Zebra mussels continue to infiltrate system
Managing editor
Although the city’s water treatment plant can prevent the contamination of zebra mussels in the city’s drinking water, concerns continue about the mussels clogging equipment and pipes.
The mussels become attached to objects, preventing the flow of water.
City administrator David Mayfield told the city council Monday that no mussels had infiltrated the Marion water plant but he knew that some were in the Hillsboro plant. He reiterated that the mussels are not a health issue.
The City of Hillsboro was seeking qualifications for engineers to deal with the zebra mussels infestation.
Divers are scheduled to inspect the intake pipe for the cities’ water supply at Marion Reservoir. The cost of the inspection will be split between the two cities. No date had been set for the inspection.
Nuisance properties
Councilman Jerry Kline wants action regarding dilapidated properties. He asked if letters had been sent to property owners in violation of city nuisance ordinances.
“I’ve had 10 people or so asking me about it,” he said.
City attorney Dan Baldwin, who is in charge of mailing letters, was not at Monday’s meeting as he had another commitment. Mayfield said he believed letters were sent but didn’t have copies of what was mailed.
The council agreed the project was important and they wanted to know the status at the next council meeting.
Airport board
A resolution establishing the Marion Municipal Airport Board was approved. Minor changes were made to the airport board bylaws, which will be presented to the airport board for final approval.
Mayor Mary Olson asked the council to appoint current board members — Ty Zeiner, Skip Sieger, and Dick McLinden — to the newly formed board. The council agreed.
Other business
Donations have been collected from Marion businesses to replace flags displayed on Main Street. Greg Carlson said $795 had been collected. He asked the city to make a donation. The council asked Carlson to return when he knew the total cost to replace the flags and holders.
Councilman Bill Holdeman asked if the planning commission needed to review the sale of the city-owned parking lot. Zoning administrator Marty Fredrickson said it did not pertain to subdivision regulations, therefore did not need to be reviewed by the planning commission.
An ordinance adopting new flood maps was approved.
New city clerk Paul Martin Grill will begin employment Nov. 1.
The council entered an executive session for 20 minutes with attorney Marc Powell for attorney-client privilege. There were no decisions when the council returned to open session.
The next council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18.