A primary topic of discussion at the Select Board/Water and Sewer Commissioners December 17 meeting was the draft language for the Historic District Bylaw expected to be on the town Warrant in the Spring.
Historical Commission members Ben and Meg Steinberg were present to answer board members’ questions and concerns. Some of these dealt with understanding or clarifying requirements on new construction and additions to existing homes. Others focused on how the site will accommodate longstanding maritime and commercial entities within its bounds, and the importance of gaining community support prior to the ballot question.
The Commission plans to reach out to the 300 or more homeowners in the proposed district with a mailing on January 2, announcing a targeted informational forum on January 15.
On February 18, they will hold a public meeting for the entire community at the Council on Aging. This is intended to familiarize residents and others with the project and its benefits, answer questions and address any concerns.
The Board supported these and other outreach efforts on the part of the Commission.
Action Items addressed at the meeting included:
Approving an easement on Benson Brook Road allowing Eversource and Verizon to install a utility pole; declining a request for a water/sewer abatement at 44 Rock Nook Road; approving Vice-Chair C. Burr to serve as delegate to the Mass Municipal Association upcoming meeting; and approval of a water/sewer commitment of $697.18 based on final readings on December 12.
The approval of water/sewer lines was approved while raising discussion on current policies in this area. It was noted that there appears to be a pattern of recurring liens for some residents, and that the current policy that allows residents to convert water/sewer liens to their real estate tax obligation serves to benefit the homeowner and diminish needed revenue to the commission. The Board and Gorman agreed that this policy needs to be researched and addressed to determine if there are other options.
Administrator Gorman, in his report, said that the Holiday Stroll was a huge success that got enormously positive feedback, personally and online, such as “amazing,” “beautiful,” “a Hallmark movie!” He added that it was recorded in its entirety and can be viewed on the TVs in the Town House.
Gorman then noted that 2025 resident stickers – whether for beach parking, refuse, or shell fishing will be moving from the Town House to the new Harbormaster’s office once it is open for activity.
He closed with an update on holiday office hours. Town offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and reopen on Friday, the 26 at the usual hour. Likewise for New Year, closing at noon on December 31 and reopening on January 2.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.
The next regular meeting of the Select Board will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
Marion Select Board
By Mary McCann Fiske