MARION — Selectmen appointed two new officers to fill vacancies and appointed Jonathan Castro to the force permanently at a virtual meeting on April 21. 

One of the new appointees is Kaylah Medeiros who comes to the department from the Rhode Island National Guard Security Force. 

The second recruit, Connor Flynn is Assistant Harbormaster in Duxbury and a Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate. 

“This is the part where we normally shake hands, but that’s a little tough now,” quipped Selectman Norm Hills after the first appointment. 

For Castro, Police Chief John Garcia simply said that he had met all the requirements of his probationary period and it was time to appoint him permanently. Selectmen agreed. 

In other news from the meeting, Selectmen learned that the The floats at Island Wharf in front of the Harbormaster's Office will open to slip holders on May 6. The Harbormaster will post signs on social distancing and closely monitor float usage to be sure that these guidelines are followed. 

David Willett, from the Department of Public Works, checked in with Selectmen on the Pavement Management Plan to see what Selectmen wanted him to prioritize for the 2021 budget. 

He said consultant BETA group, Inc had rated Marion’s roads a 75 out of 100 in February, a figure that left him pleasantly surprised. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a municipality above 70 before, so that score is really very good,” Willett said.  

Selectmen discussed using annual Chapter 70 money, plus some reserves to do some of the pavement improvements that BETA group recommended and decided to tackle that issue separately from the Creek Road restoration project, given the high costs associated with that project, which may need to go in the 2022 budget. 

The Celebrate Elizabeth Taber Statue Committee updated Selectmen, virtually, at least, that its fundraising for a life-sized statue of the Marion historical figure was almost complete and the statue should be sent to the foundry soon. 

The group is planning another Fourth of July float, if a parade will be held, and an unveiling celebration for the statue on Aug. 22, before the Town Party.  

Marion residents may see a building around town lit up in green during the week of May 3 in honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Selectmen have yet to determine which building they will illuminate.