Marion to add yield signs
Staff writer
In an effort to make streets safer, seven more yield signs are likely to be installed in Marion.
Two signs would be placed on Weldon St. at Roosevelt St., two would be on Denver St. at Freeborn St. and another two would be on Nickerson St. at Freeborn St. At Mayor Mike Power’s urging, two also would be placed on Melvin St. at Roosevelt St.
At a meeting Tuesday night, Powers said there was no way to see cars traveling north on Roosevelt without pulling into the intersection.
He asked city administrator Brian Wells each year to propose where additional yield signs could be a benefit.
“This is not meant to be the final plan,” Powers said.
Most signs will be installed close to schools and St. Luke Hospital.
“Yield signs will give motorists an idea that there is oncoming traffic,” Wells said.
Wells worked with Police Chief Aaron Slater to select the locations.
Wells said cost would be minimal.
Council member Zach Collett wants police to enforce the new signs.
“People going north on Roosevelt St. fly,” he said.
He added drivers routinely traveled at least 40 mph and ignored signs on the street.
In other business Tuesday, the council approved the city’s health insurance plan for its 26 full-time employees.
“We are probably not the best customers with 26 people,” Powers said.
Council members were surprised by this year’s cost increase. Cost increased less than 10% in previous years, but this year the city is going to pay 38.3% more, going from $201,000 in 2025 to $278,000 in 2026.
The city will pay the entire premium for full-time employees but will only pay 20% of the premium for other family members.
“I realize this is higher,” Kelly Lister with Blue Cross/Blue Shield said. “It’s on course for what is happening everywhere.”
Council member Tim Baxa wanted to make it clear to the public that council members are not getting the insurance.
Wells said there was no other option to pursue.
The council also mentioned installing surveillance cameras inside the council chambers after someone allegedly turned up the volume on an audio system Gene Winkler uses for council meetings.
Lots of kids use the community center for activities, and council members suggested that one of the children probably played with the audio system.
Powers also asked Wells to require all full-time city supervisors to attend at least one council meeting a month.