Demolition timing, airport costs reviewed
Staff writer
City Administrator Brian Wells updated council members Monday on the condition of 202 E. Main St., a downtown building previously proposed for redevelopment into a restaurant.
He said recent rain appeared to have accelerated deterioration of a rear addition scheduled for demolition.
“We noted last week that there was significant movement in the building,” Wells said.
Grout between bricks was washing out, gaps appeared near the top of the building, and the structure appeared to be shifting eastward, he said.
The property owners are expected to provide an update at the next council meeting and complete work demolishing the addition by the end of August, though the city has urged them to act sooner because additional rain could worsen conditions.
Atmos Energy already had capped nearby gas lines as a precaution, Wells said, while the city disconnected electrical service to the building to avoid damage if the structure collapses. Charging stations near the building also were shut down because of concerns about a possible gas leak if the structure fails.
Economic development director Megan Jones reported progress housing discussions with both the Kansas Housing Resource Center and Mennonite Housing.
Both groups emphasized the importance of updated housing studies when pursuing future development projects.
Jones also said PBS recently filmed segments in Marion for its “See, Taste, Do” travel program. The episode is expected to air in September before rerunning next May.
A regional tourism advertising cooperative would save Marion about $600 on travel guide advertising costs, she said.
Water department employee Jason Wheeler reported successful completion of a “pigging” process used to clean the city’s water line from the reservoir to the treatment plant.
The process increased water flow by about 330 gallons per minute, Wheeler said.
Wells also reported that about 750 new water meters had been installed and manually read ahead of activation of the city’s updated meter system.
At the airport, Wells said, 18 hangar door rollers on four hangars were replaced while the city continued pursuing additional Kansas aviation grant money for a fuel system project that exceeded original estimates.
Wells listed the city’s share of the project at $22,292.30 among expenses that were unbudgeted or only partially budgeted for 2026.
In other business, council members agreed to begin accepting sealed bids for a vacant, non-buildable lot at 120 W. Santa Fe St. after demolition of a former house on the property.
Wells said neighboring property owners already had expressed interest in acquiring the parcel.
The property had been the subject of nuisance and demolition proceedings dating to 2025. The house and garage later were removed.
The council set a minimum bid of $250 for the property.
Council members unanimously approved an ordinance allowing a temporary beer garden during this year’s Chingawasa Days celebration. The ordinance renews a similar exemption approved for last year’s festival.
Council members also approved purchase of 22 Chingawasa Days buttons for full-time city employees at a total cost of $880.