City commission visits depot/library
By Eric Clark
Staff Writer
After the submission of two lease agreement proposals by Internet service companies Tri-County Telephone Association, Inc. and DTN Speed Net High Speed Internet Service, Marion City Commission decided to accept TCT's offer, despite DTN's recent interest.
Both of the proposed agreements would require the city to allow the broadband service companies access to their water towers for equipment mounting. However, DTN's contract proposal required exclusivity — meaning that no other Internet providers could install their equipment on the tower.
Commissioner Jim Crofoot moved that the commission accept the TCT proposal because there was no exclusivity clause contained in the agreement. The motion was seconded by Larry McLain and carried 3-0.
In return for offering TCT installation access, the city will receive five Internet access sites that will be used throughout city offices according to David Mayfield, city administrator.
TCT representative Phil Brockmeier said that work could begin as soon as Tuesday.
Commissioners also:
n carried a 3-0 decision to move forward with the water plant loan application that would finance improvements to the city's water supply services.
The commission passed resolution 03-03 authorizing the city to complete the application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding a loan from the Kansas Public Water Supply Fund for the purpose of upgrading the existing water plant.
The proposed loan amount is $800,000 over a 20-year period.
The improvements are needed to abide by EPA requirements according to Mayfield, who added that rates on the loan will probably be low considering the current economic climate.
"I believe it would be a good time to go forward on this," Mayfield said.
n heard from Economic Development Director Susan Cooper, who said the city will be the site of the Kaw Valley Bike Rally later this month, and presented a proclamation about the event to the city. KVC is a non-profit organization that aids foster children and families and has currently been working with the city, Cooper said.
"We appreciate the opportunity to host the event," Cooper said. "I think this is a great opportunity to promote our city."
n heard from Police Chief Michel Soyez, who reported that the Marion Police Department has applied for a scholarship for Dean Keyes for police training in Wichita.
"I'm hopeful that by next week, that we will have our's (scholarship)," Soyez said.
n approved warrants in the amount of $83,128.17 and payroll in the amount of $22,868.70.
n chose not to take action regarding a suggestion made by Bob Brookens to repair the stairways in the auditorium.
n reviewed a report from Janet Marler, librarian. The report noted that the library gave a tour of the library to the Kansas Railroad Club. Members of the club were from Andover, Manhattan, Newton, and Wichita.
The report also noted its monthly board meeting was held.
On Wednesday, three children's computers were installed for educational compact disc use. The staff spent part of the week learning procedures for using the computers. They will be available to the public by next week.
Computer use in the library continues to be busy with the tax deadline approaching.
