In order to tweak the Point Road Path cleanup plan toward greater efficiency and productivity, Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission Chairman John Rockwell called a special public meeting on Tuesday to gain approval to double the commission’s expert workforce.
Overhanging branches hung up in the trees and power lines in the half-mile-long upland section of Point Road between Joanne Drive and Jenna Drive are on one hand dangerous and on the other in need of a heavy industry approach.
To that end, Dave Jenney, who has been contracted in the past by MOSAC, recommended that Rochester-based David Grime Tree Service inspect and evaluate at the project.
Motivated to contract someone local for a quicker setup time, Rockwell reported to the commission that Grime and Jenney agree that it is cheaper to grind an 8-inch pine in a chipper than to set it aside of the path and have to make a separate pass to collect and dispose of those pieces.
“Dave (Jenney,) not only did he cut the wood up, the branches that fell in the woods he cut up so it wouldn’t look unsightly,” said Rockwell, who proposed both Jenney and Grimes are out there at the same time to give MOSAC a day’s work.
An experienced woodcutter, Rockwell admittedly lacks experience working at a necessary level of efficiency, so he called Marion Select Board member Randy Parker who said they are right to put them together, one on the brush hog and one in the tree cutter. “Absolutely faster,” was Rockwell’s takeaway from the conversation with Parker.
Noting that Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail suggested signing contracts to protect the commission, Rockwell said, “I don’t believe we need protection from these guys, but it’s standard procedure.”
The contracts call for $950 for Jenney (his regular per-day rate) and $1,000 for Grimes. They will presumably work together, and Rockwell will base the longer-range plan on what they accomplish as a team on the one day.
“You get the benefits of having a big outfit in there with these two independent contractors out there,” said Rockwell.
MOSAC member Amanda Chace agreed with the tandem concept, especially since the commission has already established a strong working relationship with Jenney. “It went well so that gives me confidence as well,” she said.
“By putting in the number of wooden stakes and specifying what needs to be done in that area, I think you did it,” said MOSAC member Deb Ewing, approving of the contract language.
Rockwell said there should be 60 stakes in the designated stretch, so the commission needs to put more stakes out. Right now, he said there are 26 stakes in place, but their locations will be reviewed in order to potentially avoid taking down more trees. Pending weather, Rockwell is hoping to do some fieldwork next week.
MOSAC members voted to approve the contract language. Once Rockwell obtains the contractors’ insurance certificates, he can give them the go-ahead.
In other business, MOSAC reviewed its meeting dates for 2022 and voted to maintain its monthly schedule of meeting on every first Thursday. MOSAC’s first meeting of 2022 is therefore scheduled to be held on January 6 at 7:00 pm.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Mick Colageo