City of Marion approves sale of lot, denies free lot
Staff reporter
David and Laura Yates returned Monday to the Marion City Council to request an additional lot at Marion Business Park.
The Yates' wanted to purchase two lots for $4,000.
At the meeting April 24, the council approved the sale of Lot 5 for $4,000. They had offered the Yates' two options — Lot 4 for free or Lot 5 for $4,000.
David Yates said they wanted to open three businesses on the two lots — a convenience store, a liquor store, and a beauty shop. Currently Laura Yates owns and operates The Hair Company beauty shop at 410 E. Main Street, Marion.
David Yates said the liquor store would be open within 30 days and the other businesses within one year. Two full-time and two part-time employees would be hired for the liquor store operation.
Councilman Gene Winkler said he was concerned about the plan because only 10 feet would be used from Lot 4, and didn't want to see "80 feet being given up for 10 feet."
David Yates said they wanted to have sufficient space for deliveries, parking, and landscaping. Laura Yates added the couple was considering putting in gas pumps at a later date and would need the additional space.
Councilman Stacey Collett said he didn't want to "run them off" and suggested the utility easement at the rear of the property be graveled for deliveries.
Councilman Bill Holdeman made a motion to approve the sale of Lot 5, giving Lot 4 at no cost, and an incentive package. Mayor Martin Tice seconded the motion but the motion failed 2-3 with Collett, Winkler, and councilman Jerry Kline voting against.
Collett asked if the Yates' would consider paying "something" for Lot 4. David Yates said they would have to think about it. He commented that he already had paid a large sum for the lots where Mid-America Marble is located. City administrator David Mayfield said the city gave the Yates $10,500 in incentives for those lots.
A motion to sell Lot 5 for $4,000 with incentives was approved 5-0.
The incentives included the city preparing the lot for construction, installation of a double culvert for the entry drive, and provide rock around the buildings.
In other business:
— The council instructed economic development director Jami Williams to do a feasibility study of costs for a community day-care.
A survey was conducted several months earlier with 120 people responding and indicating a need for a community day-care.
Kline asked if there was a need for a Saturday day-care. Williams said that 99 out of the 120 people who responded to the survey indicated there was a need for an evening and weekend day-care.
Williams said she had been contacted by personnel of Butler Community College of Marion and was told that some students had to discontinue taking classes because they could not find babysitters.
Collett said he supported a "break even" operation but was concerned about the cost to construct a new building and supply it with equipment.
Williams said she was aware of a $170,000 grant for day-care facilities.
— Banners are being considered to be hung from city light poles. The banners would read "Welcome to Marion" and have those businesses' names on them that assisted with paying for them. Thirty-five banners would cost $7,600, said Williams. The banners could last up to three years if hung year-round or seven years if seasonal.
— The council decided to pay in full for a new pumper fire truck. A lease agreement was made as part of the purchase process. Mayfield said funds were available to pay off the truck.
— Mayfield reported that he and Marty Fredrickson, water plant operator/street superintendent, will attend a meeting Thursday in Hillsboro to discuss water rates with Kansas Water Office.
— Fredrickson reported that the garage at 501 N. Roosevelt will be removed by the owner.
— The city swimming pool has been painted and will open on schedule, Memorial Day weekend.
— Marion Planning Commission will meet Monday for a work session.
— Williams reported the tourism committee had 3,000 visitors guides printed, and 5,000 rhino maps for 57 rhino statuary. The committee also is considering a new promotional video.
— Rodney Richmond of Marion Recreation Commission presented a report. He said a third successful basketball season had been completed with anticipation of beginning baseball, swim team, blast ball, junior and adult golf, and digital camera instruction.
He requested the council give the commission a year's notice if there are budget cuts because the programs are "break even." Improvement costs are covered by fund-raisers of boosters and the city pays the wages of the two employees.
Comments also were made that the new swimming pool probably will not be completed by next summer.
The next council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. May 22 in the city building basement.
