Cove Circle Garage Case Continued

on

            Don and Barbara Easterday’s January 12 proposal for a two-car garage on their pie-shaped lot at 52 Cove Circle was found lacking by the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals, which voted to continue the case to February 9.

            The Easterdays sought a variance from Section 230-5.1 of the Marion Zoning Bylaws for the construction of a 28×24-foot detached garage.

            Upon opening the public hearing, ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow read into the record a letter from Attorney Jillian Morton of Wareham-based Bello & Morton LLC, representing the applicants. Morton’s key points outlined the case, including encroachment on the side setback and the need for the garage to be placed on a particular side of the property.

            The required side setback is 30 feet; the proposed garage would sit 20 feet from the side lot line. At 110.93 feet, the lot’s frontage is less than half the 250-foot standard.

            Without the garage, the couple of “advancing age” would not be able to conveniently access their vehicles during the winter, explained Morton, who was in attendance alongside Don Easterday. The proposed garage location was also based on proximity to a utility pole and the ability to charge an electric vehicle.

            The other side of the lot includes landscaping, a generator and a septic tank. More than half of the parcel has been identified as wetland, making it unavailable for the construction.

            Referencing comments from the Board of Health dated December 22, ZBA member Dana Nilson confirmed with Don Easterday that there are no plans to upgrade the septic installment on the property.

            According to Callow, the Conservation Commission will also require a filing due to the wetlands on the property.

            Morton told the ZBA that an abutting neighbor has not yet replied to information shared about the proposal. Easterday said two other abutters had no objections to his plan.

            Asked by ZBA member Tucker Burr why the garage is greater than 20 feet wide, Easterday explained that a shed on his property line could be removed with the new storage space that the wider garage would create.

            After the public hearing was closed, Nilson questioned as to if the garage could be located elsewhere on the property that would not necessitate a zoning variance. He suggested that there are places on the opposite side of the house where the garage could sit and maintain the required 20-foot setback from the leaching field.

            “Moving propane lines might cost money, but those aren’t really zoning considerations for a variance,” said Nilson.

            ZBA member Will Tifft agreed. “My biggest concern is that the hardship is not clear to me,” he said.

            Upon hearing Nilson say that the applicant could have demonstrated alternate locations on the plan, Morton suggested the public hearing be reopened so she could provide more information. The ZBA then voted to reopen the hearing.

            ZBA member Dr. Ed Hoffer acknowledged the quandary facing the Easterdays, but he stated the board’s responsibility is to render decisions based on the requirements of applications, however harsh.

            At Morton’s request, the board agreed to continue the case to February 9 at 6:40 pm.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, at 6:30 pm at the Marion Police Station, also accessible via Zoom.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Emergency Preparedness

on

This is the perfect time to think about and prepare for emergencies and disasters as Massachusetts faces a variety of hazards – weather related or others throughout the year.

            If you feel that you would require assistance in an emergency, we would like to have a discussion with you so we can prepare a plan that will be ready to go when needed.

            -If you rely on medical equipment at your residence that requires electricity

            -If you would require transportation to a shelter when such a need arises or live in a known flood zone

            -If you have a communication-related disability, we need to know the best way to communicate in an emergency state

            -If you take medications, we need a list

            -If there is any other targeted assistance that you may need

            Please call the Council on Aging at 508-748-3570 so we can compile this information which will be reported to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). We want to be prepared.

            We encourage residents and family members, who may reside out of town to sign up for E- alerts from the Town of Marion. (visit   marionma.gov/subscribe)

Music at the MAC

on

 The Marion Art Center presents Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live on the MAC Stage, Saturday, February 25 at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now to MAC members ($20) and go on sale to nonmembers ($25) on Jan. 21 at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Paul Bielatowicz has recorded and toured with some of the biggest names in progressive rock, including Carl Palmer, Neal Morse, Dream Theater, Yes, Todd Rundgren, Arthur Brown, Alan Parsons Project and more. When the great plague of 2020 stopped all touring, Paul turned his attention to composing and spent two prolific years writing various projects, including this prog rock soundtrack for the 1922 classic silent horror Nosferatu. Join Paul in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater for an evening of music and immersive multimedia, culminating in a complete performance of his original soundtrack accompanying the iconic 1922 silent movie Nosferatu. For the first time, this show features 3 video screens, bringing the full-band experience to any size venue and includes an all-star guest musician lineup, joining him via his various video screens.

