City crews restore power
Staff reporter
Marion residents have power. That was the word Marion City Commission heard Monday from city administrator David Mayfield.
Most residents had power restored by 8 p.m. Jan. 5. A short outage occurred Thursday afternoon until early evening because of a limb on an electrical line.
Some residents were without power because service lines to houses had been pulled away, pulling off meters in the process.
City crews worked 40 hours straight beginning Jan. 4, in an effort to restore power, Mayfield said. Employees worked Saturday and a few on Sunday.
Trucks and crews from Hillsboro and Herington assisted city crews Wednesday and Thursday.
A generator was obtained for the city's water treatment plant but was not used because the electricity came on in time to pump water from the reservoir.
The city reports more than $73,000 in losses due to the storm. The cost estimate includes equipment, fuel, supplies, and over-time pay to employees.
City crews have begun removing tree limbs from city curbs and alleys. Residents also can take tree debris to the city's tree dump on South Third Street which will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice.
"Most residents were patient and that was appreciated," said Harvey Sanders, director of public utilities.
Mayor Martin Tice thanked city employees and commissioner Larry McLain thanked residents for their patience. He also thanked Marion County Sheriff's Department for assisting the city.
In other business:
— Becky Makovec, city utility billing clerk, reported 250 residents taking advantage of a $10 discount for displaying outdoor Christmas lights. Twenty-two commercial businesses also were given a discount based on their consumption. A total of $406 was rebated to customers for the Christmas promotion.
Makovec also reported $1,084 collected from bad debts.
— Police chief Michel Soyez said the department assisted the city crews with the outage and did not have a written report.
He said the department was investigating a runaway case and a domestic violence case.
— City attorney Dan Baldwin reported a letter had been sent to the owner of the property at 1018 Denver regarding possible condemnation.
The owner of the property was required to make specific improvements to the property by Jan. 1 or the city would determine the fate of the house.
The owners are required to attend the city commission meeting on Jan. 24 to discuss the situation.
— Warrants for $117,905 and payroll for $24,003 were approved.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
