By SUSAN BERG

Managing editor

Discussion of fireworks within the city limits became a passionate plea Monday for Marion Councilman Jerry Kline and Police Chief Josh Whitwell.

Kline said he had fielded complaints from people about fireworks being allowed in the city limits.

“I like fireworks but I believe they’re being abused,” he said. “Has anyone else heard complaints?”

Saying he was the liaison for those in favor of fireworks, Whitwell said his department had less than 10 complaints. He believes families gather specifically for picnics and fireworks during the holiday and he doesn’t want to see that freedom taken away.

“People are doing their best to stay within the rules,” Whitwell said.

He suggested the city aligning the shooting of fireworks with the sale of fireworks. This year, revelers could purchase fireworks beginning June 27 but couldn’t ignite them until July 1.

City attorney Keith Collett suggested the city contact other cities and the county to try to coordinate a common schedule so there isn’t any confusion among residents.

Brush removal

City crews will make one more sweep along streets this week to pick up branches from the June 17 storm.

Branches in alleys have yet to be removed by city crews but will be picked up as time permits.

Other business

A revolving loan application with Kansas Department of Health and Environment for an upgrade of a sanitary sewer line in Jex, Billings, and Beebe’s Second additions was approved. The city has also applied for a Community Development Block Grant for the improvement. The project will include replacing sewer lines that are in disrepair, reworking manholes, and relocating a lift station. It also will allow the 27 residents still on septic units to tie into the city sewer system.

The public works director position has been abolished since Harvey Sanders has retired. Longtime employee Christian Pedersen will be in charge of the electrical department sans the title and a pay increase.

A loan to replace the city’s water meters has been approved. Meters will begin to be replaced in September.

An alley in the northwest part of the city will be vacated. Doug Lind owns an area off Vine Street, which he currently uses as a garden. With the vacated alley, the Lind family will build on the property.

A lease with Patricia Socolofsky was approved that will allow the city to continue a reciprocal agreement with the city using part of the property for a rock and dirt dump.

The council met in closed session for attorney-client privilege to discuss the Darryl Brewer case regarding a truck parking lot in Jex Addition.

A budget workshop will be 4:30 p.m. Friday in the city building. The next regular city meeting will be 4:30 p.m. July 25.