            Musicians include: Narration by Arthur Brown (Crazy World of Arthur Brown); Dave Bainbridge (Strawbs, Iona) on Keyboards; Leah Bluestein (Video Game Orchestra, Groundlift) on drums; Mike Dutko (Groundlift) on bass guitar; Peter Zay (New Bedford Symphony Orchestra) on cello; Simon Fitzpatrick (ELP Legacy, Jennifer Batten) on Chapman stick and guitars, theremin and synthesizers by Paul Bielatowicz. Even if you’ve seen the movie, or Paul’s previous performance of it, you’ve NEVER seen it like this.

How to Declutter Your Home 1.0

on

            On January 13, the Sippican Woman’s Club held its monthly meeting, which included a rather timely presentation on a familiar topic: clutter at home.

            As we begin a new year, many of us will have this to-do at the top of our resolution lists. But how does one begin, just where is the jumping off point and then, what steps should be taken?

            Kristi Santilli of Organized by Kristi gave an hour-long presentation that outlined the dos and don’ts for successful removal of “stuff” no longer needed or used in the home. Santilli began by saying that a positive result from decluttering is a “… better quality of life. Clutter creates stress and you end up cleaning more because stuff is in the way.” Children are also negatively impacted by a cluttered home, she pointed out.

            The process is not a one-size-fits-all either. Santilli said that, “You just have to get started, first by separating things into piles. Like items with like items, throw away, give away and keep.”

            Santilli said that many people believe their belongings have value and therefore want to sell them. She stated that people aren’t willing to pay what you may think an item is worth and so it’s held onto while waiting for the right buyer. That kind of thinking not only slows the decluttering process but makes removing items from the home more problematic.

            Santilli suggests you ask yourself these questions to kickstart the decluttering process: Do you wear it, do you like it, does it fit, is it your color and does it go with something else you already have?

            The mechanics of decluttering is actually rather simple. Santilli uses the word SPACE to spell out the steps. S represents Sort. Establish a staging area, sort items by category and resist returning items where you found them. P represents Purge. Make decisions for each item, placing them in piles for keep, trash, donate, recycle, consign, sell and gift. A represents Assign. Where will kept items live and have three levels of storage, primary (everyday stuff), secondary (occasionally used stuff) and cold (like Christmas decorations – infrequently used stuff.)

            C is the fun part, Santilli said. This is where all the stuff being kept finds its home. C stands for Contain. Keep things safe and dust-free, mark with easy identification, repurpose what you have and be consistent with the size and style of your stuff.

            Last but not least is the letter E, which represents Equalize. This is the maintenance stage. Now that you made everything neat and tidy and clutter-free, keep it that way.

            Here’s what Santilli suggested: Set a plan of action for each day, taking 10 minutes or so to strategize your day; schedule specific times of the day for important calls and emails; prioritize your three most important tasks of the day; do laundry as soon as the hamper is full or pick a specific laundry day; don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink; assign everything to a home; pay bills online; before going to bed, check your schedule to prepare for the next day; pick-up anything around the house that isn’t in its home and put it away and don’t leave a room without something in your hand.

            As Santilli joyfully explains, “Eliminating clutter from your life can be overwhelming but making the leap from chaos to calm can be life changing.”

            For more information on membership opportunities with the Sippican Woman’s Club, visit sippicanwomansclub.org

By Marilou Newell

Public Still Has Say on Septic

on

            Rochester Health Director Karen Walega urges residents to register to attend one of the two remaining public hearings on the state Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed changes to Title 5 septic regulations and to contact Representative William Straus and Senator Michael Rodrigues.

            “The deadline for letters to DEP has been pushed back to January 30 … so we have a little bit more time,” said Walega, crediting political leaders across the state for the delay.

            The concern is that should MassDEP designate a significant portion of the Town of Rochester as “nitrogen sensitive,” then the requirements made on homeowners could carry crippling cost. Residents can access a GIS database map at mass.gov, enter their address and find out if their property is situated in a nitrogen-sensitive area.

            According to Board of Health members and municipal officials in the Tri-Towns, denitrification technology in private septic systems is evolving, lacks consistency in its reliability and requires every homeowner with such a system to perform maintenance and keep records.

