Marion Selectmen sign off on new fire truck, ambulance
With negotiations complete, two new emergency vehicles will roll into Marion soon replacing an aging fire truck and ambulance.
“At long last the time has come to move forward,” Town Administrator Paul Dawson said at the Selectmen’s Tuesday night meeting.
For several years, former Fire Chief Tom Joyce had requested a fire engine to replace a 1999 model with rust and maintenance issues. Town Meeting voters approved spending $540,000 for a new truck earlier this year.
Dawson said officials found a $526,000 pumper engine for sale through Greenwood Emergency Vehicles. The North Attleboro-based company has a 270-day deadline to deliver the truck.
In October, voters at Special Town Meeting approved a motion to spend no more than $241,000 for a new ambulance.
Dawson said a 2016 model will be purchased for $237,062.
Fire Chief Brian Jackvony said the new vehicle has a heavy duty chassis compared to the undersized one on the current vehicle, in addition to other upgrades.
“It’s a far cry from the station wagon we used a long time ago,” Selectman Chair Stephen Cushing said.
In other news:
COA Director: Selectmen received six applications for the position of Council of Aging Director to be left vacant by Sue Schwager. Board members approved the creation of a screening committee to review the applications. The committee will consist of one Selectman, the town administrator, a member of the Council of Aging, the finance director and a member of the Friends of the Council of Aging.
Mini Senior Center: Selectmen approved adding a day of activities for the “mini Senior Center” operating out of the Music Hall. Launched in August, the Senior Center hosts a blood pressure clinic, chair yoga, lunch and lecture series on Mondays in the Music Hall. Since opening, approximately 30 to 40 people have been served each week.
On Wednesdays, “A Matter of Balance” program will be held.
The eight-week program is hosted by Coastline Elderly Services and lasts two hours. For more information, call the Marion Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.
