City approves grant to improve airport
Marion City Commissioners Monday approved an airport improvement grant which will fund reconstruction of the tie down area, and other needed improvements at the city's airport.
Susan Cooper, economic development director, told commissioners the city applied in September 2001 for an airport improvement grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, but it was not awarded. Recently, the grant had been re-evaluated and awarded for fiscal year 2004.
The $100,000 maintenance grant will fund not only reconstruction of the tie-down area, but crack sealing the runway and improvements on the beacon as well, Cooper said.
"Our tie down area is not a hard surface so if it rains it creates problems for the pilots," Cooper explained. "It will be widened and an asphalt tie-down area created."
$90,000 of the funds will come from KDOT, while $10,000 will be provided by the city. Cooper said the money should be available for the city by July 1, since the KDOT fiscal year runs from July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004.
City administrator David Mayfield says the city will bid out the project, pay the contractor, then submit the bills for reimbursement to the state. Usually, the city is reimbursed within 14 days.
Cooper said she was happy the city had received the funds to complete the project.
"Who knows how many years money will be available for this kind of activity with the current budget situation.
she said.
In other matters:
— Fire chief Thad Meierhoff reported the department responded to seven runs in September, four in October, and seven in November. So far, through November, the department has responded to 65 fire runs.
"That makes it a relatively busy year for us," he said.
— The commission approved the November investment and collateral report, as well as the November financial statement.
Mayfield noted the city had only used 75 percent of its budget authority through November, although it should be sitting at 91.6 percent.
— The commission approved an ordinance which adjusts the trash rates for residential customers to $7 per month and reduces the commercial rate by $4 from the current rate.
Under the new rate twice a week trash pickup will continue, and trash bags will still be provided. The new rate will also generate revenue in capital outlay for a new refuse truck, and assist in keeping the tree dump open. However, recycling will no longer be funded.
— The commission approved warrants amounting to $209,554.72. Mayfield explained the reason warrants are excessively high is due to a $104,043.75 payment to the state treasurer for street improvement bonds, an $11,875 payment to the Kansas Water Office for water purchase, and a $6,702.35 payment for city utility bills.
— Public Utility Director Harvey Sanders reported crews were busy during the weekend with a couple of water leaks. Also, they removed two trees, sent employees to Salina for CDL (Commercial Driver's License) training, repaired the parking lot at the airport and placed more gravel there, and sent three employees to a tree trimming seminar in Abilene.
— Heard from Cooper that the December planning commission meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 instead of on the usual third Monday of the month, due to many obligations members have before Christmas.
— Heard from Janet Marler, librarian, that the train display at the library was well received.
— Heard from Linda Holub, city clerk, that residents wanting to receive the $10 Christmas light credit need to sign up at the city office before Christmas.