            Walega’s comments came during the January 4 public meeting of the Rochester Board of Health.

            While noting that Rochester is not currently listed as a nitrogen-sensitive town, she told the board that the regulations as proposed apply to estuaries studied and designated as nitrogen-sensitive. Walega suspects Rochester will eventually be included, and she has reached out to Straus’ office.

            “It’s very important to get comments out to the Select Board and to your representative,” said Walega. “We need to know more about this, and at this point in time, I think the best thing we can do is ask for a six-month moratorium.”

            The board also planned to meet January 12 to finalize a letter to be sent to MassDEP.

            To attend the January 23 or January 25 public hearing, visit mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-15000-septic-systems-title-5#proposed-amendments-public-comment-.

            Board Chairman David Sousa was unable to attend the January 4 meeting, and board members Sarah Eby and Glenn Lawrence presided over a contentious discussion between neighboring property owners involving a long-standing dispute over farm animals.

            When over a dozen sheep were in his yard in the aftermath of a recent storm, Rochester homeowner Larry Oliveira thought a prior ruling would have triggered the forfeiture of his neighbor’s animals that he had complained about multiple times, but the board ruled that the latest incident was involuntary and the result of a massive tree falling on the fence separating the residents’ properties during a storm.

            After filing a complaint on December 27, a frustrated Oliveira told the board he has been dealing with the problem for seven years, and he was upset to learn that the conditions established would not be brought to bear in this situation.

            Walega instructed the board that it could vote to have Town Counsel Blair Bailey take legal action against the neighboring property owner, but both members present determined that there was no violation of the ruling.

            In other January 4 business, the board discussed legal issues with Trailside Estates, which the members said was issued building permits for two units. Eby said there should be a cease-and-desist order in place. It was anticipated that Ken Motta and Rick Riccio of Field Engineering would be communicating with the board.

            In reviewing the Health Department’s FY24 budget, Walega estimated a figure of $78,010, assuming the health nurse would work 10 hours weekly, administration and Walega 15 hours each, and $6,472 approved for elected officials. The amount represents a $6,040 total increase over FY23. Walega wants to make Board of Health Administrator Lori Walsh a full-time town employee.

            “My goal in all of this and me working here is … I’m trying to pave the way for the next person who sits in my seat,” said Walega.

            Eby asked if Walsh would have enough to do to justify the extra hours. Walega gave an unequivocal “yes” and noted that “Lori is the only town employee that works full time and doesn’t reap the benefits.”

            Eby asked if it is possible to raise Walsh’s pay ahead of FY24.

            Walega also told the board that maintenance for the town’s landfill will cost $800,000, and her retirement fund required by the pension agreement established by the state will necessarily jump from $14,000 to $19,000.

            Public Nurse Connie Dolan is budgeted for 10 hours of work weekly but is averaging 12-14 in season. She is a sailor so with time off during the summer her weeks average out to 10 hours overall. But it was also stressed that Rochester lags behind Marion and Mattapoisett in budgeting for the public health nurse.

            “We’re here to make sure we’re covering the health of our community,” said Eby. “It’s not like we’re asking for 8,000 big things; we’re asking for our people to be able to do their jobs.”

            The board canceled its meeting scheduled for January 10, but with the FY24 budget approval due on January 13, a meeting was scheduled for January 12. The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Health has not been scheduled.

Rochester Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Upcoming events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

The Library will be closed the following Saturdays in January due to a staffing shortage: January 21 & 28.

            Tables of Content Fund-raising event is coming May 2023. Join your neighbors in Marion for great books, dinner and conversation. Tables of Content is a fund-raising event to benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library. Check out our Facebook and website for more info coming soon.

            New ETL Friends of the Library recruitment info session.  Tuesday January 24 at 6:30, Learn more about how you can meet new people and serve the community of Marion by joining the new Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library. Join our info session at the library; refreshments will be served.

            Children’s Gallery Show at the Marion Council on Aging. Children are invited to pick up a free art canvas from the library to participate in a children’s gallery show at the COA throughout February.  Return completed canvas before January 25 with contact info to be included in the show.

