Managing editor
Marion may get a better deal than previously expected from Westar Energy.
City administrator David Mayfield told Marion City Council Tuesday that he met with Westar officials to discuss an electrical distribution franchise agreement.
The city’s franchise expires in July 2010.
An estimate will be provided to the city regarding the cost of electricity by the 2010 deadline or the city could negotiate a contract before the due date and pay current costs.
The franchise also could be for 10, 15, or 20 years.
Information will be provided as it becomes available.
New sign planned
A new sign will be erected along U.S. 56 near Batt Industrial Park for businesses located in the park on the south side of the highway.
City economic development director Doug Kjellin said an application was sent to Kansas Department of Transportation for the sign for six tenants in the city-owned park. KDOT only allows a certain amount of signage along the highway and it isn’t feasible for each business to erect its own sign to draw customers.
In other business:
- City officials received permission to purchase a used digger/auger truck for up to $45,550. The city’s truck is a 1985 model and has continuously needed repair. A 2001 used truck was located but more research will be done to find the best deal.
- Stan Reed of Marion was appointed to Marion Historical Museum board of directors.
- Discussion of the possibility of selling part or all of a city-owned parking lot west of Elgin Historical Hotel, a fence issue in an alley near Hudson Street, and possibly establishing a building commission were tabled until the next meeting because city attorney Dan Baldwin was not in attendance at the meeting.
- Proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan were approved.
- The council heard concerns expressed by property owner Susan Berg, 129 N. Freeborn St., regarding drainage issues in an alley near her home. The last rain caused an infestation of mosquitoes. Berg was told there was nothing that could be done because adjacent property owners will not allow any sort of underground drainage to go through their property.
- Marion resident Merle Brunner asked why city police officers were allowed to respond outside the city limits. Police Chief Josh Whitwell said his officers would continue to respond when asked by other law enforcement agencies. If an officer is called out-of-town, another officer will respond to calls as needed.
- Further discussion revealed that sometimes local law enforcement does not respond to calls with sirens. Whitwell said there are times when they may not want to draw attention when they respond to calls, particularly in the middle of the night.
- The next council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21.