By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A mowing contract between the City of Marion and Mike Beneke, who owns property next to the flood levee, was rescinded at Monday’s city council meeting.

City council members decided to cancel the contract for Beneke to mow grass on the flood levee is because this year’s grass growth has not been as abundant as anticipated when the contract was signed in June.

City administrator Roger Holter recommended the council exercise its right to cancel the contract upon 30 days written notice to Beneke because grass growth has not been sufficient to prevent erosion, which is important to maintain the levee.

City council also approved a contract with Sanders Electrical Company to assist with emergency electrical system diagnosis in the event of a future major power outage.

Electrical superintendent Clayton Garnica said Harvey Sanders and former electrical superintendent Christian Pedersen, both familiar with the city’s electrical substation, came to help when an Aug. 2 power surge from Westar’s system disrupted operation of Marion’s electrical system.

In other business, council members approved an application for a CDBG grant for improvements to the city’s water infrasystem.