            Food drive to support the Marion Food Pantry is ongoing. Support the Marion Food Pantry by dropping off donations of shelf-stable food, pet supplies or unopened hygiene and cleaning products to the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

Connie has been after me for a while to write about the Grange. Having recently received a plaque from the Historical Commission, I thought now was the time.

            The organization known as the Grange has its roots following the Civil War. In 1865, Oliver Hudson Kelley, a Boston born Minnesota farmer was called to Washington for a meeting with President Andrew Johnson. Kelley had been at different times a reporter, worked in a telegraph office, traded with the Indians, built the first frame barn and owned and operated the first reaper in Minnesota and was the first Mason in that State. Later, in D.C., he worked in a clerkship position in the Department of Agriculture, and by 1866 held a position in the U.S. Postal Department. It was Kelley that the President sent to travel the country, in particular, the South to access the conditions of agriculture in a hope of hastening rehabilitation of the country.

            Kelley found conditions pitiable. Farmers and people in rural areas, not just in the South, but in the North as well, needed some kind of nationwide farm organization. It was to this end that he gathered together six friends all well acquainted with Washington and agriculture. These “7 Founders,” along with Kelley’s wife Lucy and niece Caroline organized what we know as the Grange. Because many of the men were Masons, much of the setup and ritual is similar with one BIG exception. From the very beginning, women were able to belong, hold office and vote on any and all matters. Of the 16 offices, four are for women only. Very early in the process, children as young as 12/14 were also able to join and participate. In many areas of the country today, there are Junior Granges for children as young as five to get together, run meetings to learn, as well as have fun.

            Over the years, the Grange has grown in numbers and sadly in some areas declined. No matter, the National Grange has always worked closely with Government to pass legislature to aid families. It was because of the Grange that we have Rural Free Delivery (RFD) mail, Parcel Post and Agricultural Schools. Agriculture has always been a main goal, but along the way the organization has worked to protect and support forests, wildlife, Arbor Day observance, Fire and Police protection, better railroads, building the Panama Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway and so much more. It was the Grange that pushed for direct elections by the people for U.S. Senators rather than having them appointed. A great book to learn more is ‘The Grange – Friend of the Farmer’ by Charles M. Gardener.

            From the beginning, the organization spread across the country with local Granges being formed in some cases in every town. The Massachusetts State Grange was formed in 1873 and celebrates 150 years this year. In 1905, Allen G. Ashley went door to door in Rochester trying to get people interested in forming a Grange. Finally in February 1906, a meeting was held in the North Rochester Social Union Hall (now a private home.) There were 81 Charter members. The first Agricultural Fair was held in 1909. Meetings were held with more and more people joining the ranks. Issues of the day both locally and nationally were discussed and voted on. Heated discussions often occurred. These early members took pride in their new organization and worked hard to make it last into the future.

             It soon became apparent that a new meeting place was needed. Land was purchased from Mrs. Annie Hartley and a building, the Grange Hall, was built. The Grange Hall was dedicated in 1925 with 280 in attendance and the work continued.

            From the beginning, members looked to helping others. Helping neighbors with farm work, chopping cords of wood for widows and neighbors in need, suppers raised money to help families burned out of their homes, etc. During WWII, ladies made bandages and other items to support the War effort. Many of you reading this will remember your 8th grade graduation being held on the stage, youth basketball, the boxing ring made by Bill Watling, now a display platform at the fair. In more recent times before Covid, the Grange supported Heifer Project, Words for Thirds and Foster Care. We hope to do so again. The Town rabies clinics were held there as well. The Boy Scouts still meet in the hall and hold their wonderful Trash Can Turkey Supper there every November.

            For those of you who may not know, yes, the Grange is still here. We took a severe hit with Covid, and it’s been hard. If you would like to learn more, visit the National Grange or Massachusetts State Grange on their websites or talk to someone. By the way, new members are always welcome.

By Susan LaFleur

Members Show Simply Stunning

on

            There are 90 opportunities to be amazed, beguiled and simply awestruck when entering the Marion Art Center now through February 10. Why? Because the Members Winter Show is now on exhibit.

            We took a sneak peak on Saturday, before the show officially opened and were gob smacked immediately by the variety of media and sheer quantity of museum-quality artwork. And that was just the first-floor gallery with 46 works. Another 44 awaited us in the second-floor gallery.

