Auditorium board seeks direction from council
Bob Brookens, representing Marion Auditorium Board, reported to Marion City Council at Monday's meeting that the board has not been functioning with meetings and activities. He asked the council for direction in re-establishing the board.
It was explained that the city had an agreement with USD 408 regarding the use of the auditorium and basement. The school district paid $20,000 toward the air conditioning project and in return have free use of the facilities.
Economic development director Jami Williams suggested the same people who comprise Marion County Community Theatre Company be appointed to the board.
The council did not make any decisions.
In other business:
— Hilary Dolbee of Marion Economic Development Advisory Board, reported she was appointed chairman and Jim Hefley was appointed vice chairman of the board.
Goals were requested and obtained from the mayor and city council. Dolbee reported the goals were similar.
One brainstorming session was held a couple of weeks ago and second one with the public was planned this week, Dolbee said. An economic development plan is being created and the board is exploring ideas to reorganize.
— City administrator David Mayfield reported he would attend a Community Development Block Grant meeting with Williams.
— Public works director Harvey Sanders reported the underground electrical service had been installed at Marion High School and the electrical service at St. Luke Hospital will be changed to the 12.5 upgrade.
Councilman Bill Holdeman asked why the city hasn't switched from mercury to sodium lights. Sanders responded that all the lights in the downtown district were a white sodium light. Holdeman said they weren't because they weren't yellow. Sanders said that was because they were white instead of yellow.
— Holdeman asked the council to consider the idea of not requiring city personnel to attend council meetings to avoid compensatory time.
He also asked why other items besides airplanes are stored in the city-owned hangars near Marion County Lake. Mayfield responded that anything could be stored in the facility.
