City of Marion meets with FEMA for claims
Staff reporter
Marion city officials and other city officials met with representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this past week to discuss the process for submitting claims for federal grant funds.
Officials will continue to assess the costs associated with a Jan. 3 and 4 ice storm that devastated the Marion community and surrounding areas.
Cleanup continues by city crews, and residents were reminded by Mayor Martin Tice to place tree limbs near city curbs or alleys for removal. Police chief Michel Soyez, who attended the meeting with FEMA, said the city would only be reimbursed for debris removal if equipment is used.
To avoid damage to other utilities, the city asked residents to be careful not to set limbs near utilities like gas meters and telephone lines.
In relation to storm recovery, city public utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported crews were picking up limbs and debris, making repairs to lines, and replacing poles.
He reported a vehicle had hit a guide wire at Kellison and Coble streets and the driver did not report the accident. Sanders said the city was fortunate it did not cause more damage.
"It could have been a disaster," Sanders said, adding several poles could have been damaged.
City residents with damage to electrical service lines to their homes will be notified that they will have 30 days to repair the service line. Residents have been notified in person, Sanders said, and by telephone.
"It's a question of safety," Sanders said. Rain water could cause a fire in damaged meter boxes, he added.
Sanders said it probably will take another month before all limbs are removed. He acknowledged appreciation to Marion County Road and Bridge Department and Kansas Department of Transportation for assistance with equipment and personnel in removing debris.
In other business:
— Soyez reported two in-car cameras had been installed. The cameras were purchased with grant and city funds. Nearly $6,000 was received in grant funds for the equipment and the city paid $662.
Soyez said the cameras are activated when the red and blue emergency lights are activated. He said the eight-millimeter cameras were more feasible than digital equipment.
A third camera will be purchased and installed after this year's patrol car rotation. Grant funds were obtained through a Local Law Enforcement Grant program.
— A police officer assisted city crews with operation of city equipment. The officer had a commercial driver's license and worked two days during his days off from the police department.
Soyez also reported damage to police vehicles as a result of falling ice and branches.
— Three members of the Marion Cemetery Board were re-appointed to a three-year term. Rosse Case, Forrest Smith, and Roger Hannaford agreed to serve another term.
— Warrants in the amount of $46,772 were approved.
— USDA Rural Development has not yet made a decision regarding a loan/grant application for the city's water treatment plant improvements. City administrator David Mayfield will contact the agency next week to further discuss the application.
The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.
