Managing editor
Marion City Council approved an agreement Monday with Mark Evans for lot 31 in the city’s business park, located north of U.S. 56.
City Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin asked the council to consider giving Evans more time to begin and complete construction for his Airstream camper restoration business. The council agreed and gave the businessman 150 days to begin construction and 300 days to complete it.
The city sold the lot in the back row of the business park for $4,000 with the agreement that the city would provide a culvert and waive utility tap fees.
Drainage issues
With the recent rainstorms, areas of town have been experiencing drainage problems.
City officials reviewed drainage in the 100 block of South Lincoln Street, City Administrator David Mayfield said. Mayor Mary Olson asked city employees to look at drainage at Ann’s Park at Roosevelt and Kellison streets.
During the public forum, Marion resident Roger Schwab said a new street, curb, and guttering on South Roosevelt Street was not properly designed. He said the original drainage plan included a storm sewer under the street but the city changed the plan. After more than 5 inches of rain fell this past weekend, Schwab said water was pooling on the street and was not properly draining.
Other decisions
- A resolution was approved to authorize the sale of bonds for the city’s sewer plant improvements and for the construction of new water lines in the south part of town. The bond will be for $440,000. Bids will be advertised and a contractor chosen in July with the project to begin in August.
- Alex Case of Case & Son Insurance of Marion presented a dividend check for $7,290.
- Linda Ogden of Communities in Schools of Marion County asked for and received $1,000 in funding to support the program. The program receives more than $200,000 annually in grant funding but needs local support to help cover administrative costs and to assist with cash flow. The appropriation was budgeted.
- With a motion by Olson, the council entered a 20-minute session behind closed doors to discuss personnel with city Attorney Dan Baldwin. Baldwin left the council room with about three minutes remaining. There was no action when the council returned to open session.
- A work session will be 6:30 p.m. Monday in the council room to discuss the city’s ordinance regarding dilapidated structures and to discuss the city’s budget for next year.
The next regular council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. June 28 in the city building.