            The Members Show gives us, the viewing public, a chance to more fully appreciate the depth of artistic talent surrounding us on the south coast. Whether your taste leans towards traditional themes and methods or turns more towards technological execution, you’ll find beauty and perfection close to home at the MAC.

            One of the first pieces to catch our eye was photography of yellow tulips on a black background done by Donna St. Amant from Westport. The contrast between the stark blackness and the vivid yellow of tulips has to be seen.

            We caught up with St. Amant the following day to inquire about the processes she used to get a three-dimensional appearance. She explained her use of a large scanner capable of producing extremely high resolutions. Once the image is scanned, she uses computer programs to “clean up” the image.

            As an avid gardener, St. Amant creates these floral masterpieces from the organic masterpieces growing in her own garden. She explained that she had been a photographer for several decades but has moved away from that form of expression because she didn’t want to be sitting at a computer during her downtime.

            As a professional engineer, her working days found her sitting at a computer as it was. So her artistic urges were channeled into jewelry making. Now retired, she looks forward to using a computer once again, this time to explore the natural world in as many as 2,400 DPI.

            Another photographer whose images demonstrate the crossover capabilities of using computers to create art is Russ Saunders of Wareham. Saunders uses computer programs and printers to create fine art quality works.

            Brilliant colors of abstract design or seabirds playing along the water’s edge is the diversity of images Saunders creates. The description of his exhibited pieces reads “fine art photography, canvas giclee.” We asked him to break that down in layman’s terms. “Giclee means copy, like there is only one Mona Lisa, but there could be many copies.” A quick dip into the online dictionaries also indicated that giclee can mean “spray.” In the case of Saunders’ works, both definitions work.

            “I use high-quality canvas and inkjet printing…” that he contracts out. Saunders said that he starts out with a firm idea of what he wants the finished product to be. “You want to start with the end in mind.” The completed compositions are spectacular.

            And then there is John Magnan of Mattapoisett. Magnan’s wood sculptures grace what is now known as the Arc of Justice Atrium of the UMass Law School in Dartmouth. Each piece informs the other in a continuum speaking to the importance and necessity that all people receive equal treatment under the law. We had a chance to talk with Magnan a week before the Members Show opened.

            “The floral piece (titled the Joy of Access, one of four in the atrium) is solid cherry, hand carved as climbing Clematis at the height of bloom with a chickadee flying off in freedom. It’s intended to evoke a feeling of joy, hence the name. Providing underserved populations with access to the law is a major goal of the UMass Law School. That’s what they are preparing their students to do. When those who have been denied the benefit of law finally gain access to it, they know someone is there to help and their shoulders can drop. There is joy.”

            Magnan gives credit for the works in the school as inspired by his wife and her collaboration throughout the creation and installation of the works – Annie Jonas.

            In the Members Show, Magnan has several pieces: one titled Dark Russet, a bit of a play on words as he has created a nearly lifelike bag of potato chips and a bowl filled with chips from wood. So real, it seems to tempt the viewer to bite one.

            In the second-floor gallery, the glory continues. Turn to any wall and take your pick of visual delights. We found one painting that was luminous while at the same time, being dense with texture done by Deborah Beth Macy, oil and gold leaf on aluminum.

            While chatting with the MAC’s executive director, Jodi Stevens, we learned that in October, there is an exhibit planned for the three Macy sisters, each an artist in her own right. Now that is worth waiting for.

