A short agenda became even briefer when two of the three hearings were postponed at the September 10 meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission. The developers who are planning to construct a CVS at the corner of Front Street and Route 6 contacted the commission after requesting the meeting and said that they were not yet ready. The requested hearing was continued indefinitely.
A notice of intent filed by Thomas Stemberg of 114 Point Road was continued until the September 24 meeting at the request of the applicant.
A request of determination of applicability was heard for Hanafee Family Trust, 0 Main Street for the renovation of a cobblestone ramp 400 feet from closest water and wetlands. Twenty feet of cobblestones need to have the grout replaced due to winter damage. Work will have to be done during low tides and with the use of quick-drying grout. Members Joel Hartley, Jeff Doubrava, and Steve Gonsalves had made a site visit to review the scope of work. Satisfied that the work was necessary and limited, the commission voted to allow the work to proceed with previously established conditions.
In other business, a letter drafted by Chairman Norman Hills to the Board of Selectmen requesting their approval and the issuance of a license to A & J Boatworks to store boats on property owned by the town and in wetlands was reviewed. The commission had sought and received legal counsel from Jon Whitten. Whitten found “nothing that would prevent a one-time license.” Hills said, “[they] will pursue other options in the future.” After reading the draft, the commission agreed to send it on to the selectmen with minor edits.
One final topic discussed by the three board members in attendance – Steve Gonsalves, Norman Hills, and Joel Hartley – was the selection process for a new Conservation Commission secretary. Hills said that as the appointed representative for the commission during the interviewing process, he would be working with “the head of zoning.” Gonsalves asked if he could participate in the interviewing process, saying he might have other types of questions from those Hills may ask of an applicant. Hills directed him to speak with Doubrava. The posting of a clerical position for this commission that will also work part-time for the zoning board of appeals received 11 applicants, which have been narrowed down to four.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is September 24 at 7:00 pm in the Town House conference room.
By Marilou Newell
