarah Taylor