            The list of artists showing in this exhibit reads like a Who’s Who of superior local artists. It includes: Helen Johnson, watercolor; Judith Rosbe, photography; Jessica Morse, watercolor; David Danis, acrylic; Charlotte Smith, watercolor; Peter Stone, oil; Jaye Degnan Tirimacco, oil on linen; Alice Shire, watercolor; Barbara Allen, watercolor; Kyle Riseley, oils on canvass and board; Nat Simkins, watercolor and graphite; Butch McCarthy, acrylic; Robert Dunn, archival print with original digital photography; Deborah Beth Macy, oil and gold leaf on aluminum; John Wiliszowski, digital image elaboration; Robert Duff, oil on canvas and panel; Adrian Tio, linocut relief print; Russell Saunders, fine art photography/canvas giclee; Janet Cromer, watercolor; Richard Ironfield, oil; Darlene Sassmann, watercolor; Charlene Mackiewicz, pastel; Judith Klein, watercolor; Nicole St. Pierre, pastel; Jill Law, acrylic; Susan Gilmore, oil pastel on canvas; Beth Heather Macy, oil; Donna St. Amant, photography; June Strunk, watercolor; Phoebe Girard, fabric/paint/stitching; Nancy Skawinski, porcelain; Lenora Pennington, oil; Valerie Farretta, watercolor; Sarah Brown, pastel; Barbara Geagan, watercolor; Thomas Geagan, watercolor; Peggy Call-Conley, watercolor; John Magnan, wood; Michelle Lapointe, stained glass; Ben Bassham, oil on canvas; Elwin Williamson, photography; Carol Bliven, pastel; Diana Parson, watercolor; Patricia White, ink drawing; David Owen Maloney, digital drawing and acrylic; Pat Warwick, acrylic; Chip Davenport, oil on canvas; Kim Barry, oil on linen; Jane Eagan, pastel; Barbara Healy, oil and John Vliet, oil on canvas.

            Do yourself a favor, go to the MAC, take this show in and be refreshed until the crocus start to bloom.

Marion Art Center

By Marilou Newell

CWMP Study Focused on Nitrogen

on

            In listening to consultant Kent Nichols Jr. of Weston & Sampson, Inc. review Marion’s 20-year Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan during the town’s final informational workshop on the CWMP held January 12, Select Board Chairman Randy Parker asked, “How are we going to do all this and increase our outfall permit?”

            The permit piece, said Nichols, is inflow related. Nitrogen, he said, is the driver of Marion’s permitting application.

            The town has submitted a new application for more capacity, pitching the need to mitigate nitrogen and thusly applied for an increased flow in the renewed permit. As of now, Marion falls into the less-than-1,000,000 gallons per day category. The town’s permit was set to expire at the beginning of December.

            Marion’s National Pollution Discharge (NPDES) Small General Permit status and related financial strategy were discussed at the final workshop.

            Parker clarified his concern that without an increased outflow permit, the capital projections discussed would grow every five 20 years and could eventually double. Nichols did not debate the point but thinks doubling that amount is stretching the point.

            The comment period for Marion to challenge the state’s categorization of the town expires on January 25. Together with legal counsel, town officials are formulating comments to the southeast region of the Environmental Protection Agency.

            “I think we can make a pretty good argument to that effect,” said Nichols, noting that the comment period is open to the public as well.

            The expiring permit was associated with the old flow capacity. Nichols said the conversation with EPA is ongoing, and the permit decision could take six months to unfold.

            Meantime, the goal of the Weston and Sampson study is to come up with a 20-year plan. In reviewing Marion’s Collection System, Nichols identified the main concern as infiltration/inflow (I/I) mitigation.

            The town has invested $150,000 over the last four years on research and guidance. The $200,000 being annually invested for treatment is something Nichols said Marion will continue to need to budget.

            Nichols pointed out that nitrogen is a concern in 11 areas either coastal or along tributaries that lead to the harbor. He identified six of those areas as being eligible for sewer connections, albeit at a high cost and over a number of years.

            Nichols also referenced the state’s new nitrogen regulation. Marion is not in the first wave of requirement (Cape Cod will be first), but the intent of the program is to upgrade every septic system affecting a nitrogen-sensitive area within the next five years.

            Massachusetts municipalities can opt for a 20-year watershed-management approach, Nichols said. In finding other ways to mitigate nitrogen, towns theoretically can stop the clock on the five-year timeframe.

            For Marion, a plan to extend sewer in those six nitrogen-sensitive areas would be key to such a mitigation plan. Nichols said there are other options to consider.

            The six unsewered areas are: River Road/Wareham Road (Route 6), Aucoot Creek/Lower Mills Street, Planting Island, Lower Sippican and Wings Cove/Piney Point. Sewer extensions to those areas would cost $24,000,000, but Nichols said the costs can be spread out over time. Planting Island, said Nichols, could come into consideration for a regional system servicing all of its residences, but that is not the ideal.

            “Those things, they may come into play. We may need to look at those, but our hope is maybe we have an overall solution that works for everybody right now,” said Nichols.

