A new Fireworks Committee will be forming in Marion in order to bring back the popular annual display next summer. Selectman Jody Dickerson recommended the idea at the Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, August 21 at the Marion Police Department.
“The job cannot be handled by one person,” said Dickerson. “The fireworks are a major element of our town’s events.”
This summer the fireworks were canceled due to a lack of funding. The fireworks were originally supposed to be coordinated by the Recreation Department; however, there was no one to spearhead the project. Dickerson nominated himself to head the committee, but insisted on having a group of dedicated and capable volunteers to help raise funds. Dickerson also suggested starting the fundraising for the fireworks as soon as possible to make sure the proper amount of money is secured.
“It is my hope that the fireworks get the attention and management it deserves,” said Dickerson.
In other news, the Selectmen met with John Ludes, a member of the Sippican Historical Society, in order to discuss a possible solution to the funding of the line painting in the Marion General Store’s parking lot. According to Ludes, the parking lot is technically private; however, there are plenty of vehicles parked in the lot on a daily basis that are visiting the Marion Congregational Church and other public buildings in the area.
Since the lot is private, Ludes and the other stores that own the lot are responsible for funding the maintenance of the lot themselves. They pay for repaving, snow plowing and gardening. Ludes said the lines should be repainted every five years and that they currently need to be repainted. Ludes asked for help from the Selectmen to pay for the repainting.
“I feel from a safety standpoint, it would be very beneficial for someone from the town to draw some lines,” said Ludes. “We are part of the town and we’re just asking for a little help.”
The Selectmen agreed to allow Ludes to draft a proposal to explore the cost of the project.
“I would be interested in entertaining the idea,” said Chairman Stephen Cushing.
Town Administrator Paul Dawson proposed a new Energy Management Service company for the town that could help cut down electricity costs up to 35 percent for the town annually. Source One Energy Solutions is a company that researches electricity rates to help towns find the best value. According to Dawson, the three-year contract would cost $3,500 and the payment plan would be built into the town’s utility bills. The Board voted unanimously to allow Dawson to begin negotiations with the company.
Dawson also had an update on the Sprague Cove situation, where the Conservation Commission had hired an outside party to clean the area of evasive plant species without the proper permission. According to Dawson, he has met with the Conservation Commission to develop a scope of work that is necessary for the project. They are still working on finishing the rest of the paperwork so the town can pay the company.
“Things are going well,” said Dawson. “I’m very satisfied with the progress we’ve made.”
The Board also voted unanimously to pay $1,500 for an engineer to come in and assess the damages to the Marion Natural History Museum following the roof collapse a few weeks ago. According to Dawson, insurance will cover the damages since they are estimated to be under $25,000; however, Selectman Jon Henry suggested bringing in an engineer to check out the structure of the building.
“We want to make sure something like this never happened again,” said Henry.
The Board selected Monday, November 26 to be the date of the Fall Special Town Meeting. The Selectmen’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
By Katy Fitzpatrick
