A low bid of $47,583 was approved by the Marion Board of Selectmen at their meeting on Tuesday evening for the renovation and repair of the Marion Natural History Museum.
On July 23, the ceiling of the museum, located above the town library, collapsed onto the library ceiling below, leaving the museum, built in the 1800s by Elizabeth Taber, closed until repairs could be made.
Loughton Construction of Raynham was awarded the contract unanimously. Town Administrator Paul Dawson said that there was one local bidder that was higher in price.
“The bidding process is daunting,” said Dawson, “and the bid documents are hundreds of pages.” Dawson suggested holding a workshop for local contractors on the bidding process to bring in more local bidding for town repairs out to bid.
Jim Quigley, Deputy District Director for Congressman William Keating, addressed the board and said that he was visiting all of the towns in the district and wanted residents to know that Rep. Keating and he were available to assist in any areas of concern. “If any school group or other groups want a tour of the capital or want assistance with Social Security, housing, or other issues, call us or e-mail us and we will get back to you,” Quigley said.
Selectman Jody Dickerson asked about Rep. Keating’s specialty in Homeland Security and in regard to the security of the wells that support drinking water in town. Quigley said he would look into the matter and report back.
Elsewhere on the agenda, discussion was held regarding land with a real estate delinquency of approximately $5584.11 on property owned at 929 Point Rd. The owner offered the land to the town at the cost of the delinquency.
“Let’s go slowly on this,” Selectman John Henry said. “Perhaps an abutter might want the land.” The Board agreed to have Dawson discuss the issue with the land owner and request that he contact all abutters to see if there would be an interest in purchasing the property for the cost of the delinquency.
The board approved the semi-annual water and sewer bill in the amount of $2.17 million for the term expiring on Nov. 13, 2012. A one-day alcohol license was approved for the Marion Social Club for a birthday party from 6pm to midnight on April 27.
The ongoing bid for the mold remediation at the Town House was resolved by a vote to award the contract to ServePro of Fall River & Taunton.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