            While acknowledging the fact $30,000 or $40,000 in septic upgrades is a staggering per-home cost, Nichols pointed to betterment costs 15 years ago ranging between $16,000 and $22,000. Those costs, he suggested, would be significantly higher today than the current price points on denitrification systems.

            The 20-year plan will include a $12,600,000 program to upgrade sewer pumping stations, including Creek Road ($2,600,000), $6,000,000 invested in major renovations or outright replacements of four other stations and $2,000,000 for upgrades in other stations. The program also calls for $2,000,000 for force-main evaluations and improvements; it does not include the second Front Pumping Station force main.

            Citing the financial challenge of funding Creek Road station by October, Nichols pointed to grant-funding opportunities. Munafo said the town is seeking the full amount of construction cost via the Hazard Mitigation Plan grant, a 90% grant. Marion will learn at the end of this month if it has made it to the second round of cuts, according to Munafo. The final word would come in early spring.

            Where it concerns the town’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF), Weston and Sampson produced five alternatives for Marion’s consideration.

            Process-improvement options ranged from Optimization would cost $11,000,000 to $13,000,000 in capital, but the lingering option of regionalization with the Town of Wareham would cost Marion $76,000,000 in related capital projects, along with an annual $1,480,000. The 20-year worth of regionalization is projected at $98,000,000.

            “One thing we don’t want to do is go back to just throwing all the sludge in the lagoon because at some point, you’re going to have another very expensive project on your hands,” warned Nichols.

Marion just completed a $13,000,000 clean-up project on its Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon.

            The facility itself needs $4,500,000 in process improvements, $6,300,000 in ancillary improvements and $2,000,000 in biosolids-related improvements. Costly chemicals to treat phosphorus add back to sludge, so Nichols recommends some of the future sludge is hauled away.

            Nichols said the total $50,000,000 in capital improvements needs to be spread out over a number of years.

            He considers the biggest question facing town officials to be how to do the sewer extensions and how that relates to the permitting process.

            Between Heron Cove Estates (120 units), Matt Zuker’s 48-unit project at 78 Wareham Road and 82 units associated with River Road and Route 6, Marion is looking at 250 new sewer connections at 34,700 gallons of flow per day.

            In addition to whatever revenue is realized via connection charges, Weston and Sampson estimated $250,000 in annual user charges.

            The source of nitrogen in coastal harbors has been debated recently. Nichols believes septic systems are very high contributors.

            Select Board members Norm Hills asked if Marion’s wastewater can become reusable. Nichols said in Florida and the southwest United States wastewater is used for irrigation. Doing so locally could lessen discharge, but the practice does not affect permitting, which is linked to the full capacity.

            The next step for the Select Board is to schedule a public hearing on the CWMP Recommended Plan, finalize permit-related discussions with the EPA and state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and begin implementation of CWMP regulations.

            The final draft of the CWMP will be posted at marionma.gov, along with an executive summary.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Marion Back to Drawing Board

on

            Five days after announcing that contract negotiations with candidate Evan Lehrer were unsuccessful, the Town of Marion was no closer to hiring a new town administrator. The January 13 announcement stated that the Select Board was continuing to explore options with the consultant (Bernie Lynch) from Community Paradigm Associates.

            The Select Board, which voted 2-1 for Lehrer over fellow finalists Geoff Gorman and Thomas Guerino on January 5, was scheduled to hold its regular public meeting on Wednesday, January 18, and has scheduled an executive session for Thursday, January 19.

            Last week, the Mashpee Enterprise reported that Lehrer has decided to stay at his current job as Mashpee’s town planner.

            Lehrer also has business interests in Mashpee. The Enterprise reported on December 21 that the Mashpee’s Select Board voted to move forward in a host agreement with Sublime Cannabis, a recreational marijuana dispensary of which Lehrer is president and part owner. No mention of Lehrer’s cannabis business was made during his final interview for the Marion job on January 5.

            Lehrer had emerged as the favorite for Select Board Chairman Randy Parker and board member Toby Burr primarily due to his planning acumen as demonstrated when discussing development history in Mashpee, including the Commons as well as New Seabury. On January 5, board member Norm Hills voted to pursue negotiations with Gorman.

            The subject of planning is particularly relevant in Marion, a town facing major, private and public land-development projects, most notably the former Lockheed Martin property.

By Mick Colageo