City commission hears proposal for farmer's market
The city is well-disposed toward the creation of a weekend farmers' market in Marion, but nothing is yet "set in concrete" regarding the proposal.
Michele Hett made a first proposal to the Marion City Commission Monday afternoon, saying that organizers would like to use the Liberty Park area at Second and Main streets on Saturday mornings, starting during the cooler fall months.
Produce would be sold. Later, baked goods might be added to the bill of fare, as well as crafts, commissioners were told.
City Administrator David Mayfield said he had no problem with the concept, except he wanted to be certain that no stakes for tents, or, more likely, awnings' support, would be driven through water lines serving the sprinkler system in the park.
Vehicles would not be allowed to be driven on the grass, either.
Commissioners thought it was a good idea, but no formal action was taken.
Mayfield said four candidates for water plant operator had been interviewed, and two of them were to be interviewed a second time Tuesday.
Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, said his crews had installed underground electrical service for 401 South Freeborn and for another home also on South Freeborn.
Crews also have been busy trimming trees to keep them away from power lines and to keep them from knocking operators off trash trucks, Sanders said.
Commissioners also:
- approved a quit-claim deed from the city to Merle Flaming for lots 43, 45, and 47 of the original town of Marion Centre, subject to an easement for utility purposes.
- approved signing of a loan agreement between the city and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for an $800,000 loan to complete the upgrading of the Marion Water Plant. This included approval of an ordinance allowing for the execution of the loan agreement between Marion and the State of Kansas.
- passed a resolution increasing the charge for installation of underground electrical service from $350 to $750. This will increase the amount of trenching and wire provided by the city, at no cost to the customer, from 100 feet to 150 feet, Mayfield said.
This resolution is reviewed yearly, and because of increasing materials costs for a project of this type, a fee increase is necessary, Mayfield said.
- approved a transfer of $40,000 from the Electric Utility Fund to the Equipment Reserve Fund for future purchases of equipment.
- approved payment of warrants totaling $14,011.10.
