City commission hears options for traffic light
Staff reporter
The City of Marion has received numerous complaints recently regarding the traffic light at the intersection of Main and Freeborn streets.
During the past months, traffic approaching the intersection from the north or south had a wait of several minutes for the light to change.
The lights remain green for Main Street traffic heading east or west until a vehicle approached from either direction on Freeborn Street. Pressure switches, located in the intersection, should appropriately change the light when traffic approaches.
City administrator David Mayfield reported Monday to Marion City Commission that the lights weren't cycling properly.
It was determined that either a pressure switch was malfunctioning or wiring needed to be replaced.
Mayfield said replacement of pressure switches would be costly to the city.
City workers replaced connectors Monday and the lights were changing within 45 seconds when vehicles approached the intersection.
Mayfield said a resident had suggested the light be set to blink yellow for Main Street and red for Freeborn streets.
Kansas Department of Transportation was contacted and the city was told flashing traffic lights were not acceptable.
The city was told finding parts to repair the equipment could be difficult because this type of light system is no longer being used. Most systems use cameras to detect traffic to change lights.
KDOT decided a study should be conducted to determine if a traffic signal was needed. If one is not needed, Mayfield said he was not sure whose expense it would be to remove it.
In other business:
— A resolution will be drawn by city attorney Dan Baldwin, per the commission's request, regarding the removal of property at 110 S. Lincoln.
Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector, said a petition was received by the city Sept. 5, requesting the city require the dilapidated and abandoned property be razed or removed.
Fredrickson reported the property has not been inhabited since September 2002. Functions of electrical and water systems are unknown.
An inspection from the outside of the structure indicated damage to ceilings and floors. Contact with the owner was made and Fredrickson was told the owner was in the process of gutting the property and would eventually remove it.
The commission determined a time frame for removal was necessary and moved forward with a resolution.
— Mayor Martin Tice distributed information to the commission and city officials regarding a county zoning meeting he attended.
He reported cities will be able to give input to the county regarding possible zoning changes for additional residential housing within one mile of city limits.
He asked for input at future meetings.
— An alley on North Walnut Street was vacated by the commission. An ordinance was approved by the governing body to vacate the unused alley. Fredrickson reported the alley does not serve any purpose.
— Interviews will begin this week for the city's economic development position. Mayfield said there were six candidates but one withdrew.
— An ordinance to approve a tax abatement for Mid-America Marble was tabled until next week.
— Warrants for $18,478 were approved.
— A 10-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege was held with Fredrickson, Mayfield, Baldwin, and the commission. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
