Marion purchases battery sirens
Managing editor
Concerned about not being able to warn residents during power failures, Marion City Council approved purchase of two battery-operated sirens Monday. Total cost will be $23,555.
City officials were not pleased with the results of a test of a different battery-powered siren last week.
The vendor told the city one siren would be sufficient but city employees placed around the city reported the siren did not reach some areas.
Instead, the council approved purchase of two sirens from Federal Signal Corp. The city also will purchase a radio to activate the system for $641.
The sirens will be guaranteed for five years. Batteries will be replaced every two years and may be purchased locally.
Current sirens will remain in place and be used when the city has electricity. All sirens will be mounted on 50-foot high poles.
In other business:
- The city sent the Kansas Department of Commerce a letter supporting St. Luke Hospital’s application for up to $250,000 in tax credits for renovations at the hospital.
- Chingawassa Days organizers were asked whether the volume at a June 5 concert could have been controlled. Organizers said the band, not the organizers, determines volume.
- The next regular council meeting will be 4:30 p.m. July 13 in the city building.
