City considers liquor ordinance for restaurants
Staff reporter
Marion city officials are moving forward to allow restaurants to serve liquor-by-the-drink.
Dan Baldwin, city attorney, informed Marion City Commission Monday that he was in the process of writing a new ordinance pertaining to individual alcohol sales.
"The state has a format for addressing the issue," Baldwin said. The city can regulate within the framework but can't exceed it.
Baldwin said it was not a complicated process but did find the city's existing cereal malt beverage ordinance would be in conflict with liquor-by-the-drink.
Currently, the city collects $100 for cereal malt beverage licenses. The license fee can be between $100 and $250, Baldwin said.
Another consideration, Baldwin said, was the distances of the establishments to churches, schools, libraries, and other areas. Current zoning does not address distances between eating establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and non-conforming uses.
Hours of operation also may be considered by the commission.
David Mayfield, city administrator, said city staff will provide input as with other ordinances.
Baldwin said a new ordinance may be completed by the next commission meeting.
In other business:
— Marty Fredrickson, water plant operator, reported necessary equipment and chemicals have been ordered for water treatment plant upgrades.
Kansas Rural Water Association will assist with training, Fredrickson said.
Aquarium and pond owners need to be aware that ammonia will be added to the city's water. An additional chemical must be added to remove the ammonia.
Fredrickson said the city should receive the upgrade equipment by Dec. 13 and anticipates it being installed by the Jan. 1 Kansas Department of Health and Environment deadline for the upgrades.
Mayfield reported KDHE and Kansas Rural Water Association personnel are pleased with the condition of the city's water plant.
— A letter was acknowledged from Steve Garrett as chairman of the Marion County Economic Development Council. Mayfield will attend a Marion County Commission meeting regarding the discussion of a county-wide neighborhood revitalization program.
Mayfield said the city should consider expanding the city's current revitalization program. He said when the city's program began, the state had different requirements for the project. The state now allows entire communities and counties to be included in the program area.
— Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities, reported Christmas lights were turned on and necessary repairs made.
— A transmission in police chief Michel Soyez's vehicle was replaced by city personnel which was a cost savings to the city budget, Mayfield said.
— Soyez reported the police department had purchased rescue line bags for each patrol vehicle. The equipment can be used for water rescue by tossing the buoyant bag in the water and pulling a victim to safety.
Soyez said this device will provide assistance to victims before emergency personnel arrive and keep officers safe.
— Fredrickson reported winter tree dump hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
— City clerk Linda Holub reported 30 people had signed up for a $10 savings on their city utility bills by displaying Christmas lights. She said there were 270 people who took advantage of the refund in 2003.
— The commission approved the opening of a checking account at Marion National Bank. Every three years, the city rotates accounts with the three banks located within the city. Tampa State Bank was the previous bank. Central National Bank will be utilized in the next rotation.
— Mayfield reported the city should hear a response within 30 days from USDA Rural Development regarding the city's application for a water loan and grant. He made contact with U.S. Senator San Brownback and Congressman Jerry Moran, and asked for their support.
— Warrants in the amount of $17,103 and payroll in the amount of $23,686 were approved.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
