There was disagreement among the members of the Marion Select Board as to the town’s Public Comment Policy.
A Draft Second Read was before the board during Tuesday night’s public meeting, the purpose to allow the board to observe the changes made with recommendation allowing the chairman to maximize discussion time while maintaining control over potentially contentious arguments. As Town Administrator Geoff Gorman explained to the board, a policy would prevent the hijacking of time.
Select Board Chairman Toby Burr said he feels uncomfortable limiting the amount of time that the public can speak about an issue. He floated an alternative scenario in which no less than 10 minutes would be allocated and possibly more as the discretion of the chairman.
Board member Norm Hills, who has served multiple terms as chairman of the Select Board, Planning Board and other adjudicating boards, identified the problem of speakers “getting to the point.”
Member Randy Parker agreed with Burr, saying that the chair should control the committee and give some additional time if they need it.
“We’ve had some pretty difficult meetings in the last 10 years and managed to get through them. I think we should look through this one more time,” said Parker.
Gorman noted that the state has seen two litigations over the last five years following attempts to calm a meeting amidst foul language and calling people by name. He said that in one recent case, a citizen was removed from a public meeting, sued and won the case.
“If you do not policy drive,” warned Gorman, the board leaves itself open to a lack of control. “Unfortunately, there are people out there that dictate boards like this. … This whole purpose is to protect the board and the town, and I will continue to seek the language and verbiage to make that happen.”
Parker said he would like more time, and the matter was tabled.
The Marion Harbormaster Department officially became part of the Police Department after its reorganization was approved by the Select Board.
As the first of 21 action items on the June 6 agenda, Gorman summarized the matter emanating from former Governor Baker’s 2020 police reform requiring recertification and training of all police personnel, including harbormasters who are charged with duties, including the powers of arrest and the use of escalated force. The reorganization means all Harbormaster Department personnel will report to the Chief of Police.
In separate votes, the Select Board approved the appointments of Damian Amaral and Tyler Paquette as full-time Police officers, per Chief of Police Richard Nighelli’s requests, effective May 29. The officers’ probationary periods were completed.
The board voted to approve the appointment of Danielle Engwert from alternate to full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Engwert received enthusiastic support from ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow, who recruited Engwert. “I’m very proud of where she’s come from,” said Callow. The opening came with the resignation of Dr. Ed Hoffer.
James Stewart is now an associate member of the Marine Resources Commission after his appointment was approved. “The harbor’s a key part of the town, and I’d like to do my part to keep it the way it is and keep it in good shape,” said Stewart, who lived in Marion from 1987 to 1993, moved to Boston and then back in 2006.
Along with many scheduled staff reappointments, the board approved the designation of Gorman as the town’s Interim Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) effective March 1. Gorman will become eligible to lose the interim tag when he completes his MCPPO certification currently in process.
The board approved Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Conservation restrictions at Red Brick Farm East (Wolf Island Road, Mattapoisett) and Red Brick Farm West (Long Plain Road, Mattapoisett); both are part of aquifer water protection for the Tri-Towns.
The board approved the following road closures to accommodate the Marion 5k Road Race on Saturday, June 24. The race begins at 9:00 am and is expected to travel down Front Street, crossing Ryder Lane from 9:00 am to 9:10 am, Spring Street through 9:20 am, Main Street (9:05-9:25 am), Pleasant Street (9:05-9:35 am), Holmes Street (9:08-9:45 am), Water Street (9:10-9:50 am), Vine Street (9:10-10:00 am) and finally Front Street (9:12-10:15 am.) The race is sponsored by the Marion Recreation Department.
The board approved the closure of Main Street from School to Front Street for the First Congregational Church of Marion’s Annual Summer Street Fair on Saturday, July 29, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm subject to Fire and Police chiefs’ approvals.
Overflow parking for approximately 15 cars on Planting Island Road facing Point Road for a July 29 wedding was approved from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
A mobile-home permit for 507 Delano Road was approved for two more weeks.
Water/Sewer commitments of $3,536.48 (final readings May 24) and of $678.23 (final readings May 31) were approved.
Other approvals included a letter of support to Eversource regarding the Southeastern Massachusetts Clean Grid Concept, the Department of Public Works’ request on annual water restrictions from June 15 to September 15, acceptance of the Marion Housing Production Plan of 2022 and approval of the Open Space & Recreation Plan.
A discussion about a possible Cemetery Commission fee increase was tabled.
In his Town Administrator’s Report, Gorman publicly thanked all volunteers involved in Marion’s Memorial Day Remembrance exercises. “It really was one of the best events I’ve attended,” said Gorman.
Gorman said the Example Agenda included in the board members’ meeting packet was not intended for a vote on Tuesday but only review until a later date. He said the tightening of meeting agendas, including the elimination of placeholder items is driven by the state’s Open Meeting Law.
The outlook on a July 1 fireworks is murky after the town received no bids following a June 2 advertisement. New notification will appear in the June 8 Wanderer in hopes of drawing more bids by June 22. If there are none, the fireworks will be canceled.
Executive Assistant Donna Hemphill noted that July 4 parade applications are available at the Town House. The event begins at 9:00 am.
On May 31, the Select Board met and voted to increase Tier 3 and 4 water rates by 1% and voted to increase the base for sewer by 1%, Tier 1 by 2%, Tier 2 by 3%, Tier 3 by 4% and Tier 4 by 6%.
The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.
Marion Select Board
By Mick Colageo