MARION — A request for a memorial bench at Silvershell Beach prompted a call by the Marion Select Board to review procedures for approving such memorials.

At their Feb. 15 meeting, select board members stressed the decision was not a negative response to the request from Donna Maxim for a memorial bench but rather an effort to set a policy to determine how memorials are approved.

“We’ve received a number of requests’’ for such memorials, Town Administrator Jay McGrail said. He recommended delaying a response until the town could “take a comprehensive look at how many we have.’’ 

Select board member John Waterman suggested that the town compile a list of possible items that are needed, such as library furniture, which people could then purchase as a way to honor loved ones.

“That’s a way of getting something paid for that we need,’’ he said, that might be “more functional for the town.’’

McGrail suggested responding to Maxim that her request would be placed on hold until a policy could be established. At that time, he said, the issue could be reconsidered.